The Difference Between a Camera Operator and a Cinematographer?

The camera operator is responsible for capturing the film’s footage as dictated by the script, director, and cinematographer. The cinematographer, also known as a director of photograph. (often shortened to DP), is the person responsible for creating the look of a film. A cinematographer works with the camera and lighting crew to make sure that the camera is capturing the action the way that the director is intending it to. Sometimes cinematographers prefer to operate the camera to capture their own shots.