What Is a Camera Operator?

In television and motion pictures, the camera operator is responsible for setting up the camera equipment and capturing the director’s shots. The cameraman must know all the technical aspects of the camera equipment including how to set up, assemble, and breakdown the various components.

What Does a Camera Operator Do?

There are different types of camera operator roles available depending on the production.

Film: In filmmaking, the cameraman is responsible for setting up the camera equipment, as well as framing and capturing footage. They know which types of cameras, lenses, and gear will achieve the director’s vision. They collaborate with other film crew departments (like lighting) to establish all the scene elements to execute the director’s orders. They work with the firdt assistant camera to pull focus and make sure the shot stays clear. On films with bigger budgets, the cameraman may also have camera assistants to aid in the care, transportation, and storage of all the heavy equipment and camera gear.

Music videos: For smaller shoots like music videos or low-budget productions, the cameraman is the videographer. The videographer both operates the video camera and runs the cinematography, capturing footage according to their own vision.

News: For broadcast news stories, the cameraman is the studio camera operator, shooting from a fixed position inside the studio and following the director’s order of shots with the appropriate camera movements.