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Cinematographer vs studio camera operator

The differences between cinematographers and studio camera operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a studio camera operator has an average salary of $75,568, which is higher than the $72,245 average annual salary of a cinematographer.

The top three skills for a cinematographer include video production, cinema and music videos. The most important skills for a studio camera operator are edit video, JIB, and audio board.

Cinematographer vs studio camera operator overview

CinematographerStudio Camera Operator
Yearly salary$72,245$75,568
Hourly rate$34.73$36.33
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs5,74826,591
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

Cinematographer vs studio camera operator salary

Cinematographers and studio camera operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

CinematographerStudio Camera Operator
Average salary$72,245$75,568
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $118,000Between $49,000 And $116,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between cinematographer and studio camera operator education

There are a few differences between a cinematographer and a studio camera operator in terms of educational background:

CinematographerStudio Camera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorPhotographyCommunication
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Cinematographer vs studio camera operator demographics

Here are the differences between cinematographers' and studio camera operators' demographics:

CinematographerStudio Camera Operator
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 85.3% Female, 14.7%Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 5.3% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between cinematographer and studio camera operator duties and responsibilities

Cinematographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage equipment setup and on-site DVD sales.
  • Manage all principal photography and editing.
  • Used DSLR, macro, and underwater camera equipment to film wildlife in wood settings.
  • Create promotional videos for viewing on the Lily.B website, Facebook, YouTube, and other social networking sites.
  • Work together with DP Brian Hwang
  • Produce documentaries, reality shows and live events.
  • Show more

Studio camera operator example responsibilities.

  • Make DVD copies for customers and state officials.
  • design and implement studio lighting and sets for in house IRS productions.
  • Work as studio camera operator for local PBS affiliate television station.
  • Coordinate with other camera operators and photography director to ensure professional video footage.
  • Live home shopping shows airing on DirectTV.

Cinematographer vs studio camera operator skills

Common cinematographer skills
  • Video Production, 15%
  • Cinema, 11%
  • Music Videos, 11%
  • DSLR, 10%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 7%
  • Photography, 6%
Common studio camera operator skills
  • Edit Video, 24%
  • JIB, 14%
  • Audio Board, 10%
  • Camera Operation, 10%
  • Camera Shots, 6%
  • Robotic, 5%

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