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Director of photography vs studio camera operator

The differences between directors of photography and studio camera operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a director of photography has an average salary of $105,236, which is higher than the $75,568 average annual salary of a studio camera operator.

The top three skills for a director of photography include video projects, DP and adobe photoshop. The most important skills for a studio camera operator are edit video, JIB, and audio board.

Director of photography vs studio camera operator overview

Director Of PhotographyStudio Camera Operator
Yearly salary$105,236$75,568
Hourly rate$50.59$36.33
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs5,74626,591
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

Director of photography vs studio camera operator salary

Directors of photography and studio camera operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Director Of PhotographyStudio Camera Operator
Average salary$105,236$75,568
Salary rangeBetween $71,000 And $153,000Between $49,000 And $116,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NY-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyGap Inc.-
Best paying industry--

Differences between director of photography and studio camera operator education

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

Director Of PhotographyStudio Camera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorPhotographyCommunication
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Director of photography vs studio camera operator demographics

Here are the differences between directors of photography' and studio camera operators' demographics:

Director Of PhotographyStudio Camera Operator
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 79.7% Female, 20.3%Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.8% 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 director of photography and studio camera operator duties and responsibilities

Director of photography example responsibilities.

  • Manage all photography assets for a slate of Showtime original series, documentaries and sports programming.
  • Coordinate and manage show production, including budget creation, scriptwriting and booking guest for on camera interviews.
  • Act as the gaffer and grip.
  • Provide services for YouTube album music releases.
  • Organize camera, electrical and grip crews.
  • Direct the gaffer to meet establish lighting strategy.
  • 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.

Director of photography vs studio camera operator skills

Common director of photography skills
  • Video Projects, 28%
  • DP, 20%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 6%
  • Sony, 5%
  • Video Production, 3%
  • Cinematography, 3%
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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