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Director of photography vs video camera operator

The differences between directors of photography and video 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 $44,412 average annual salary of a video camera operator.

The top three skills for a director of photography include video projects, DP and adobe photoshop. The most important skills for a video camera operator are camera operators, visual services, and video production.

Director of photography vs video camera operator overview

Director Of PhotographyVideo Camera Operator
Yearly salary$105,236$44,412
Hourly rate$50.59$21.35
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs5,74632,353
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

Director of photography vs video camera operator salary

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

Director Of PhotographyVideo Camera Operator
Average salary$105,236$44,412
Salary rangeBetween $71,000 And $153,000Between $25,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NY-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyGap Inc.-
Best paying industry--

Differences between director of photography and video camera operator education

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

Director Of PhotographyVideo Camera Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityHarvard University

Director of photography vs video camera operator demographics

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

Director Of PhotographyVideo Camera Operator
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 79.7% Female, 20.3%Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%
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, 6.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between director of photography and video 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

Video camera operator example responsibilities.

  • Operate the administrative and technical aspects of a video teleconferencing center for clients ranging from civilian executives to four-star generals.
  • Mail tapes, progress reports, production notes and footage to MTV's NY office.

Director of photography vs video camera operator skills

Common director of photography skills
  • Video Projects, 28%
  • DP, 20%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 6%
  • Sony, 5%
  • Video Production, 3%
  • Cinematography, 3%
Common video camera operator skills
  • Camera Operators, 28%
  • Visual Services, 10%
  • Video Production, 10%
  • Live Video, 6%
  • Photography, 6%
  • Live Events, 6%

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