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Editor/camera operator vs director of photography

The differences between editor/camera operators and directors of photography 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 $59,567 average annual salary of an editor/camera operator.

The top three skills for an editor/camera operator include video production, camera operation and audio equipment. The most important skills for a director of photography are video projects, DP, and adobe photoshop.

Editor/camera operator vs director of photography overview

Editor/Camera OperatorDirector Of Photography
Yearly salary$59,567$105,236
Hourly rate$28.64$50.59
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs30,3145,746
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3737
Years of experience--

Editor/camera operator vs director of photography salary

Editor/camera operators and directors of photography have different pay scales, as shown below.

Editor/Camera OperatorDirector Of Photography
Average salary$59,567$105,236
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $99,000Between $71,000 And $153,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Gap Inc.
Best paying industry--

Differences between editor/camera operator and director of photography education

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

Editor/Camera OperatorDirector Of Photography
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University

Editor/camera operator vs director of photography demographics

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

Editor/Camera OperatorDirector Of Photography
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 81.5% Female, 18.5%Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between editor/camera operator and director of photography duties and responsibilities

Editor/camera operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage media assets including creating graphics, digitizing, archiving, editorial 'string-outs' and tracking media assets.
  • Film and edit the biggest fishing show on YouTube.
  • Film on a wide variety of HD cameras including DSLR's.
  • Encode productions in various formats for online viewing and DVD mastering.
  • Edit compelling YouTube videos of drones with footage and still images assign.
  • Assist the main cameramen in taking photos and editing them using Photoshop.
  • Show more

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

Editor/camera operator vs director of photography skills

Common editor/camera operator skills
  • Video Production, 39%
  • Camera Operation, 7%
  • Audio Equipment, 4%
  • Video Content, 3%
  • Motion Graphics, 3%
  • Promotional Videos, 3%
Common director of photography skills
  • Video Projects, 28%
  • DP, 20%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 6%
  • Sony, 5%
  • Video Production, 3%
  • Cinematography, 3%

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