| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Media and Advertising |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Director of Photography |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | Fresher or up to 3 years operating a camera on shoots |
Camera Operator job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Camera Operator
Department: Media and Advertising
Reports to: Director of Photography
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Camera Operator runs the camera on shoots for films, television, ads, events and news. They set up the camera, lenses and rig, frame and follow the action to the director's brief, and keep focus, exposure and movement clean through every take. The role works on set under a director of photography or the director. A good one captures usable, well-framed footage on every take, handles the kit with care, and keeps up with the pace of a live or scripted shoot without missing a moment.
Key responsibilities
- Set up the camera, lenses, tripod, gimbal or rig for each shoot as planned with the director of photography.
- Frame and compose shots to the brief, and follow the action while keeping focus and exposure clean.
- Operate camera movement such as pans, tilts, tracking and handheld shots smoothly.
- Check settings such as resolution, frame rate, white balance and audio input before rolling.
- Watch the monitor and flag any shot that is soft, badly exposed or off frame for a retake.
- Handle and transport camera equipment carefully, and keep it clean and charged.
- Manage memory cards and hand footage to the data or edit team with clear labels.
- Coordinate with lighting, sound and direction on set to get each shot right.
- Set up quickly for live events and news where there is no second take.
- Do basic maintenance and report faults in the kit early.
Requirements
- Diploma or degree in cinematography, film or mass communication, or equivalent experience
- A showreel or samples of shot footage
- Knowledge of camera and lens systems
- Fresher or up to 3 years operating a camera on shoots
KRAs and KPIs for a Camera Operator
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Usable footage | A high share of takes usable on framing, focus and exposure, with few reshoots for camera errors |
| Setup speed | Camera ready by the call time for every shoot |
| Technical accuracy | Correct resolution, frame rate and settings on every recording, with zero wrong-setting reshoots |
| Equipment care | Zero avoidable damage to camera kit across the year |
| Footage handover | All footage backed up and handed over labelled after each shoot |
| Reliability | Available and on time for scheduled shoots, including outstation and event work |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: DSLR and cinema cameras, Camera lenses, Gimbal and tripod, Field monitor, Memory cards and card reader.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Director of Photography, Cinematographer
Interview questions for a Camera Operator
- Which cameras and lenses have you worked with, and which do you prefer for run-and-gun shoots?
- How do you keep focus on a subject moving towards the camera?
- You are shooting a live event with no retakes. How do you prepare?
- How do you check your settings before every take to avoid a wasted shot?
- How do you handle and back up footage after a shoot?
- The lighting changes suddenly during an outdoor shoot. What do you do?
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What does a camera operator do?
A camera operator runs the camera on shoots for films, television, ads, events and news. They set up the camera and rig, frame and follow the action to the brief, and keep focus, exposure and movement clean through every take. They handle the kit with care and hand labelled footage to the edit team.
What is the difference between a camera operator and a cinematographer?
A cinematographer, or director of photography, decides how the film should look: lighting, lenses, camera movement and mood. A camera operator physically runs the camera to achieve those shots. On small shoots one person does both; on larger shoots the cinematographer directs and the operator executes the framing and moves.
What qualifications do you need to become a camera operator?
A diploma or degree in cinematography or film helps, but hands-on experience and a showreel matter more. Employers look for a steady eye for framing, a solid grasp of focus and exposure, and care with expensive kit. Many camera operators start as camera assistants and learn on set before operating on their own.