Director Of Photography Vs Cinematographer: What's The Difference?

Publish date: 2024-05-15

Though cinematographer and director of photography are two terms for the same role, there are other on-set jobs that often get mixed up with that role. According to Masterclass, the DP often is separate from the camera operator, unless on a low-budget production. Most large productions will have a whole team around the camera, one to operate the camera itself, one to operate the Steadicam system, one to pull focus, and another to operate the clapboard. All these people are under the direction of the DP, and typically don't have much creative say; just as the cinematographer is interpreting the director's vision, the camera operators and assistants must follow the cinematographer's vision.

Another distinct role is the videographer. Videographers have similar duties to a DP: They frame shots and direct a camera (via VMG Studios). The difference is that videographers work on their own and are typically hired for events like weddings or news stories. Their work is less focused on storytelling and more on capturing footage. A good rule of thumb is that if the footage is the primary focus of an event, like a movie shoot, you need a cinematographer; if footage is secondary, call a videographer.

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