Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment.
Post-secondary certificate
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports & Media
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Also called: Camera Operator, Cameraman, Television News Photographer, Videographer
- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- 61% of workers surveyed
- Preparation needed
- Medium Preparation Needed
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Programs in this directory
- 222
- that lead to this career
What camera operators, television, video, and film do
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
Typical tasks
- 1Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
- 2Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
- 3Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
- 4Confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements.
- 5Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
- 6Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
- 7Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
- 8Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
- 9Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
- 10Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
Key skills
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Coordination3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Reading Comprehension3.2/5
- Speaking3.2/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
Importance rated by workers in this career (1–5).
Knowledge areas
- English Language4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics4.0/5
- Communications and Media3.8/5
- Telecommunications3.8/5
Importance rated by workers in this career (1–5).
Technology used
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- TikTok
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Video editing software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe InDesign
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
How to become one
- Education
- The most common level among workers surveyed is a associate's degree (61%). Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Where to study
Subjects that prepare for this career:
Showing 12 of 222 matching programs.
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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. We have modified some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Programs are linked with the CIP–SOC crosswalk from the U.S. Department of Education (NCES). Education levels and preparation describe the United States and may differ in other countries.