SOUTH AFRICA 路 SALARY IN RANDS

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Camera Operator
  • Cameraman
  • Master Control Operator (MCO)
  • News Videographer
  • Production Technician
  • Studio Camera Operator
  • Television News Photographer
  • Videographer
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What is a camera operators, television, video, and film?

Camera operators who work in television, video, and film are essential professionals responsible for capturing moving images on various types of cameras. They are integral to the production process, working closely with directors, producers, and other crew members to ensure that the visual storytelling aligns with the creative vision of the project. This role requires a keen eye for composition and lighting, technical expertise in operating camera equipment, and the ability to make quick decisions in dynamic environments. Camera operators may work on a variety of projects, including films, television shows, commercials, and live broadcasts, utilizing both traditional film cameras and digital video technology. Their work is not only limited to operating the camera but also involves understanding various filming techniques, maintaining equipment, and sometimes even setting up the shots in conjunction with the director's guidance. With the evolution of technology, camera operators are also expected to be proficient with digital editing software and post-production processes to enhance their contributions to the final product.

What the work actually is

  • Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
  • Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
  • Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
  • Confer 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.
  • Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

  • Far Vision The ability to see details at a distance.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Visualization The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Knowledge

  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Communications and Media Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
  • Telecommunications Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Associate's degree
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Getting Information
  • Thinking Creatively
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Video creation and editing software Adobe After Effects 路 Apple Final Cut Pro 路 Apple Final Cut Studio 路 YouTube
  • Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Creative Cloud software 路 Adobe Illustrator 路 Adobe Photoshop
  • Analytical or scientific software Litchi 路 Pix4D Pix4Dcapture
  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Electronic mail software Email software

Tools

  • Aircraft guidance systems DJI Go 4 路 DJI Pilot 路 DroneDeploy
  • Digital camcorders or video cameras Batteries 路 Electronic field production EFP cameras 路 Remotely controlled cameras
  • Airships Fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles UAV 路 Multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles UAV
  • Soldering iron Gun solder irons 路 Pencil solder irons
  • Radio frequency transmitters or receivers Wireless audio/video AV receivers 路 Wireless audio/video AV transmitters

Who it suits

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much does a camera operators, television, video, and film earn in South Africa?

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What is a camera operators, television, video, and film?

Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors, Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures and Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.