Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Medium41.02%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$34,420
Median$61,800
High (90th %)$120,740
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Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
The occupation "Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film" has an automation risk of 41.0%, closely aligning with its base risk of 41.7%. This is considered a moderate risk, indicating that while some aspects of the job may be susceptible to automation, many core tasks still rely heavily on human input. Advances in robotics and artificial intelligence have enabled machines to take over repetitive or highly technical elements of camera operation, but full automation is hindered by the need for creativity, adaptability, and contextual judgment. Unlike roles with a higher risk percentage, camera operators must frequently make on-the-fly adjustments and artistic choices that current technology struggles to replicate with nuance. This suggests that although some automation is likely, humans will retain a significant role in this occupation for the foreseeable future. The tasks most amenable to automation are typically those involving precision and repetition. For example, composing and framing each shot while applying technical aspects of lighting, lenses, and camera settings can increasingly be managed by automated camera systems programmed to follow certain parameters. Similarly, the actual operation of cameras to record scenes and the adjustment of camera positions and settings for optimal exposure and focus are tasks that robotic systems and smart cameras already partially handle in controlled environments. These automated solutions can greatly improve efficiency and consistency in large-scale productions, yet they can lack the creative intuition and responsiveness required in dynamic shooting scenarios. By contrast, the most automation-resistant tasks revolve around creative and intellectual contributions. Keeping up with emerging technologies in the field requires ongoing learning, critical analysis, and adaptation—all areas where human flexibility greatly outpaces machines. Designing graphics for studio productions involves a level of imagination and aesthetic judgment that remains difficult to automate. Additionally, writing new scripts for broadcasts falls squarely within the realm of originality and creative thought, a skill reflected as a significant bottleneck (marked at 3.1%) for automation in this occupation. The persistent need for originality and creative insight thus acts as a substantial barrier preventing full automation of the camera operator’s role.
Filter by Automatable Status
Operate television or motion picture cameras to record scenes for television broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.
Partially Automatable
Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
Partially Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Operate zoom lenses, changing images according to specifications and rehearsal instructions.
Non-Automatable
Observe sets or locations for potential problems and to determine filming and lighting requirements.
Partially Automatable
Set up and perform live shots for broadcast.
Non-Automatable
Use cameras in any of several different camera mounts, such as stationary, track-mounted, or crane-mounted.
Partially Automatable
Test, clean, maintain, and repair broadcast equipment, including testing microphones, to ensure proper working condition.
Partially Automatable
Edit video for broadcast productions, including non-linear editing.
Partially Automatable
Assemble studio sets and select and arrange cameras, film stock, audio, or lighting equipment to be used during filming.
Non-Automatable
Read and analyze work orders and specifications to determine locations of subject material, work procedures, sequences of operations, and machine setups.
Partially Automatable
View films to resolve problems of exposure control, subject and camera movement, changes in subject distance, and related variables.
Partially Automatable
Direct studio productions.
Non-Automatable
Set up cameras, optical printers, and related equipment to produce photographs and special effects.
Non-Automatable
Read charts and compute ratios to determine variables such as lighting, shutter angles, filter factors, and camera distances.
Automatable
Set up and operate electric news gathering (ENG) microwave vehicles to gather and edit raw footage on location to send to television affiliates for broadcast.
Partially Automatable
Write new scripts for broadcasts.
Partially Automatable
Design graphics for studio productions.
Partially Automatable
Stay current with new technologies in the field by reading trade magazines.
Automatable
Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings to achieve the effects sought by directors.
Partially Automatable
Instruct camera operators regarding camera setups, angles, distances, movement, and variables and cues for starting and stopping filming.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
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Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Medium46.60%
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
Robotics Technicians
Medium42.51%
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Medium43.98%
Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.
Remote Sensing Technicians
Medium60.88%
Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Medium50.75%
Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
Audio and Video Technicians
Medium57.78%
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
Broadcast Technicians
Medium59.28%
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.
Sound Engineering Technicians
Medium50.93%
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.
Lighting Technicians
Low29.69%
Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.
Film and Video Editors
Medium52.46%
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Motion Picture Projectionists
Medium34.94%
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
Low25.49%
Repair, install, or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Medium40.45%
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
Avionics Technicians
Low28.44%
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
Low32.89%
Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Producers and Directors
Medium44.92%
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Medium54.21%
Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
Photographers
Medium49.91%
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators
Medium52.56%
Observe gambling operation for irregular activities such as cheating or theft by either employees or patrons. Investigate potential threats to gambling assets such as money, chips, and gambling equipment. Act as oversight and security agent for management and customers.
Models
Low32.12%
Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.
Commercial Pilots
Medium45.15%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.