Camera Operator
Operate cameras to record film, television, music videos, and events
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Job growth
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5-year projection
Salary
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Typical salary
Job satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Salary
-
Typical salary
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Job satisfaction
-
What's it like to be a Camera Operator?
Camera Operators set up and operate cameras to record material for film, television, music videos, documentaries or news and sporting events. Camera Operators may work in a number of settings, including indoor television or film studios, on location and at live sporting or musical events. Being a Camera Operator is generally suited for individuals with strong technical skills who are happy to work long days, which may involve inconsistent hours.
Tasks and duties
- Collaborating with producers and directors in order to capture desired shots for various media.
- Operating equipment (including cameras, tripods and microphones) effectively, which includes selecting the right equipment and lighting, and positioning and adjusting it to achieve the preferred effect.
- Maintaining and adjusting equipment to ensure it runs efficiently and organising repairs as required.
How to become a Camera Operator
To become a Camera Operator, a VET qualification is usually required. Entry requirements may vary, but employers usually require Year 10.
- Enrol in a course to become a Camera Operator, such as a Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services (CUA50413). You may be required to attend an interview, have work experience in the area and/or submit a folio of work.
- There are many pathways you can undertake once you are working as a Camera Operator, such as further study (e.g. a Diploma of Cinematography) or working your way up to becoming a Lead Camera Operator or Producer.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Camera Operators.
Latest Camera Operator jobs on SEEK
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Camera Operator employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Camera Operator reviews
May 2021
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Digital Media)
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Sports filming
The good things
My job pays $150 a filming session for less then 3 hours of work. No one looks over my shoulder or questions me. I simply turn up at the agreed upon time, set up the equipment, film then I need to, th...
The challenges
The management is far too distant. They never communicate or share information/decisions and on the days there is absolutely no communication on what to do for the night. Plus the pay is all done with...
Read more
May 2021
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
I'm self-employed
Specialisation
OB (Outside Broadcast)
The good things
Only do it if you love it first of all, if you think you'll be earning big money off the bat then get out of here. Some gigs you'll be thinking it's the easiest and best job in the world.
The challenges
You will get yelled at, especially if you're new/learning or just not doing your job as well as you should. The pay isn't great and because of COVID there isn't a lot of shifts available at a lot of c...
Read more
Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through seek.com.au
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