Videographer VS Cinematographer?
Yes they’re different, but typically have to share similar skills in modern day.
15 years ago, it was really easy to explain the difference between a Videographer and Cinematographer, however in modern day that has become a much longer discussion. Back then, TV shows were on tiny little screens while blockbuster movies were projected on massive screens bigger than an average house, and most of all you could tell what was filmed for movies and what was filmed for TV or commercials.
Today, that has completely changed. Media today is looking more and more professional, with better technology, talent, and experienced people. In fact, Videographers are constantly asked to create movie like media similar to a cinematographer, however that may not always be the case and there is good reason for that.
What is a Cinematographer?
Cinematographers are actually trained artisans who solely focus on creating the most cinematic look in a controlled environment with sometimes perfect lighting or expensive lighting to get that desired “look”.
Due to the high cost of the cameras, lighting and accessories, this service is typically more costly than Videographer services, as it typically also requires more staffing aside from just the Cinematographer. This can be completely different from a Videographer, who is there to capture the moment more in a live setting, with typically limited lighting but still making sure the content is beautiful looking.
One final note to remember is that a Cinematographer is there just to film the best picture they can. They are not the person who decides what to record, edits the video or color corrects, or create the final audio or special effects/graphics. All in all, with the Cinematographer you are asking that person to focus only the that video recording.
What is a Videographer?
Videographers went from being someone who just recorded a live event like a nightly news clip or wedding video, to now a mixture of Videographer and Cinematographer. Similar to Cinematographers, a Videographer is also tasked with capturing the best video and image they can, but they may also be asked to help create and design the video shoot. This can include working on idea concepts and storyboards, selecting the location to film, directing some of the footage and process that day, and even being in charge of the lighting and sound!
As customer needs have grown over time, so has the role of the Videographer. What was once also a single task of recording video, has now become a jack-of-all trades to get the job done!
Do I need a Cinematographer or Videographer?
Now, most people are aware that Cinematographers typically cost more for their services due to higher camera costs and accessories, however most people are not aware that Videographers (like us here at DHM), utilize similar high cost cameras and accessories to achieve a similar professional look to that of Cinematographers. From cinema camera to wireless microphones and bright lights, a Videographer can actually handle the majority of tasks a client can ask of them, while still offering affordable pricing.
Now, you don’t have to take our word for it. If you’d like more information on the subject, we highly suggest you check out this detailed article, Videography VS Cinematography by FixThePhoto. It will cover any other question you could possibly have!
