While the job of capturing video content is a task shared by both the role of a videographer and a cinematographer, there is a pretty big difference between what each party can offer.
We’re hearing the title ‘videographer’ more and more these days and many brands are hiring the role internally titled as videographer for the task of making video. It does however get misunderstood, so let’s take look at some of the key differences, and when each role may be the right fit.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between the two roles. We’ll unpack each a cinematographers toolkit and videographers gear bag. We’ll understand and compare the deliverables. And I’ll help you in choosing the right production type for your requirements.
What is Videography
The term Videography has strong links to Photography and that’s quite deliberate. Historically videographers were event photographers that dabbled in the also capturing video.
Event Photographers that may be capturing Weddings or Corporate events would operate in a more ‘run and gun’ style of shooting, with limited equipment and more automated camera setups.
This is exactly how Videographers came about. It’s hugely due to the types of camera’s that those photographers were using. Readily available off-the-shelf camera’s by brands like Sony and Canon offered a lot of quick and easy tools to make the workflow for event photographers so much more streamlined and the images captured more forgiving. But then a ‘video’ mode was added to this line of camera’s. So now, event photographers could also button across from shooting stills to shooting moving image and could confidently capture video moments in the same way they were already shooting.
As time went on, this level of video production became accessible to others with a keen interest in making video but not necessarily needing to know everything about video production.
What is Cinematography
Cinematography is the artform of filmmaking. Where cinematography differs from videography; is in the level of planning involved in capturing moving image. It involves decision making and often entails a more collaborative team of professionals. Traditionally cinematography is reserved for the production of a film or a music video but I see this now crossing into more areas of video production, which I’ll touch on further at the end of this article.
A cinematographer has a strong understanding of the technical aspects of filming and is skilled in the use of Digital cinema camera’s, professional lighting, lighting control and modifiers.
So naturally with the way a cinematographer chooses to work and their ability to use a higher level of equipment; the amount of gear required to perform the shoot is a lot bigger than you’d expect with a videographer.
With a Cinematographer you’d find camera’s with comprehensive accessory options, like filters, matte boxes, lenses, transmitters and more. Film light’s with higher output or colour options, lanterns, domes and Fresnel attachments. As well as client and crew monitoring – all to ensure a high level of production quality.
Ultimately, working within a cinematographer’s workflow will open up the ability to plan and control your shot.
When would you need a Videographer, and when would I need a Cinematographer?
It really comes down to the production requirements; the deliverable and ultimately the budget.
Generally, the footage that comes out of a videographer’s camera is just about ready to use. Whereas footage from a digital cinema camera is more complex, is of a greater dynamic range, and you can get much more out of the colour and image in post production.
As you can see, the steps that need to be taken in post production can contribute to the decision on when planning and budgeting for a video production. If the deliverable is a quick turnaround and not much needing to be done in post – then maybe the more efficient solution is your solution.
But if you’re looking for exceptional, controlled image and planning on spending more effort in the entire production – then engaging a cinematographer and the attached workflow is the right choice.
High quality video production in 2025
Now that we are at the pointy end of the comparison of Videography and Cinematography, and that you’re probably starting make mental notes on which direction would suit the type of content you need – I’ll throw one more idea into the mix.
The idea is that Cinematography and high quality video production has become so much more accessible now. People and gear that once were reserved for huge productions and big budgets; can now be found producing content for corporate video, product related video and more.
This really is thanks to technology and advancements in gear, such as LED lighting, Digital Cinema cameras, audio gear and optimised post production workflows.
So when planning your next video, it’s worth considering your outputs, the amount of flexibility that you want out of your production and level of involvement. Do a little bit more research into who you are engaging and what they have to offer.