cameraman

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cameraman" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who operates a camera, especially in film or television production. Example: "The cameraman skillfully captured the breathtaking scenery during the shoot."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After working as a cameraman for Robert Siodmak on the 1930 documentary Menschen am Sonntag (People on Sunday), Zinnemann traveled to Hollywood, where he was an extra in Lewis Milestone's All Quiet on the Western Front (1930).

Britannica

Lorant attended the Academy of Economics in Budapest and then worked as a director, cameraman, and editor of films in Vienna and Berlin.

Britannica

He helped found the Ambrosio film studio in 1905 and went on to produce almost 100 films during his 18-year tenure with the company, serving as artistic director for all films and sometimes as cameraman or director (or both) as well.

Britannica

Sports cameraman Harry Hinkle (played by Lemmon) is accidentally injured on the field during a football game.

Britannica

Roberto Omegna, (born May 28 , 1876 Turin, Italy died Nov. 9, 1948, Turin), motion picture cameraman, director, and producer of documentaries, one of the pioneers of the Italian cinema.

Britannica

Originally he was referred to as the cameraman.

Britannica

I wasn't a studio cameraman". He shot Jack Clayton's first significant film, a half-hour Gogol adaptation called The Bespoke Overcoat in 1956, before his first properly memorable project, The Small World of Sammy Lee.

The Guardian - Arts

He knew there wasn't much of a career in photography, so he became a film cameraman, and is a living link to the prewar glory days of the British documentary movement.

The Guardian - Arts

Fahmy was arrested in a raid on a makeshift office suite in Cairo's Marriott hotel along with Peter Greste, a veteran Australian reporter, freelance producer Baher Mohamed and cameraman Mohamed Fawzy, who has since been released.

The Guardian

At least when I'm watching through a smartphone or tablet, the footage isn't edited by some cameraman who has a theory about what I want to see during the show.

The Guardian - Music

Prior to his academic career, Trevor was a television cameraman, director, producer and executive producer making programmes for ITV, BBC and Channel Four.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about film or television production, use "cameraman" to specifically denote the person operating the camera. For a more inclusive term, consider using "camera operator" or "camera person".

Common error

Avoid using "cameraman" interchangeably with "director of photography". The director of photography is responsible for the overall visual style of a film, while the cameraman primarily operates the camera under their direction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cameraman" is as a noun, referring to a person who operates a camera, particularly in the context of film or television production. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing roles and individuals within the media industry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cameraman" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe an individual who operates a camera in film or television production. While widely used, it's important to remember that the gender-neutral terms "camera operator" or "camera person" are preferable in many contexts. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows that "cameraman" appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral register. Be mindful not to confuse the role of a "cameraman" with that of a "cinematographer", who holds a broader artistic and managerial position. The Ludwig AI confirms the term's accuracy and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

camera operator

Direct synonym, emphasizing the operation of the camera.

camera person

Gender-neutral alternative to cameraman.

news cameraman

Specifies a cameraman working in news broadcasting.

videographer

Broader term, often used for independent or freelance camera work.

cinematographer

Emphasizes artistic and creative aspects of film camera operation.

director of photography

More artistic and managerial role overseeing the visual aspects of a film.

filmographer

General term for someone who records films.

shooter

Informal term for someone operating a camera, often in news or sports.

video producer

Suggests a broader role including production aspects alongside camera work.

grip

Refers to a camera technician in charge of camera support and movement.

FAQs

What is another term for "cameraman"?

Alternatives include "camera operator", "camera person", or "videographer", depending on the context. For a more artistic role, "cinematographer" may be appropriate.

What does a "cameraman" do?

A "cameraman" operates a film or television camera, capturing footage according to the director's or director of photography's vision. They are responsible for the camera's movement, focus, and composition.

Is it appropriate to use the term "cameraman"?

While "cameraman" is widely understood, it is not gender-neutral. Using "camera operator" or "camera person" is more inclusive.

What's the difference between a "cameraman" and a "cinematographer"?

A "cameraman" primarily operates the camera. A "cinematographer", also known as the director of photography, is responsible for the overall visual look and artistic interpretation of a film.