Camera Operator Interview Preparation Guide
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Camera Operator related Frequently Asked Questions by expert members with job experience as Camera Operator. These questions and answers will help you strengthen your technical skills, prepare for the new job interview and quickly revise your concepts

69 Camera Operator Questions and Answers:

1 :: What motivates you to succeed as Camera Operator?

Patience and experience give me confidence to move forward either way.

2 :: Tell us what do you like most about being a video camera operator?

Get the best moment captured.

3 :: Tell me is there such a thing as a typical day?

A day in the studio starts with 'check in' – a briefing covering the jobs I must shoot throughout the day. When I am working on news stories days are completely unpredictable. The news desk tells me where I will be filming – it could be anywhere between the Scottish border and North Yorkshire.

4 :: Tell me what's the difference between Hardware Compression and Software Compression?

Hardware Compression: Both Capturing Video Signal and Compressing Video Signal are done by DSP chipset integrated on DVR Board. It doesn't need the computer's CPU to do this work. It's low cost of CPU and RAM resources. In this system the computer CPU's task focus on answering network request, streaming the video/audio to network and saving recorded data to local hard disk.

Software Compression: The DVR Board only capture video signal but doesn't compress it, it is the computer CPU and RAM to do this compression work. It's high cost of CPU and RAM resources. In this system the computer CPU and RAM are often overloaded. It is easier to crash than hardware compression system.

5 :: Do you know when can I use a manual iris lens?

A general rule of thumb is only to use a MI lens in an internal application. This is because you are reliant on the electronic circuitry of the camera compensating for light changes in the scene and this is not able to compensate to the same degree as that of an Auto Iris lens.

6 :: Tell me what is Video Termination?

This is the end of line resistance of any CCTV system and this should be set to 75 ohm. Should you encounter any double image or ghosting this is more often than not caused by two pieces of equipment in series both having the 75-ohm switch set on. Only the last piece of equipment should be set at 75-ohm.

7 :: Tell me can I use I/R Lamps with color cameras?

The answer to this is a definitive NO. Color cameras are typically fitted with an IR cut filter and will not allow IR light in excess of 700Nm to pass resulting in the camera performing poorly in these circumstances.

8 :: What is pC Based Digital Video Surveillance Capture Cards?

PC Based Digital CCTV Surveillance systems are a reasonably new technology in the CCTV Industry. This type of Digital CCTV system works in two stages. You then install the digital cctv surveillance card and software on to your PC. This Software (or program) will allow you to view your Digital CCTV Cameras, search through previously recorded footage, backup footage to CD/DVD, control PTZ Cameras either on the PC system or remotely and much more.

9 :: Do you know what Are the Job Duties of a Camera Operator?

As a camera operator, you'll manage and operate video equipment on the set of films, motion pictures and television shows. You'll typically use high-tech, expensive cameras that are specifically designed for the entertainment industry, though you might need to provide still images with digital handheld or industrial cameras. You'll often work under the guidance of a photography or film director who organizes your camera work in order to capture a particular scene. Other considerations for the profession include lighting, sound and equipment maintenance.

10 :: Do you know what Would I Do As a TV Camera Operator?

As a TV camera operator, you record the images seen on television--from news broadcasts, TV series and sporting events to documentaries and commercials. You work with directors and technicians to find the most effective way to frame these images using elements such as lighting, position, lenses and camera movements. You must also be capable of moving their cameras smoothly and steadily. While many TV camera operators are only responsible for shooting video footage, some also edit their own work.

Some TV camera operators are studio operators, which means they work in a television studio and record images with the camera that is in a fixed position. However, in some studios, cameras are mounted on a track so they can be moved while filming. This is very different from news camera operators, who are on the move tracking news events. In this position, you must be prepared for both indoor and outdoor photography and even to edit your own work on the spot so it can be transmitted as live coverage. Since you carry your cameras on your shoulders, the ability to hold the camera steady is especially important.