What is the Difference between Cinematography and Videography?
Cinematography and videography are two terms that are very similar. However, defining these terms is very complicated; so much that people are starting to use them as synonyms. But, the best thing about the modern era is the freedom of expression. So, terms which define professions and stick to certain rules aren’t much welcomed for the youth especially in the art world. Here is some information that will surely help you when it comes to choosing cinematography and videography:
A Short History Lesson
As we mentioned, the difference today between these two is little to none. However, in the past, people loved establishing hierarchies and giving each person a special name, according to their task. The term cinematography derives from those days and started to specifically get linked with highly professional and quality motion pictures.
But, when digital cameras became popular, everybody could make a personal movie, without the help of Hollywood productions. Because the increased availability of movie making, the term videography came around, signifying amateur videos (usually short documentaries or experimental movies) and low budget productions.
What is happening today?
Cinematography is widely used, especially in film festivals. Additionally, when you will read a movie criticism, you will probably find the word “cinematography” mentioned at least 4 times in one page. This is because it is a more official term, signifying professionalism, artisan and high aesthetic value.
However, the official meaning of cinematography represents the camera-part of the movie, involving only the aesthetic value of the shots. So, if a film is bad, it can still have good cinematography and vice versa. This why cinematography awards are given to those who operate the camera and create the shots.
Videography is typically used for short videos, which don’t strictly follow “the rules” of creating a high-quality film nominated for an Oscar. However, this doesn’t mean that videography is used for low-quality videos. On the contrary, the quality of a motion picture doesn’t depend on whether it’s categorized as cinematography or videography.
Cinematographer vs. Videographer
Today these two terms are used as a synonym. But in the realm of movie-making, there is a great difference. A videographer can make a movie entirely on her/his own. A videographer can also be a cinematographer, but the other way round is impossible. Why?
The word cinematographer, also known as DOP, is solely used for the person operating the camera, choosing the lenses and organizing the lightning schemes. And besides the camera, movie/video making involves 2 other important things: directing and editing. So, if you find the basic student film, you will find at least 3 people in the crew: director, cinematographer and editor.
To conclude, a cinematographer is a person who is a part of a film crew and who has the task of managing camera operations. A videographer is a person who makes videos, usually one-person or smaller productions, documentaries and experimental flicks.
Who Should I Hire?
You shouldn’t be hiring a cinematographer instead of a videographer for wedding video or family reunion. In the 21st century, there are tons of videography companies, but their name doesn’t mean they don’t do artistic and cinematic videos (and films).
In fact, they can do everything, so if you are looking for a more cinematic approach for your wedding video, simply mention your desires to the company and they will immediately shift their approach. On the other hand, hiring a cinematographer means you’ll only get someone to film the event, without editing, after effects or production.
