A camera operator works with digital, electronic and film cameras in multi- and single-camera operational conditions, producing pictures for directors by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills. The work is based in either a studio, where the camera operator usually follows a camera script (which gives the order of shots practiced at rehearsal and is cued by the director during recording) or on location, where there is likely to be more opportunity for creativity through suggesting shots to the director. A camera operator usually works under the direction of a director or director of photography and is sometimes supported by a camera assistant (or a focus puller/clapper loader, although with the advent of digital and electronic cameras these functions are in decline). The role is an interesting mix of the creative and technical.

Typical work activities include feeding film into automatic film processor that develops, fixes, washes, and dries film; measuring original layouts and determines proportions needed to make reduced or enlarged photographic prints for paste-up; exposing high contrast film for predetermined exposure time; immersing film in series of chemical baths to develop images and hangs film on rack to dry; performing exposure tests to determine line, halftone, and color reproduction exposure lengths for various photographic factors; mounting material to be photographed on copyboard of camera; measuring density of continuous tone images to be photographed to set exposure time for halftone images; selecting and installing screens and filters in camera to produce desired effects; adjusting camera settings, lights, and lens; being prepared to innovate and experiment with ideas; taking instructions from the director or the director of photography; working quickly, especially as timing is such an important factor; taking sole responsibility in situations where there is only one camera operator involved in the filming; keeping up to date with filming methods and equipment; repairing equipment; demonstrating a good awareness of health and safety issues.

Part of the role involves interacting and maintaining good working relationships with other members of the camera crew, including sound recorders, lighting technicians, actors. There are currently over 4,600 camera operators on the media-match website, covering both film and television.