Cinematographer vs. Director — What's the Difference?

A cinematographer or director of photography (sometimes shortened to DP or DOP) is the chief over the camera and light crews working on a film, television production or other live action piece and is responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image. The study and practice of this field is referred to as cinematography.

One that supervises, controls, or manages.

A movie photographer, especially one who is in charge of the camera and lighting crews on a production.

A member of a group of persons chosen to control or govern the affairs of an institution or corporation.

(cinematography) A photographer who oversees the operations of the cameras and lighting when making a film. The cinematographer may also double as the camera operator of the movie camera, though this is usually done by a cameraman. The film director may also double as the cinematographer, though this is usually a different person.

A person who supervises the creative aspects of a dramatic production or film and instructs the actors and crew.

(dated) One who exhibits motion pictures; a projectionist.

The conductor of an orchestra or chorus.

One who takes motion pictures with a movie camera, especially one expert in the art.

An electronic device that continually calculates and displays information used for firing weapons at moving targets, such as missiles or aircraft.

One who exhibits motion pictures; an operator of a motion picture projector; a projectionist.

One who directs; the person in charge of managing a department or directorate (e.g., director of engineering), project, or production (as in a show or film, e.g., film director).

A photographer who operates a movie camera

A member of a board of directors.

A counselor, confessor, or spiritual guide.

That which directs or orientates something.

(military) A device that displays graphical information concerning the targets of a weapons system in real time.

(chemistry) The common axis of symmetry of the molecules of a liquid crystal.

One who, or that which, directs; one who regulates, guides, or orders; a manager or superintendent.

One of a body of persons appointed to manage the affairs of a company or corporation; as, the directors of a bank, insurance company, or railroad company.

A part of a machine or instrument which directs its motion or action.

A slender grooved instrument upon which a knife is made to slide when it is wished to limit the extent of motion of the latter, or prevent its injuring the parts beneath.

Someone who controls resources and expenditures

Member of a board of directors

Someone who supervises the actors and directs the action in the production of a show

The person who leads a musical group