Many clients believe that one cameraman is just like the next. Well from a Producer's POV that statement couldn't be more wrong. You get what you pay for when it comes to your cameraman. Here's a basic guide to camera settings (on a Canon camera) that gives you a feel for just one piece in the cameraman's toolkit. This should give clients a better understanding of why it's important to use an experienced camera operator... someone who has a LOT of production under her belt. You can't use a kid out of college for a production that needs to be perfect the first time out. Then add lighting, shot blocking, dollies, cranes and steadicams and you begin to understand the complexiites of camera work. It's an art and producers like those of us at deweymedia + partners lean heavily on the work of talented camera operators.
the sm color tutorial // part one color in camera from stillmotion on Vimeo.