HD Experience

[Kim Welch]

I have read that many camera assistant positions require working with HD experience. What different kinds of things would a HD camera assistant do that a Film camera assistant would do?

Update, November 2026
Camera assistants on digital productions still pull focus, build and maintain the camera, and manage lenses, but they also handle media cards, monitor settings and often work closely with the DIT (digital imaging technician), who manages data, backups and on-set color. Learning both film and digital workflows makes you more employable.

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[David Mullen ASC]

Setting / checking the lens back-focus for one.

Basic ENG stuff like reloading tapes, resetting time code, recording bars & tone, etc.

Knowing the HD camera's features and menus, changing shutter speed, changing format/frame rate, basic video image adjustments, white balancing, loading scene files, etc. Checking that additional cameras have the same menu settings, etc. Troubleshooting, like when a camera won't operate due to high humidity, or a blown fuse, etc.

Understanding basic monitor set-up issues, using downconverters, etc.