What is Camera Handling & Lighting?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions
Akansha BishtSenior Executive
Camera Handling and Lighting are one of the most important processes of Filmmaking. Things like lighting, framing, composition, camera motion, camera angle, film selection, lens options, depth of field, zoom, focus, color, exposure, and filtration are extremely important to make scenes look impressive and spectacular. That's why the camera handling and lighting are considered a distinctive art.
Key Aspects of Camera Handling and Lighting Courses:
- Course Curriculum: Camera Operations, Lighting Techniques, Composition, Video Editing, etc.
- Popular Courses: PG Diploma in Cinematography, Diploma in Camera and Lighting Techniques, PG Certificate Course in Electronic Cinematography, Camera and Lighting Techniques, etc.
- Course Levels: UG Diploma, Certificate, PG Diploma, and PG Certificate.
- Top Institutes: Film and Television Institute of India, AAFT, Gulshan Kumar Film and Television Institute of India, Balaji Telefilms, Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, etc.
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Camera Handling and Lighting Course Details: Highlights
In the present scenario, many students are showing interest in the technical field of Camera Handling and Lighting. Interested candidates can see the table below highlighting some key points of Camera Handling and Lighting course in India:
| Particulars | Course Details |
|---|---|
| Camera Handling and Lighting Course Level | Certificate and Diploma |
| Camera Handling and Lighting Course Duration | 3 Months - 2 Years |
| Camera Handling and Lighting Admission Criteria | Merit-based |
| Camera Handling and Lighting Eligibility Criteria | UG Diploma/Certification: Class 12 with a minimum of 45% from a recognized board. PG Diploma: A bachelor's degree from a recognized university. |
| Camera Handling and Lighting Top Colleges | Film and Television Institute of India, AAFT, Gulshan Kumar Film and Television Institute of India, ICE Balaji Telefilms, IMS Ghaziabad, Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, etc. |
| Camera Handling and Lighting Course Fees | UG: INR 36,000 - INR 4.5 Lakh PG: INR 16,520 - INR 1.82 Lakh |
| Camera Handling and Lighting Average Salary | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Camera Handling and Lighting Job Profiles | Cameraman, Camera Technician, Video Editor, Assistant Director, Lighting Engineer, Lighting Designer, etc. |
| Camera Handling and Lighting Top Recruiters | Red Chillies Entertainment, T-Series Super Cassettes Industries Ltd., Tata Elxsi, Reliance MediaWorks, etc. |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
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Of course, India is one of the most famous countries around the world for its Bollywood, cinematography, and visual content. India leverages visual content across countless platforms with a billion audience. And in any visual content creation, a Camera and Lighting professional is an essential part.
- Camera Handling and Lighting Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process
- Types of Camera Handling and Lighting Courses
- Camera Handling and Lighting Course Syllabus
- Best Camera Handling and Lighting Colleges in India
- Popular Private Camera Handling & Lighting Colleges in India
- Camera Handling and Lighting Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters
- Camera Handling and Lighting Course FAQs
- Popular Camera Handling & Lighting UG Courses
- Popular Camera Handling & Lighting PG Courses
- Popular Exams
Camera Handling and Lighting Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process
For students' reference, here's the eligibility criteria for Camera Handling and Lighting courses in India -
| Course Level | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| UG Diploma/Certificate | |
| PG Diploma/PG Certificate |
|
Note - The info is taken from various sources and may vary.
Camera Handling and Lighting Admission Process
Here's a guide for candidates' reference on admission to Camera Handling and Lighting courses -
- Check the course eligibility criteria and make sure you fulfill the same.
- Register on the college website and pay the application fees.
- Wait for the college to verify their application and send a confirmation email.
- Go for the college counselling session to confirm enrollment in the program.
Here are some important documents you must carry during a Camera Handling & Lighting course application process:
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets
- Migration Certificate
- A bachelor's degree (if applicable)
- A master's degree (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs (at least 2)
- A valid photo ID (Adhaar, PAN Card, Passport, License, etc.)
Types of Camera Handling and Lighting Courses
Camera Handling and Lighting courses are generally offered at Diploma and Certificate levels. The curriculum and duration of these programs may vary depending on the individual colleges. Here are some top Camera Handling and Lighting colleges, along with fee details, based on their course type:
| Course Level | Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Camera Handling and Lighting | Film and Television Institute of India | INR 1.45 Lakh |
| AAFT | INR 2.15 Lakh | |
| Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute | INR 1.82 Lakh | |
| Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Film, TV and Animation Studies | INR 64,000 | |
| R. K. Films and Media Academy | INR 90,700 | |
| Certificate in Camera Handling and Lighting | Film and Television Institute of India | INR 1.45 Lakh |
| Sadhna Academy for Media Studies | INR 60,000 | |
| HI5 Films | INR 25,000 | |
| Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity | INR 7,000 | |
| School of Media Design | INR 30,000 |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
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To learn specifically about Camera Handling Techniques, you can pursue an Advanced Diploma in Camera Handling and Cinematography Techniques, a Certificate in Camera & Lighting Techniques, a Diploma in Cinematography, or a Diploma in Camera & Lighting Techniques.
You can also go for a degree course in Cinematography, Photography, or Filmmaking.
Yes, many colleges offer online Camera Handling and Lighting courses in India. Here are some of them:
| Online Camera Colleges | Course Offered |
|---|---|
| Ravi Sarin Film Institute | Diploma in Camera and Lighting techniques |
| Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity | Certificate in Lighting |
| Matrikas Film School | Certificate in Camera and Editing |
| SMBC Institute of Technology Media and Management | Certification in Camera & Lighting |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Camera Handling and Lighting Course Syllabus
The syllabus of Camera Handling and Lighting courses can vary depending on the course level, duration, and the college offering the program. For candidates' reference, the tables below provide an overview for the various course-level syllabus followed for Camera Handling and Lighting.
UG Diploma in Camera Handling and Lighting Syllabus
The UG Diploma program in Camera Handling and Lighting is generally a 1-year program, divided into 2 semesters. Here's an idea of the subjects covered in the program:
| UG Diploma in Camera Handling and Lighting Subjects Sem I | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Still Photography | Introduction to Movie Camera |
| Basic Camera Operations | Lens |
| Natural Lighting Techniques | CRANE and GIMBAL |
| UG Diploma in Camera Handling and Lighting Subjects Sem II | |
| Different Types of Film Lights and Their Uses | Artificial Lighting Techniques |
| Advanced Lighting Techniques | Art of Reece |
| Sense of Production Design | Creating a Shooting Schedule |
| Shooting the Film | - |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
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PG Diploma in Camera Handling and Lighting Syllabus
The PG Diploma program in Camera Handling and Lighting is generally 2 years long, divided into 4 semesters. Here's an idea of the subjects covered in the program:
| PG Diploma in Camera Handling and Lighting Semester I | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Film Studies | Basics of Camera & Lighting |
| Fundamentals of Digital Photography | Principles of Editing |
| Basics of Sound Design | - |
| PG Diploma in Camera Handling and Lighting Semester II | |
| Cinematography and Camera Operation | Lighting Techniques for Film and TV |
| Video Editing | Sound Recording and Editing |
| Film Direction Basics | - |
| PG Diploma in Camera Handling and Lighting Semester III | |
| Advanced Cinematography Techniques | Professional Lighting and Sound Design |
| Digital Post-Production and VFX | Film Direction Intermediate |
| Basics of Script Writing | - |
| PG Diploma in Camera Handling and Lighting Semester IV | |
| Camera and Lighting for Advanced Film and TV Production | Digital Post-Production and Film Editing |
| Advanced Sound Recording and Editing Techniques | Film Direction Advanced |
| Project Work | - |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
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Certificate in Camera and Lighting Techniques Syllabus
The following table contains the subjects covered in a Certification course in Camera and Lighting Techniques with a 4-month duration.
| Certificate in Camera and Lighting Subjects | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Photography | Fundamentals of Lighting |
| Camera Techniques | Advanced Lighting Techniques |
| Studio Photography | Outdoor and Natural Lighting |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
Yes, here are some popular camera books you must read apart from your regular syllabus:
- Camera Technology: The Dark Side of the Lens by Norman Goldberg.
- Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.
- Mastering Digital Slr Photography by Busch David D.
- Tony Northrup's DSLR Book.
- The Essence of Photography by Bruce Barn Barnbaum.
- Camera: A History of Photography from Daguerreotype to Digital by Todd Gustavson.
Though both are related to visual art, their subject and focused areas differ. Photography focuses on still images, while Cinematography is focused on moving film. The purpose of a photograph is to document an expression or action, while cinematography creates a story and experiences.
Best Camera Handling and Lighting Colleges in India
There are around 50 Camera Handling & Lighting colleges in India, among which, most are private entities. These colleges offer Camera Handling and Lighting courses at various levels and modes. Interested candidates can see the following tables for top government and private college options for Camera Handling and Lighting courses in India.
Best Camera Handling and Lighting Government Colleges
The number of government colleges offering Camera Handling and Lighting courses in India is limited. However, the table below contains some top options among them:
| Best Government Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Kushabhau Thakre Patrakarita Avam Jansanchar Vishwavidyalaya | INR 16,520 |
| Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute | INR 1.82 Lakh |
| Department of Social Communications Media, Sophia Polytechnic | NA |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
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Best Camera Handling and Lighting Private Colleges
Interested candidates can see the following table for some top private college options offering Camera Handling and Lighting courses at various levels:
| Best Private Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| HI5 Films | INR 25,000 |
| School of Media Design | INR 30,000 |
| Sadhna Academy for Media Studies | INR 30,000 - 60,000 |
| National Institute of Mass Communication | INR 40,000 |
| MAAC | INR 60,000 |
| Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Film, TV and Animation Studies | INR 64,000 |
| R. K. Films and Media Academy | INR 90,700 - INR 1.21 Lakh |
| Film and Television Institute of India | INR 1.45 Lakh |
| AAFT | INR 2.15 Lakh |
| IMS Ghaziabad | INR 3.88 Lakh |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
The course fee structure of Camera Handling & Lighting colleges in India differs depending on the course levels and types they offer. For instance, the course fee structure of the Diploma in Camera Handling & Lighting ranges from INR 16,500 to INR 4.5 Lakh. Meanwhile, for certificates in Camera Handling & Lighting, the fee ranges from INR 7,000 to INR 2 Lakh.
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Camera Handling and Lighting Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters
Camera Handling and Lighting courses have a vast and bright scope in India and abroad, following the growing trends and demand for visual content in different forms, whether it's social media content, OTT content, traditional cinema, or news content for media channels. Camera Handling and Lighting students can explore the career opportunities in various job profiles under various working fields.
Camera Handling and Lighting Career Scope: Top Job Profiles
With the expansion of the film industry, the opportunities in the department of camera handling and lighting have also increased rapidly. Candidates can work in film development units, studios, and video businesses. Some of the main job profiles related to this sector are given below:
| Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Gaffers | They are in charge of all the electrical work on a production team. They lead a team of lighting technicians and work closely with the Director of Photography. | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Script Supervisors | They ensure that the shots will work together after editing and that there will be no continuity issues. | INR 3.4 LPA |
| Camera Operators | They prepare the camera equipment and operate the camera during the shoot. They also work with the Director and Director of Photography to achieve the visual style of the film. | INR 2.9 LPA |
| Assistant Cameramen | Their main role is to adjust the camera lens or ‘pull focus’ to follow the action on set and to manage and maintain camera equipment and accessories. They follow instructions from the Director or Director of Photography (DoP). | INR 2.3 LPA |
| Assistant Directors | They prepare the camera, load new batteries and film, and change lenses. He/she also operates the clapperboard and manages the camera paperwork. They work closely with the 1st AC rest of the camera team. | INR 28.3 LPA |
| Digital Imaging Technicians | They are responsible for the digital handling of the footage. They ensure that the digital settings on the camera are correct and are responsible for backing up footage across multiple equipment and preparing all-digital images for post-production. | INR 3.5 LPA |
Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Camera Handling and Lighting Career Scope: Top Recruiters
Camera Handling and Lighting students can seek employment options through film studios, VFX and animation studios, news channels, established YouTube Channels, Internet companies, and so on. Here are some top recruiting studios in India for candidates' reference:
| Camera Handling and Lighting Top Recruiters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Red Chillies Entertainment | T-Series Super Cassettes Industries Ltd. | Tata Elxsi |
| Reliance MediaWorks | Eros International | UTV Motion Pictures |
| Garage Productions | Saregama India Limited | Pixar Animation Studios |
| EndemolShine India | Dharma Productions | Star Studios |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
Of course, a Cameraman can get a good salary package in India, depending on the industry they work for. The salary package also depends on the relevant experience, skills, location, and the employer.
Camera Handling and Lighting students are hired by Film Production Companies, Television Networks, Advertising Agencies, Photography Studios, Event Photography, Online Media, Corporate Video Production, etc. Camera professionals get jobs in these fields as both full-time employees and on contract-based projects.
Camera Handling and Lighting Course FAQs
Candidates can refer to this section for Camera Handling and Lighting course FAQs.
No, there's no need to gain any prior experience or knowledge to pursue a Camera Handling and Lighting course in India. You can apply for any Diploma or Certificate programme after Class 12 or graduation to learn Camera techniques.
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With a Camera Handling & Lighting course, you can learn many technical and non-technical things, such as camera operation, video editing, lighting techniques, composition, exposure, portfolio development, communication skills, attention to detail, and more.