In short: A digital imaging technician, or DIT, supports the director of photography on the digital side of the camera. They advise on exposure and contrast, check the footage as it is recorded, apply a colour look to preview the picture, and make viewable files for the director. They also manage data and backups, or oversee a data wrangler who does. On a small shoot the job is often folded into the camera team.
A DIT looks after the digital side of the camera: the look the director of photography sees, the checking and backing up of footage, and the files the director and editor get. The role grew with digital cameras, and the DIT is now the person who makes sure what was shot is safe and usable.
What a DIT does on a shoot day
- Advise on exposure and contrast. Digital sensors behave differently from film, so the DIT helps the director of photography judge the picture on set.
- Watch the shots. The DIT watches the monitor and alerts the camera crew to soft focus, framing problems or unwanted reflections and shadows. Pulling focus and framing stay with the camera team.
- Check the recorded footage. Every card is checked after it is shot, so a fault is found before the set is struck.
- Apply a look for preview. The DIT applies colour to the picture, leaving the original files untouched, so the director sees roughly the intended grade.
- Make viewable files. These are for the director and the edit, and the DIT keeps them consistent with the masters.
- Make reference shots. Stills for make-up, costume and the script supervisor help the crew keep continuity.
Who they work with
The DIT works mainly with the camera department and stands beside the director of photography. The second assistant camera, or clapper loader, hands cards over for checking and copying, and on larger productions a data wrangler assists them. The second assistant director keeps them informed of the schedule. The DIT also supports make-up, costume and the script supervisor with reference shots. The director of photography sets the look and the DIT carries it out and flags technical problems.
For the wider camera team, see what a focus puller does.
Kit and skills
The DIT brings a laptop, card readers, storage drives and the monitoring the director of photography needs. The production usually supplies the camera. Skills that matter most:
- Understanding how the camera records, and what each format means for storage and grading.
- A disciplined data routine, with checksums and backups to at least two places before cards are cleared. Our data wrangling checklist sets out one approach.
- Judging exposure and colour on a monitor, and knowing how the monitor can mislead.
- Calm under pressure, because a problem found late can cost a whole day.
- Clear notes, so the edit team knows what each file is.
How to become a DIT
ScreenSkills says DITs usually progress up through the camera department. The route it describes runs like this:
- Camera trainee. Start in the camera department through a trainee scheme. ScreenSkills' Trainee Finder and the Guild of British Camera Technicians both run schemes.
- Education. A-levels or Highers in art, design or graphic communication with maths and physics are useful, as are Level 3 vocational qualifications, T Levels in media or art and design, and a film or TV degree.
- Training. ScreenSkills recommends courses it has awarded its Select mark to, and its free e-learning, including the Passport modules.
- Experience. Build a portfolio of shot and graded work, and work as a kit runner or driver at an equipment rental company.
- Bectu. The union offers reduced membership fees for new entrants, and its advice covers fair rates and safety training.
Do you need one on a small shoot?
- A single-camera talking head: usually not. The operator can back up footage, and a simple look needs no grading.
- A multi-day shoot with a lot of data: yes, to keep the cards safe and the files in order.
- A shoot where the look is critical or the footage goes to a colourist: yes, because the DIT's notes and viewable files save time in the grade.
For camera crew on a studio day, our camera crew hire page explains how camera crew is booked.
Related roles
Sources
- ScreenSkills, Digital imaging technician (DIT), film and TV drama job profile, read 5 November 2026
- Bectu, Runners and new entrants, read 5 November 2026
Related guides
Questions we get asked
What does a DIT do on a film set?
A DIT advises the director of photography on exposure and the look, checks recorded footage, manages the data and backups, and makes viewable files for the director. They also provide reference shots for make-up, costume and the script supervisor.
How do you become a DIT in the UK?
Most DITs progress through the camera department, starting as a camera trainee. ScreenSkills describes trainee schemes, Level 3 courses and recognised training courses, and a degree is not essential.
Do you need a DIT on a small shoot?
Not always. On a small single-camera shoot the operator can often back up their own footage. A DIT is worth it when the look matters a great deal, there is a lot of data, or the footage goes to a colourist.
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