How much does videography cost in Canada?
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.
Key takeaways
- Most videography jobs in Canada land between CA$500–CA$12,000 — known locally as videographer.
- Videography is unlicensed in Canada, but commercial drone footage requires a Transport Canada pilot certificate and a registered drone, and music must be licensed.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Videography prices by job size in Canada
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day event coverage Single videographer, a few hours of filming plus basic edit | CA$500 | CA$900 | CA$1,800 |
| Full-day shoot (single videographer) Full day of filming with an edited highlight video | CA$1,200 | CA$2,200 | CA$4,500 |
| Corporate / promo video (edited deliverable) Scripted shoot with crew and a polished edited video | CA$2,500 | CA$5,000 | CA$12,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour | CA$100 | CA$175 | CA$350 |
| per day | CA$1,200 | CA$2,200 | CA$4,500 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Canada typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a videography pro in Canada
- Watch full sample videos in your style
- Get deliverables spec'd: number and length of edited videos, revision rounds
- Confirm usage rights and whether raw footage is included
- If using aerial footage, confirm a Transport Canada certified drone pilot
- Agree music licensing
- Check insurance and get a written contract with a deposit
Red flags
- One-line day rate with no deliverable spec
- 'Unlimited revisions' with vague scope
- Drone footage from an uncertified pilot
- No usage-rights clause
- Full payment before delivery
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to CAD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Extrapolated from US videographer pricing adjusted to CAD market.
Frequently asked questions
What should a videography quote include?
Shoot time, crew size, equipment (cameras, audio, lighting, drone if used), number of edited deliverables and their length, revision rounds, music licensing, usage rights, and delivery format and timeline. A one-line day rate with no deliverable spec is a red flag.
Who owns the footage and the final video?
Clarify this in writing. Usually the videographer licenses the final edit to you for agreed uses, and raw footage is extra or retained. If you need full ownership or broad usage rights (ads, broadcast), say so up front — it affects price and the contract.
Do I need a licensed drone operator?
If your video includes aerial footage, yes — commercial drone flying requires a licensed/certified operator in most countries, plus insurance and airspace permissions. Don't let someone fly a drone for paid work without the right certification; it's a legal and safety risk.
How many revisions are normal?
Two rounds is the industry standard, stated in the contract. 'Unlimited revisions' sounds generous but signals weak scope and often stalls projects. Consolidate your feedback into each round rather than drip-feeding changes, which burns paid time.
One videographer or a full crew?
A single videographer suits interviews, small events and social content. A crew (second camera, dedicated audio, lighting) is worth it for multi-location shoots, live events you can't re-shoot, and high-production promos. Match the crew to the stakes of the footage.
How much does videography cost?
It scales with crew, kit and post-production. A half-day single-videographer event shoot is the entry point; a full day costs more; a scripted corporate or promo video with a crew, multi-camera setup and edited deliverable is the top of the range. Editing time is often a large, separate part of the bill.
Why does editing cost so much?
Because it's where most of the hours go. A day of filming can take several days to edit — cutting, colour grading, sound, motion graphics and revisions. When comparing quotes, check how much edited footage you get and how many revision rounds are included, not just the shoot day rate.
What does a videographer cost in Canada?
Half-day shoots typically run CAD 500-1,800, full days CAD 1,200-4,500, and corporate videos CAD 2,500-12,000.
Free, no obligation. Sign in with Google to send your request.