Film production–how different is the quality of work between a seasoned cameraman and an amateur?

Sergio Fantasia: Film production–how different is the quality of work between a seasoned cameraman and an amateur?
I am coordinating a film project in collaboration with a top notch production company. I want to save money by hiring a cheap cameraman from a company who makes wedding videos (I’m in China and theres plenty of those kind of cheap local outfits) to do the filming and turning that film over to the production company to do the editing and post production. The alternative is to have that company do the filming as well as the editing and post production. The filming content includes shots of a school and student life at the school as well as individual interviews. I expect some sacrifice in quality by hiring a less qualified local, but I am assuming it will still be good enough to make a good project, especially with professional editing and post production. Is that a fair assumption? Any advice?

Answers and Views:

Answer by pandabunny
I think it would be fine as long as you use good quality film and make sure that you know your ins and outs of lighting.

Answer by Sam
I think it will be okay, because even though they are smaller, they have still done it before and have some knowledge. They aren’t ametuers, possibly less experienced but an ametuer would be like a college student.

Answer by penydred
The big difference would be …knowing your equipment and what it can do…
and the bigger difference is framing shots to maximize the impact in relation to the storyline. utilizing light, subject placement on the background is another skill you only get from doing.

Also aesthetic do they see like an artist….