camera
/ˈkæm.rə/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
A device that records photographs or video. It captures images using a lens and digital sensor or film.
- I took a photo with my camera.
- Her camera has a very clear zoom lens.
- The camera recorded the whole event.
- 2.
A television or film camera used for recording people, places, or action.
- The actor looked straight into the camera.
- Please move away from the camera.
- The cameras were rolling before the show started.
Adinary Nuance
A camera is the device itself, not the image or the app. It is more specific than phone or device, because those can do many things. In spoken English, people may say camera even when they mean the one on a phone.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- máy ảnh
- Spanish
- cámara
- Chinese
- 相机
- Japanese
- カメラ
- Korean
- 카메라
Etymology
Camera comes from Latin camera, meaning “a vaulted room” or “chamber.” In English, it was first used for early devices that formed images inside a dark chamber.
Common phrases
digital cameracamera lenscamera anglecamera crew
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is camera the same as a phone camera?
- Not exactly. A phone camera is the camera built into a phone.
- Can I use camera for video too?
- Yes. Camera can mean a device that records both photos and video.
- Is camera a common word in business writing?
- Yes, when you talk about filming, security, or product photos.