camera
noun (countable)
UK/ˈkæm.rə/US/ˈkæm.rə/
A device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, film, or video signals.
Example Sentences
She used her new camera to capture stunning landscapes during her hike in the mountains.
The photographer adjusted the camera settings to ensure the perfect shot under the low light conditions.
They installed security cameras around the perimeter of the building to enhance safety and monitor activity.
With the rise of smartphones, many people now use their phone's camera for everyday photography.
The vintage camera she inherited from her grandfather still produces beautiful black-and-white photos.
He forgot to bring his camera on the trip, so he couldn't take any pictures of the breathtaking sunset.
Professional filmmakers rely on high-quality cameras to produce clear and detailed footage for their projects.
During the wedding, the cameraman skillfully navigated through the crowd to capture every special moment.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A tool for recording visual scenes, whether still photos or moving footage.“Camera” functions as a noun referring to an apparatus designed to capture still photographs or video. You might say, “I bought a new camera to take pictures on vacation,” or “She used her phone’s camera to record the concert.” Cameras range from basic smartphone lenses to professional DSLRs and mirrorless systems, each offering different levels of control over focus, exposure, and image quality. Film cameras rely on chemical processes to record images on celluloid, while digital cameras store data electronically on memory cards. When learning how to use a camera, you might experiment with settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to manage light and depth of field. Videographers can apply similar principles while considering frame rates and resolution. In everyday life, cameras appear nearly everywhere—security cameras, laptop webcams, or drones—allowing people to document events, stay connected, and express creativity. Whether you want a quick snapshot of friends or a professional portrait, the camera remains central to preserving memories and telling visual stories, bridging personal use, social media sharing, and cinematic art.
Alternatives
If you want alternatives or related terms, 'photo camera' or 'still camera' specify you’re focusing on photography rather than video. For professional moving-image capture, you might say 'video camera' or 'camcorder.' In film production, 'cinema camera' references higher-end equipment built for movie-making. 'Smartphone camera' emphasizes the integrated device on a phone. Historically, 'camera obscura' denotes the ancient optical principle that led to modern cameras, while 'pinhole camera' describes a simple camera with no lens. In casual conversation, synonyms like 'device for taking pictures' or 'photo-capturing device' are workable but less concise. In specialized contexts—like CCTV or security—'surveillance camera' or 'closed-circuit camera' might fit better. Each term clarifies the camera’s intended function, technology, or context, guiding readers or listeners toward the specific usage you have in mind.
Writing
When writing about a camera, hone in on the model, its features, and the kind of images it produces. In a technical review, highlight specifications—like sensor size, megapixel count, lens type, and unique capabilities such as low-light performance or high-speed burst modes. Provide insight on who might benefit: a casual photographer, a travel blogger, or a studio professional. In a narrative or journalistic piece, you can depict the camera’s role in capturing pivotal events—'She grabbed her camera just in time to document the protest’s crucial moment.' In how-to guides, detail steps for handling the camera, adjusting settings, and composing shots. Including examples—like changing aperture to achieve a blurred background—helps readers follow along. If you’re weaving the camera into a fictional context, consider how it becomes part of a character’s identity (like a dedicated photojournalist or an aspiring filmmaker), shaping both the story’s events and its visual tone. Whether practical, emotional, or symbolic, the camera signifies preserving memories, unleashing creativity, and viewing the world through a focused lens. Balance technical and thematic elements so your readers grasp why the camera matters in your text, from snapping a family portrait to filming a documentary.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, 'camera' usually pops up when sharing pictures, travel plans, or technology tips. Friends might say, 'Let me grab my camera,' before group photos or 'My phone camera takes amazing low-light shots now!' If you’re planning a trip, you might discuss packing a decent camera to capture landmarks or scenic hikes. When chatting about social media, someone might mention, 'I need a better camera to level up my Instagram feed.' At casual gatherings, people often rely on smartphone cameras instead of carrying dedicated devices. If you’re a hobbyist, you might share lens recommendations or brag about the camera body you just upgraded. In more spontaneous settings, 'turn on the camera' can apply to online video calls, bridging distance with a quick screen face-to-face. Overall, 'camera' in casual talk revolves around capturing moments, sharing experiences, or upgrading gear to enhance life’s daily snapshots. Whether you’re scrolling through last night’s group photos or anticipating the next adventure, cameras are closely tied to how we record and express our personal stories.
Etymology
The word 'camera' derives from the Latin phrase 'camera obscura,' meaning 'dark chamber.' Originally, 'camera obscura' referred to a room or box with a small opening through which light projected an inverted image of the outside scene. This concept, discovered centuries ago, laid the groundwork for modern photography. Early inventors like Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre refined the technology to imprint the projected image onto a light-sensitive medium, transitioning from the theoretical 'dark room' principle to practical image capture. Over time, the bulky original apparatus gave way to portable devices as lenses, shutter mechanisms, and chemical processes evolved. By the 19th century, the word 'camera' alone sufficed to indicate a device instead of a room or chamber. With the invention of digital sensors in the late 20th century, cameras shed the need for film, expanding into ubiquitous devices integrated into phones, computers, and security systems. Despite technological leaps, the notion of a camera still hinges on the same essential principle: channeling light through an aperture to create a lasting visual record.