camera
gb/kˈæmɚə/ us/kˈæmɚə/
A1
English
~ 2400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A1
entity
1
Device for photos or videos
A machine that takes pictures or records videos.
Usage pattern:
to use [a/the] camera
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'camera' with 'photograph' — the camera is the device, not the image itself.
Synonyms
photographic device (More technical and formal, used in specialized contexts.)
|
camcorder (Specifically refers to a portable camera for recording video.)
Antonyms
naked eye (Refers to seeing without any optical device.)
Collocations
digital camera
|security camera
|camera lens
|camera crew
|camera angle
Themes
technology
|media
|daily life
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She bought a new digital camera for her trip.
- The security camera recorded the whole incident.
- He adjusted the camera lens before taking the shot.
- The camera crew set up outside the building.
- Please look at the camera and smile.
Learner examples
- I have a new camera.
- The camera is on the table.
- He uses his camera every day.
- Please hold the camera still.
- She takes photos with her camera.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
2
Live video recording device
A machine that sends live video pictures to a screen or recording system.
Synonyms
webcam (Specifically refers to a small digital camera connected to a computer for internet use.)
Collocations
TV camera
|news camera
|web camera
|surveillance camera
Themes
technology
|media
|communication
|work
Examples
- The news camera was focused on the speaker.
- Security cameras monitor all entrances to the building.
- She turned off her web camera during the meeting.
Learner examples
- The TV camera shows the game.
- A web camera is on my laptop.
- The security camera watches the door.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
Optical chamber for image capture
The inside part of a device where light makes a picture.
Synonyms
camera obscura (Historical term for an early optical device.)
Collocations
camera body
|pinhole camera
Themes
science
|technology
Examples
- The light enters the camera through the lens and hits the sensor.
- Early scientists used a pinhole camera to study light.
- Dust inside the camera can affect image quality.
Learner examples
- Light goes into the camera to make a photo.
- The pinhole camera is very simple.
- Keep the inside of the camera clean.
Grammar
Dictionary form
camera
IPA
GB/kˈæmɚə/
US/kˈæmɚə/
Syllables & stress
cam - era (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cam)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: camera
- Plural: camerae, cameras
Word family
Forms
camerae
noun
cameras
noun
Core family
Related words
Advanced or less common
camerawork
noun
Expressions
look at the camera
1/lˈʊk ˈæt ðə kˈæmɚə/
fixed phrase
Direct gaze toward recording device
To face and look into the lens of a camera.
Examples
- Please look at the camera and smile.
- He told the children to look at the camera before taking the picture.
off camera
1/ˈɔf kˈæmɚə/
fixed phrase
Not visible in recording or broadcast
When someone or something is not being recorded by a video camera.
Examples
- The conversation took place off camera.
- He made a joke off camera that made everyone laugh.
on camera
1/ˈɔn kˈæmɚə/
fixed phrase
Being filmed or broadcast live
When someone or something is being recorded by a video camera.
Examples
- The actor looked nervous on camera.
- She refused to speak on camera during the interview.