camera
6 synonyms for camera, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A device used to take photographs or record video.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use camera
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
on camera
camera lens
security camera
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin camera ("chamber"); the device sense is short for camera obscura, Latin for "dark chamber."
Full origin of camera →Frequently asked questions
What does “camera” mean?
The word “camera” means a device used to take photographs or record video. In plain terms, usually the device you take photos or video with; occasionally a legal term for a private courtroom session.
How do you pronounce “camera”?
“Camera” is pronounced KA-muh-ruh (/ˈkæməɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “camera” in a sentence?
Here is “camera” used in a sentence: “He grabbed his camera to photograph the sunset.”
What part of speech is “camera”?
“Camera” is a noun.
Where does the word “camera” come from?
The word “camera” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin camera ("chamber"); the device sense is short for camera obscura, Latin for "dark chamber.".
Is “camera” a common word?
“Camera” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “camera” have?
“Camera” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device used to take photographs or record video.
What are the different types of cameras?
Common types include DSLR and mirrorless cameras favored by enthusiasts, compact 'point-and-shoot' cameras, and the smartphone cameras most people use daily. Others are built for specific jobs — action cameras for sports, instant cameras that print photos, and traditional film cameras still valued by hobbyists.
What is the difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera?
A DSLR uses a mirror to reflect light from the lens up into an optical viewfinder. A mirrorless camera removes that mirror, showing the image on a digital screen or electronic viewfinder instead. Mirrorless bodies are usually smaller and lighter, which is why they have grown so popular.
How does a camera work?
Light passes through the lens, which focuses it onto a light-sensitive surface — a digital sensor in modern cameras, or film in older ones. The shutter controls how long that surface is exposed. The captured light is then recorded as a photograph or, frame by frame, as video.
