What is camera? Pronunciation and usage in English

camera means . Learn how to pronounce and use camera through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of camera

cameranoun

/ˈkam(ə)rə/
Definition & pronunciation of camera

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "camera" in English. It's a tricky one because it's not always how it looks!

Here's the most common and generally accepted pronunciation:

** /ˈkæ.m.ə/ (KAHM-uh)**

Let's break that down:

  • ˈkæ: This is the first syllable. The "a" makes a short, open "ah" sound, like in the word "father."
  • m: This is a simple "m" sound.
  • ə: This is a schwa sound. It's a very weak, unstressed vowel sound. Think of how you say "about" – that's a similar sound. It’s often described as a neutral, barely-there vowel.

Important Notes:

  • It's NOT "cam-er-a." That's a very common mistake. The stress is on the first syllable.
  • The 'a' in 'camera' is not like the 'a' in 'cat'. It's a short, open "ah" sound.

Resources to hear it:

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Usage and examples with the word camera in English

Let's break down how to use the word "camera" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word!

1. The Basics: What is a Camera?

At its core, a camera is a device that captures images or videos. It does this by focusing light onto a sensor (film in older cameras, a digital sensor in modern ones).

2. Different Types of Cameras:

  • Digital Camera: This is the most common type today. It captures images electronically and stores them on a memory card. Examples: DSLR, mirrorless camera, point-and-shoot camera, webcam.
  • Film Camera: These use physical film to record images. They're becoming more popular for their aesthetic and tactile experience.
  • Smartphone Camera: Nearly every smartphone has a built-in camera.
  • Security Camera: Used for surveillance, often with recording capabilities.
  • Instant Camera (Polaroid, Instax): Prints photos immediately after taking them.

3. How to Use "Camera" in Sentences:

Here’s a breakdown of how to use “camera” in various contexts, with examples:

  • As a Noun (the primary use):

    • "I took a picture with my camera." (Referring to the device)
    • "She's a professional camera operator." (Referring to the person)
    • "Do you have a camera to take a photo of us?" (Referring to the device)
    • "The camera lens needs cleaning." (Referring to a part of the camera)
    • "That camera is very expensive." (Referring to the whole device)

  • “Take a picture/photo with the camera”: This is a very common phrase.

    • "Take a picture with your camera before we leave."

  • “Camera shot” (in filmmaking/video): This refers to a specific type of shot in video production.

    • "The director used a wide camera shot to show the landscape."

  • “Camera angle” (in filmmaking/video): Describes the perspective of the shot.

    • "The camera angle gave her a menacing look."

  • "Camera work" (in filmmaking/video): Refers to the overall execution of shots and camera movements.

    • "The camera work in this movie is incredible."

  • Figurative Use (less common, but possible): Sometimes "camera" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is observed or scrutinized. (This is less frequent in everyday speech.)

    • "The media were acting like a camera, constantly recording everything." (Meaning they were intently focused on and documenting everything.)

4. Common Phrases Using "Camera":

  • "Camera ready": Prepared and ready for a photo or recording. “I’m camera ready for the party!”
  • "Camera shy": Someone who is uncomfortable being photographed or filmed.
  • "Camera obscura": An early form of camera (a darkened room with a small hole that projects an image onto a surface).
  • "Camera roll" / "Photo roll": The collection of photos on a digital camera or phone.

5. Tips for Clarity:

  • Be specific: When you’re talking about a camera, it’s good to be a little more specific about the type of camera you mean. "I have a digital camera," or "I'm using my smartphone camera."
  • Context is key: The meaning of "camera" will usually be clear from the context of the conversation.

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Synonyms for the word camera

Idioms of the word camera

in camera
(law)in a judge’s private room, without the press or the public being present
  • The trial was held in camera.
off camera
without a camera recording what is happening
  • The incident occurred off camera.
on camera
while a camera is recording what is happening
  • Are you prepared to tell your story on camera?
  • The moment was caught on camera.

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