cam ‧ e ‧ ra S2 W3 /ˈkæm ə rə/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1700-1800 ; Origin: camera obscura 'box with a hole through which an image is made to appear on the inside of the box' (18-21 centuries) , from Modern Latin , 'dark room' ; ⇨ ↑ chamber ]
1 . a piece of equipment used to take photographs or make films or television programmes ⇨ camcorder , video camera
on/off camera (=while a camera is recording or not recording)
The crime was caught on camera by police.
2 . in camera law a law case that is held in camera takes place secretly or privately
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ point a camera at somebody/something
A group of Japanese tourists were pointing their cameras at the cathedral.
▪ focus a camera on somebody/something (=point it very exactly at somebody/something)
The TV cameras were focused on his face.
▪ pose for the camera (=sit or stand in a position in order to be photographed)
Can you pose for the camera?
▪ be caught on camera (=be photographed, especially doing something wrong)
The boys were caught on camera leaving the station.
▪ load a camera (=put a film in it)
I had loaded my camera with a black and white film.
▪ set up a camera (=make a camera ready to use)
The team set up their cameras some distance from the animals.
▪ install a camera (=in a building or public place, for security)
Cameras have been installed on almost every street corner.
■ types of camera
▪ a digital camera (=an electronic camera that does not use film)
The magazine has a review of the best digital cameras.
▪ a compact camera (=a small, simple camera that uses film)
There are some very good compact cameras around.
▪ a video camera (=that records moving pictures)
They hired a video camera to use at their wedding.
▪ a television camera
He never felt comfortable in front of television cameras.
▪ a film/movie camera
Karl trained the movie camera on him.
▪ a security/surveillance camera (=a camera that takes photographs of people in buildings or public places)
He was seen on a car park security camera.
■ camera + NOUN
▪ a camera lens
A high quality camera lens is the key to taking good photographs.
▪ camera equipment
Camera equipment worth £3000 was stolen in the robbery.
▪ a camera case (=for carrying a camera in)
A camera case is essential for protecting your camera.
▪ a camera crew (=the people who work the cameras that make a film or programme)
We can provide a professional camera crew for any type of production.