digital camera: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “digital camera” mean?
A camera that records and stores photographs electronically on a memory card rather than using film.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A camera that records and stores photographs electronically on a memory card rather than using film.
Any electronic device capable of capturing still images or video in digital format, encompassing devices from dedicated cameras to those integrated into smartphones and other electronics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the same term. Spelling differences follow general rules (e.g., 'memorise' vs. 'memorize' in related contexts).
Connotations
None specific to either variety.
Frequency
Equally common and standard in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “digital camera” in a Sentence
[subject] uses a digital camera[subject] takes photos with a digital camera[object] was captured on a digital cameraVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digital camera” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to digital camera the entire event, but realised she'd left her SD card at home. (informal/non-standard)
American English
- He tried to digital camera the sunset, but his phone was out of battery. (informal/non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The digital-camera market has been shrinking due to smartphones. (compound adjective)
American English
- Their digital-camera skills have improved immensely. (compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a product category in retail, electronics manufacturing, and marketing.
Academic
Used in papers on media studies, visual anthropology, and the history of technology.
Everyday
Commonly discussed when sharing photos, planning holidays, or shopping for electronics.
Technical
Specifications involve sensor size, megapixels, ISO range, and optical vs. digital zoom.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digital camera”
- Using 'digital camera' to refer exclusively to DSLRs (it includes compacts, bridge cameras, etc.).
- Saying 'I will develop pictures from my digital camera' (you print or share them, not 'develop').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) is a type of digital camera with a specific mirror and optical viewfinder system. 'Digital camera' is the broader category that includes DSLRs, mirrorless, compact, and bridge cameras.
Technically, yes, as it captures digital images. However, in everyday language, 'digital camera' typically implies a dedicated device separate from a phone, used primarily for photography.
No, that is their defining characteristic. They capture images electronically using an image sensor and store them digitally on memory cards or internal storage.
The integrated cameras in smartphones have largely replaced compact digital cameras for everyday, casual photography due to convenience, connectivity, and improving quality.
A camera that records and stores photographs electronically on a memory card rather than using film.
Digital camera is usually neutral in register.
Digital camera: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl ˈkæm.rə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.t̬əl ˈkæm.rə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The best camera is the one you have with you (proverb, often applied to phone cameras vs. digital cameras).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIGITAL CAMERA = 'Digits' (numbers/computers) + 'Camera' (picture taker). It captures pictures as digital numbers, not on film.
Conceptual Metaphor
A digital camera is a computer with a lens. (Highlights its primary function as data processing/electronic capture).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction of a digital camera?