movie camera: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral, technical
Quick answer
What does “movie camera” mean?
A device used to record moving pictures onto film or, in modern usage, digitally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device used to record moving pictures onto film or, in modern usage, digitally.
Any professional or amateur camera designed specifically for recording motion pictures, as distinct from a still camera.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'cine-camera' is a dated alternative. In American English, 'movie camera' is more consistently used for professional film equipment.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with film-making; slightly nostalgic in both, referencing pre-digital era.
Frequency
More frequent in American English; in British English, 'film camera' or 'video camera' may be used depending on context.
Grammar
How to Use “movie camera” in a Sentence
operate a movie cameraload the movie camerafilm with a movie camerapoint the movie camera atVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “movie camera” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to movie-camera the entire event.
- He movie-camera'd the scene beautifully.
American English
- They movie-camera'd the parade.
- She movie-camera'd the interview.
adverb
British English
- He filmed the scene movie-camera style.
- She moved movie-camera smoothly.
American English
- They shot it movie-camera quick.
- He operates movie-camera professionally.
adjective
British English
- The movie-camera industry has evolved.
- It was a movie-camera moment.
American English
- Movie-camera technology is advancing.
- He has a movie-camera eye for detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to equipment in film production budgets.
Academic
Used in film studies discussing technological history.
Everyday
Describes old family recording equipment or hobbyist gear.
Technical
Specifies frame rates, gate size, and film stock compatibility.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “movie camera”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “movie camera”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “movie camera”
- Using 'movie camera' for a smartphone video function.
- Confusing 'movie camera' with 'projector'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, no. A movie camera uses photographic film, while a video camera records electronically. Today, the terms sometimes blur, but 'movie camera' often implies higher-end, professional film or digital cinema equipment.
It would be unusual and imprecise. 'Movie camera' typically refers to a dedicated device. 'Phone camera' or 'shooting video on my phone' is more natural.
American English uses 'movie camera' more consistently. British English might use 'film camera' in the same context, and 'cine-camera' is a dated British alternative.
The term 'movie' (short for 'moving picture') originated in American English and became the dominant colloquial term, hence 'movie camera'. In British English, 'film' was more common, leading to 'film camera'.
A device used to record moving pictures onto film or, in modern usage, digitally.
Movie camera is usually neutral, technical in register.
Movie camera: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmuːvi ˌkæm(ə)rə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmuːvi ˌkæm(ə)rə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lights, camera, action!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MOVIE CAMERA: Moving Images Captured And Made Eternal, Recording Action.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TIME CAPSULE FOR MOTION.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is LEAST likely to be used interchangeably with 'movie camera' in a modern professional context?