video camera: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B1
UK/ˈvɪd.i.əʊ ˌkæm.rə/US/ˈvɪd.i.oʊ ˌkæm.rə/

Neutral (used across formal, informal, technical, and everyday contexts)

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “video camera” mean?

A device that records moving visual images, typically with accompanying sound, onto magnetic tape, memory card, or other storage medium.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A device that records moving visual images, typically with accompanying sound, onto magnetic tape, memory card, or other storage medium.

Any device (including those in smartphones, computers, or specialized equipment) capable of capturing moving images and sound for recording or live transmission. The term can also refer conceptually to surveillance or monitoring equipment.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage is largely identical. Historically, 'camcorder' was a common synonym, especially in marketing, but this distinction has faded with digital convergence.

Connotations

Neutral in both varieties. No significant difference in connotation.

Frequency

Equally frequent in both UK and US English. The rise of smartphones has made 'camera' alone often sufficient, with 'video' implied by context.

Grammar

How to Use “video camera” in a Sentence

use [a video camera]record [something] with [a video camera][a video camera] is mounted on [something]capture [footage] on [a video camera]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
digital video camerahandheld video cameraprofessional video camerasurveillance video camera
medium
buy a video cameraoperate a video camerapoint the video cameravideo camera footage
weak
small video cameraold video cameravideo camera batteryvideo camera case

Examples

Examples of “video camera” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • We need to video-camera the entire ceremony for the archives.
  • He was video-cameraed entering the building. (rare, journalistic)

American English

  • The team will video camera the interview for the website.
  • The protest was video-cameraed by several bystanders. (rare)

adverb

British English

  • (Not standard; no common adverbial use)

American English

  • (Not standard; no common adverbial use)

adjective

British English

  • She bought a new video-camera accessory.
  • The video-camera technology has improved.

American English

  • He works in the video-camera industry.
  • We discussed video-camera specifications.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to equipment for corporate training, presentations, or security monitoring.

Academic

Used in media studies, film production courses, and research involving visual data collection.

Everyday

Commonly refers to devices for recording family events, holidays, or personal content.

Technical

Specifies sensor type, resolution, codec, and connectivity in film/TV production or engineering.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “video camera”

Strong

camcordervideo recorder (when context implies camera)

Neutral

camcordermovie camerarecording camera

Weak

camera (when context implies video)filming equipmentrecording device

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “video camera”

still cameraphotographic camera

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “video camera”

  • Using 'video' alone as a countable noun for the device (e.g., 'I bought a new video' – ambiguous).
  • Misspelling as 'videocamera' (should be two words or hyphenated: video-camera).
  • Confusing 'film camera' (for photographic film) with 'video camera' (for electronic recording).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is most correctly written as two words ('video camera'). A hyphenated form ('video-camera') is sometimes seen when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., video-camera equipment).

Historically, a 'camcorder' combined a video camera and a video recorder in one unit (e.g., recording to tape). A 'video camera' could be a camera unit alone. In modern digital usage, the terms are largely synonymous, though 'camcorder' can sound slightly dated.

Often, yes, but it depends on context. If the context clearly involves motion pictures (e.g., 'Let's film this'), 'camera' is sufficient. If you need to distinguish from a stills camera, use the full term 'video camera'.

Yes, the primary difference is in the second syllable. British English typically uses /ˈvɪd.i.əʊ/ (ending with a diphthong similar to 'oh'), while American English uses /ˈvɪd.i.oʊ/ (a similar diphthong, often perceived as longer or more pronounced). The stress pattern remains the same.

A device that records moving visual images, typically with accompanying sound, onto magnetic tape, memory card, or other storage medium.

Video camera is usually neutral (used across formal, informal, technical, and everyday contexts) in register.

Video camera: in British English it is pronounced /ˈvɪd.i.əʊ ˌkæm.rə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈvɪd.i.oʊ ˌkæm.rə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • on camera
  • caught on camera
  • camera-shy (extended to video)

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'VIDEO' for moving pictures + 'CAMERA' for capturing them. 'I see a video, I use a camera'.

Conceptual Metaphor

AN EYE THAT RECORDS (e.g., 'The video camera witnessed the entire event').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Before smartphones, people often carried a separate to record their holidays.
Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the LEAST accurate synonym for 'video camera' in modern usage?

video camera: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore