video camera: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (used across formal, informal, technical, and everyday contexts)
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
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
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “video 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
Which of the following is the LEAST accurate synonym for 'video camera' in modern usage?