What is camera? Pronunciation and usage in English

camera means . Learn how to pronounce and use camera through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of camera

cameranoun

/ˈkam(ə)rə/
Definition & pronunciation of camera

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "camera" in English. It's a tricky one because it's not always how it looks!

Here's the most common and generally accepted pronunciation:

** /ˈkæ.m.ə/ (KAHM-uh)**

Let's break that down:

  • ˈkæ: This is the first syllable. The "a" makes a short, open "ah" sound, like in the word "father."
  • m: This is a simple "m" sound.
  • ə: This is a schwa sound. It's a very weak, unstressed vowel sound. Think of how you say "about" – that's a similar sound. It’s often described as a neutral, barely-there vowel.

Important Notes:

  • It's NOT "cam-er-a." That's a very common mistake. The stress is on the first syllable.
  • The 'a' in 'camera' is not like the 'a' in 'cat'. It's a short, open "ah" sound.

Resources to hear it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a different example word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word camera in English

Let's break down how to use the word "camera" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word!

1. The Basics: What is a Camera?

At its core, a camera is a device that captures images or videos. It does this by focusing light onto a sensor (film in older cameras, a digital sensor in modern ones).

2. Different Types of Cameras:

  • Digital Camera: This is the most common type today. It captures images electronically and stores them on a memory card. Examples: DSLR, mirrorless camera, point-and-shoot camera, webcam.
  • Film Camera: These use physical film to record images. They're becoming more popular for their aesthetic and tactile experience.
  • Smartphone Camera: Nearly every smartphone has a built-in camera.
  • Security Camera: Used for surveillance, often with recording capabilities.
  • Instant Camera (Polaroid, Instax): Prints photos immediately after taking them.

3. How to Use "Camera" in Sentences:

Here’s a breakdown of how to use “camera” in various contexts, with examples:

  • As a Noun (the primary use):

    • "I took a picture with my camera." (Referring to the device)
    • "She's a professional camera operator." (Referring to the person)
    • "Do you have a camera to take a photo of us?" (Referring to the device)
    • "The camera lens needs cleaning." (Referring to a part of the camera)
    • "That camera is very expensive." (Referring to the whole device)

  • “Take a picture/photo with the camera”: This is a very common phrase.

    • "Take a picture with your camera before we leave."

  • “Camera shot” (in filmmaking/video): This refers to a specific type of shot in video production.

    • "The director used a wide camera shot to show the landscape."

  • “Camera angle” (in filmmaking/video): Describes the perspective of the shot.

    • "The camera angle gave her a menacing look."

  • "Camera work" (in filmmaking/video): Refers to the overall execution of shots and camera movements.

    • "The camera work in this movie is incredible."

  • Figurative Use (less common, but possible): Sometimes "camera" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is observed or scrutinized. (This is less frequent in everyday speech.)

    • "The media were acting like a camera, constantly recording everything." (Meaning they were intently focused on and documenting everything.)

4. Common Phrases Using "Camera":

  • "Camera ready": Prepared and ready for a photo or recording. “I’m camera ready for the party!”
  • "Camera shy": Someone who is uncomfortable being photographed or filmed.
  • "Camera obscura": An early form of camera (a darkened room with a small hole that projects an image onto a surface).
  • "Camera roll" / "Photo roll": The collection of photos on a digital camera or phone.

5. Tips for Clarity:

  • Be specific: When you’re talking about a camera, it’s good to be a little more specific about the type of camera you mean. "I have a digital camera," or "I'm using my smartphone camera."
  • Context is key: The meaning of "camera" will usually be clear from the context of the conversation.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "camera" in specific situations?
  • Explain the technical aspects of cameras a little further (e.g., aperture, shutter speed)?
  • Help you write a sentence using the word “camera”?

Synonyms for the word camera

Idioms of the word camera

in camera
(law)in a judge’s private room, without the press or the public being present
  • The trial was held in camera.
off camera
without a camera recording what is happening
  • The incident occurred off camera.
on camera
while a camera is recording what is happening
  • Are you prepared to tell your story on camera?
  • The moment was caught on camera.

Practice with vocabulary camera

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She forgot to bring her _____ to the event, so she used her phone to take pictures.
  2. The director asked the crew to set up the _____ on the tripod before filming began.
  3. He loves experimenting with different _____ techniques to capture stunning landscapes.
  4. The security team installed a _____ in the hallway to monitor activity.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What device is commonly used to take photos?
    a) Microphone
    b) Camera
    c) Telescope
    d) Scanner

  2. Which of the following is essential for professional photography?
    a) Printer
    b) Lens
    c) Camera
    d) Tripod

  3. What is used to record videos during a movie production?
    a) Camera
    b) Headphones
    c) Keyboard
    d) Flashlight

  4. Which device is used to zoom in on distant objects?
    a) Binoculars
    b) Camera
    c) Microscope
    d) Printer

  5. What is commonly used to capture memories at a wedding?
    a) Microphone
    b) Camera
    c) Speaker
    d) Headphones

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The photographer adjusted the device to capture the perfect shot.
    Rewrite: The photographer adjusted the _____ to capture the perfect shot.

  2. Original: She held the gadget steadily to avoid blurry images.
    Rewrite: She held the _____ steadily to avoid blurry images.

  3. Original: The studio invested in high-quality equipment for better photo production.
    Rewrite: The studio invested in a high-quality _____ for better photo production.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. Camera
  2. Camera
  3. Photography
  4. Security camera

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Camera
  2. c) Camera
  3. a) Camera
  4. a) Binoculars
  5. b) Camera

Exercise 3:

  1. The photographer adjusted the camera to capture the perfect shot.
  2. She held the camera steadily to avoid blurry images.
  3. The studio invested in a high-quality camera for better photo production.

Comment ()