Definition

Noun: A device that records a rapid series of still photographs on film or digitally. When these photographs (frames) are played back in quick succession, they create the illusion of continuous motion. It is the primary tool for capturing live-action footage for films, television, and video.

Usage

The term "movie camera" specifically refers to the recording apparatus itself. It is used to describe the equipment, its function, and its role in filmmaking. * The director checked the movie camera before shouting "action!" * Early movie cameras used celluloid film. * His job was to operate the movie camera on set.

Examples

• The invention of the portable movie camera revolutionized documentary filmmaking.
• We need to load a new reel of film into the movie camera.
• Modern digital movie cameras often record in very high resolution.

Advanced Usage

• As a historical or technical term: The phrase is often used to distinguish traditional film cameras from digital video cameras or still cameras.
  • The museum had an exhibit on the evolution of the movie camera from the 1890s to the present.
• In compound nouns (listed separately below): The core term "movie camera" can be part of specialized terms like "movie camera operator."

Variants and Related Words

• Film camera: A near-synonym, emphasizing the use of physical film stock.
• Cine-camera: A chiefly British term with the same meaning.
• Motion picture camera: A more formal synonym.
• Video camera: A related device that records electronic moving images, typically not using photographic film. While functionally similar for recording motion, "video camera" is a distinct term.
• Camcorder: A portable combined video camera and recorder.

Synonyms

• Film camera
• Motion picture camera
• Cine-camera

Antonyms

• Still camera (a camera designed to take single, unmoving photographs)

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Movie camera operator: The person who physically controls the camera during filming.
  • The movie camera operator followed the actor with a smooth tracking shot.

Noun

1. a camera that takes a sequence of photographs that can give the illusion of motion when viewed in rapid succession