摄像机

• Pinyin: shè xiàng jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 摄像 = video recording; 机 = 木 (wood) + 几 (small table, phonetic)

Meaning

Video camera; camcorder.

Refers to devices that record video, from professional broadcast cameras to consumer camcorders. Different from 照相机 (still camera) and 摄像头 (webcam/security camera). Still commonly used despite smartphone prevalence in professional contexts.

Examples

1. 这台摄像机是专业级别的，画质非常清晰。 This video camera is professional-grade — the image quality is very clear.
2. 记者扛着摄像机在现场进行直播报道。 The reporter carried a video camera to broadcast live from the scene.
3. 早期的摄像机又大又重，现在轻便多了。 Early video cameras were big and heavy, but now they're much lighter.

Usage Guide

Context: media, professional, technology

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 我们需要租一台摄像机。(We need to rent a video camera.)
• 摄像机镜头对准了舞台。(The camera lens was aimed at the stage.)

Don't Say

• 用摄像机拍照片 — while technically possible, use 照相机 or 相机 for still photography

Origin & History

Compound of 摄像 (video recording) + 机 (machine), meaning a machine for recording video.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal