candid camera

American  

noun

1. a small, handy camera, especially one having a fast lens for informal pictures.

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candid camera British  

noun

1. 1. a small camera that may be used to take informal photographs of people, usually without their knowledge

   2. ( as modifier )

      a candid-camera photograph

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Etymology

Origin of candid camera

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

It’s like when you catch someone on a candid camera, like a candid film or video; it’s very revealing.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2025

Was that a flash of the candid camera that caught you slipping through on red?

From Washington Times • Apr. 21, 2021

The incident, it turned out, was a shockingly cruel prank – : the kidnappers were a candid camera crew from the state-run Ennahar television TV station.

From The Guardian • Feb. 16, 2018

Here are some select quotes from the poop Peep emoji recipe that really made me wonder if the whole thing is just a prank and there is a candid camera set up in my kitchen:

From The Verge • Mar. 22, 2016

I’ve always shot film, but digital is the only way that I can work in the studio, because I sort of approach using the studio camera like a candid camera.

From New York Times • Mar. 19, 2010