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• on-camera
  on-camera

  adjective

  within the range of a motion-picture or television camera; while being filmed or televised.
• on camera
  on camera

  Being filmed, as in When the talk-show host began, I wasn't sure if we were on camera. This usage dates from the first half of the 1900s, soon after the birth of motion-picture and television filming. The same is true of the antonym off camera, meaning “outside the view of a movie or TV camera,” as in Go ahead and scratch—we're off camera now.

on-camera

American  

[on-kam-er-uh, -kam-ruh, awn-] / ˈɒnˈkæm ər ə, -ˈkæm rə, ˈɔn- /

adjective

1. within the range of a motion-picture or television camera; while being filmed or televised.

   on-camera blunders; The assassination happened on-camera.

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on camera Idioms  

1. Being filmed, as in When the talk-show host began, I wasn't sure if we were on camera. This usage dates from the first half of the 1900s, soon after the birth of motion-picture and television filming. The same is true of the antonym off camera, meaning “outside the view of a movie or TV camera,” as in Go ahead and scratch—we're off camera now.

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Etymology

Origin of on-camera

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Unlike the first film, where a smaller budget and the fear of incurring Anna Wintour’s wrath kept many fashion figures from appearing on-camera, the sequel goes all-out.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

But, as Nikita Mitchell explains, that isn't limited to big, on-camera set pieces.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

"I think she's doing a very good job," added Trump, in his first on-camera comments since the shooting on Saturday.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

Weiss believed the story needed more reporting, including an on-camera response from Trump White House officials.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2026

“Bad move on my part. By contract, Richard has final say on all on-camera promotions. I’m pretty certain I’ll be looking for another job as soon as Emily blows herself out.”

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith