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

Supporters of Kelly argued she was just speaking from personal experience in television news, where producers and anchors often discuss on-camera presence.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 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

Then Madden recounts in harrowing detail the killing in an on-camera interview Mason arranged after striking up a written correspondence with her.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

There’s no on-camera host prodding the homicide victim’s mother to cry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

I clap, too, until I realize I’m the on-camera talent and maybe it’s obnoxious that I’m applauding for myself, but no one’s paying attention.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins