How to say "camera" in Japanese

• カメラJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounThe common word for a camera: a device for taking photographs. Use it in ordinary contexts such as buying a camera, carrying one around, or talking about pictures you have taken.
  おじさんがぼくにカメラをくれました。↗

  My uncle gave me a camera.
• 撮像機さつぞうき
  nounA less common, technical term for a camera as an optical image-capturing device. In ordinary conversation it is seldom the word you want; カメラ covers the everyday sense.

For the ordinary device that takes photographs, 「カメラ」 is the word you want; 撮像機 is a less common, technical term for a camera as an optical image-capturing device, so it is rarely what everyday speech calls for.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• カメラcamera
• 撮像機さつぞうきcamera (photo, optical)
• 写真機しゃしんき(photographic) camera