set the camera

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'set the camera' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is preparing a camera to take a photo or video. For example: "The photographer set the camera and adjusted the settings before snapping the picture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Set the camera settings to get the best photos.

WikiHow

Set the camera to manual mode and adjust the camera settings (brightness and gain) to the dynamic range of the acquisition board (8-bit resolution) for most tube cameras.

Biological Procedures Online

But the core of Welles's revolution was to set the camera free, physically and dramatically.

The New Yorker

One week Robby wasn't there and I set the camera and did a frame.

The Guardian - Film

The guide tells beginners (or rusty intermediates) how to set the camera to get specific types of shots.

The New York Times

You can set the camera to automatically snap the shutter when the pet turns its face toward the camera.

The New York Times

Which says you should therefore set the camera up to do black-and-white," said Mr. Versace.

The New York Times

But if you set the camera to "free run" or "time of day," the time-code rolls continuously; the footage is stamped with, yes, the time of day.

The New York Times

To use the Wi-Fi feature, you first have to set the camera to be recognized on your network – that may mean entering a password.

The New York Times

He would cast brilliantly and he knew where to set the camera, you could tell volumes just by where he put the camera.

The Guardian - Film

But before you can use that four-button system, you have to set the camera, which involves considerably more than four button presses.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set the camera", consider specifying what settings are being adjusted or what position the camera is being placed in for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "set the camera" without context. Instead of saying, "He set the camera," specify what aspects were adjusted, such as, "He set the camera to manual mode."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the camera" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of preparing or configuring a camera for use. Ludwig examples show it is commonly used when detailing photography techniques or camera setup procedures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

31%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set the camera" is a common and grammatically sound instruction or description related to photography and videography. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately conveys the act of preparing a camera for use, whether that involves adjusting settings, positioning the device, or initiating recording. This phrase appears frequently in news media, how-to guides on Wiki, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, specifying what settings are being adjusted enhances clarity. When communicating about photography or videography, "set the camera" provides a clear and widely understood starting point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare the camera

Focuses on getting the camera ready for use.

configure the camera

Focuses on the act of adjusting the camera's settings.

ready the camera

Implies making the camera available and operational for immediate use.

get the camera ready

Emphasizes the process of ensuring the camera is fully prepared.

adjust camera settings

Highlights the modification of various parameters for optimal capture.

position the camera

Emphasizes the physical placement of the camera.

aim the camera

Concentrates on directing the camera's lens towards a subject.

arrange the camera

Highlights a more deliberate and organized positioning of the camera.

start the camera recording

Specifically refers to initiating the video recording function.

frame the shot

Highlights composing the image within the camera's viewfinder.

FAQs

How to use "set the camera" in a sentence?

You can use "set the camera" to describe the act of preparing a camera for taking a photo or recording a video. For example, "Before the hike, she made sure to "prepare the camera" for any photo opportunities."

What can I say instead of "set the camera"?

You can use alternatives like "configure the camera", "adjust camera settings", or "position the camera" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "set the camera" or "setup the camera"?

Both "set the camera" and "setup the camera" can be acceptable, but "set the camera" is generally more common and implies adjusting settings, while "setup the camera" implies the initial act of assembly or installation.

What's the difference between "set the camera" and "aim the camera"?

"Set the camera" generally refers to adjusting the settings and preparing it for use. "Aim the camera" refers specifically to pointing the lens at a particular subject or direction.