Definition
A portable electronic device that combines a video camera and recorder into a single unit, allowing consumers to record their own video footage without separate equipment. Camcorders democratized personal video recording starting in the 1980s and remained popular until smartphones made them obsolete.
Example Usage
My parents recorded my entire childhood on a camcorder, and now I have dozens of VHS tapes in a box in the basement.
Origin
Portmanteau of 'camera' and 'recorder'; first introduced by Sony in 1983 with the Betamovie, followed by VHS-C camcorders that dominated the consumer market.
Fun Fact
Early camcorders were bulky, expensive, and required skill to operate, but by the late 1990s they became compact and affordable enough for casual family use, creating a generation of home videos.
Related Terms
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See “camcorder” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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