photofinish camera (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈfoʊtəfɪnɪʃ ˈkæmərə/

Meaning and Usage

A photofinish camera is a specialized device used in photography, particularly in sports events, to capture the exact moment when a race concludes. It produces images that help determine the winner by providing a detailed view of the competitors at the finish line.

• Frequency of Use: The term is commonly used in sports contexts and photography, though it is more prevalent in written and technical discussions compared to everyday conversation.
• Context of Use: Primarily found in sports journalism, event management literature, and technical specifications related to photography equipment.

Example Sentences

1. The photofinish camera captured a stunning image of the horse crossing the finish line just milliseconds before its competitor.
   (La cámara de fotofinish capturó una imagen impresionante del caballo cruzando la línea de meta solo milisegundos antes que su competidor.)

2. During the athletics meet, the officials relied on the photofinish camera to ensure an accurate record of the race results.
   (Durante la competencia de atletismo, los oficiales confiaron en la cámara de fotofinish para asegurar un registro preciso de los resultados de la carrera.)

3. Thanks to the photofinish camera, the close race was documented perfectly for the historical archives.
   (Gracias a la cámara de fotofinish, la carrera cerrada fue documentada a la perfección para los archivos históricos.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "photofinish camera" does not commonly appear in idiomatic expressions but is often related to competitive contexts. Here are some expressions relevant to the concept of close finishes or outcomes, used figuratively:

1. Too close to call

2. The election was so closely contested that it was too close to call, similar to the outcome captured by a photofinish camera.
   (La elección estuvo tan reñida que era demasiado difícil de decidir, similar al resultado capturado por una cámara de fotofinish.)

3. By a nose

4. The horse won the race by a nose, a finish that would have been clearly illustrated by a photofinish camera.
   (El caballo ganó la carrera por un suspiro, un final que habría sido claramente ilustrado por una cámara de fotofinish.)

5. A dead heat

6. The runners finished in a dead heat, demonstrating exactly why a photofinish camera is essential in races.
   (Los corredores terminaron en un empate, demostrando exactamente por qué una cámara de fotofinish es esencial en las carreras.)

Etymology

The term "photofinish" combines "photo," derived from the Greek word "photos," meaning "light," and "finish," which comes from the Old French "finir," meaning "to end." The term refers to the photographic capture of the end of a race.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Timing camera, finish line camera, photographic timing device
• Antonyms: Traditional timing methods (e.g., stopwatch), manual timing systems

In conclusion, the term photofinish camera encapsulates a significant technological advancement in the realm of sports photography and timing, ensuring fairness and accuracy in competitive situations.