A motion picture camera specially adapted for frame-by-frame shooting animation or stop motion, also called a rostrum camera. It consists of a camera body with lens and film magazines, a stand that allows the camera to be raised and lowered, and a table, often with both top and underneath lighting. The artwork to be photographed is placed on this table.

Some manufacturers of animation cameras:

• Acme (USA)
• Crass (Germany)
• Neilson-Hordell (UK)
• Oxberry (USA)
• Sickles (USA)
• Double M (USA)
• A.I.A. Productions (USA)

Since most animation is now produced digitally, new animation cameras are not widely manufactured. Video cameras and scanners have taken their place.

Film and video technology | Cameras by type | Animation