A log recorder was a device used to record a log on a starship or space station regarding a mission or event. At one time, a log recorder was used by Captain James T. Kirk in 2287 aboard the newly launched USS Enterprise-A. Unfortunately, at that instant, the recorder malfunctioned and Kirk was not able to finish recording. (Star Trek V: The Final Frontier)

Since then, a log recorder was not used in the same format. Later in 2293, the Enterprise-A had a log recorder automatically installed in quarters for the captain to use. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)