7.5: Manual Mode

Why Use Manual Mode?

Putting your camera into Manual mode will allow you to have maximum control over your video. There are times that being in auto mode is necessary, like when you do not have time to set the functions on your camera or you'll miss recording something important. For example, if you were shooting news and an event was happening immediately, you would not have time to set all the functions on the camera, which is where full auto will be a lifesaver. In most other situations, you will have time to set up your camera and that is why we will focus on controlling our camera in Manual mode.

To control the camera's functions, it must be in Manual mode. For DSLR and mirrorless, it is as simple as turning a dial to “M” or Manual. For video cameras, there may be a switch labeled “Full Auto”. Make sure to switch this function to the off position. If the Full Auto switch is turned on, the letter “A” will appear next to all the functions on the video camera screen SeeFigure \(\PageIndex{1}\) and Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\).