The XTRA Muse has quickly become one of my favorite cameras for content creation. While I own other cameras that produce excellent image quality, there’s something refreshing about having a compact camera that’s simple to use while still offering professional-level features when I need them.

One of the questions I often get—or that many creators ask themselves—is whether it’s better to shoot in Pro Mode with XLog or simply leave the camera in Auto Mode. The answer isn’t that one mode is better than the other. It really comes down to your workflow and the type of content you’re creating.

Why I Often Choose Pro Mode with XLog

When I’m filming YouTube videos or creating content where I know I’ll spend time editing, Pro Mode is usually my first choice.

Using XLog gives me much more flexibility in post-production. Instead of baking the camera’s colors into the footage, XLog captures a flatter image that preserves more detail in both the highlights and shadows. That extra information gives me room to shape the final look during color grading.

For me, that’s one of the biggest advantages of the XTRA Muse. I can create footage that looks more cinematic while maintaining control over the final color and mood of the video.

Pro Mode also lets me manually adjust settings like:

ISO
Shutter speed
White balance
Exposure
Focus

Having those controls means I can keep my footage consistent, even when lighting conditions change. If you’ve ever watched a video where the brightness constantly shifts or the colors look different from one shot to the next, you already know why manual control matters.

Why Auto Mode Still Has a Place

As much as I enjoy shooting manually, I don’t think every video needs to be filmed that way.

Sometimes I simply want to grab the camera, hit record, and focus on creating rather than adjusting settings.

That’s where Auto Mode shines.

The XTRA Muse does a surprisingly good job handling exposure and focus on its own, making it an excellent option for:

Quick social media videos
Behind-the-scenes clips
Travel content
Family moments
Everyday vlogging

Auto Mode removes much of the technical work so you can stay present and capture the moment.

There are plenty of situations where convenience matters more than squeezing every ounce of dynamic range from the camera.

Which Mode Is Right for You?

If you’re just getting started with the XTRA Muse, don’t feel pressured to jump into manual settings immediately.

Start with Auto Mode.

Learn how the camera behaves. Get comfortable with composition, lighting, and storytelling. Those skills will improve your videos far more than changing camera settings.

As your confidence grows, begin experimenting with Pro Mode. Learn how shutter speed affects motion, how ISO influences image quality, and why white balance can completely change the look of a scene.

Eventually, you’ll discover which mode best fits your own creative style.

My Workflow

Personally, I don’t limit myself to one shooting mode.

If I’m filming a product review, tutorial, or something I know I’ll color grade later, I’m almost always using Pro Mode with XLog.

If I’m documenting everyday life or creating quick content for social media, Auto Mode often makes more sense.

That’s one of the reasons I continue to enjoy using the XTRA Muse. It adapts to the way I create instead of forcing me into a single workflow.

Final Thoughts

The best camera settings are the ones that help you tell your story.

Some days that means carefully dialing in every setting and grading XLog footage to achieve a specific look. Other days it means pressing the record button and trusting Auto Mode to do its job.

The XTRA Muse gives creators the flexibility to do both, and that’s a big reason it has earned a permanent place in my content creation toolkit.

If you’re considering the XTRA Muse or wondering which shooting mode to use, I encourage you to experiment with both. You may discover that your favorite workflow isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s knowing when each one makes the most sense.

Have you tried shooting with XLog on the XTRA Muse, or do you prefer Auto Mode? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

And if you found this article helpful, be sure to watch the companion video on my YouTube channel and subscribe for more content on cameras, filmmaking, and practical tips for content creators.

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