In one embodiment, a driver determines a current operating mode for a digital video camera and activates a plurality of interface buttons, where each activated interface button includes a visual indication of activation to a user. The driver receives a command to change from the current operating mode to a different operating mode and, in response, deactivates one or more of the interface buttons. Each such deactivated interface button does not include the visual indication of activation to the user. Other embodiments include computer-readable media and systems configured to implement the functionality of the driver described above. Yet other embodiments include a unique interface button configuration physically designed to enhance the ease of use of a digital video camera.