A camera, having a motion compensation device, permits the user to select one of two modes of operations using a selector switch. Partial depression of a shutter release button initiates exposure and auto-focus routines while complete depression actuates an exposure routine effecting a shutter release. A first mode of operation enables the motion compensation device and prevents or delays an exposure from being executed if a motion level of the camera is outside a maximum range of compensation. A second mode of operation permits an exposure to be executed regardless of whether the camera motion level is outside of the maximum range of compensation, thus allowing events to be rapidly photographed on-demand. A first embodiment of the first mode of operation calculates exposure and focus parameters and then repetitively monitors the motion level until the motion level is within the maximum range of compensation and the exposure is executed. A warning signal is produced indicating excessive motion during the repetitive motion level monitoring. A second embodiment repetitively executes exposure and focus routines in sequence with the monitoring of the motion level. When the motion level is within the maximum range of compensation a shutter release is executed utilizing updated exposure and focus parameters. Another embodiment of the invention incorporates both first and second embodiments of the present invention and a second selector switch for selecting between operation according to either embodiment.