# Squad Spectator (Admin) Camera Guide (/docs/squad/spectator-camera)



The **spectator camera** (a.k.a. admin cam) is a semi-free-fly camera used by clans, tournament casters, and anyone recording Squad footage. It gives full camera control over the battlefield.

Requirements [#requirements]

* You need the **`cameraman`** [access level](/docs/squad/admin-permissions) in `Admins.cfg`.
* Exception: on the **Firing Range**, every player can use the camera.

While in the camera your soldier is invisible. On a server, exiting returns you to where you entered. On the local Firing Range, exiting spawns your character at the camera's position — mind the height, falls can kill you.

Controls [#controls]

| Control           | Action                                                |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Shift + P**     | Toggle the spectator camera on/off                    |
| **W / A / S / D** | Move the camera                                       |
| **Mouse**         | Pan the camera                                        |
| **Space**         | Move up                                               |
| **Ctrl**          | Move down                                             |
| **Backspace**     | Local chat mode                                       |
| **1 + Scroll**    | Fly speed (1–100000+)                                 |
| **2 + Scroll**    | Field of view (5–140)                                 |
| **3 + Scroll**    | Camera deceleration (50–100000+)                      |
| **4**             | Toggle ticket scores                                  |
| **5**             | Cycle FOBs/Rally points: OFF / ALL / FRIENDLY / ENEMY |
| **6**             | Toggle capture-zone overlay                           |
| **7**             | Toggle player stencils (outlines)                     |
| **8**             | Cycle HUD views: OFF / ALL / FRIENDLY / ENEMY         |
| **9**             | Toggle player nametags                                |
| **0**             | Toggle the camera debug menu (top-left)               |
| **.** (period)    | Open the admin spawn menu                             |

> **Scroll-wheel controls** require your "switch to next/previous item" infantry keybinds to be bound to the mouse wheel.

Clean Cinematic Footage [#clean-cinematic-footage]

* Use `SetHudWidgetsEnabled 0` (a [public command](/docs/squad/public-commands)) or the screenshot mode to hide the HUD.
* To hide ammo symbols, disable **In-game help** under **Settings → Interface**.
* To see the other team's units and map labels you must switch teams — switching also controls which voice channels you can hear. As of Squad 8.2 the camera shows both sides' units and labels.

Known Bugs [#known-bugs]

* Rarely, exiting the camera glitches you — suicide to respawn.
* Don't enter the camera while seated in a vehicle.
* If your arms stop animating after exiting, suicide to respawn.
* Switching teams twice without leaving the camera can hard-glitch you — restart Squad.
* Using player stencils without HUDViews on causes ghosted outlines.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Admin Permissions & Groups](/docs/squad/admin-permissions)
* [Public Commands](/docs/squad/public-commands)
* [Admin & RCON Commands](/docs/squad/admin-console-commands)