In set-ups where a CCU is being used, the camera person will manually make sure that the shot is composed as desired and that the image is in focus. The CCU operator uses the unit's controls to remotely adjust the camera's white balance and aperture.
CCUs can be used to adjust the picture's color balance or change the camera's shutter speed. Most usually have controls for the camera`s iris, black level, gain and a set of complicated technical parameters.
One purpose of the CCUs is for technical directors to make sure that all cameras in a multicamera set-up have technical uniformity.
Some cameras are maneuvered entirely by CCUs and their operators. These units have additional controls for panning, tilting, zooming and focusing.
The CCU also houses the camera's power supply and can be used to send messages to the camera operator.