Why does camera go into video mode after a few seconds?

[AC Question]

I have an HTC one M8 which has developed a mind of its own re the camera. If I dont take a photo within a few seconds it goes into video mode and starts recording a video. Also, if I put the hone down in camera mode onto a surface, it starts taking pictures of the surface. Started a couple of months ago. Tried changing various settings/options and turning the phone off completely and restarting but nothing changes, it continues to go into video mode every time the camera is not taking a photo.

 

[dpham00]

I would try to clear cache and app data on the camera app