A method for gesture-based configuration of a data capture device includes: storing, in a memory connected to a processor, a plurality of configuration definitions each defining (i) a gesture, and (ii) a corresponding configuration parameter; at a processor, monitoring an input device for a configuration activation input; responsive to detection of the configuration activation input, activating a configuration control mode at the processor; responsive to activation of the configuration control mode, detecting an input gesture at the processor; selecting one of the configuration definitions defining the gesture that matches the input gesture; updating a current configuration of the data capture device with the corresponding configuration parameter of the selected configuration definition.