Patent ID: 6489993
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An image pickup apparatus comprising:electronic-zoom means capable of electronically enlarging an image; optical-zoom means tor optically enlarging the image; a zoom operating element capable of being manually operated and arranged to move said optical-zoom means; an electrically-operated zoom switch capable of being operated to electrically drive said electronic-zoom means and said optical-zoom means; and control means for controlling to optically vary a magnification of the image with a magnification of the electronic-zoom means kept constant, if a focal length of said optical-zoom means is varied by a manual operation of said zoom operating element in the state that said optical-zoom means is positioned at its telephoto end and said electronic-zoom means is being operated, and thereafter, if said electrically-operated zoom switch is operated, activate said electronic-zoom means with the focal length of said optical-zoom means fixed, to electronically vary the magnification of the image.