Patent ID: 6535246
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A camera comprising:exposure means for exposing an image of an object onto film; image pickup means for capturing a digital image of the object using an image pickup element; storage means for storing digital image data captured by said image pickup means; mode setting means for setting one of: (i) a first mode in which only said image pickup means is operable, and (ii) a second mode in which both said image pickup means and said exposure means are operable; determination means for determining an amount of free space in said storage means; and control means for controlling use of said storage means so as to either allow or inhibit overwriting of old digital image data by new digital image data according to the mode set by said mode setting means and the amount of free space determined by said determination means; wherein said control means allows said-overwriting when said first mode is set and inhibits said overwriting when said second mode is set.