Patent ID: 7365781

Claim:
A camera apparatus comprising: an imaging section that outputs a filmed object as an image signal; an image signal processing section that converts the image signal output from said imaging section into digital picture data; a compression section that generates compression data in which the converted digital picture data is compressed, and outputs the compression data in accordance with a compression data renewal instruction and stops outputting the compression data in accordance with a compression data hold instruction; a buffer section that memorizes the compression data output from the compression section; a synchronization signal generating section that supplies a synchronization signal; an output section that, in accordance with a compression data output instruction received during output of the digital picture data, stops outputting the digital picture data while selecting the compression data memorized in the buffer section and outputting the selected compression data from said output section in synch with the synchronization signal, and that, in accordance with a digital picture data output instruction received during the output of the compression data, stops outputting the compression data while selecting the digital picture data converted in the image signal processing section and outputting the selected digital picture data from said output section in synch with the synchronization signal; and an instruction section that issues the compression data hold instruction and the compression data output instruction when the digital picture data is output from the output section in accordance with the digital picture data output instruction, and issues the compression data renewal instruction and the digital picture data output instruction when the compression data is output from the output section in accordance with the compression data output instruction.