Patent ID: 7436446

Claim:
An imaging device comprising: an imaging element which outputs an image signal obtained by an imaging operation; a self-luminous element which displays an image based on the image signal output from the imaging element; a limiting unit which limits brightness of the image displayed by the self-luminous element; an exposure control unit which controls a luminance level of the image signal output from the imaging element such that the luminance level becomes a proper value, wherein the self-luminous element displays the image based on the image signal whose luminance level is controlled by the exposure control unit, and wherein the limiting unit limits the luminance level of the image signal controlled by the exposure control unit to a lower level when a power is turned on; a setting unit to which an exposure control value is set, wherein the exposure control unit comprises a controller which controls the luminance level of the image signal output from the imaging element based on the set exposure control value, and wherein the exposure control value is set to cause the luminance level of the image signal to become the proper value; and a mode selection unit which selects a first control mode or a second control mode, and wherein the limiting unit comprises a setter which sets a first initial exposure control value to the setting unit when the first control mode is selected at a time of power on, and a second initial exposure control value which is lower than the first initial exposure control value to the setting unit when the second control mode is selected at the time of power on.