Patent ID: 8314879

Claim:
A digital camera comprising: an imaging system which performs a photographing operation and records captured image files in a buffer memory; an AF system which performs a focus-state detection process, in which said AF system detects a focus state, and a focusing lens group driving process, in which said AF system moves a focusing lens group to an in-focus position; a first switch that actuates said AF system; and a second switch that actuates said imaging system, wherein, while said first switch and said second switch are held ON, said digital camera performs a continuous shooting process in which said imaging system repeatedly performs said photographing operation and said AF system repeatedly performs said focus-state detection process, wherein, upon said buffer memory becoming full during said continuous shooting process, said imaging system suspends said photographing operation and said AF system performs said focus-state detection process and said focusing lens group driving process; and wherein said AF system operates in one of following three AF modes: a first AF mode in which said AF system performs said focus-state detection process and said focusing lens group driving process upon said first switch being turned ON, and in which said AF system suspends said focusing lens group driving process while said first switch is held ON upon an in-focus state being obtained; a second AF mode in which said AF system repeats said focus-state detection process and said focusing lens group driving process while said first switch is held ON even upon an in-focus state being obtained; and a third AF mode in which said AF system repeats only said focus-state detection process while said first switch is held ON to determine whether a target object is a moving object, and wherein, during said continuous shooting process, said AF system operates in one of said second AF mode and said third AF mode.