Patent ID: 7663688

Claim:
An image capture apparatus which moves a focus lens from an end to the other end of a predetermined search range, and calculates evaluation values by integrating high frequency components of image data output from a solid state imaging device every time said focus lens is moved for a predetermined amount within said search range, and performs focusing based on said evaluation values, said image capture apparatus comprising: a lens position detecting section for detecting a lens position of said focus lens; a maximum evaluation value detecting section for detecting a maximum value of said evaluation values; an end detecting section for detecting whether a first lens position of said focus lens is at said one end or said other end of said search range, said first lens position corresponding to a first maximum evaluation value which is a maximum evaluation value within said search range detected by said maximum evaluation value detecting section; an extended search range setting section for setting a predetermined extended search range on a side of said detected end for carrying out an additional search when said first lens position is detected at said one end or said other end; and an in-focus position detecting section which determines said first lens position as an in-focus position if said end detecting section detects said first lens position is not at said ends of said search range, and determines a second lens position as said in-focus position when said additional search is carried out, said second lens position corresponding to a second maximum evaluation value which is a maximum evaluation value within said extended search range detected by said maximum evaluation value detecting section.