Patent ID: 7280147

Claim:
An auto focusing apparatus, comprising: first auto focusing means for carrying out a first auto focusing operation in which a focusing speed is faster than that of a second auto focusing operation; said first and second auto focusing operations being mutually different in said focusing speed and a focusing accuracy; second auto focusing means for carrying out said second auto focusing operation in which the focusing accuracy is higher than that of said first auto focusing operation; inputting means for a photographic starting signal in which a command for photographic starting is input; inputting means for an auto focusing starting signal in which a command for starting said auto focusing operations is input; and control means for determining a focusing position based on a focusing result of the first auto focusing means when said command for the photographic starting is input into said inputting means for said photographic starting signal within a previously set predetermined time after the command for starting the auto focusing operation is input into the inputting means for said auto focusing starting signal, and for determining a focusing position based on a focusing result of the second auto focusing means when the command for the photographic starting is not input into the inputting means for the photographic starting signal within the previously set predetermined time after the command for starting the auto focusing operation is input to the inputting means for the auto focusing starting signal.