Patent ID: 7193650

Claim:
An image sensing apparatus having a solid-state image sensing device for storing signal charge conforming to amount of received light with which a photoreceptor surface is irradiated, reading out the signal charge stored and outputting a video signal, comprising: a drive device for controlling read-out of signal charge, which has been stored in the solid-state image sensing device, and sweep-out of unnecessary signal charge; a mechanical shutter for limiting irradiation time during which the photoreceptor surface of the solid-state image sensing device is irradiated with light; a decision device for deciding whether to perform a mechanical shutter operation by said mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter operation by said drive unit based upon amount of smear signal charge that has been stored in the solid-state image sensing device; and a shutter control device for controlling at least one of said drive device and mechanical shutter, in accordance with the decision rendered by said decision device, so as to perform at least one of the electronic shutter operation and mechanical shutter operation.