A first shutter switch 62 generates a first shutter switch signal SW1 when being turned on in course of operation of the shutter button 61 disposed on the digital still camera 100, that is, when being turned on by half-press (an instruction for imaging preparation). In response to the first shutter switch signal SW1, the AF autofocus) process, the AE (automatic exposure) process, the AWB (auto white balance) process, the EF (flash preliminary light emission) process, and the like are started.

A second shutter switch 64 generates a second shutter switch signal SW2 when being turned on by completion of operation of the shutter button 61, that is, when the shutter button 61 is fully pressed (an instruction for imaging). The system controller 50 starts a series of operations of an imaging process from reading of a signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing of image data to the recording medium 200 in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2.

Appropriate functions are assigned to the operation members of the operation unit 70 for each scene by selecting various functional items displayed in the display unit 28, and the operation members serve as various functional buttons. The operation unit 70 at least includes the following operation units: the shutter button 61, the main electronic dial 71, the power source switch 72, the sub-electronic dial 73, the cross key 74, the SET button 75, the LV button 78, and the reproduction button 79. The user may intuitively perform various settings using the menu screen displayed in the display unit 28, the four-direction buttons of upper, lower, left, and right directions, and the SET button.