Method and apparatus for image capturing capable of capturing an image with a reduced current consumption

An imaging apparatus, comprising:

• image pick-up means for converting an incident light image of a subject of a photograph and outputting a conversion result as image signals, the image pick-up means having vertical charge transfer paths;
• first driving means for driving the image pick-up means and performing a rapid sweep function for rapidly draining unnecessary electric charges remaining in the image pick-up means through the vertical charge transfer paths;
• means for opening and closing a light passage for passing the incident light image of the subject of the photograph into the image pick-up device;
• second driving means for generating pulses to drive the means for opening and closing the light passage;
• and
• driving current controlling means for controlling the image pick-up means and the means for opening and closing the light passage such that a first duration in which the first driving means operates the rapid sweep function and a second duration in which the second driving mechanism generates a pulse for closing the means for opening and closing the light passage do not overlap under predetermined imaging environmental conditions.

An imaging method for an imaging apparatus, comprising:

• performing a rapid sweep function for rapidly draining unnecessary electric charges remaining in an image optical pick-up device through vertical charge transfer paths of the image optical pick-up device;
• driving a shutter to capture an incident light image of a subject of a photograph through the image optical pick-up device;
• converting the incident light image of the subject of the photograph in a photoelectrical manner;
• and
• outputting a conversion result as image signals,
• wherein the performing and driving are controlled such that a first duration in which the rapid sweep function is operated and a second duration in which a pulse for closing the shutter is generated do not overlap under predetermined imaging environmental conditions.