An imaging apparatus control unit, comprising:
- a first detection block that detects the spare capacity of a memory, said memory storing an image signal, said image signal being generated by an imaging device when capturing an optical image of an object;
- a calculation block that calculates the number of possible photographs based on said spare capacity and a predetermined data size;
- a setting block that sets said number of possible photographs as the sequential-photographing number;
- a first control block that carries out imaging control for either sequential-photographing or single-photographing so that said set sequential-photographing number of photographs or a single photograph is taken, respectively;
- a compression block that generates a compressed image signal by compressing said image signal, which is generated according to said imaging control for either sequential-photographing or single-photographing, according to the variable-length compression;
- an output block that outputs said compressed image signal to said memory;
- a second control block that carries out sequential control for sequential-photographing or single-photographing, with said first detection block, said calculation block, said setting block, said first control block, said compression block, and said output block being sequentially ordered to detect said spare capacity, to calculate said number of possible photographs, to set said number of possible photographs as said sequential-photographing number, to carry out said imaging control for sequential-photographing, to generate said compressed image signal, and to output said compressed image signal, respectively, in said sequential control for sequential-photographing;
- and with said first control block, said compression block, and said output block being sequentially ordered to carry out said imaging control for single-photographing, to generate said compressed image signal, and to output said compressed image signal, respectively, in said sequential control for single-photographing;
- a comparison block that compares said sequential-photographing number, which is calculated in said sequential control for sequential-photographing, to a first predetermined number;
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- a second detection block that detects whether or not a command for sequence photography is input;
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- said second control block repeatedly carrying out said sequential control for sequential-photographing while said second detection block detects said command for sequence photography;
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- said second control block terminating actions of said sequential control for sequential-photographing and initiating actions of said sequential control for single-photographing when said sequential-photographing number is below said first predetermined number.