Method of saving power for video camera

A power saving method for a video camera having an optical view finder, a drum motor, a loading motor, a capstan motor, a power switch, a rotary head drum, loading means for loading a video tape, a circuit for generating image signals, and a signal processing circuit for generating recording signals to be recorded on the video tape based upon the image signals, the method comprising the steps of:

• starting the drum motor, the loading motor, and the capstan motor when the video tape is mounted and the power switch is turned on, the drum motor driving the rotary head drum, the loading motor driving the loading means, and the capstan motor being used for delivering the video tape at a fixed speed;
• setting a stand-by state for picture recording when a rotational speed of the rotary head drum reaches a predetermined speed and the video tape is located in a predetermined position, the loading motor and the capstan motor being stopped and only the drum motor being driven during the stand-by state;
• setting a recording state when a user instructs to start picture recording from the stand-by state, the circuit for generating image signals being supplied with electric power and the capstan motor being driven so as to record the image signals onto the video tape during the recording state;
• resetting the stand-by state when the user instructs to stop picture recording, the circuit for generating image signals not being supplied with electric power and the capstan motor being stopped during the stand-by state;
• and
• supplying power to the circuit for generating image signals when picture recording is instructed and, subsequently, power is then supplied to the signal processing circuit for generating recording signals.