Image pickup apparatus capable of performing both a still image process and a dynamic image process

An electronic imaging apparatus comprising:

• a solid state imaging device;
• a multistep switch for switching an operation mode of the solid state imaging device, the operation mode including a first operation mode, a second operation mode which starts in response to a first stage of the multistep switch, and a third operation mode which starts in response to a second stage of the multistep switch;
• control means for extracting pixel signals from the solid state imaging device, wherein the control means:
• extracts pixel signals of the solid state imaging device adding n lines in units of m lines in a vertical direction (where n is a natural number and m>n) to display a dynamic image when the solid state imaging device is operated in the first operation mode, extracts pixel signals of the solid state imaging device adding q lines in units of q successive lines in the vertical direction (where q is a natural number) when the solid state imaging device is operated in the second operation mode, and extracts all pixel signals of the solid state imaging device by sequential scanning to record a still image when the solid state imaging device is operated in the third operation mode.