Electronic imaging apparatus operable in two modes, with a different

Abstract

An electronic imaging apparatus composed of a solid-state sensor element for converting an image focused by an optical system into image data. The apparatus is selectively operable in a first drive mode for reading at least a large number of pixels of image data out of the solid-state sensor element, and in a second drive mode for reading a second number of selected pixels of image data out of the solid-state sensor element, the second number being smaller than the large number and the selected pixels being suited for foreground scene recognition. The apparatus further includes an optical black level correction process changing system for changing a process of detecting an optical black level corresponding to an optical black part of the sensor element and correcting image data according to the detected level, the process being changed according to whether the first drive mode or the second mode is selected to effect a first correction in the first drive mode and a second correction in the second drive mode, the first correction being achieved on the basis of a presently detected optical black level, and the second correction being achieved by a feedback control based on a difference between a previously detected optical black level and a desired optical black level.