A digital camera connects to a cradle through a signal line. In a first
mode, the digital camera in combination with a personal computer forms a
transmission path through a USB interface to allow for communication. In
a second mode, the digital camera performs an intervening function for
communication between a mobile telephone and the personal computer
through a short-distance wireless communication interface and the USB
interface. In the first mode, image and other data stored in a memory
card of the digital camera can be transmitted to the personal computer
and image and other data from the personal computer can be transmitted to
the digital camera. In the second mode, the digital camera acts as a
transmitter-receiver terminal for communication between the personal
computer and the mobile telephone. According to this imaging
communication system, since the imaging apparatus also serves as a
communication adapter, a host communication unit can communicate with any
terminal unit other than the imaging apparatus in a wireless manner, with
the imaging apparatus connected to the host communication unit for
communication.