An image-taking apparatus is disclosed which allows preparatory driving for the next image-taking without degrading image quality and a reduction in time taken for one image-taking operation. The image-taking apparatus has a controller which controls an actuator which drives an operation mechanism which performs a first operation for allowing the image-taking with a photoelectrical conversion device and then a second operation (preparatory driving) for returning to the state before the first operation. The controller starts to drive the actuator for causing the operation mechanism to perform the second operation after the start of the travel of a rear curtain of a shutter and before the end thereof during accumulation of charge on the photoelectrical conversion device, or before reading of charge from the photoelectrical conversion device after the completion of exposure of the photoelectrical conversion device.