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.