A video camera having a power-On recording standby mode, a power-On recording disabled mode, and a power-saving mode, in addition to power-OFF mode. The power-saving mode is a state in which the time taken to shift to said recording standby mode is shorter than the time taken to shift from power-OFF mode. Switching to the power-saving mode is inhibited when recording on the recording medium is not possible, thereby improving the operability of the video camera for the user. The user is prevented from attempting to record during power saving mode.