An imaging apparatus includes an imaging optical unit for focusing light on an image-forming plane; a solid-state image pickup unit for photo-electrically converting light; a data transfer unit for controlling transfer of image data; a substrate disposed in an imaging optical path of the imaging optical unit and provided with an exposure aperture; a shutter blade for closing the exposure aperture at a closed position and opening the exposure aperture at an open position; a shutter driving unit having an exciting coil for driving the shutter blade between the closed position and the open position; and a control unit for controlling the shutter driving unit. A blade restriction member is provided for restricting a motion of the shutter blade at the closed position. A shutter blade holding unit is provided for holding the shutter blade at the open position when no driving current is supplied to the exciting coil.