An image pickup apparatus having a flash unit locating at a storing position or a projecting position, in which either an automatic mode to automatically move the flash unit from the storing position to the projecting position or a manual mode to manually execute the operation can be set. The apparatus includes a first operating unit which selects either the automatic mode or the manual mode and a second operating unit which moves the flash unit from the storing position to the projecting position when the manual mode is selected by the first operating unit. The first and second operating units are provided in close positions.