An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit which
converts an optical image of an object into an electrical signal, and an
optical member arranged on the object side of the image capturing unit.
The image capturing apparatus also includes an alien substance removing
unit configured to execute an alien substance removal operation to remove
alien substances adhering to the surface of the optical member, an
environmental condition detection unit configured to detect the
environmental condition around the image capturing unit or around the
optical member, and a control unit configured to control the alien
substance removal operation on the basis of the detected environmental
condition.