An image recording apparatus for a microscope having a still camera function and/or a video photography function is disclosed. Automatic exposure (AE) adjustment is performed at appropriate time intervals in the photographic period so as to obtain sample images of roughly uniform brightness. Also, image data and data of plural photographic conditions are recorded in a single photographic session by setting up an AE adjustment time (Tae) and an exposure time (Texp) so as not to exceed a photographic interval (Tint) that is constant.