an apparatus configured to optimize autofocus performance in photographing a still picture includes a focus adjusting device configured to detect a position of a focus lens in accordance with movement of the focus lens , a designating device which designates still picture photography , a control device which causes the focus adjusting device to operate in one of a first mode in which said focus adjusting device maintains a current in - focus position when the designating device is operated , and a second mode in which said focus adjusting device adjusts the position of the focus lens to obtain an in - focus position when said designating device is operated .