Abstract: A video camera includes a solid state image pickup element for converting a light image radiated thereon from an object to be photographed into an electric signal. The element is also operated as a shutter for controlling an amount of light radiated thereon by being controlled in its storage time. The video camera further includes a unit for inputting data for setting a storage time of the image pickup element, and a unit connected to the data inputting unit for controlling the storage time of the element in response to the inputted set data gradually to the set data by changing the storage time by a predetermined storage time for the lapse of every predetermined time period.