Abstract: A camera flash is disclosed for producing a warm light having a desired color temperature. In one embodiment, the flash has a xenon flash component producing a light with a spectrum having a color temperature at a higher Kelvin rating than the warm light, and a light emitting diode flash component producing a light with a spectrum having a color temperature at a lower Kelvin rating than the warm light. The color temperature of the light of the xenon flash component and the color temperature of the light of the light emitting diode flash component together produce the warm light having the desired color temperature.

Abstract: A flash device includes at least one light emitting unit is attachable to a plurality of connection portions. A shielding portion shields the connection portion without an attached light emitting unit. A capacitor accumulates an electric charges and is charged by a charging circuit. A control circuit includes judges both (1) whether or not all the plurality of connection portions are shielded and (2) whether or not the light emitting unit is attached to at least one of the plurality of connection portions, and permits the capacitor to be charged if both all the connection portions are shielded and the light emitting unit is attached to at least one of the plurality of connection portions.

Abstract: The invention provides, according to its various embodiments, a method for secure communication that involves encoding and transmitting an optical communications signal that is encoded based on a multi-dimensional encoding technique. The multi-dimensional encoding technique includes multiple security layers and varies multiple physical characteristics of a communications signal. The multi-dimensional encoding technique may include at least one or more of encoding a phase of an optical communications signal, encoding a polarization of an optical communications signal, and encoding a frequency of an optical communications signal, or any combination thereof. According to embodiments of the invention, the encoding and/or any decoding of the optical communications signal may be carried out using one or more of an optical phase shift coding, a polarization multiplexing, and a multi-wavelength control. Multi-dimensional encoding and decoding keys are provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a flash apparatus, a semiconductor laser device is used as a flash-use light source. Laser light beams are approximately evenly scattered by a reflector plate whose reflection surface is formed of Ag coarse film, whereby illumination of a wide range and safety are secured. In an embodiment of the semiconductor laser device, the semiconductor laser device is disposed such that a longitudinal direction of an imaging area 20a of a camera and a wide direction of far-field patterns 11a1, 12a1 and 12b1 of laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser device match.

Abstract: An image taking device with a lighting device includes a light irradiating portion for irradiating light to a subject and a light receiving portion for receiving reflected light from the subject that is irradiated by the light. The light irradiating portion is structured to have a plurality of light sources that are arranged so as to surround the light receiving portion. Each of the light sources is adjusted to emit light of an intensity corresponding to an arrangement position.

Abstract: A method for controlling a lighting source in a capsule camera improves image quality by avoiding over-exposure or under-exposure in all regions of an image, while concurrently reducing significantly power dissipation in the capsule camera. A capsule camera using the method includes: (1) one or more sensor arrays each having one or more pixels in one or more designated regions in the field of view of the capsule camera; (2) lighting elements each providing illumination to one or more of the designated regions; and (3) a control unit that (a) extracts a parameter value from the pixels of each region; (b) evaluates the parameter value at each region; and (c) adjusts the lighting elements providing illumination to each region according to the evaluation. The parameter value may be an average value of the pixels. The purpose of the adjustment is to bring the parameter value for the region to within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An imaging device and method for producing a flash of light utilizes pulsing of one or more color lights, e.g., red, green and blue lights, emitted from light sources to produce the flash of light. The light sources may include light emitting diode dies configured to generate different color lights.

Abstract: A camera is provided with media for creating a light signal with at least one of known spectral intensity distribution, chromaticity coordinates and brightness detectable by recording medium positionable within the camera. Processes for reconstructing and calibrating image information on a recording medium are also provided.

Abstract: In order to perform personal identification by matching a first body image that is obtained in advance by an image taking process with a second body image that is obtained when the identification is performed, an image taking device (1) for obtaining the second body image includes a shooting condition storage portion (203) for storing a shooting condition for each person in connection with an ID given to the person, the shooting condition being used when a body image of the person is taken for obtaining the first body image, an interface (24) for entering the ID of a person to be an object of the identification, and a shooting control portion (201) for controlling to take the body image under the shooting condition corresponding to the entered ID for obtaining the second body image of the person to be an object of the identification.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus capable of setting the flash exposure amount of an external flash both in the camera and the standalone external flash, if a flash exposure compensation amount locally set in the external flash itself and that set in the camera exist, one of them is enabled. Display is changed depending upon the location of the enabled setting in order to give the user notice of the enabled flash exposure compensation amount.

Abstract: A camera apparatus (10) has a zoom lens (12) having a zoom focus setting that is adjustable over a range of focus values and control circuitry for generating a variable voltage potential according to the zoom focus setting. A flash illumination apparatus (20) has a light source (26) and a variable focus lens (24, 40), the variable focus lens (24, 40) having a first and a second fluid (42, 44) in a chamber (36, 46), the fluids (42, 44) having different indices of refraction and being non-miscible and in contact over an interface surface (54) with variable shape. An electrode (50) applies a variable voltage potential within the chamber (36, 46) for shaping the interface surface (54) according to the zoom focus setting.

Abstract: A flash module has a first light-emitting diode (“LED”) optically coupled to a first lens having a first viewing angle, and a second LED optically coupled to a second lens having a second viewing angle. The second viewing angle is greater than the first viewing angle. A first control signal line coupled to the first LED allows selectively activating the first LED. A second control signal line coupled to the second LED activates the second LED.

Abstract: A bulb assembly for a slit lamp microscope comprises a flash generator able to produce a flash of light, a synchroniser able to detect light from a camera flash, and a controller. The bulb assembly is arranged so that, in use, when the controller receives a signal from the synchroniser indicating light from a camera flash has been detected, the controller causes the flash generator to produce a slave flash of light. The bulb assembly may further comprise a light source and light from the light source may be focussed onto the flash generator so as to produce a virtual image of the light source in the same physical location as the flash generator.

Abstract: A lamp for an underwater camera to illuminate and photograph or film objects in the macrorange including a minimum of three LED diodes that emit white light which are arranged concentrically and at the same distance from each other around, and at a specific angle to, the optical axis of an underwater camera. An annular lamp holder may be used or the lamps may be directly integrated into the housing of the camera.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for lighting subjects to be photographed, includes a plurality of lighting units each having a lighting element and a radiating surface for radiating light from the lighting element, and each radiating surface having a normal line oriented in the same direction. Further, the lighting apparatus includes an optical-path deflection unit that has a plurality of optical-path deflectors for each of the lighting units, to deflect a direction and an illuminating angle of light emitted by each of the lighting elements. The optical-path deflectors are formed as one body. Therefore, the lighting apparatus has a simple structure, and uniformly illuminates the photographing area of the camera, by deflecting each optical path of light from the lighting units.

Abstract: A lighting control apparatus of a photographing apparatus, comprises a plurality of lighting devices, a continuous imaging control processor, and a pulse-signal generating and control processor. The plurality of lighting devices illuminate a photographic subject by receiving a pulse signal which has a certain cycle in the exposure time. The continuous imaging control processor performs a continuous imaging operation where a plurality of images of the photographic subject are continuously imaged. The pulse-signal generating and controlling processor supplies a pulse signal to each of the lighting devices, cyclically every exposure time, so that one lighting device is illuminated at any given time.

Abstract: A white light emitting device by using off-white light emitting diodes (LED's). Rather than using just pure white LEDs, the white light emitting device arranges those LEDs which exhibit off-white colors in a manner such that the combination of light emanating from these off-white LEDs produces a radiation which appears substantially pure white to the human eye.

Abstract: A camera executes a photographing operation with multiple flashes. The camera includes a photometering unit and a control unit. The control unit controls light emission at a first electronic flash unit which is either built into or externally mounted at the camera and transmits a light signal constituting a preliminary light emission command to a second electronic flash unit provided separately from the camera by engaging the first electronic flash unit in light emission. The photometering unit photometers a subject when the second electronic flash unit executes a preliminary light emission. The control unit allows a photographing operation to be executed if a photometered value detected at the photometering unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Mobile equipment includes LEDs supplied with a current to emit red light, green light and blue light, FETs and a booster circuit for controlling the current supplied. The current supplied is controlled to supply all of the LED with a current of a low level to illuminate an object in a shooting mode with light for illumination. Thus in the shooting mode a white spot light illuminates the object, and the object can clearly be confirmed. At the moment of shooting, a current supplied can be increased at a burst to emit white flashlight to illuminate the object. A satisfactory image can thus be obtained. The source of light for illumination can be formed of miniature, light-weight LED, and does not impair in mobility mobile equipment having the source of light incorporated therein.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a lighting apparatus which is to be installed in a color camera, which is capable of providing the stable quantity of light from a light source such as an LED, and which is capable of stabilizing color tones of an image captured with the color camera. In order to attain this object, in the lighting apparatus according to the present invention, the temperature control for the camera is also simultaneously carried out using a thermal transfer member for enhancing heat transfer between a Peltier element used for the temperature control for an LED case with built-in LEDs, and the LED case.

Abstract: A mobile telephone quipped with a camera may employ, as a camera flash, one or more RGB tri-color LEDs arranged on a face of the mobile telephone which is aligned with the direction in which a photograph may be taken by the camera. The viewing angle of the RGB tri-color LED may be greater than the field angle of the camera, and a lens may be arranged in front of emitting portion(s) of the RGB tri-color LED so as to cause illuminance to be uniform within the field angle of the camera. The RGB tri-color LED may also serve as an indicator of telephone functions.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises a plurality of luminous bodies as light sources, luminous body drive portions configured to drive to light each of the plurality of luminous bodies, an optical member configured to lead and apply light exiting from a luminous body lighted by the luminous body drive portion to an illumination target area, a light control member configured to perform change of a light path of the light exiting from the luminous body with which the illumination target area is illuminated and/or movement of the luminous body, a movable portion configured to operably drive the light control member, and a light selection portion configured to control the movable portion and/or the luminous body drive portion in such a manner that light with which the illumination target area is selected from light exiting from the plurality of luminous bodies.

Abstract: An illumination technique is provided that adjusts the respective light intensities of each of a plurality of light sources that are strobed at desirable consistent intensities by adjusting a respective light pulse pattern for each respective light source. All the light sources are controlled to illuminate an object throughout a strobe duration period. The light pulse patterns may be micro-strobed light pulse patterns, formed by a variety of methods. The illumination technique is usable to preserve the general shape of the edge intensity profile on an object, and allow precision edge position measurements, regardless of whether the object is moving or not during image acquisition.

Abstract: Mobile equipment includes LEDs supplied with a current to emit red light, green light and blue light, FETs and a booster circuit for controlling the current supplied. The current supplied is controlled to supply all of the LED with a current of a low level to illuminate an object in a shooting mode with light for illumination. Thus in the shooting mode a white spot light illuminates the object, and the object can clearly be confirmed. At the moment of shooting, a current supplied can be increased at a burst to emit white flashlight to illuminate the object. A satisfactory image can thus be obtained. The source of light for illumination can be formed of miniature, light-weight LED, and does not impair in mobility mobile equipment having the source of light incorporated therein.

Abstract: Mobile equipment includes LEDs supplied with a current to emit red light, green light and blue light, FETs and a booster circuit for controlling the current supplied. The current supplied is controlled to supply all of the LED with a current of a low level to illuminate an object in a shooting mode with light for illumination. Thus in the shooting mode a white spot light illuminates the object, and the object can clearly be confirmed. At the moment of shooting, a current supplied can be increased at a burst to emit white flashlight to illuminate the object. A satisfactory image can thus be obtained. The source of light for illumination can be formed of miniature, light-weight LED, and does not impair in mobility mobile equipment having the source of light incorporated therein.

Abstract: An integrated imager and camera mounting assembly that allows a single operator to scan the crime scene for prints without assistance, and to attain an optimally illuminated and stably focused recorded image with single handed adjustments. The assembly includes an A-frame stand which carries a pair of UV lights on adjustable arms for single handled adjustment by the operator in the scanning and recording modes. The stand includes a footed base that allows the operator to securely engage the frame against vertical, horizontal and irregular surfaces using the imager handle thereby locating the imager at a fixed distance from the print area and permitting ready focusing of the image with the other hand. The base further includes a sliding scale for placement in the field of view for dimensional referencing.

Abstract: Light emitting semiconductor device(s) of the present invention is/are provided with three LED elements by way of lead frame(s) on substrate(s) Reflector(s)—having parabolically curved surface(s) at inner wall(s) thereof is/are installed at periphery or peripheries of these LED elements. Radiative angle(s) of light radiating from such reflector(s) is/are controlled by alteration of height(s) of reflector(s). Such height(s) may be lowered to increase radiative angle(s) ? of light therefrom so as to establish broader irradiative locus or loci and/or such height(s) may be raised to decrease radiative angle(s) ? of light radiating therefrom so as to establish narrower irradiative locus or loci.

Abstract: A lightmeter-remote is usable in a system with a remotely settable camera and a plurality of remotely settable photolamps. The lightmeter-remote has a body, and a lightmeter, exposure controller, and transmitter disposed in the body. The exposure controller can be selectively actuated to set aperture, exposure time, and gain parameters of the camera and to set output parameters of each of the photolamps. The transmitter operatively and wirelessly connects the camera and photolamps with the exposure controller. The lightmeter-remote can have a plurality of lighting models, each providing user instructions defining a lighting setup and requiring one or more light measurements.

Abstract: A flash control device has selectable two light emission modes. The first light emission mode causes a remote flash part to perform a light emission with a main light emission of a master flash part. The second light emission mode causes a remote flash part to perform a light emission with a pulse light emission (communication light emission) of the master flash part. Light emission indication of the communication light emission is transmitted at a timing preceding the main light emission by a predetermined wait time period. When the main light emission is performed within a predetermined light-emission start time period after the shutter is released, the flash control device automatically selects the first light emission mode, and selects the second light emission mode otherwise. Accordingly, when performing a rear synchronous photographing operation, the remote flash part can be effectively prevented from mistakenly performing a light emission.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a camera and strobe lights includes a mounting plate for holding the camera substantially normal to and at a fixed distance from the photograph area, a set of legs attached to one or more portions of the apparatus providing support and positions for mounting and a set of strobe lights affixed to the legs at known positions relative to the focal plane of the camera and directed towards the photograph area to facilitate acquisition of multiple photographic images for use in one or image processing operations. The support apparatus can be automated through the use of one or more mobile strobe lights slidably coupled to each leg, capable of self-propelled linear motion along the axis of the leg and providing indication of its position along the leg to facilitate acquisition of multiple photographic images and position data for the image processing operations.

Abstract: Guide numbers tgn1, tgn2 as expected light amounts of a main flashlight and a remote flashlight are added for the calculation of an expected illumination amount of each divided photometric region. If there is an over-illuminated region, among the divided photometric regions, in which the expected illumination amount exceeds a proper illumination amount for a subject, the guide numbers tgn1 and tgn2 are decreased such that of the two flashlights, the one illuminating the over-illuminated region more is given a larger decrease. In this manner, guide numbers gn1, gn2 for main flash of the main flashlight and the remote flashlight are calculated so as to adjust the expected illumination amount of the over-illuminated region to a proper value.

Abstract: A flash control device has selectable two light emission modes. The first light emission mode causes a remote flash part to perform a light emission with a main light emission of a master flash part. The second light emission mode causes a remote flash part to perform a light emission with a pulse light emission (communication light emission) of the master flash part. Light emission indication of the communication light emission is transmitted at a timing preceding the main light emission by a predetermined wait time period. When the main light emission is performed within a predetermined light-emission start time period after the shutter is released, the flash control device automatically selects the first light emission mode, and selects the second light emission mode otherwise. Accordingly, when performing a rear synchronous photographing operation, the remote flash part can be effectively prevented from mistakenly performing a light emission.

Abstract: Light emitting semiconductor device(s) of the present invention is/are provided with three LED elements by way of lead frame(s) on substrate(s). Reflector(s)—having parabolically curved surface(s) at inner wall(s) thereof is/are installed at periphery or peripheries of these LED elements. Radiative angle(s) of light radiating from such reflector(s) is/are controlled by alteration of height(s) of reflector(s). Such height(s) may be lowered to increase radiative angle(s) &thgr; of light therefrom after the fashion of curve(s) so as to establish broader irradiative locus or loci and/or such height(s) may be raised to decrease radiative angle(s) &thgr; of light radiating therefrom after the fashion of curve(s) so as to establish narrower irradiative locus or loci.

Abstract: Guide numbers tgn1, tgn2 as expected light amounts of a main flashlight and a remote flashlight are added for the calculation of an expected illumination amount of each divided photometric region. If there is an over-illuminated region, among the divided photometric regions, in which the expected illumination amount exceeds a proper illumination amount for a subject, the guide numbers tgn1 and tgn2 are decreased such that of the two flashlights, the one illuminating the over-illuminated region more is given a larger decrease. In this manner, guide numbers gn1, gn2 for main flash of the main flashlight and the remote flashlight are calculated so as to adjust the expected illumination amount of the over-illuminated region to a proper value.

Abstract: In the present invention, slave light emissions are controlled in such a manner that a flash light amount ratio between master and slave flash lights during pre-flash is caused to be approximately equal to a flash light amount ratio between master and slave flash lights during main flash. In another aspect of the present invention, the slave light emissions are controlled in such a manner that a flash time ratio between master and slave flash lights during pre-flash is caused to be approximately equal to a flash time ratio between master and slave flash lights during main flash. Such a control over the slave light emissions realizes a flash illumination having an appropriate amount of light.

Abstract: A flash control device for controlling a slave SB that emits a flash upon receiving an operational instruction via optical communication has a flash emitting part for emitting an optical signal used for the optical communication, and a power supply detecting part detecting the attachment of a power pack. The detection result is transmitted to a camera microcomputer via an SB microcomputer. A communication intensity designating part and a communication intensity determining part decide, based on the detection result received via the camera microcomputer, the intensity of the optical signal to be emitted by the flash emitting part.

Abstract: A microprocessor based strobe controller provides an interface between a digital camera and one or more strobe units. The strobe controller provides interoperability and enhanced user control by enabling the user to vary separately the light output of a variety of strobes of different manufacturers. The strobe controller enables a user to take pictures using digital TTL manual bracketing based on TTL feedback and full manual operation with the ability to adjust light output over a plurality of power levels with any TTL strobe. The strobe controller may be incorporated in a housing for operatively enclosing a digital camera for use underwater or in harsh environments. The housing provides a communication link between the camera and one or more strobes, and includes an intuitive user interface that accesses camera functions, strobe controller functions and gives visual strobe control feedback.

Abstract: A flash control device for controlling a slave SB that emits a flash upon receiving an operational instruction via optical communication has a flash emitting part for emitting an optical signal used for the optical communication, and a power supply detecting part detecting the attachment of a power pack. The detection result is transmitted to a camera microcomputer via an SB microcomputer. A communication intensity designating part and a communication intensity determining part decide, based on the detection result received via the camera microcomputer, the intensity of the optical signal to be emitted by the flash emitting part.

Abstract: A system and method for providing lighting effects comprises an arrangement of low power lights mounted on a frame having an opening through which a camera can protrude. In one embodiment, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or light-emitting crystals (LECs) are arranged on the frame in a pattern of concentric circles, with the frame being ring-shaped and having a circular opening through which a camera can protrude, and a mounting bracket and assembly for attaching the frame to a camera. The LEDs or LECs may be electronically controllable so as to provide differing intensity levels, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and may be strobed, dimmed or otherwise controlled according to manually selected or programmable patterns.

Abstract: A photographing system in which a camera and a flash device cooperate to perform flash photographing and a photographic information transmission system in which a second hand-held terminal such as a flash device is controlled based on a signal relating to photographing that is transmitted from a first hand-held terminal such as a camera to the second hand-held terminal. A unique identification code for identification of the first hand-held terminal or the second hand-held terminal is provided in at least one of the first hand-held terminal and the second hand-held terminal. The second hand-held terminal has a collating program for collating a unique identification code that is transmitted from the first hand-held terminal by using radio waves as a medium with a unique identification code provided in the second hand-held terminal.

Abstract: A flash photography system includes a camera body, a main flash device and at least one sub-flash device, wherein the main flash device emits at least one low flash emission serving as a main-flash emission command signal to transmit the main-flash emission command signal to the sub-flash device, the sub-flash device emitting a flash emission in accordance with the main-flash emission command signal. The flash photography system includes a designating device for designating a flash emission mode of a main-flash emission, and a command device which activates the main flash device to emit the low flash emission serving as the main-flash emission command signal to transmit the main-flash emission command signal to the sub-flash device in a manner corresponding to the designated flash emission mode.

Abstract: An electric flash according to the present invention comprises a flash source for emitting flash light to illuminate a subject, a trigger noise detecting part for detecting trigger noise generated from a master-side flash, and a flash control part for controlling the flashing of the flash source in synchronization with the trigger noise detected by the trigger noise detecting part. By detecting the trigger noise generated at the flashing or the like of the master-side flash which is arranged close thereto, the electric flash carries out a slave flash in synchronization with the flash timing of the master-side flash.

Abstract: For controlling emission of light from an outer flash lamp having a light receiving part and externally attached to a camera, which may be a digital camera and may be enclosed inside a watertight housing for underwater photography, having an inner lamp which is provided internally and includes a light emitting part, a filter which passes infrared and near infrared light but prevents visible light from passing through may be attached to the light emitting part of the inner lamp or on the housing of the camera. Light emitted from the inner lamp has sufficiently strong infrared intensity and the portion passing through the filter is sufficiently strong to activate the outer lamp. The filter may be substituted with a light intensity-reducing filter for reducing the intensity of incident light thereon with an amplifier added to the light receiving part of the outer lamp such that the light with reduced intensity through such a filter can activate the outer lamp.

Abstract: A flash photography system having a camera body and external flash devices includes a designating device for designating a sync flash mode for a main flash emission; a first pre-flash emission mode in which the external flash devices are activated to emit a preliminary flash emission at the same time; a second pre-flash emission mode in which the plurality of external flash devices are activated to emit the preliminary flash emission in a predetermined order; a pre-flash emission mode selecting device which selects the first or second pre-flash emission mode in accordance with the designated sync flash mode; and a pre-flash emission command device which transmits a command signal to the external flash devices to emit the preliminary flash emission in the first or second pre-flash emission mode.

Abstract: A photographic flash unit comprising a housing containing the electronic circuitry for the flash unit, the housing having a slave member for attachment to a photographic camera, a power source adaptor and control means, the photographic flash unit having mounted thereon two independent flash units in side by side relationship, each flash unit independently rotatable about its vertical axis to allow indirect lighting of the subject matter of the flash, each of said flash members being pivotal on their vertical axis from the front of the housing to the rear of the housing in order to permit indirect, bounce lighting of the subject matter. The independent flash units may also be mounted on foldable, extensible arms so that they can be positioned to the lateral side of the housing.

Abstract: A camera includes a built-in flash and a controller for controlling the camera. The controller includes different photographic modes; an auto-exposure-mode selecting mode in which an appropriate photographic mode is automatically selected from the different photographic modes based on photographic conditions, the controller allowing the built-in flash to discharge automatically in the selected appropriate photographic mode when the built-in flash discharges at a most appropriate time of exposure; and a flash-prohibiting/auto-exposure-mode selecting mode in which an appropriate photographic mode is automatically selected from the different photographic modes based on photographic conditions, the controller prohibiting the built-in flash from discharging automatically in the selected appropriate photographic mode at a time of exposure.

Abstract: In a flash system, information on a light emission mode, etc., is communicated to a slave flash device through pulse light emitted from a master flash device, and, after completion of communication of the information, the master flash device makes light emission, which causes the slave flash device to start to make light emission in an operative mode according to the communicated information.

Abstract: A flash photography system includes a camera body, a main flash device and at least one sub-flash device, wherein the main flash device emits at least one low flash emission serving as a main-flash emission command signal to transmit the main-flash emission command signal to the sub-flash device, the sub-flash device emitting a flash emission in accordance with the main-flash emission command signal. The flash photography system includes a designating device for designating a flash emission mode of a main-flash emission, and a command device which activates the main flash device to emit the low flash emission serving as the main-flash emission command signal to transmit the main-flash emission command signal to the sub-flash device in a manner corresponding to the designated flash emission mode.

Abstract: A flash unit comprising a flash light source (2) and a projector lens (8) positioned to project light from the flash source onto a subject. In a preferred embodiment there are two flash light sources for projecting patterned and unpatterned light respectively on to the subject, and a circuit is provided to trigger the two flash sources with a predetermined time interval therebetween.

Abstract: A flash control system remotely controls an external flash by a camera. In the camera, a stop value is calculated as a photographic exposure factor for the external flash, and a flash-light emission timing of the external flash is calculated. A built-in flash of the camera is controlled to emit two light signals at a time interval representing the stop value. The external flash detects the two light signals. A timing of a flash-light emission of the external flash is controlled in accordance with one of the two light signals. An amount of the flash-light emission of the external flash is controlled in accordance with the time interval.