PURPOSE: To eliminate the need of a device used only for photometry by obtaining an appropriate exposure value in the case of actually performing image pickup from an exposure correction conversion table according to correction data compared between brightness addition data in the case that the image pickup is performed in a reference exposing condition set previously and brightness addition data in the case that the reference exposing condition is appropriate.

CONSTITUTION: The converted electrical signal Y of an optical image obtained from an image pickup means in a diaphragm condition and the exposing condition set by an initial exposure setting means 46 is added by an image pickup signal addition means 42. Then, the value of added result obtained by the means 42 and an appropriate reference value set previously according to the opening degree of the diaphragm and the exposing time set by the means 46 are compared by a reference value comparison means 44. According to the compared result, the optimum exposing time (shutter speed) S and a stop value F are selected from the exposure correction conversion table in an exposing time and stop value conversion part 45. Thus, the device only used for photometry need not be provided specially, and a camera main body is miniaturized.