PURPOSE: To facilitate various signal processings to keep the compatibility between the EDTV system and the NTSC system by providing 1st-3rd signal charge readout means reading independently the signal charge from 1st-3rd image pickup areas.

CONSTITUTION: The method is provided with 1st signal charge readout means 3, 4 reading a signal charge from a 2nd image pickup area 2 whose aspect ratio is 9:12 located in the middle in all image pickup areas independently, 2nd signal charge readout means 6, 7 reading a signal charge from a 2nd image pickup area 5 whose aspect ratio is 9:2 located to the left independently, and 3rd signal charge readout means 9, 10 reading a signal charge from a 3rd image pickup area 8 whose aspect ratio is 9:2 located to the right independently. Since the conversion of a video signal with the compatibility from the enhancement definition television(EDTV) system into the current television system (NTSC system) is attained by a television camera single body with the solid-state image pickup element mounted thereon, no complicated signal processing at the sender side is required.