A distance image acquisition apparatus includes a light source, an irradiation optical system, an imaging optical system, an imaging element, and a processing unit. The imaging element receives a light pulse output from the light source, reflected by an object, and passed through the imaging optical system on a light receiving surface. Each of a plurality of pixels on the light receiving surface includes a photodiode for generating charges by receiving light, and a charge accumulation portion for accumulating the charges generated in the photodiode. The processing unit commonly applies a control pattern to the plurality of pixels. The control pattern indicates a period in which the charges generated in the photodiode are accumulated in the charge accumulation portion. The processing unit acquires a distance image of the object based on an amount of charges generated in the photodiode and accumulated in the charge accumulation portion.