A camera includes a retractable built-in flash unit which is movable between a retracted position and a discharge position, and a controller which controls the built-in flash and provides an auto flash mode in which the controller allows the built-in flash to discharge automatically when necessary. In the auto flash mode, the controller moves the built-in flash from the retracted position to the discharge position when predetermined conditions are satisfied, and subsequently controls the retractable built-in flash unit to discharge automatically at a time of exposure. Furthermore, the controller temporarily prohibits the retractable built-in flash unit from automatically discharging if the retractable built-in flash unit is pushed down to the retracted position after the controller moves the retractable built-in flash unit from the retracted position to the discharge position.