The invention provides a mode switching method in a digital image acquisition apparatus with a first button for taking pictures and a second button for mode switching. Snapshot modes and a viewing mode are provided. A snapshot parameter is for recording whether the apparatus is currently used for taking pictures. Each time when the apparatus is used for taking pictures via the first button, the snapshot parameter is recorded as a snapshot status. A mode parameter is for recording which mode the apparatus is currently situated. Each time when the apparatus is used for mode switching via the second button, the mode parameter is recorded as a corresponding mode status. When the apparatus performs mode switching via the second button, if the snapshot parameter is at the same time recorded as the snapshot status, the apparatus is switched directly to the viewing mode in irrespective to its original snapshot mode.