An electric self-timer device for a camera includes a timer circuit sequentially generating first and second signals, with respective predetermined delays in response to a trigger signal of the device, an oscillator responsive to the trigger signal to generate a first oscillating signal of a predetermined frequency and also responsive to the first signal to generate a second oscillating signal having a frequency distinguishably higher than that of the first oscillating signal, a light emitting diode energized by the first and second oscillating signals, a circuit responsive to the second signal to cease the oscillation or actuation of the oscillator, and an electromagnetic release device also responsive to the second signal to release the camera shutter. The self-timer device intermittently energizes the light emitting diode during the entire delay period to enable a person being photographed to recognize that the delay action is being effected, and changes-over the energization frequency of the light emitting diode to a higher frequency a predetermined time before shutter release is effected to indicate the moment of shutter release to the person being photographed.