An electronic camera of the type having an image pick up for generating electrical image signals representing a received optical image, a recorder responsive to a record control signal for recording the image signals on a magnetic medium, and a shutter release operable to carry out a recording operation whereby the image signals are recorded. A standby switch, separate from and operable independently of the shutter release, functions to condition the recorder to carry out the recording operation upon subsequent operation of the shutter release. A separate recording switch is actuated by the shutter release for causing a record control signal to be supplied to the conditioned recorder, whereby image signals are recorded on the magnetic medium.