A controller for a camera is provided with a first zoom signal output device operatively associated with the half depressing operation of a release operation member and outputting a first zoom signal for directing a photographing lens to a focal length preset on the camera, a second zoom signal output device outputting a second zoom signal for arbitrarily varying the focal length of the photographing lens by a manual operation, a drive device responsive to the first or second zoom signal to electrically drive the photographing lens and effect zooming, a mode command device for commanding the setting and release of an auto focal length mode in which the focal length of the photographing lens is changed with the first zoom signal, by a manual operation, and a control device for operating the first zoom signal output device by the first half depressing operation of the release operation member when the auto focal length mode is set, and releasing the auto focal length mode when the second zoom signal is output during the time from after the half depressing operation is released until the next shutter release, and thereafter inhibiting the operation of the first zoom signal output device until the shutter release is effected even if the half depressing operation is done.