An image capture apparatus can immediately start image recording capable of preventing the deterioration of image quality, even when brightness of an object immediately after the activation of a power source is higher than a reference value. A filter control circuit automatically inserts a filter for reducing the transmitting light amount of an image capture optical system into the optical path of the optical system regardless of the state of a switch for inserting or withdrawing the filter, when the brightness of the object is higher than the reference value immediately after the activation of the power source. Moreover, the filer control circuit automatically withdraws the filter from the optical path regardless of the state of the switch, when the brightness of the object is lower than the reference value immediately after the activation of the power source.