According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a display panel including a display area, a light source unit, a camera, a modulating element, and a control unit. The control unit permits light emission executed, displays an image in the display area, and switching the modulating element to the light-shielding state, in a light emission period. The control unit prohibits the light emission executed, switching the modulating element to the transmissive state, and makes the camera take in the external light transmitted through the display area and the modulating element, in a capturing period.