A pan head apparatus includes a head unit for mounting a camera, a base unit having a stationary portion, a rotating mechanism, and a rotary portion which is rotated with respect to the stationary portion by the rotating mechanism, and a connecting member which pivotally connects the head unit and the rotary portion of the base unit. In addition, a detector detects whether or not the head unit is set in an upright state with respect to the base unit by pivot motion of the connecting member. When the detector detects that the head unit is upright, rotation of the rotary portion by the rotating mechanism is permitted.