A combined imaging apparatus in which heterogeneous imaging devices are combined and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The combined imaging apparatus includes a photoacoustic imaging unit to irradiate an energy beam to a target part, an ultrasonic imaging unit to generate an ultrasonic wave, irradiate the ultrasonic wave to the target part, and collect an echo ultrasonic wave reflected from the target part to which the ultrasonic wave is irradiated or an ultrasonic wave generated from the target part in response to energy beam irradiation of the photoacoustic imaging unit. The ultrasonic imaging unit starts or stops operation according to an operation state of the photoacoustic imaging unit.