JP2000209469A - Electronic still camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To pick up the images of vertical composition and horizontal composition without damaging operability and a grip form or the like. SOLUTION: A CCD image sensor 8 is provided so as to be turned between a horizontal position where a light receiving area is made horizontally long and a vertical position where it is made vertically long by operating an operation lever 12. Also, a liquid crystal display panel is turned linked with the CCD image sensor 8. Regardless of the turning position of the CCD image sensor 8, picked-up images are displayed so as to match the longitudinal direction of the screen with the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display panel. Also, exposure is performed in an optical printer so as to match the longitudinal direction of the screen of the images with the longitudinal direction of the recording area 16b of an instant film 16 and the exposed instant film 16 is discharged from a discharge port 17 provided on the upper surface of a camera body 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic still camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A subject is imaged by an image sensor such as a CCD image sensor through an imaging lens, an obtained optical object image is converted into an electric image signal, and image data obtained by digital conversion is stored in a memory. Electronic still cameras that are stored in the Internet have become widespread. In such an electronic still camera, a liquid crystal (L) incorporated in a camera body based on an imaging signal or image data.
CD) There is a so-called electronic viewfinder that drives a display panel or the like and displays a subject image being captured as a moving image.

In many of the electronic still cameras described above, the light receiving area of the image sensor has a rectangular shape having different lengths in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. It has a composition. That is,
When the camera body of the electronic still camera is gripped in a normal form, the image sensor is arranged in the camera body so that the light receiving area is horizontally long. And
When capturing the screen of the subject image in a vertically long vertical composition, the camera body is rotated by 90 ° around the optical axis of the taking lens.

On the other hand, there is known an electronic still camera with a built-in printer that can print a captured subject image as a print photograph. In this electronic still camera with a built-in printer, a self-developing type instant film used in an instant camera is used as a recording medium, for example, an image is captured, image data is recorded in the memory, and then read from the memory. The optical printer is driven based on the image data for one image, and optical recording (exposure) is performed on the instant film. After the exposure is completed, the instant film is discharged from the discharge port of the camera body, and a developing process is performed at the time of the discharge.

[0005]

However, when an electronic still camera based on a horizontal composition is used to capture images in a vertical composition as described above, serious inconvenience arises in the operability and grip form. For example, if the camera body is rotated and gripped in a different form than usual, the position of the gripped hand and the position of the release button will be separated, making it difficult to perform release operations, and the imaging lens and strobe light emitting unit In some cases, a finger may be caught on the camera and imaging may fail. Conversely, camera shake may occur because the electronic camera is gripped in an unreasonable manner in order to avoid fingers from being applied to the imaging lens or the strobe light emitting unit. Of course, the same applies to the case of capturing an image of a horizontal composition using an electronic still camera based on a vertical composition.

Further, in the electronic still camera incorporating the printer as described above, it is considered that when the camera body is gripped, the outlet for discharging the instant film out of the camera body is closed with the gripped hand or finger. Can be Also, if the user grips so as to avoid the outlet, camera shake or the like may occur as in the case described above.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an electronic device which does not cause inconvenience in operability, grip form, and the like even when imaging is performed by changing a composition such as a horizontal composition and a vertical composition. It is intended to provide a still camera.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image of a subject is taken through an image pickup lens through an image pickup lens, and is output as an image pickup signal. An image sensor rotatable by 90 degrees around the optical axis of the imaging lens between a horizontal position in which a light receiving area is horizontally long and a vertical position in which the light receiving area is vertically long; An operation member for rotating the sensor, a display unit for displaying the subject image captured by the image sensor, and a screen for the subject image in association with the rotation between the horizontal position and the vertical position of the image sensor. An electronic view finder having a rotating means for rotating between a horizontally long state and a vertically long state is provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the display unit of the electronic viewfinder is rotatable, and the rotating means is an interlocking mechanism that rotates the image sensor and the display unit in association with each other, and the display unit itself is provided. Is rotated, so that the screen of the subject image is rotated and displayed between a horizontally long state and a vertically long state in conjunction with the rotation between the horizontal position and the vertical position of the image sensor. It is like that.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the electronic view finder includes a detecting means for detecting a turning angle of the image sensor, and the turning means is imaged based on the turning angle from the detecting means. Image processing means for rotating the subject image and performing image processing so that the entire screen of the subject image is displayed on the display unit; and performing the image processing on the subject image to thereby set the horizontal position of the image sensor. The screen of the subject image is rotated between a horizontally long state and a vertically long state and displayed on the display unit in conjunction with the rotation between the vertical position and the vertical position.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a memory for storing image data obtained by digitally converting an image pickup signal and a recording medium in which a recording area is partitioned into rectangles having the same aspect ratio as the light receiving area are used. 1 issued
A printer for recording the subject image on the recording medium based on image data for the image, and the printer records the subject image on the recording medium by matching the longitudinal direction of the screen of the subject image with the longitudinal direction of the recording area. It is something to do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a self-developing type instant film is used as a recording medium, and the instant film is exposed to light by an optical printer, and the exposed instant film is transported out of the camera body. The developing solution contained in the film is developed.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An electronic still camera with a built-in printer embodying the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an electronic still camera).
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the front side, and FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the rear side.
When the camera body 2 is viewed from the front, the imaging unit 3
An electronic flash unit 4 is provided at the upper right. A release button 5 is provided on the front left side.

The image pickup unit 3 is provided integrally with the inner cylinder 10 holding the image pickup lens 7 (see FIG. 6) and the CCD image sensor 8 and the camera body 2.
And an outer cylinder 11 rotatably held about the optical axis 7a. An operation lever 12 is provided integrally with the inner cylinder 10 and projects from an opening formed in the outer cylinder 11. As the CCD image sensor 8, one having a rectangular light receiving area is used, and the center of the light receiving area is arranged on the optical axis 7a. This CCD image sensor 8
Thus, the subject image is captured on a rectangular screen having the same aspect ratio as the light receiving area.

The CCD image sensor 8 includes the operation lever 1
By operating the camera body 2 in the direction of the arrow in the figure, as shown in FIG.
Between the horizontal position corresponding to the left-right (horizontal) direction and the vertical position rotated 90 ° from this horizontal position so that the longitudinal direction of the light receiving area coincides with the vertical (vertical) direction of the camera body 2.
Rotates with 0. The rotation of the inner cylinder 10 is given an appropriate friction, and the CCD image sensor 8 can be set at any tilt position between the horizontal position and the vertical position, in addition to the horizontal position and the vertical position.

This electronic still camera has a camera body 2
An image is captured by gripping each side from the back side of the camera (hereinafter, the form of this grip will be referred to as a basic grip form). Then, by allowing the CCD image sensor 8 to rotate between the horizontal position and the vertical position as described above, the horizontal composition, the vertical composition, in which the screen of the subject image is made horizontal in the basic grip form, Alternatively, it is possible to capture an image in a composition in which the screen is inclined between them.

In this electronic still camera, a CCD is used.
Although the imaging lens 7 rotates together with the image sensor 8,
A configuration in which the imaging lens 7 is not rotated may be adopted. Also,
The imaging may be performed only when the CCD image sensor 8 is in the horizontal position and the vertical position.

When the release button 5 is pressed, one image pickup for taking in the subject image is performed through the photographing lens 7. When the brightness of the subject is low during this single imaging, the strobe light is automatically emitted from the strobe light emitting unit 4 toward the subject. Although the imaging range is changed by the rotation of the CCD image sensor 8, even when the CCD image sensor 8 is set at the horizontal position, the vertical position, or any position between them, the entire imaging range at that time is set. The strobe light emitting unit 4 so that the strobe light is irradiated
Irradiation range is determined.

At the center of the front surface of the camera body 2, there is provided a pack loading lid 13 which is pivotally mounted so as to be openable and closable. A film pack 15 (FIG. 4)
) Is provided. The film pack 15 is formed by stacking, for example, ten self-developing type instant films 16 in a case. The pack loading lid 13 is normally locked in the closed position, and can be opened by operating the knob 13a when loading or unloading the film pack 15.

The above-mentioned instant film 16 has already become widespread due to commercialization by the present applicant and the like, and includes a pod 16a containing a developing solution, a photosensitive sheet,
The image receiving sheet is a basic component. In the instant film 16, a photosensitive sheet is exposed on one surface in a rectangular shape as a recording (exposure) area 16b, and a portion of the image receiving sheet facing the recording area 16b is exposed on the other surface as an image area. I have. The recording area 16b is a rectangle having the same aspect ratio as the light receiving area of the CCD image sensor 8, and the image area has substantially the same size as the recording area 16b. A latent image is formed photochemically by exposing the recording area 16b to light, and a developing processing solution is spread between the photosensitive sheet and the image receiving sheet. An image appears.

A slit-shaped discharge port 17 is formed on the upper surface of the camera body 2, and a print instruction is given when a simultaneous print mode in which print processing is performed immediately after release is selected and a release operation is performed, or in a reproduction mode. At times, the exposed instant film 16 is discharged from the discharge port 17. A pair of developing rollers 18 (see FIG. 4) are disposed at the back of the discharge port 17, and the exposed instant film 16 is supplied with the developing solution when transported through the pair of developing rollers 18. Deployment takes place,
A positive image is obtained in the image area in about one minute to several minutes (depending on environmental conditions such as temperature).

A battery loading lid 20 is provided on one side of the camera body 2, and a slot cover 21 is provided on the other side. A battery loading chamber is provided at the back of the battery loading lid 20, and a battery, for example, an AA battery, as a power supply common to each part of the electronic still camera is loaded in the battery loading chamber. By opening the slot cover 21, the memory slot 22 (see FIG. 6) is exposed. By mounting a memory card in the memory slot 22, a captured subject image can be stored and stored in the memory card. Normally, a subject image is stored in a flash memory 23 (see FIG. 6) built in the camera body 2.

On the back of the camera body 2, an input operation unit 2
5, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) 26 is provided.
The input operation unit 25 is provided with a main switch of the camera and various buttons for capturing a subject image, selecting / reproducing a subject image stored in the flash memory 23 or a memory card, and instructing printing.

The liquid crystal display panel 26 is of a transmission type color display composed of a liquid crystal plate in which a large number of minute liquid crystal segments are arranged in a matrix and a backlight for illuminating the liquid crystal panel from the back. Image sensor 8
The image is displayed on the entire rectangular screen having the same aspect ratio as the light receiving area. The liquid crystal display panel 26 is a display unit of a so-called electronic viewfinder that displays a subject image captured through the imaging lens 7 in real time. The liquid crystal display panel 26 is also used for reproducing a subject image stored in the flash memory 23 or the like. The liquid crystal display panel 26 is mounted on a rotating plate 27 rotatably provided on the camera body 2, and is rotated integrally with the rotating plate 27.

As shown in FIG. 3, a gear portion 30 is formed integrally with the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 10 of the imaging section 3, and a gear portion 31 is formed integrally with the back surface of the rotary plate 27. Rotating interlocking mechanism 3
2 transmits the rotation of the inner cylinder 10 to the rotating plate 27. The rotation interlocking mechanism 32 includes, for example, a plurality of gears, of which a gear 32 a meshes with the gear unit 30 and a gear 32 b meshes with the gear unit 32. Accordingly, when the inner cylinder 10 is rotated by the operation lever 12, the rotation is transmitted to the rotating plate 27 via the rotating interlocking mechanism 32, and the liquid crystal display panel 26 and the rotating plate 27 have the same angle and the same angle as the inner cylinder 10. Pivoted in the direction. The CCD image sensor 8 and the liquid crystal display panel 26 are connected to a circuit inside the camera body by a flexible substrate (not shown) which is not shown, and can be rotated while the connection is maintained.

As shown, the CCD image sensor 8
Is in the horizontal position, the liquid crystal display panel 26
The camera is assembled so that its longitudinal direction is the horizontal display position that matches the left-right direction of the camera body 2. This allows
When the CCD image sensor 8 is rotated between the horizontal position and the vertical position by the operation of the operation lever 12, the liquid crystal display panel 26 is interlocked with the rotation of the liquid crystal display panel 26 in the horizontal display position, as shown by the two-dot chain line. It rotates between a vertical display position in which the direction matches the vertical direction of the camera body 2.

Regardless of the position where the CCD image sensor 8 and the liquid crystal display panel 26 are rotated to any position, the subject image picked up by the CCD image sensor 8 has a screen whose longitudinal direction is in the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display panel 26. They are displayed in agreement. As a result, even if the CCD image sensor 8 rotates, the direction of the subject image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 does not change, and framing is facilitated. The inclination of the liquid crystal display panel 26 informs the photographer of the inclination of the CCD image sensor 8.

The liquid crystal display panel 26 may be assembled on the back side of the inner cylinder 10 and rotated together with the inner cylinder 10.
Further, an operation lever may be provided on the rotating plate 27, and the CCD image sensor 8 may be rotated by rotating the liquid crystal display panel side. An operation member for turning may be provided. Further, the structure for rotating the CCD image sensor 8 and the liquid crystal display panel 26 and the mechanism for rotating these in conjunction with each other can be variously changed. For example, a motor may be driven by operating a switch, and the CCD image sensor 8 and the liquid crystal display panel 26 may be rotated by the motor.

FIG. 4 shows the appearance of an optical printer built in an electronic still camera. The optical printer has an exposure head 3
5, a head moving mechanism 36, a discharge mechanism for discharging the instant film 16 from the discharge port 17, and the like. The exposure head 35 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is along the direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the discharge direction of the instant film 16 (the direction of the arrow in the figure). The main scanning direction is a direction along the short side of the recording area 16b.

At both ends of the exposure head 35, shafts 35a, 3
5b are provided, and these are inserted into long holes 37a and 37b which are long provided in parallel with the discharge direction. As a result, the exposure head 35 moves the instant film 16
Is movable in the sub-scanning direction parallel to the discharge direction.

The head moving mechanism 36 is, for example, a scanning motor 36a, a lead screw 36b rotated by the scanning motor 36a, and a movement that moves in a direction along the axis (sub-scanning direction) by the rotation of the lead screw 36b. It is composed of a member 36c and the like. One shaft 35a of the exposure head 35 is fixed to the moving member 36c. As a result, when the scanning motor 36a rotates, the exposure head 35
Is moved in the sub-scanning direction.

The scanning motor 36a is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions.
Is moved in the sub-scanning direction from the recording start position on the developing roller 18 side indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4, and moves to the recording end position indicated by the two-dot chain line. During one movement of the exposure head 35, the photosensitive sheet of the instant film 16 is exposed one line at a time for one color image, and the three movements expose a color image in three color planes sequentially. When exposing the image of the second color by moving the exposure head 35 from the recording end position to the recording start position and exposing, it is possible to print three colors in 1.5 reciprocations, thereby reducing the printing time. be able to.

Regardless of whether the image to be printed is taken with the CCD image sensor 8 in a horizontal position, a vertical position, or a position between these positions, the image is to be taken along the short side of the light receiving area of the CCD image sensor 8. The set of pixels thus formed is one line. Then, the exposure head 35
Lines extending along the main scanning direction, that is, along the short side of the recording area 16b are exposed line by line.

The developing roller 18 is rotated in a direction for sending the instant film 16 from the discharge port 17 to the outside after the exposure of three colors. After the exposure of the three colors, the claw member 38 is provided with the notch 3 provided at the end of the film pack 15.
9, the film enters the film pack 15, and the exposed instant film 16 is extruded from the film pack 15. As a result, the exposed instant film 16 is exposed.
Is fed from the pod 16 a to the rotating developing roller 18, and is discharged from the discharge port 17 by the rotation of the developing roller 18. The instant film 16 includes the developing roller 1.
During the passage through the pod 8, the pod 16a is ruptured and the developing solution is developed inside, and when the developing solution is discharged, the developing process is completed.

The discharging mechanism is constituted by the developing roller 18, the claw member 38 and the like. The structure of the discharging mechanism is, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-194832. And the functions thereof are completely the same.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the exposure head 35. An elongated fluorescent lamp 41 is incorporated in the light-shielded case 40 of the exposure head 35 along its longitudinal direction. The illumination light from the fluorescent lamp 41 includes red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors. Note that other types of light sources can be used as long as these colors are included.

In the optical path of the illumination light from the fluorescent lamp 41,
A color filter 42 is provided. The color filter 42 is formed by arranging an R transmission filter section, a G transmission filter section, and a B transmission filter section formed in a long strip along the longitudinal direction of the fluorescent lamp 41 in three rows. Is positioned in the illumination light path of the fluorescent lamp 41. Then, the color filter 42 moves in the direction of the arrow Y in response to the input of the filter switching signal, and the filter unit is switched.

By passing through the color filter 42, the illumination light from the fluorescent lamp 41 becomes one of R, G, and B print light. The print light is emitted from the aperture 40a through the liquid crystal array 43, the mirror 44, the selfoc lens array 45, and the mirror 46, and reaches the instant film 16. The liquid crystal array 43 has minute liquid crystal segments arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the fluorescent lamp 41, and one liquid crystal segment corresponds to one pixel when printing is performed. The liquid crystal array 43 can control the density of each liquid crystal segment, and blocks print light and controls the amount of transmitted light. The selfoc lens array 45 prevents the print light for each pixel from spreading to other pixel positions. An appropriate light blocking member is incorporated in the case 40 so that only print light is emitted from the opening 40a.

In practicing the present invention, the configuration of the exposure head 35 is not limited to the above. For example, as a light source of the exposure head 35, three kinds of minute light emitting diodes (LEDs) that output R, G, and B lights are arranged in a line, and the liquid crystal array is turned on while these LEDs are lit in a plane sequential manner. If the configuration for exposing through is adopted, it is not necessary to provide the color filter 42. In addition, if the liquid crystal segments constituting the liquid crystal array 43 are associated with each LED of each color, the LEDs of each color are simultaneously turned on, and the
, The printing can be performed by one scanning instead of the three-color-plane sequential system. Further, if the light emission amount of each color LED is adjusted, it is not necessary to provide the liquid crystal array 43.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the electrical configuration of the electronic still camera. The system controller 50 includes
ROM 50a in which programs and data for a series of sequences such as printing are written, and RAM in which data and parameters necessary for executing the sequences are temporarily written
50b, and controls each unit based on a program in the ROM 50a to execute a sequence.

A CCD image sensor 8 is arranged behind the imaging lens 7, and a subject image is formed on the light receiving area of the CCD image sensor 8 by the imaging lens 7. The CCD image sensor 8 is driven by a CCD driver 51, converts an optical subject image into an electrical image signal, and outputs the signal. The charge storage time of the CCD image sensor 8 is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of the subject based on the feedback from the amplifier 52. Note that, in this example, the pan-focus type which does not require the focusing of the photographing lens 7 is used. However, a focusing device may be provided to perform auto-focusing, or manual focusing may be performed.

The light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 8 has R,
Micro color filters of G and B are arranged in a matrix, and an image signal output serially for each color is amplified to an appropriate level by an amplifier 52, and is then digitally converted by an A / D converter 53. The image data is red, green, and blue image data. As is well known, the drive by the CCD driver 51 and the sampling timing of the A / D converter 53 are synchronized.

The strobe device 54 includes a strobe discharge tube disposed behind the strobe light emitting section 4, a main capacitor, a charging circuit, a trigger circuit, and the like. When the main switch is turned on, the strobe device 54 automatically starts charging the main capacitor to enable strobe light emission.
When a light emission request signal is input from the camera, flash light emission is performed in response to a pressing operation of the release button 5. The strobe device 54 automatically starts charging after the strobe light is emitted, and performs additional charging when the charging voltage is reduced.

The data processing circuit 55 performs various data processing such as white balance adjustment and gamma correction on the image data. In the photographing mode, image data from the A / D converter 53 is input to the data processing circuit 55, and image data for one image on which necessary processing has been performed by the data processing circuit 55 is successively output to the electronic viewfinder. L that constitutes
By being sent to the CD driver 56, the subject image is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 as a moving image.

As described above, even if the CCD image sensor 8 is rotated, the direction of the subject image does not change. That is,
For example, when it is assumed that each light receiving element arranged in the light receiving area of the CCD image sensor 8 corresponds to one liquid crystal segment of the liquid crystal display panel 26, the rotational position of the CCD image sensor 8 is changed. Even if it changes, the correspondence between these light receiving elements and the liquid crystal segments does not change. Since the liquid crystal display panel 26 rotates in conjunction with the CCD image sensor 8 while maintaining the correspondence as described above, the direction of the subject image does not change.

When the release button 5 is operated, the image data for one image from the data processing circuit 55 is temporarily written into the buffer memory 57 via the system controller 50 at that time, and then the flash memory 2 is operated.
3 and stored. When the simultaneous print mode is selected, the instant film 16
In order to expose the image data, the image data is read from the buffer memory 57 and sent to the optical printer. The image data stored in the flash memory 23 can be written to a memory card mounted in the memory slot 22. If a memory card is specified as a storage destination,
It can also be written and stored directly on a memory card.

In the reproduction mode, the flash memory 23
Alternatively, image data for one image read from the memory card is written to the buffer memory 57. And
From this buffer memory 57, the system controller 5
0, sent to the LCD driver 56 via the data processing circuit 55. Thus, the image stored in the flash memory 23 or the memory card is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 as a still image. If a print instruction is given while the image is being displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 in this reproduction mode, the image being displayed is printed.

The flash memory 23 stores the image data obtained from the data processing circuit 55 for each image,
For example, it has a storage capacity capable of storing image data for 50 images. As is well known, since the flash memory 23 does not require a power supply for storing and storing data, the image data is not erased even when the battery is removed from the battery loading chamber.

Various adjustment data referred to by the system controller 50 when the electronic still camera is operated according to a predetermined sequence is stored in the EEPROM 59 in advance. The adjustment data includes, for example, correction data for each color at the time of printing, and is checked and written for each unit in an inspection process after the assembly of the electronic still camera is completed.

The release button 5 and the input operation unit 25
The I / O port 61 is connected to the system controller 50 via the I / O port 61. The system controller 50 monitors a signal from the I / O port 61 and performs a process according to the input signal. Further, the system controller 50 inputs and outputs data to and from the memory card connected to the memory slot 22 via the I / O port 61.

The optical printer includes a line memory 65, a head driver 66, a motor driver 67, and a discharge motor 68 in addition to the above-described exposure head 35, scanning motor 36a, and the like.
Etc. At the time of printing, image data of a color to be recorded is read line by line from the buffer memory 57 and written to the line memory 65. Head driver 66
Drives the exposure head 35 based on the image data in the line memory 65 according to a command from the system controller 50. The head driver 66, based on the image data,
By controlling the individual transmittances of the liquid crystal segments constituting the liquid crystal array 43, the instant film 16 is irradiated with the amount of print light corresponding to the image data.

The motor driver 67 includes the scanning motor 36
a and the discharge motor 68 are driven. Scanning motor 36a
Is rotated to expose the exposure head 35 as described above.
Is moved in the sub-scanning direction. The amount of rotation of the scanning motor 36a, that is, the amount of movement of the exposure head 35 is
5 is adjusted so as to be moved in the sub-scanning direction by the width of one line each time one line is printed.

The discharge motor 68 is for driving a discharge mechanism. The rotation of the discharge motor 68 rotates the developing roller 18 and reciprocates the claw member 38 so as to enter the film pack 15. The claw member 38 is reciprocated only once each time exposure is completed.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. Operate the input operation unit 25 to turn on the main switch,
Further, an imaging mode or a reproduction mode is selected. When the main switch is turned on, the system controller 50 confirms the mode of the imaging mode or the reproduction mode, and enters either mode. If the input operation unit 25 is operated after entering either mode,
It is possible to switch from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode or from the shooting mode to the reproduction mode at any time. When the imaging mode is selected, the simultaneous printing mode is selected as needed.

In the image pickup mode, the image data of the subject image picked up by the CCD image sensor 8 is continuously sent to the data processing circuit 55, and the processed image data is sent to the LCD driver 56, as in the conventional electronic still camera. Sent to As a result, the captured subject image is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 as a moving image.

The photographer grips the camera body 2 from the rear side in the basic grip form described above. Then, the framing is performed while observing the liquid crystal display panel 26 with the front surface of the imaging unit 3 facing the subject in such a gripped state.

At the time of framing, the operation lever 12 is operated according to the type of the subject and the photographing intention to rotate the CCD image sensor 8. For example, when it is desired to fit a subject on a horizontally long screen that is long in the left-right direction of the camera body 2, that is, when imaging is performed in a horizontal composition, the operation lever 12 is turned clockwise when viewed from the rear side of the camera body 2. Full rotation. Then, the CCD image sensor 8 is rotated clockwise about the optical axis 7a of the photographing lens 7 together with the inner cylinder 10 to be in the horizontal position. Further, since the rotation of the inner cylinder 10 is transmitted to the rotating plate 27 via the rotation interlocking mechanism 32, the liquid crystal display panel 26 is rotated clockwise to the horizontal display position which is horizontally long with respect to the camera body 2. It is turned.

On the other hand, when it is desired to fit a subject on a vertically long screen in the vertical direction of the camera body 2, that is, when imaging is performed in a vertical composition, when viewed from the back side of the camera body 2, Operation lever 12 without changing posture
Is rotated fully counterclockwise. Then, the inner cylinder 10
At the same time, the CCD image sensor 8 is rotated counterclockwise to the vertical position. Further, in conjunction with the rotation of the inner cylinder 10, the liquid crystal display panel 26 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction to the vertical display position. Further, when the operation lever 12 is operated to set the CCD image sensor 8 at an arbitrary tilt position between the vertical position and the horizontal position, the liquid crystal display panel 26 is tilted in conjunction with this. .

As described above, the CCD image sensor 8
FIG. 7 shows an example of the display state of the liquid crystal display panel 26 when is rotated. When the CCD image sensor 8 is set to the horizontal position, as shown in FIG.
The longitudinal direction is set at the horizontal display position where the left and right directions of the camera body 2 are set. For example, as shown in the figure, the vertical direction of the subject image is the short side direction of the liquid crystal display panel 26,
That is, the image is displayed so as to be in the vertical direction of the camera body 2.

When the operation lever 12 is operated to rotate the CCD image sensor 8 toward the vertical position from the state shown in FIG. 7A, the liquid crystal display panel 26 is rotated toward the vertical display position in conjunction with the rotation. Be moved. When the CCD image sensor 8 is set at an inclined position intermediate between the horizontal position and the vertical position, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the liquid crystal display panel 26 also moves between the horizontal display position and the vertical display position. Set to display position. Further, by operating the operation lever 12, C
When the CD image sensor 8 is set in the vertical position, FIG.
As shown in (c), the liquid crystal display panel 26 is set at a vertical display position where the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction of the camera body 2.

As described above, the liquid crystal display panel 26 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the CCD image sensor 8. Since the correspondence between the longitudinal direction of the light receiving area of the CCD image sensor 8 set at an arbitrary rotation position and the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display panel 26 does not change, even if the CCD image sensor 8 is rotated, The direction of the subject image does not change. That is, the relationship between the vertical and horizontal directions of the camera body 2 and the vertical and horizontal directions of the subject image does not change.

In order to shift the range of the subject image (imaging range), panning may be performed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 in the direction to be shifted while observing the liquid crystal display panel 26. For example, when observing the liquid crystal display panel 26 in the state shown in FIG. 7B and shifting the range of the subject image in the direction of the arrow indicated by the broken line in FIG. The framing can be performed without confusing the directional relationship.

When the framing is performed as described above and the shutter button 5 is pressed, the image data of the subject image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 at that time is once written in the buffer memory 57 and then stored in the flash memory 23. Written. When the simultaneous print mode is selected under the photographing mode, after the image data is written in the flash memory 23, the image data is read out from the buffer memory 57, and the image data is read by the optical printer in a procedure described later. Exposure to the film 16 is performed.

By repeating the release operation in the imaging mode as described above, the flash memory 23 can store image data of up to 50 still images. The number of images that can be stored can be increased or decreased according to the storage capacity of the flash memory 23. Even after the number of images that can be stored in the flash memory 23 has been captured, the image data of a new frame can be stored by deleting the image data of an appropriate frame.

In the reproduction mode, if any image data is selected from the flash memory 23 or the memory card by operating the input operation unit 25, the image data is written into the buffer memory 57, and the buffer memory 57 The data is supplied to the LCD driver 56 via the data processing circuit 55, and an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26. The displayed image is displayed so that the longitudinal direction of the screen coincides with the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal display panel 26. Therefore, the rotational position of the CCD image sensor 8 when this image is captured, and the liquid crystal during reproduction. Depending on the display position of the display panel 26, the vertical and horizontal directions of the image may not be displayed correctly. In such a case, the operation lever 12 is operated to move the liquid crystal display panel 26 so that the vertical and horizontal directions of the image are correct. What is necessary is just to rotate.

When printing the image stored in the flash memory 23 or the like, the image is reproduced in the reproduction mode as described above, and the input operation is performed while the desired image is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26. The user instructs printing by operating the unit 25.

When the printing is instructed in the reproduction mode as described above, or when the writing of the image data to the flash memory 23 is completed in the state that the simultaneous printing mode is selected in the imaging mode, the system controller 50 executes The buffer memory 57 is accessed to read the red image data of the first line for one line, and transfer this to the line memory 65. As a result, the red image data corresponding to the red density of the first line is written into the line memory 65. And the system controller 50
After confirming that the R transmission filter portion of the color filter 42 is inserted in the print optical path and that each liquid crystal segment of the liquid crystal array 43 is in a light-shielded state,
The fluorescent lamp 41 is turned on.

When the system controller 50 confirms that the exposure head 35 is at the recording start position by a photo sensor (not shown), the red image data of the first line stored in the line memory 65 is read by the head driver 66. Is read. Then, the transmission density of each liquid crystal segment is simultaneously switched from the light-shielded state to the transmission density according to the red image data by the head driver 66, and is returned to the light-shielded state again after a predetermined time. The red print light transmitted through the R transmission filter portion of the color filter 42 passes through each liquid crystal segment, so that the red print light has a light amount corresponding to the transmission density of the liquid crystal segment, and the recording area 16b of the instant film 16 To give a red exposure.

During the exposure of the first line by the red print light, the red image data of the second line is written into the buffer memory 57 in the same manner as the first line. When the exposure by the red print light of the first line is completed, the scanning motor 36a rotates by a certain angle to move the exposure head 35 to the next line position. Then, the second from the line memory 65
The red image data of the line is transferred to the head driver 66, and exposure with the red print light of the second line is similarly performed. Subsequently, the exposure with the red print light is performed line by line up to the final line while the exposure head 35 is stepped toward the recording end position.

When the exposure of the red final line is completed, the scanning motor 36a is rotated in the reverse direction, and the exposure head 35 is returned to the recording start position. Further, the system controller 50 sends a filter switching signal to the head driver 66. As a result, the color filters 42 are pitch-fed in the arrow Y direction, and the G transmission filter portion is positioned in the print optical path. The system controller 50 includes a buffer memory 57
, And sequentially reads out the green image data of the first line and transfers it to the line memory 65.

Thereafter, similarly, exposure with green print light is performed from the first line to the last line. After the exposure with the green print light is completed, the B transmission filter section is inserted into the print optical path, and blue image data is read out one line at a time from the buffer memory 57 and is read out via the line memory 65 via the head driver. 6
Sent to 6. As a result, exposure with blue print light is performed. When the exposure with the three colors of printing light is completed, the exposure head 35 is moved to the recording start position.

After the exposure head 35 moves to the recording start position, the discharge motor 68 starts to be driven by a signal from the system controller 50. As a result, the discharge mechanism starts operating, and the claw member 38 enters the film pack 15 from the notch 39 to push out the instant film 16 exposed by the exposure head 35 from the film pack 15.

The upper end of the instant film 16 extruded by the claw member 38 enters between the pair of developing rollers 18. Thereafter, the rotation of the developing roller 18 causes the instant film 16 to be conveyed. Is performed. The claw member 38 is
When it moves to the end of the movement stroke, it returns to its original position and stops.

The instant film 16 transported by the developing roller 18 is discharged from a discharge port 17 on the upper surface of the camera body 2. After a lapse of one minute to several minutes, the captured subject image or the image read from the flash memory 23 or the like is fixed on the image receiving sheet as a positive image, and appears in the image area.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a recording state of the instant film 16. For example, when the subject image is displayed in the state shown in FIG. 7A on the liquid crystal display panel 26 with the CCD image sensor 8 in the horizontal position, the image data obtained by performing the release operation is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8A, the subject image is recorded in a direction in which the top and bottom direction of the subject image is the short side direction of the image area 16c of the instant film 16, and a print photograph of a horizontal composition is obtained.

Further, the CCD image sensor 8 is set at an intermediate position between the horizontal position and the vertical position, and
FIG. 8 shows image data obtained by performing a release operation when the subject image shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), a print photograph in which the top-bottom left-right direction of the subject image is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the image area 16c is obtained. Further, from the image data obtained by performing the release operation when the CCD image sensor 8 is in the vertical position and the subject image shown in FIG. As shown in c), a print photograph of a vertical composition in which the subject image is recorded in a direction in which the vertical direction of the subject is the longitudinal direction of the image area 16c is obtained.

As described above, according to this electronic still camera, the photographer always grips the camera body 2 in an optimal form without changing the form in which the camera body 2 is gripped. Alternatively, photographing can be performed with a composition inclined between them, and a print photograph such as a horizontal composition or a vertical composition can be created.

Further, since it is not necessary to change the form in which the camera body 2 is gripped, the hand for gripping the camera body 2 can be used to discharge the instant film 16 even when imaging in a horizontal composition, a vertical composition, or the like. 17 can be prevented. Therefore,
After the release operation, the instant film 16 is normally discharged even if the camera body 2 is gripped.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the subject image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel is converted to a CCD image without rotating the liquid crystal display panel.
The rotation is performed in conjunction with the rotation of the image sensor. Except as described below, the embodiment is the same as the above embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The electronic viewfinder in this example is
It comprises an encoder 70, a memory unit 71, and an image processing circuit 72 in addition to the liquid crystal display panel 26 and the LCD driver 56. The liquid crystal display panel 26 is attached to the camera body 2 so as to be horizontally long, and does not rotate. The encoder 70 is connected to the inner cylinder 10 and detects a rotation angle of the inner cylinder 10. This encoder 70
Sends the rotation angle of the inner cylinder 10 to the image processing circuit 72 as rotation information. The rotation information represents, for example, a rotation angle of the inner cylinder 10 from the reference position, that is, a rotation angle of the CCD image sensor 8, with the time when the CCD image sensor 8 is in the horizontal position as a reference position.

In the imaging mode, the image data of the subject image captured by the CCD image sensor 8 is written to the memory unit 71 by the data processing circuit 55.
The memory unit 71 is composed of two image memories each having a storage capacity for one image. While the image data is being written into one of the image memories by the data processing circuit 55, the image data is stored in the memory unit 71. Image data is read from the other image memory by the processing circuit 72.

The image processing circuit 72 includes a memory unit 71
Are alternately switched and read out. In the image processing circuit 72, a rotation process and a reduction process based on the rotation information from the encoder 70 are performed on the read image data of one image. The rotation process is performed to rotate the subject image at an angle corresponding to the rotation angle of the CCD image sensor 8 and display the image on the liquid crystal display panel 26.
The reduction process is performed to prevent a part of the subject image from being displayed due to the rotation of the subject image, and to display the entire screen on the liquid crystal display panel 26. Image data that has undergone rotation and reduction processing is LC
The data is sent to the D driver 56, and the liquid crystal display panel 26 is driven based on the image data.

According to this, as shown in an example in FIG. 10, when the CCD image sensor 8 is in the horizontal position in the imaging mode, the subject image captured as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the entire area of the panel 26. When the operation lever 12 is operated to rotate the CCD image sensor 8 from the horizontal position to the vertical position, the rotation angle of the CCD image sensor 8 from the horizontal position becomes the encoder 70.
The rotation is detected by the image processing circuit 72 based on the rotation information. The image processing circuit 72 includes a memory unit 71
The rotation and reduction processing is performed on the image data of one image read out from the image data at an angle and a reduction ratio according to the detected rotation angle, and this is sent to the LCD driver 56.

As a result, the liquid crystal display panel 26 has C
The subject image rotated at the same angle as the CD image sensor 8 and reduced at a reduction rate corresponding to the rotation angle is displayed, and nothing is displayed in other portions of the subject image. For example, when the CCD image sensor 8 is set at a rotation position intermediate between the horizontal position and the vertical position, as shown in FIG. 10B, the screen of the subject image changes from the state shown in FIG. The image is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 in a state of being tilted by 45 ° and reduced so that the entire screen is displayed. When the CCD image sensor 8 is rotated to the vertical position, as shown in FIG. 10C, the screen of the subject image is tilted by 90 ° from the state of FIG. The image is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 in a reduced state so that the screen is displayed.

It should be noted that image data that has not been subjected to rotation processing and reduction processing is written to the flash memory 23, the buffer memory 57, and the like. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 10C, image data obtained by imaging with the subject image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 as shown in FIGS. a) to FIG. 8 (c)
Is obtained. Alternatively, the rotation information may be written into the flash memory 23 or the memory card together with the image data, and the image may be displayed in the reproduction mode as well as in the imaging mode.

In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel is assembled so as to be horizontally long based on the horizontal position of the CCD image sensor. However, the liquid crystal display panel is vertically elongated based on the vertical position of the CCD image sensor. May be assembled. In this case, when the CCD image sensor is in the vertical position, the subject image is displayed on the entire area of the liquid crystal display panel, and when the CCD image sensor is rotated from the vertical position, the subject image is reduced and displayed. Of course, even if the CCD image sensor is rotated, the size of the subject image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel may be constant. Also in this case, it is preferable that the entire screen of the subject image is displayed. For this purpose, for example, the size of the liquid crystal display panel may be made relatively larger than the screen size of the subject image to be displayed, or the liquid crystal display panel may be made circular.

FIG. 11 shows an example in which a horizontal composition and a vertical composition can be switched and imaged by electrical processing. Except as described below, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The CCD image sensor 80 is assembled in the camera body 2 with its light receiving area 80a in a horizontally long state. Thus, the CCD image sensor 80
Is fixed in a horizontally long state, for example, the input operation unit 2
By operating the camera 5, an image can be taken by switching between the horizontal composition and the vertical composition without changing the posture of the camera body 2. When switching to the horizontal composition, the light receiving area 80
The image is taken over the entire area of a, and the subject image obtained by the imaging is displayed on the entire area of the horizontally arranged liquid crystal display panel 26 on a horizontally long screen as shown in FIG. The subject image captured in the horizontal composition is exposed to the instant film 16 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments so that the longitudinal direction of the screen of the subject image coincides with the longitudinal direction of the recording area 16c. Is created.

On the other hand, when switching to the vertical composition, the entire area of the light receiving area 80a is imaged as in the case of the horizontal composition, but the subject is obtained by performing image processing on the image data obtained by this imaging. The image is cropped. This trimming is performed by invalidating each image data from the left and right portions of the light receiving area 80a indicated by hatching in FIG. 11, for example, by replacing the image data with black image data and invalidating the image data. As a result, the left and right portions of the subject image captured on the horizontally long screen are electrically trimmed to become a vertically long screen.

By driving the liquid crystal display panel 26 based on the image data obtained in this way, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the horizontally long liquid crystal display panel 26 displays a cropped subject image on a vertically long screen. Also, when exposing the subject image captured in the vertical composition to the instant film 16, image processing for rotating and enlarging the screen is performed on the image data left after the trimming, and the processed image data is processed. The exposure head 35 is driven based on this. As a result, the subject image that has been turned into a vertically long screen by trimming is recorded in the recording area 1 with the longitudinal direction of the screen coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the recording area 16c.
6c. As a result, a print photo of a vertical composition is created.

When the subject image captured in the vertical composition is recorded in the flash memory 23 or the memory card, the vertical composition information indicating that the image was captured in the vertical composition is recorded together with the image data of the subject image. Even when the subject image is exposed on the instant film 16 using the image data read from the storage device 23 or the like, rotation and enlargement image processing are performed based on the vertical composition information, and the longitudinal direction of the screen of the subject image is set in the recording area 16c. The exposure is performed in the longitudinal direction, and the recording area 16c is fully exposed.

In this manner, images can be taken in the horizontal composition and the vertical composition without changing the attitude of the camera body 2, that is, without changing the grip form, and print photographs of the horizontal composition and the vertical composition can be created. can do. Further, since the subject image is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 26 in the orientation and range of the screen according to the horizontal composition and the vertical composition as described above, the state where the image is recorded on the instant film 16 by the display of the liquid crystal display panel 26 is displayed. You can know.

Further, with a conventional electronic still camera based on either the horizontal composition or the vertical composition, an image was taken with the other composition, and the subject image was displayed on an external computer or the like based on the obtained image data. Sometimes, the subject image is displayed with the top, bottom, left and right rotated by 90 degrees. For this reason, software or the like for rotating the subject image is required to correctly display the subject image. However, in this electronic still camera, the horizontal composition is basically used, but even when the image is taken in the vertical composition, the subject is not moved with respect to the subject.
Since the CD image sensor 80 is not rotated, the top, bottom, left and right of the subject image can be correctly displayed on the computer without performing the above-described software processing.
Of course, the same applies when displaying images on a home television or the like in addition to the computer.

In the above-described embodiment, the light receiving area 80a is assembled horizontally, and the left and right sides of the subject image are trimmed when switching to the vertical composition. However, the CCD image sensor 80 is mounted on the camera so that the light receiving area 80a becomes vertical. The image may be assembled in the body 2 and the top and bottom of the subject image may be trimmed when switching to the horizontal composition. Further, it is also possible to perform imaging with a composition between the horizontal composition and the vertical composition. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when switching to the vertical composition, the image data of the trimmed subject image is recorded in the flash memory 23 or the like, but the image data before trimming is recorded in the flash memory 23 or the like. In this manner, trimming may be performed when exposing the instant film 16, when displaying on the liquid crystal display panel 26, and further when outputting to an external device. Similarly, a subject image may be displayed, and a frame or the like indicating the range of the vertical composition may be displayed over the subject image.

In each of the above embodiments, the instant film is a mono-sheet type in which an image is viewed from the image receiving sheet side opposite to the photosensitive sheet, but in the present invention, the surface to be exposed and the surface to be viewed are the same. It is also possible to use a mono-sheet type or a peeling method for peeling a negative sheet and a positive sheet, that is, a so-called peel-apart type instant film. Various types of printers can be used.In addition to optically exposing and recording an image, an image can be recorded by a heat-sensitive method, a hot-melt method, an inkjet method, a xerographic method, or the like. Good.
Of course, it goes without saying that an optimum recording medium according to the recording method is used. Furthermore, it can be used for an electronic still camera without a built-in printer.

[0096]

As described above, according to the electronic still camera of the present invention, between the horizontal position where the light receiving area is horizontally long and the vertical position where the light receiving area is vertically long, the optical axis of the imaging lens is set at the center of rotation.
An image sensor is provided so as to be rotatable by 0 degrees, and the image sensor can be rotated by an operation member. The display unit itself of the electronic viewfinder is linked to the rotation between the horizontal position and the vertical position of the image sensor. The image of the subject image is rotated and displayed between the landscape and the portrait by rotating or subjecting the subject image to image processing. It is possible to perform imaging while changing the direction of composition while gripping in a suitable grip form, and framing is facilitated because the direction of the displayed subject image does not change even when the image sensor rotates.

The image data obtained by digitally converting the image pickup signal is stored in the memory, and the recording area is divided into rectangles having the same aspect ratio as the light receiving area based on the image data of one image read from the memory. When recording the subject image on the medium, the longitudinal direction of the screen of the subject image and the longitudinal direction of the recording area are matched to record the subject image on the recording medium, so that the camera body is always in an optimal grip form. You can make prints with the composition changed while gripping. Further, it is possible to prevent a trouble that a discharge port for discharging a recorded recording medium from the camera body is closed by hand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front external view of an electronic still camera embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear external view of the electronic still camera.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a mechanism for rotating a CCD image sensor and a liquid crystal display panel in conjunction with each other.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing an optical printer.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an exposure head.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the electronic still camera.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of a liquid crystal finder.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recording state of an instant film.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example in which a subject image is rotated and displayed by image processing.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display state of a liquid crystal finder in the example of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a horizontal composition and a vertical composition can be imaged by electrical processing.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of a liquid crystal finder in the example of FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 camera body 3 imaging unit 7 imaging lens 8 CCD image sensor 12 operation lever 16 instant film 17 outlet 26 liquid crystal display panel 32 rotation interlocking mechanism 35 exposure head 72 image processing circuit

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Nishitani 3-13-45 Izumi, Asaka-shi, Saitama Prefecture Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Seimei 3-13-45 Izumi, Asaka-shi, Saitama Fuji Photo Film F term in reference (reference) 2H018 AA32 BA03 2H054 AA01 CD03 5C022 AA13 AB43 AB68 AC03 AC06 AC31 AC42 AC54 AC77

Claims (5)

[Claims] An image pickup apparatus has a rectangular light receiving area, captures a subject image through an image pickup lens, outputs the image as an image pickup signal, and moves the image pickup lens between a horizontal position where the light receiving area is horizontally long and a vertical position where the light receiving area is vertically long. 9 with the optical axis as the center of rotation
An image sensor that is rotatable by 0 degrees, an operation member that is operated from the outside to rotate the image sensor, a display unit that displays a subject image captured by the image sensor, and a side of the image sensor. An electronic viewfinder having a rotation means for rotating the screen of the subject image between a horizontally long state and a vertically long state in conjunction with the rotation between the position and the vertical position. Electronic still camera. 2. The display unit is rotatable, and the rotating unit is an interlocking mechanism that rotates the image sensor and the display unit in association with each other, and the display unit itself is rotated. Accordingly, the screen of the subject image is rotated and displayed between a horizontally long state and a vertically long state in conjunction with the rotation between the horizontal position and the vertical position of the image sensor. The electronic still camera according to claim 1. 3. The electronic viewfinder according to claim 1, further comprising a detecting unit configured to detect a rotation angle of the image sensor, wherein the rotation unit determines a rotation angle based on the rotation angle from the detection unit.
Image processing means for rotating the captured subject image and performing image processing so that the entire screen of the subject image is displayed on the display unit, and performing the image processing on the subject image, The screen of a subject image is rotated between a horizontally long state and a vertically long state and displayed on a display unit in conjunction with rotation of the image sensor between a horizontal position and a vertical position. 2. The electronic still camera according to 1. 4. A memory for storing image data obtained by digitally converting the image pickup signal, and a recording medium in which a recording area is partitioned into a rectangle having the same aspect ratio as the light receiving area is used. A printer that records a subject image on the recording medium based on image data for the image, wherein the printer matches the longitudinal direction of the screen of the subject image with the longitudinal direction of the recording area to copy the subject image to the recording medium. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein recording is performed. 5. The self-developing type instant film is used as the recording medium, and the printer exposes the instant film, and transports the exposed instant film to the outside of the camera body while incorporating the exposed instant film into the instant film. The electronic still camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electronic still camera is an optical printer for developing the developed processing solution.