JP2005338614A - Photographing apparatus and is program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing apparatus provided with a zooming function, an automatic exposure function, a bracketing photographing function, etc. and a program for the photographing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A focused subject distance and a focusing distance are detected by zooming processing and automatic focusing processing. Whether a field depth condition entered by a user is an over-focusing distance, a field depth (forward or backward), a field depth limit (near point or far point), or not is determined, a stop value satisfying the discriminated field depth condition is calculated and a suitable shutter speed is set by the calculated stop value and an exposure value to perform still image photographing processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus and a program thereof, and more particularly to a photographing apparatus having a zoom function, an automatic exposure function, a bracketing photographing function, and the like, and a program thereof.

Conventionally, with a single-lens reflex camera, to determine the depth of field, the lens is stopped down to the aperture value to be photographed, the blur is confirmed on the viewfinder screen, or the object marked on the lens barrel is pressed before pressing the shutter. The depth of field was determined by reading the depth of field scale.
In addition, cameras equipped with a bracketing shooting function are also widely used. This allows a user to select a desired image later by changing the shooting conditions, etc. little by little, and shooting more than once. An image could be obtained.

  In Patent Document 1 below, the depth of field is calculated from the distance, aperture value, and focal length of one subject, and whether or not the other subject is within the depth of field, There is a description of a depth-of-field display device that can be displayed in a finder by blinking.

  In Patent Document 2 below, two focus areas are arbitrarily designated, the distance to the corresponding subject is detected, the imaging lens is moved so that one of the designated focus areas is in focus, and the distance between the two points An automatic exposure control device that can set an aperture value and an exposure time based on the difference and the brightness of the optical image is described.

  Further, in Patent Document 3 below, when a user performs a predetermined operation, when a shutter operation is performed, a plurality of images with different imaging conditions are captured, sequentially recorded in an image memory, displayed on a monitor, and then selected. Is described as an electronic still camera capable of recording the image on a recording medium.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-232371 (refer to paragraph (2), right column, paragraph 4, line 38 to line (5), right column, paragraph 10, paragraph 8))

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-287142 (Item (350), lower right column, item 14, line 4 to item (352), lower left column, item 21, line 3)

JP-A-2-1722368 (No. (477), lower left column, item 9, line 1 to (479), lower left column, item 15, line 2)

However, conventional cameras have the following problems.
(1) In a conventional single-lens reflex camera, since the amount of incident light decreases and the field of view becomes darker when the lens aperture is reduced, it is an expert to visually recognize the depth of field and the degree of background blur. But there was a problem that it was difficult. Also, the method of reading the scale of the lens is inconvenient and cumbersome because it is necessary to move the line of sight from the viewfinder to the lens barrel and read the depth of field for each aperture value whenever the zoom or aperture is changed. was there.
(2) According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, it can be confirmed by displaying whether or not the subject is within the depth of field, but there is a relationship between the subject image and the focus and blur of the foreground and background. There was a problem that it was difficult to understand.
(3) The technique described in Patent Document 2 requires an operation of selecting a plurality of subjects, which is troublesome and takes time until the shutter is pressed, and has a problem that it is easy to miss a photo opportunity. Also, even if you can select the subject you want to focus on, if there is no suitable subject in the foreground or background, or you cannot select the subject you want to focus on, set the blur on the foreground and background and shoot I couldn't.

(4) Also, as in the technique described in Patent Document 3, a bracketing shooting function for continuously shooting a plurality of photos at once by changing shooting conditions such as exposure, white balance, and focus position little by little. Although there were cameras and ideas, there was no digital camera equipped with a zoom function and a bracketing shooting function that can arbitrarily set the depth of field of the user's bracketing.
As a result, the bracketing interval may be larger or smaller than the user's desired interval, and there is a problem that the user cannot actually obtain the desired image even when bracketing shooting is performed. .
(5) Furthermore, even with the techniques described in the above-mentioned patent documents, there is a problem that the subject cannot be photographed at the depth of field desired by the user and the image desired by the user cannot be photographed. It was.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and by displaying the automatic zoom, automatic exposure, depth of field, and the like so as to achieve the set depth of field, It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographing apparatus and a program thereof that can improve convenience.

In order to achieve the above object, a photographing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises photographing means for photographing a subject,
A setting means for setting a depth of field condition;
An acquisition means for acquiring a shooting condition that is a depth-of-field condition set by the setting means;
Photographing control means for controlling photographing by the photographing means under the photographing conditions obtained by the obtaining means;
It is provided with.

Further, for example, as described in claim 2, the first detection means for detecting the aperture value and the subject distance is provided,
The acquisition means includes
The focal length is calculated from the depth-of-field condition set by the setting means, the aperture value detected by the first detection means, and the subject distance, and the calculated focal distance is acquired as the shooting condition. Also good.

For example, as described in claim 3, the first detection unit includes:
A value input by the user may be detected as an aperture value.
For example, as described in claim 4, the first detection unit includes:
You may make it detect the aperture value set by automatic exposure control.

Further, for example, as described in claim 5, a second detection unit that detects the focal length and the subject distance is provided,
The acquisition means includes
An aperture value is calculated from the depth-of-field condition set by the setting means and the focal length and subject distance detected by the second detection means, and the calculated aperture value is acquired as a shooting condition. Also good.

For example, as described in claim 6, the depth of field condition is:
It consists of forward depth of field, backward depth of field, depth of field limit near point, depth of field limit far point and hyperfocal distance,
The setting means includes
One of the depth-of-field conditions may be set.

Further, for example, as described in claim 7, there is provided numerical value input means for the user to select one of the depth-of-field conditions and input the selected element in the form of numerical data. ,
The setting means includes
The numerical data input by the numerical input means may be set as the depth of field condition.

For example, as described in claim 8, the photographing control unit includes:
You may make it provide the continuous imaging | photography control means which controls imaging | photography of the to-be-photographed object by the said imaging | photography means continuously.

For example, as set forth in claim 9, the setting means includes
Set different depth of field conditions,
The acquisition means includes
Sequentially acquiring shooting conditions that will be the depth of field conditions set by the setting means,
The continuous shooting control means includes
You may make it control imaging | photography by the said imaging | photography means continuously according to the imaging conditions acquired sequentially by the said acquisition means.

Further, for example, as described in claim 10, at least a correction interval input means for inputting a correction interval of a depth-of-field condition that the user brackets is provided.
The setting means includes
Different depth-of-field conditions may be set by bracketing the depth-of-field condition according to the depth-of-field condition correction interval input by the correction interval input means.

Further, for example, as described in claim 11, the correction interval input means includes:
Furthermore, a means for inputting the correction order and the number of shots is provided.
The setting means includes
Different depth-of-field conditions may be set by bracketing depth-of-field conditions according to the correction interval, correction order, and number of shots input by the correction interval input means.

For example, as described in claim 12, the continuous shooting control means includes
Each time the photographing by the photographing means is controlled, at least one of bracketing photography, exposure bracketing photography, sharpness bracketing photography, contrast bracketing photography, filter bracketing photography, and color correction bracketing photography is performed. You may make it control imaging | photography.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 13, display control means may be provided for causing the display means to display a photographed image photographed by the photographing means.

For example, as described in claim 14, the display control unit includes:
An image photographed by the photographing means is displayed on the display means, and a distance conversion scale representing an apparent distance scale viewed from the photographer of the image displayed on the display means is displayed on the display means in an overlapping manner. It may be.

Further, for example, as described in claim 15, a distance position calculation unit that calculates a position on an image sensor corresponding to an apparent distance scale viewed from a photographer of a captured image captured by the imaging unit. With
The display control means includes
The distance conversion scale may be displayed on the display unit by displaying the distance scale information at a position on the image sensor corresponding to the distance scale calculated by the distance position calculation unit.

In addition, for example, as described in claim 16, distance calculation means for calculating an apparent distance seen by a photographer of a photographed image photographed by the photographing means corresponding to a position on the image sensor is provided. ,
The display control means includes
The distance conversion scale may be displayed on the display unit by displaying the calculated distance scale information at a position on the image sensor corresponding to the distance scale calculated by the distance calculation unit.

In addition, for example, as described in claim 17, detection means for detecting an aperture value, a focal length, and a subject distance;
A calculation means for calculating a depth-of-field condition and a depth of field of an image photographed by the photographing means from an aperture value, a focal length and a subject distance detected by the detection means;
The display control means includes
You may make it display the information on depth-of-field conditions and depth of field calculated by the said calculation means on the said display means.

For example, as described in claim 18, the display control means includes
The depth of field calculated by the calculating unit may be displayed on the display unit by superimposing the depth of field on the distance conversion scale.

For example, as described in claim 19, the display control unit includes:
A photographed image taken by the photographing means is displayed on the display means, and at least a relationship graph between an aperture value and a depth of field, a relationship graph between a focal length and a depth of field, a relationship between a subject distance and a depth of field You may make it display one relationship graph among graphs.

For example, as described in claim 20, the display control means includes:
Furthermore, at least one piece of information among the aperture, shutter speed, exposure amount, white balance, focal length, subject distance, and zoom magnification may be displayed.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 21, recording control means for recording an image photographed by the photographing control means in a recording means may be provided.

Further, for example, as described in claim 22, the recording control means includes:
Along with the image data obtained by the photographing control means, at least the depth-of-field condition when the image data is obtained may be recorded in the recording means in association with the image data.

Further, for example, as described in claim 23, a first selection unit for the user to select a shooting mode;
First condition acquisition means for acquiring a depth-of-field condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the first selection means;
The setting means includes
You may make it set the depth-of-field condition acquired by the said 1st condition acquisition means.

Further, for example, as described in claim 24, the photographing control unit includes:
The type of shooting mode selected by the first selection unit may be determined, and appropriate bracketing shooting control may be performed based on the determination result.

Further, for example, as described in claim 25, a second selection unit that selects image data recorded in the recording unit;
Second condition acquisition means for acquiring a depth-of-field condition recorded in association with the image data selected by the second selection means;
With
The setting means includes
You may make it set the depth-of-field condition acquired by the said 2nd condition acquisition means.

In order to achieve the above object, a photographing apparatus according to a twenty-sixth aspect comprises photographing means for photographing a subject,
Angle-of-view position calculating means for calculating the position on the image sensor corresponding to the angle of view for each unit scale of the captured image captured by the imaging means;
Distance calculating means for calculating the shortest distance at which the angle of view for each unit scale can be imprinted;
The shortest distance information calculated by the distance calculation means is calculated at the position on the image sensor corresponding to the angle of view for each unit scale calculated by the angle-of-view position calculation means together with the captured image taken by the imaging means. Display control means for displaying on the display means;
It is provided with.

In order to achieve the above object, a photographing apparatus according to a twenty-seventh aspect comprises photographing means for photographing a subject,
An angle-of-view calculating means for calculating an angle of view for each unit scale of the photographed image taken by the photographing means corresponding to the position on the image sensor;
Distance calculating means for calculating the shortest distance at which the angle of view for each unit scale calculated by the calculating means can be imprinted;
The shortest distance information calculated by the distance calculation unit is displayed at a position on the image sensor corresponding to the field angle of each unit scale calculated by the field angle calculation unit together with the captured image captured by the imaging unit. It is characterized by making it.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the invention of claim 28 comprises imaging means for imaging a subject,
Detecting means for detecting an aperture value, a focal length, and a subject distance;
Calculating means for calculating a depth of field of an image photographed by the photographing means from an aperture value, a focal length and a subject distance detected by the detecting means;
Display control means for displaying on the display means information taken by the photographing means and information on the depth of field calculated by the calculating means;
It is provided with.

Further, for example, as described in claim 29, the display control means includes:
A photographed image taken by the photographing means is displayed on the display means, and at least a relationship graph between depth of field and aperture value, a relationship graph between focal length and depth of field, and a relationship between subject distance and depth of field. You may make it display one relationship graph among graphs.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention provides a photographing process for photographing a subject,
Processing to set the depth of field condition;
A process of acquiring a shooting condition that is a depth-of-field condition set by this process;
A shooting control process for controlling shooting by the shooting process under the shooting conditions acquired by this process;
And each of the above processes is executed by a computer.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the shooting conditions that satisfy the set depth of field conditions are acquired, and the subject is shot under the acquired shooting conditions. Can also be obtained.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the subject is photographed at a focal length that satisfies the set depth-of-field condition according to the detected aperture value and subject distance. Automatic zooming can be performed so that an image having
Moreover, even if the aperture value or the subject distance changes, an image that satisfies the set depth-of-field condition can be obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the aperture value input by the user is detected, an image having the aperture value input by the user can be obtained.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the aperture value set by the automatic exposure control is detected, it is possible to save time and effort such as inputting the aperture value, so that the depth of field can be set easily. Can be obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the subject is photographed with an aperture value that satisfies the set depth of field condition according to the detected focal length and subject distance, the set depth of field condition It is possible to perform automatic exposure so that an image having
Further, an image that satisfies the set depth-of-field condition can be obtained even if the focal length or subject distance changes.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the numerical data input by the user is set as the depth of field condition, so that an image having the depth of field condition desired by the user can be easily obtained.
In addition, even a beginner can easily shoot a drawing expression with the depth of field desired by the user, the range in which the foreground and the background are in focus, and the degree of blurring.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since a subject is continuously photographed, a plurality of images can be obtained at a time.
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, since continuous shooting is performed under shooting conditions that are different depth-of-field conditions set by the setting means, a plurality of depth-of-field conditions are different at one time. An image can be obtained.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is provided with a correction interval input means for inputting at least a correction interval of a depth-of-field condition to be bracketed by the user, and the setting means has a correction interval input by the correction interval input means. Accordingly, since different depth-of-field conditions are sequentially set, a plurality of images having different depth-of-field conditions can be obtained by only one shooting.
In addition, since the correction interval of the depth of field condition to be bracketed by the user can be input, the width of the depth of field condition to be bracketed can be freely set.
In addition, even though the image was shot with an image that satisfies the depth of field condition desired by the user, even if the shot image does not meet the user's preference, among a plurality of images shot by continuous (bracketing) shooting, An image having a desired depth of field, a focus range, or a blurred range can be obtained, and a satisfactory image can be obtained.

In addition, the range of depth of field conditions for bracketing can be set freely, so that the depth of field of images captured by continuous (bracketing) shooting, the range of focus, and the range of blur can be adjusted. The image can be adjusted and an image having a desired depth of field condition can be obtained.
Further, by inputting a desired depth of field condition to some extent and adjusting the correction interval, a more appropriate desired image can be obtained by continuous (bracketing) imaging.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the number of shots can be input, a desired image can be obtained by inputting the number of shots according to the situation at that time.
For example, the number of shots can be reduced when a desired image can be obtained almost according to the angle of view input by the user, and the number of shots can be taken when a desired image cannot be obtained with the angle of view of the image set by the user. By increasing the number, a desired image can be obtained.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the continuous shooting control means controls the shooting such as exposure bracketing shooting whenever the depth of field condition is changed every time the shooting control is performed. Ketting photography can be performed.
For example, when shooting with the depth of field condition bracketed by changing the focal length, there is no need to move the zoom lens wastefully.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the image photographed by the photographing means is displayed on the display means, the user can easily grasp the subject to be photographed.
According to the invention described in claims 14, 15 and 16, the distance conversion scale display showing the apparent distance scale as viewed from the photographer of the image photographed by the photographing means together with the image photographed by the photographing means. Since it is displayed on the display means, it is possible to easily recognize how far the photographed subject is from the user.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the aperture value, the focal length, and the subject distance are detected, and the depth-of-field condition and the depth of field of the image photographed from the detected aperture value, focal length, and subject distance. Is calculated and displayed on the display means, so that the user can easily recognize the depth-of-field condition and the depth of field of the image captured by the user.

  According to the invention described in claim 18, since the depth of the calculated depth of field is displayed on the distance conversion scale, it is displayed on the display means without checking the depth scale of the lens and adjusting the bokeh. By looking at the subject of the captured image, it is possible to easily recognize which subject is within the depth of field and which subject is outside the depth of field. It is possible to easily check the focus range and blur range in the front and back scenes.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the photographed image is displayed on the display unit, and at least the relationship graph between the aperture value and the depth of field, the relationship graph between the focal length and the subject distance, the subject distance and the depth of field. 1 is displayed, so that the user can easily know how much the aperture value, focal length, and subject distance should be set, and how much depth of field can be obtained.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the invention, at least one information among the aperture value, the shutter speed, the exposure value, the white balance, the focal length, the zoom magnification, and the subject distance is displayed on the display unit. Image capturing conditions can be easily recognized.

According to the twenty-first aspect, since the photographed image is recorded in the recording means, the photographed image data can be stored.
According to the invention of claim 22, since the depth of field condition when the image data is photographed is recorded in association with the photographed image data, the details when the image data is photographed are known. Can do.

According to the invention of claim 23, since the subject is photographed under the depth of field condition corresponding to the photographing mode selected by the user, the user can easily photograph the subject under the desired depth of field condition. it can.
According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the photographing mode selected by the user is discriminated, and appropriate bracketing photographing (for example, skin color bracketing photographing when the photographing mode is a person) is performed based on the external discrimination result. As a result, an image desired by the user can be obtained.
Also, by selecting the shooting mode, it is possible to easily perform the most appropriate bracketing shooting without having to individually set the bracketing conditions.

  According to the invention of claim 25, when image data recorded in the recording means is selected, the depth-of-field condition recorded in association with the selected image data is set as the depth-of-field condition. Therefore, an image having the same composition as the image selected by the user can be obtained. Further, it is possible to save time and effort for inputting the depth-of-field condition, and it is possible to easily capture a desired image.

  According to the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention, together with the image taken by the photographing means, the distance conversion scale display showing the apparent distance scale seen from the photographer of the image taken by the photographing means is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize how far the photographed subject is from the user.

According to the invention of claim 28, an aperture value, a focal length, and a subject distance are detected, and an object such as a near-field depth limit near point of an image photographed from the detected aperture value, focal length, and subject distance is detected. Since the depth-of-field condition is calculated and displayed on the display means, the user can easily recognize the current depth-of-field condition.
According to the twenty-ninth aspect, the photographed image is displayed on the display unit, and at least the relationship graph between the aperture value and the depth of field, the relationship graph between the focal length and the subject distance, the subject distance and the depth of field. 1 is displayed, so that the user can easily know how much the aperture value, focal length, and subject distance should be set, and how much depth of field can be obtained.

  According to the invention of claim 30, the photographing apparatus of the present invention can be realized by being read by an existing digital camera, personal computer or the like.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
A. Configuration of Digital Camera FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a digital camera 1 that implements the photographing apparatus of the present invention.
The digital camera 1 includes a CCD 2, a DSP / CPU 3, a TG (timing generator) 4, a unit circuit 5, a DRAM 6, a flash memory 7, a ROM 8, a key input unit 9, an image display unit 10, a card I / F 11, a motor drive circuit 13, A photographing lens 14 and a diaphragm shutter 15 are provided, and a memory card 12 detachably attached to a card slot of the digital camera 1 (not shown) is connected to the card I / F 11.

The photographing lens 14 includes a focus lens 14a, a zoom lens 14b, and the like that are composed of a plurality of lens groups. A motor drive circuit 13 is connected to the photographic lens 14, and the motor drive circuit 13 drives the focus lens 14 a and the zoom lens 14 b in the optical axis direction according to a control signal sent from the DSP / CPU 3.
The diaphragm / shutter 15 includes a drive circuit (not shown), and the drive circuit operates the diaphragm / shutter 15 in accordance with a control signal sent from the DSP / CPU 3.
The diaphragm refers to a mechanism that limits the amount of light that enters from the lens, and the shutter speed refers to a mechanism that limits the amount of light that strikes the CCD 3 over time. The amount of exposure (Ev) is determined by the aperture and the shutter speed.

  The CCD 2 (imaging device) photoelectrically converts the projected subject and outputs it to the unit circuit 5 as an imaging signal. The CCD 2 is driven in accordance with a predetermined frequency timing signal generated by the TG 4. A unit circuit 5 is connected to TG4. The unit circuit 5 includes a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit that holds the image pickup signal output from the CCD 2 by correlated double sampling, a gain adjustment amplifier (AGC) that amplifies the image pickup signal, and a digital signal of the amplified image pickup signal. The output signal of the CCD 2 is sent to the DSP / CPU 3 as a digital signal through the unit circuit 5.

The image display unit 10 includes a color LCD and its driving circuit, and displays a subject imaged by the CCD 2 as a through image when in a shooting standby state, and is read out from the storage memory card 12 when reproducing a recorded image. Display the expanded recorded image. In addition, a distance conversion scale, a relationship graph, etc., which will be described later, are displayed. This image display unit 10 corresponds to the display means of the present invention.
The key input unit 9 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a shutter button that can be half-pressed and fully pressed, an execution key, a cancel key, a SET key, a cursor key, an automatic zoom button, a manual zoom button, and a mode setting key. An operation signal corresponding to the user's key operation is output to the DSP / CPU 3. The key input unit 9 functions as numerical value input means, correction interval input means, first selection means, and second selection means of the present invention.
The DRAM 6 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily stores digitized subject image data after being imaged by the CCD 2, and is also used as a working memory for the DSP / CPU 3.

  The DSP / CPU 3 is a one-chip microcomputer that has various digital signal processing functions including image file compression / decompression processing and controls each part of the electronic camera 21. The flash memory 7 and the ROM 8 store control programs necessary for each part of the DSP / CPU 3, that is, programs necessary for various controls including AE and AF, and necessary data. Operates in accordance with the program to function as the photographing apparatus of the present invention.

In the AF process, when the user presses the shutter button of the key input unit 9, a key input signal corresponding thereto is output to the DSP / CPU 3. When the DSP / CPU 3 receives the signal, the DSP / CPU 3 sends a control signal to the motor drive circuit 13, and the motor drive circuit 13 moves the focus lens 14a from the lens end to the lens end within the movable range in accordance with the control signal.
The CCD 2 photoelectrically converts the subject projected through the focus lens 14a and the zoom lens 14b and outputs it to the unit circuit 5 as an imaging signal. The unit circuit 5 sends a digital signal to the DSP / CPU 3. The DSP / CPU 3 extracts a high frequency component included in the digital signal sent from the unit circuit 4, interprets the high frequency component, and sends a control signal to the motor drive circuit 13. Then, the motor drive circuit 13 moves the focus lens 14a according to the control signal.

B. Hereinafter, the functions of the respective configurations that are the characteristics of the digital camera 1 in the present embodiment will be described.
When the AE process and the AF process are performed, the DSP / CPU 3 starts imaging by the CCD 2 and displays a through image of the subject on the image display unit 10 (photographing means), and the aperture value F and the subject distance L set by the AE process. And the focal length f (detection means), and the detected depth value F, the subject distance L, the focal length, and the allowable confusion circle diameter δ recorded in advance in the ROM 8, the front depth of field Tf, the rear field depth The depth of field Tr, the depth of field limit near point Lmin, the depth of field limit far point Lmax, and the hyperfocal distance L∞ are calculated. This function corresponds to the calculation means of the present invention.

The focal distance f can be obtained from the position of the zoom lens 14b when the AF process is performed, and the subject distance L can be obtained from the position of the focus lens 14a set by the AF process. Note that the distance L to the subject may be obtained by an infrared method or a phase difference method, or may be a distance input by a user by eye measurement.
The allowable confusion circle diameter δ is recorded in the ROM 8 in advance.
Here, the front depth of field Tf can be calculated by the relational expression of Expression 1, and the rear depth of field Tr can be calculated by the relational expression of Expression 2.
Further, the depth of field limit near point Lmin can be calculated by the relational expression of Formula 3, and the depth of field limit far point Lmax can be calculated by Formula 4.
The hyperfocal distance L∞ can be calculated by Equation 5.

When the DSP / CPU 3 calculates the depth of field limit near point Lmin and the like, the DSP / CPU 3 displays the distance conversion scale on the image display unit 10 so as to overlap the through image of the subject (display control means).
The distance conversion scale means that the apparent distance from the photographer of the image displayed on the image display unit 10 is displayed on a scale. The display method of this distance conversion scale will be described later.
When the DSP / CPU 3 displays the distance conversion scale on the image display unit 10, the calculated depth-of-field limit near point Lmin, depth-of-field limit far point Lmax, forward depth of field Tf, and backward depth of field. The numerical values of Tr, depth of field Z, the currently set aperture value F, focal length f, etc. are displayed on the image display unit 10, and the depth of the depth of field Z is displayed on the distance conversion scale ( Display control means). The depth of field Z is displayed with a color or the like so that the user can see it. The depth of field Z is obtained by the depth-of-field limit near point Lmax−the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin, or the forward depth of field Tf + the rear depth of field Tr.

  Then, a plurality of depth-of-field limit near points Lmin and depth-of-field limit far points Lmax when the aperture value (current set value) set by AF processing is increased or decreased are calculated according to Equation 3 and Equation 4, A graph of the relationship between the calculated depth-of-field limit near point Lmin, depth-of-field limit far point Lmax, and aperture value F is displayed on the image display unit 10 (display control means). Further, on this graph, the current set value of the aperture value F, the subject distance L, the hyperfocal distance L∞, and the like are used as a guide for distinction and display.

B-1. About the display method of a distance conversion scale Next, the display method of a distance conversion scale is demonstrated.
First, when performing the AF process, the DSP / CPU 3 calculates the angle of view θ of the current captured image from the focal length f and the imaging range X ′ and stores it in the DRAM 6. Here, the relationship between the focal length f and the angle of view θ will be described with reference to FIG.
The distance from the CCD 2 to the zoom lens 14b is the focal length f, and the focal length f and the angle of view θ change depending on the position of the zoom lens 14b. X ′ is the horizontal imaging range of the CCD 2, and Y ′ is the vertical imaging range of the CCD 2. The angle of view θ of the image to be captured can be obtained according to Equation 6. Here, the calculated angle of view is 46 °.

Then, the DSP / CPU 3 obtains the shortest distance L ′ on the horizontal ground where the calculated angle of view θ can be captured.
Here, FIG. 3A shows the relationship between the angle of view θ and the shortest distance L ′ on the horizontal ground where the angle of view θ can be captured.
As is apparent from this figure, since h / L ′ = tan (θ / 2), the distance L ′ at which the calculated angle of view θ can be captured is L ′ = h / tan ( It can be seen that θ / 2). Thereby, the shortest distance L ′ on the horizontal ground can be obtained. Here, the calculated shortest distance L ′ is 3.5 m. Note that h means the line of sight of the photographer and the height of the photographing lens, and the user inputs the height h of the photographing lens in advance. Here, it is assumed that the height h of the photographing lens is input as 1.5 m.

When the shortest distance L ′ on the horizontal plane corresponding to the view angle θ is calculated, the view angle θi for each unit scale corresponding to the distance L′ i for each unit scale is calculated. The distance L′ i for each unit scale is, for example, a scale such as L′ i = 4 m, 5.6 m, 8.5 m, 17 m, etc., where the calculated shortest distance L ′ on the horizontal ground is 3.5 m. Is the shortest distance on the horizontal ground (apparent distance scale seen by the photographer).
FIG. 3B shows the relationship of the angle of view θi corresponding to the distance L′ i.
It can be seen that the field angle θ corresponding to the distance L′ i is 4 m is the field angle θi (4 m), and the field angle θ corresponding to the distance L′ i is 17 m is the field angle θi (17 m).
The angle of view θi corresponding to the distance L′ i for each unit scale can be obtained by Expression 7. Therefore, when the distance L′ i = 4 m, the corresponding angle of view θi is about 40 °, and when the distance L′ i = 5.6 m, the angle of view θi≈30 °, and the distance L′ i = 8.5 m. When the distance L′ i = 17 m, the angle of view θi≈10 °.

When the angle of view θi for each unit scale corresponding to the distance L′ i for each unit scale is calculated, the imaging position corresponding to the calculated angle of view θi for each unit scale (the position on the image sensor, the position of the image sensor) X′i is calculated, that is, the position on the CCD 2 corresponding to the calculated angle of view θi (here, 10 °, 20 °, 30 °, 40 °) for each unit scale is calculated. Store in the DRAM 6. Note that the shortest distance L′ i on the horizontal ground where the angle of view for each unit scale can be captured and the position on the CCD 2 corresponding to the angle of view for each unit scale are calculated from the angle of view θi for each unit scale. May be performed.
FIG. 4 is a diagram simply showing the relationship between the angle of view θi and the imaging position (pixel of the imaging device) X′i.
In the case of the angle of view θi (4 m), it can be seen that the position X′i on the CCD 2 corresponding to the angle of view is the position of X′i (4 m). Further, in the case of the angle of view θi (17 m), it can be seen that the position X′i on the CCD 2 corresponding to the angle of view is X′i (17 m).
The imaging position X′i corresponding to this angle of view θi can be calculated according to Equation 8.

Here, the angle of view θi corresponding to the distance L′ i is obtained from the distance (distance scale) L′ i for each unit scale, and further, the imaging position X′i corresponding to the angle of view θi is calculated. Alternatively, the imaging position (pixel of the imaging element) X′i corresponding to the distance L′ i may be obtained directly from the distance L′ i for each unit scale. In this case, the imaging position X′i can be calculated from the distance L′ i for each unit scale by the relational expression of X′i = 2fh / L′ i. The function of calculating the imaging position X′i from this distance scale corresponds to the distance position calculating means of the present invention.
On the contrary, the distance L′ i for each unit scale may be calculated from the position of each imaging position (pixel of the imaging device) X′i. This function corresponds to the distance calculation means of the present invention. In this case, the distance L′ i can be calculated from the imaging position X′i by the relational expression of L′ i = 2fh / X′i.

Next, the DSP / CPU 3 displays a distance conversion scale on the image display unit 10 (display control means).
FIG. 5C shows a state when the distance conversion scale is displayed on the image display unit 10. Here, the angle of view corresponding to the distance conversion scale is displayed simultaneously with the distance conversion scale.
In the image display unit 10, an angle of view scale and a scale of distance are displayed on a diagonal line from the upper right to the lower left. From the center of the image display unit 10 toward the lower left, an apparent distance scale (distance per unit scale) of 17 m, 8.5 m, 5.6 m, and 4 m is displayed. In addition, angles such as 10 °, 20 °, 30 °, and 40 ° are represented from the center of the image display unit 10 toward the upper right.

  A horizontally long rectangle is displayed immediately above the distance display of 17 m, 8.5 m, etc., and this distance display represents the apparent distance from the photographer to the position where the horizontally long rectangle is located. . That is, 4 m indicates that the horizontally long rectangle 20 immediately above is apparently 4 m away from the photographer. Similarly, 5.6 m, 8.5 m, and 17 m are the positions of the oblong rectangles 21, 22, and 23 just above the apparent 5.6 m, 8.5 m, and 17 m from the photographer, respectively. It represents that. This distance scale does not need to be displayed directly under the horizontally long rectangle, and may be displayed at a location that is easy for the user to understand.

The angle display such as 10 ° or 20 ° displays the angle of view of the image in the horizontally long rectangle just below the angle display. That is, 40 ° represents that the angle of view of the image in the horizontally long rectangle 20 immediately below is 20 °. Similarly, 30 °, 20 °, and 10 ° indicate that the angles of view of the images in the horizontally long rectangles 21, 22, and 23 immediately below are 30 °, 20 °, and 10 °, respectively. ing. The angle of view scale does not need to be displayed directly above the horizontally long rectangle, and may be displayed at a location that is easy for the user to understand.
That is, the horizontally long rectangles 20 to 23 represent the apparent distance from the photographer and the angle of view of the image.

The position in the horizontally long rectangular image is determined by the imaging position X′i corresponding to the calculated distance L′ i (corresponding to the angle of view θi) for each unit scale.
Further, although the distance conversion scale is represented by using a horizontally long rectangle, only the bottom of the horizontally long rectangle may be displayed as shown in FIG. Thereby, the distance conversion scale display which is easy to see for the user can be performed.
Here, when the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin is 4 m and the depth-of-field limit near point is 8.5 m, the depth of the depth of field Z is displayed superimposed on the distance conversion scale. In the case of the distance conversion scale display as shown in FIG. 5C, it becomes as shown in FIG. 6E, and in the case of the distance conversion scale display as shown in FIG. It becomes like this. The distance conversion scale display and the depth of field display are examples, and may be displayed in other display modes. That is, any display mode may be used as long as it is a method for determining the apparent distance from the photographer and the depth of field Z.

C. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the AE / AF processing is performed (step S1), a through image of the subject imaged by the CCD 2 through the photographing lens 14 is displayed on the image display unit 10 (step S2).

  Then, the front depth of field Tf, the rear depth of field Tr, the depth of field limit near point Lmin, the depth of field limit far point Lmax, the depth of field Z, and the hyperfocal distance L∞ are set to the aperture value F. The object distance L, the allowable circle of confusion circle δ, and the focal length f are calculated (step S3). The forward depth of field Tf is calculated according to Formula 1, the rear depth of field Tr is calculated according to Formula 2, the depth of field limit near point Lmin is calculated according to Formula 3, and the depth of field limit far point Lmax is calculated according to Formula 4. . The depth of field Z can be calculated by Lmax−Lmin or Tf + Tr. The hyperfocal distance L∞ is calculated according to Equation 5. Note that the aperture value F uses the value set by the AE process in step S1, the focal distance f is the position of the zoom lens 14b when the AF process in step S1 is performed, and the subject distance L is that at that time. It can be obtained from the position of the focus lens 14a set by the AF process. The aperture F may use a value input by the user. Further, the subject distance L may be obtained by an infrared method or a phase difference method, or may be a distance input by a user by eye measurement. The permissible circle of confusion diameter δ is recorded in the ROM 8 in advance.

  When the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin and the like are calculated, a distance conversion scale is displayed on the image display unit 10 so as to overlap the through image (step S4), and the calculated depth-of-field limit near point Lmin, depth of field are calculated. Each of the limit far point Lmax, the forward depth of field Tf, the backward depth of field Tf, the depth of field Z, the aperture value F, the focal length f, and the like are displayed on the image display 10 and the depth of field. The depth of Z is displayed on the distance conversion scale (step S5).

FIG. 8 shows the situation at that time. It can be seen that “Tr = 11.8 m” and “Tf = 0.9 m” are displayed in the upper right of the image display unit 10. That is, the values of the rear depth of field Tr and the front depth of field Tf are displayed. On the right side, “Z = 12.8 m” is displayed, which indicates the value of the depth of field Z. Next to that, the values of the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax and the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin are displayed. Lmax is 13.8 m and Lmin is 1.1 m. These are the values calculated in step S3.
In the upper left, “F2.8” is displayed, and this value indicates the aperture value F. On the left side, “f = 6 mm” is displayed, which indicates the focal length f. Needless to say, the value of the aperture value F is a value set by the AE process in step S1, and the focal length f is also determined by the position of the zoom lens 14b during the AF process in step S1.

The through image of the subject and the distance conversion scale display are displayed in a frame 30 (hereinafter, image display frame 30).
In the image display frame 30, a distance conversion scale is displayed together with a through image of the subject. The portion of the distance conversion scale that is shaded indicates the depth of field Z. In other words, the subject in the shaded area becomes an in-focus image, and the subject in the shaded area becomes an out-of-focus (unfocused) image. A line 70 in the image display frame 30 is a boundary line between the depth of field and the outside of the depth of field, and the position of the line 70 is the depth of field limit far point Lmax. In other words, without looking at the value display of the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax, by looking at the depth of field Z displayed superimposed on this distance conversion scale, the position of the focus limit (field of view) It can be readily seen that the depth limit far point Lmax) is between about 13-14 m. The depth of field Z is displayed with a color or the like so that the user can easily see it.

Then, a plurality of depth-of-field limit near points Lmin and depth-of-field limit far points Lmax when the aperture value F is increased or decreased from the currently set value (value set in the AE process in step S1) are calculated (a plurality of points). Step S6).
Then, a relationship graph between the aperture value F and Lmax and Lmin (depth of field) is displayed on the image display unit 10 (step S7), and the aperture value F currently set on the relationship graph (set by AE processing). The aperture value F), the subject distance L, and the hyperfocal distance L∞ are distinguished and displayed (step S8).

The state of the relationship graph displayed on the image display unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
A dotted line frame 40 in FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship graph between the aperture value F and Lmax and Lmin (depth of field).
The horizontal axis of this graph represents the aperture value, and the vertical axis represents the distance from the photographer. A line 50 indicates the value of the depth of field limit near point Lmin when the aperture value F is increased or decreased, and a line 60 indicates the value of the depth of field limit far point Lmax when the aperture value F is increased or decreased. ing.
It can be seen that the range between the line 50 and the line 60 (the shaded portion) is the depth of field Z, and the distance of the depth of field Z varies depending on the aperture value F. In addition, a vertical thick line on the graph indicates the currently set aperture value F (F2.8), and a horizontal thick line indicates the current subject distance L (here, 2 m). The thick horizontal dotted line indicates the hyperfocal distance L∞. The vertical thick line, the horizontal thick line, and the horizontal thick dotted line are displayed in a distinguishable manner as pointers, so that they are displayed in a manner that is easy for the user to understand by adding colors.

An enlarged view of this relationship graph is shown in FIG. The distance from the subject distance L to the depth of field limit far point Lmax is the forward depth of field Tr, and the distance from the subject distance L to the depth of field limit near point Lmin is the rear depth of field Tf. .
That is, by looking at the currently set aperture value F (vertical thick line), the distances between the currently set depth-of-field limit near point Lmax and the limit of depth-of-field limit near point Lmin can be found. The distance between the rear depth of field Tr and the front depth of field Tf can be found by looking at the subject distance.

It should be noted that 80 part of the image display unit 10 represents the zoom amount, and it can be seen that “5 ×” is displayed at the top of the 80 part and “1 ×” is displayed at the bottom. . “5 ×” and “1 ×” represent “5 × zoom” and “1 × zoom”, respectively. When the black part of 80 parts reaches the position of “5 ×”, the subject is imaged at 5 × zoom, and when the black part of 80 parts is not displayed at all, it is not zoomed. This means that the subject is imaged.
It can now be seen that the subject is imaged with little zoom.

Next, the display operation of the distance conversion scale will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the input height from the ground to the line of sight and the camera lens height h are set by the user's operation of the key input unit 9 (step S11). When AF processing is performed (step S12), the imaging position X′i corresponding to the distance (distance scale) L′ i for each unit scale or the distance L ′ for each unit scale corresponding to the imaging position X′i. i is calculated (step S13).

The distance L′ i for each scale unit refers to a scale representing the apparent distance from the photographer of the captured image, that is, a distance scale such as 5 m, 10 m, or 15 m. Calculation of the imaging position X ′ corresponding to the distance L′ i means calculating the position on the CCD 2 corresponding to the distance L′ i for each unit scale.
The calculation of the distance L′ i for each unit scale corresponding to the imaging position X′i is to calculate the distance from the apparent photographer of the captured image corresponding to each position on the CCD 2. Say.
Then, this distance scale (distance conversion scale) is displayed on the image display frame 30 (step S14).
As can be seen from FIG. 8, distance scales (distance L′ i for each unit scale) such as 5 m, 10 m, and 15 m are displayed, and the distance scales indicate the positions of the lines 90, 91, and 92, respectively. The distance is displayed, and the positions of the line 90, the line 91, and the line 92 are respectively determined by the imaging position X′i corresponding to the calculated distance L′ i for each unit scale.

As described above, in the first embodiment, since the depth of field and the like are displayed on the distance conversion scale so as to overlap with the through image, there is no trouble of checking the depth scale of the lens or adjusting the bokeh. By looking at the image display unit 10, it is possible to easily confirm the depth of field, the in-focus range and the out-of-focus range in the foreground and background.
In addition, since the distance conversion scale is displayed together with the through image, the user can easily recognize how far the photographed subject is from the photographer.
Further, since the numerical value such as the current depth of field limit near point is displayed on the image display unit 10, the user can easily recognize the current depth of field limit near point and the like. In addition, since the relationship graph between the aperture value and the depth of field limit (near point, far point) is displayed on the image display unit 10, how much the aperture value is set by the user, how much the depth of field limit near point, etc. It ’s easy to see.

In the first embodiment, after AF / AE processing, the depth of field or the like is displayed superimposed on the through image on the distance scale, but also when displaying the through image before AF / AE processing. The distance conversion scale may be displayed together with the through image, and the depth of field may be displayed on the scale.
In addition, values such as an aperture value, shutter speed, exposure value, white balance, focal length, subject distance, zoom magnification, and the like may be displayed on the image display unit 10.

In addition, a relationship graph between the aperture value F and the depth of field limit (near point Lmin, far point Lmax) is displayed on the image display unit 10, but the focal length f and the depth of field limit (near point Lmin, far point) are displayed. A relationship graph of the point Lmax) or a relationship graph of the subject distance L and the depth of field limit (near point Lmin, far point Lmax) may be displayed on the image display unit 10.
Further, this relationship graph is obtained from the relationship graph between the aperture value F and the depth of field limit by the user's operation of the key input unit 9, the relationship graph between the focal length f and the depth of field limit, the subject distance L and the field of view. You may make it switch like the relationship graph of a depth limit.
FIG. 11G shows a relationship graph between the focal length f and the depth of field limit (near point Lmin, far point Lmax). FIG. 11H shows the subject distance L and the depth of field. It shows a relationship graph of limits (near point Lmin, far point Lmax).
The vertical axis of the relationship graph in FIG. 11G indicates the distance from the photographer, and the horizontal axis indicates the focal length f. In addition, the vertical axis of the relationship graph in FIG. 11H indicates the distance from the photographer, and the horizontal axis indicates the subject distance L.
It can be seen from this figure that the depth of field becomes deeper as the focal length f and subject distance L become larger (longer).

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the user shoots the depth of field such as the forward depth of field Tf, the backward depth of field Tr, the depth of field limit near point Lmin, and the depth of field limit far point Lmax. By inputting any one of the conditions, the subject is zoomed by driving the zoom lens 14b so as to satisfy the input depth of field condition.

D. Configuration of Digital Camera 1 The second embodiment also implements the photographing apparatus of the present invention by using a digital camera 1 having a configuration similar to that shown in FIG.
The function of the characteristic configuration of the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.
The DSP / CPU 3 sets the aperture value F input by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. Then, after performing photometric processing, WB processing, etc., the set aperture value F and subject distance L are detected (first detection means). As a method for detecting the subject distance L, the AF operation is performed at a constant timing (time change, signal component change, etc.) when displaying a through image, and the focus lens 14a is fixed at the time of shooting. The distance L to the subject is obtained from the position of the focus lens. Further, the distance L to the subject may be obtained by an infrared method or a phase difference method, or may be a distance input by a user by eye measurement.

Then, the DSP / CPU determines whether pan-focus automatic zooming is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not automatic zooming is performed so that the hyperfocal distance L∞ becomes the subject distance L. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for selecting pan focus automatic zoom has been sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the pan focus automatic zoom is selected, the hyperfocal distance L∞ is set as the subject distance L.
When the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the pan focus automatic zoom is not performed, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether or not the auto zoom is performed by setting the hyperfocal distance L∞. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for inputting the hyperfocal distance L∞ is sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the automatic zoom is performed by setting the hyperfocal distance L∞, the value input by the user is set as the hyperfocal distance L∞.

If the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the automatic zoom is not based on the hyperfocal distance L∞ setting, it determines whether or not the automatic zoom is based on the depth of field setting. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for inputting the front depth of field Tf or the rear depth of field Tr is sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the automatic zooming is performed by setting the depth of field, the value input by the user is set as the front depth of field Tf or the rear depth of field Tr.
If the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the automatic zoom is not based on the depth of field setting, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether the automatic zoom is based on the depth of field limit setting. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for inputting the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin or the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax is sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the automatic zooming is performed by setting the depth of field limit, the value input by the user is set as the depth of field limit near point Lmin or the depth of field limit far point Lmax.

If the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the zoom is not an automatic zoom based on a depth-of-field limit setting, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether the zoom is a normal zoom. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal from the manual zoom button of the key input unit 9 has been sent. The manual zoom button is a button for moving the zoom lens 14b. When the user operates T, the zoom lens 14b is driven in the Tele direction, and when W is operated, the zoom lens 14b is driven in the Wide direction.
If it is determined that the zoom is normal zoom, the zoom lens 14b is driven according to the operation signal of the manual zoom button. If it is determined that the zoom is not normal zoom, the zoom process is not performed.

  It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not the pan-focus automatic zooming or the automatic zooming is performed by setting the hyperfocal distance or the like is performed by the user in advance by setting the hyperfocal distance f, the front or depth of field (Tf or Tr), etc. You may make it judge by whether it has set. For example, when the user has previously set the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax in the setting mode, it is determined that automatic zooming is performed by setting the depth-of-field limit. In this case, since the setting has already been performed, it is not necessary to perform the setting again.

On the other hand, when the hyperfocal distance L∞, the depth of field (Tf or Tr), and the depth of field limit (Lmin, Lmax) are set, it is determined whether or not the user has operated the automatic zoom button. . The automatic zoom button is a button for zooming so as to satisfy the depth-of-field conditions such as the set hyperfocal distance L∞ and depth-of-field limits (Lmin, Lmax).
When an operation signal corresponding to the automatic zoom button is sent from the key input unit 9, the focal length f that satisfies the set depth of field condition is calculated and stored in the DRAM 6. This function corresponds to the acquisition means of the present invention.

  As the calculation method, when the hyperfocal distance L∞ is set, the hyperfocal distance L∞ of the formula 9 is set as the subject distance when the hyperfocal distance L∞ is set as the subject distance L. The focal length f can be obtained by replacing L. Further, the focal distance f is calculated according to the relational expression of Expression 10 when the front depth of field Tf is set, and according to the relational expression of Expression 11 when the rear depth of field Tr is set. Further, when the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin is set, the focal length f is obtained by the relational expression shown in Expression 12, and when the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax is set, the relational expression shown in Expression 13 is used. Is calculated.

Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated focal length f is within the effective range, that is, whether or not the focal length fmin <focal length f <focal length fmax. This effective range is determined by whether or not the zoom lens 14b is within the movable range. This is because the focal length f is determined by the position of the zoom lens 14b.
If the calculated focal length f is within the effective range, the zoom lens 14b is driven to a position where the focal length f is reached, zooming is performed, and if there is an instruction to shoot, still image shooting processing is performed. Do. This function corresponds to the photographing control means of the present invention.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculated focal length f is not within the effective range, exception processing such as error display is performed.

E. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
When the photographing mode is set by the user's operation of the key input unit 9, it is determined whether or not the still image photographing mode is set (step S21). If the still image shooting mode is set, the aperture value input by the user is set (step S22). Here, it is assumed that the aperture value F is set to “3.2”. Note that the aperture value may be automatically set by AE processing or the like.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is not the still image shooting mode, another mode is set.

When the aperture value F is set, photometric processing, WB processing, and the like are performed. Specifically, an optimum shutter speed is set from the appropriate exposure amount (Ev) based on the photometric value and the set aperture value F, and the color temperature of the light source is obtained from the measured light source incident light or subject reflected light. White balance is set (step S23). The aperture value F set in step S22 may be an aperture value set by photometric processing.
Then, the photographing distance of the subject (subject distance L) is detected (step S24). Here, the subject distance L is detected based on the position of the focus lens 14a.

Next, it is determined whether or not pan focus automatic zoom, that is, automatic zoom for pan focus (step S25). This determination is made based on whether or not there is an operation signal for setting the hyperfocal distance L∞ as the subject distance by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the pan focus automatic zoom is selected, the subject distance L detected in step S24 is set as the hyperfocal distance L∞ (step S29).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the pan focus automatic zoom is not set, it is determined whether or not the auto zoom is set based on the hyperfocal distance L∞ setting (step S26). This determination is made based on whether or not there is an operation signal for inputting the hyperfocal distance L∞ by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the automatic zoom is performed by setting the hyperfocal distance L∞, the value input by the user is set as the hyperfocal distance L∞ (step S30).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic zoom is not performed with the hyperfocal distance L∞ setting, it is determined whether or not the automatic zoom is performed with the depth of field setting (step S27). This determination is made based on whether or not there is an operation signal for inputting the front or rear depth of field (Tf or Tr) by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the automatic zooming is based on the depth of field setting, the value input by the user is set as the front depth of field Tf or the rear depth of field Tr (step S31).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic zoom is not based on the depth of field setting, it is determined whether or not the automatic zoom is based on the depth of field limit setting (step S28). This determination is made based on whether or not there is an operation signal for inputting the depth of field limit near point Lmin or the depth of field limit far point Lmax by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that automatic zooming is performed by setting the depth of field limit, the value input by the user is set as the depth of field limit near point Lmin or the depth of field limit far point Lmax (step S32).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the zoom is not an automatic zoom based on the depth-of-field limit setting, it is determined whether the zoom is a normal zoom (step S37). This determination is made based on whether or not there is an operation signal corresponding to the manual zoom button. The manual zoom button is a button for driving the zoom lens 14b, and includes a T / W button. If it is determined that the zoom is normal, the zoom lens 14a is driven according to the operation of the zoom button (step S38), and the process proceeds to step S39. If it is determined that the zoom is not normal, the process proceeds to step S39.

  It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not the automatic zoom is performed by pan focus automatic zoom, depth of field setting, or the like is performed by the user in advance by setting the hyperfocal distance f, the front or depth of field (Tf or Tr), etc. You may make it judge by whether it has set. For example, when the user has previously set the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax in the setting mode, it is determined that automatic zooming is performed by setting the depth-of-field limit. In this case, since the setting has already been performed, the process proceeds to step S33 without performing the setting in step S32. The same applies to other cases, and the process proceeds to step S33 without passing through the processes of step S29, step S30, and step S31.

In step S29, step S30, step S31, and step S32, the hyperfocal distance L∞, the front or rear depth of field (Tf or Tr), and the depth of field limit (near point Lmin, far point Lmax) are set. Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the automatic zoom button has been performed (step S33). The automatic zoom button is a button for zooming so as to satisfy the depth-of-field conditions such as the set hyperfocal distance L∞ and depth-of-field limits (Lmin, Lmax).
If it is determined that the operation of the automatic zoom button has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S37. If it is determined that the operation of the automatic zoom button has been performed, the focal length f is calculated (step S34).

This focal length f is calculated when the hyperfocal distance L∞ is set to the subject distance L in step S29, the focal length f is calculated by substituting the hyperfocal distance L∞ in Equation 9 with the subject distance L, and the step When the value input by the user in S30 is set as the hyperfocal distance L∞, the input distance is substituted for the hyperfocal distance L∞ in Equation 9 to calculate the focal length f.
Further, when the value input by the user in step S31 is set as the forward depth of field Tf, the focal length f is calculated by substituting the input value for the forward depth of field Tf of Formula 10, and the user Is set as the rear depth of field Tr, the focal length f is calculated by substituting the input value for the rear depth of field Tr of Equation 11.

When the value input by the user in step S32 is set as the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin, the input distance is substituted into the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin of Equation 12, and the focal length f is set. When the calculated value set by the user is set as the depth of field limit far point Lmax, the input distance is substituted into the depth of field limit far point Lmax of Equation 13 to calculate the focal length f. .
The aperture value F is the value set in step S22, the subject distance L is the distance detected in step S24, and the allowable confusion circle diameter δ is recorded in the ROM 8 in advance.

When the focal length f is calculated, it is determined whether or not the calculated focal length f is within the effective range, that is, whether or not the focal length fmin <the focal length f <the focal length fmax (step S35). . This effective range is determined by whether or not the zoom lens 14b is within the movable range. This is because the focal length f is determined by the position of the zoom lens 14b.
If it is determined that it is not within the effective range, an exception process such as error display is performed. If it is determined that it is within the effective range, the zoom lens 14b is driven to a position corresponding to the calculated focal length f (step S36).

Next, AF processing is performed (step S39), and the depth of field is displayed on the distance conversion scale together with the through image, the front or rear depth of field (Tf or Tr), the depth of field limit (the near point Lmin, the far point). A numerical display of the point Lmax), a relational graph, etc. are displayed (step S40). The state at this time is shown in FIG.
Referring to FIG. 14, the rear depth of field Tr is “∞m”, and the front depth of field Tf is “2.6 m”. In addition, the depth of field Z is “∞m”, the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax is “∞m”, the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin is “1.4 m”, and the calculated focal length f Is easily found to be “6 mm”. The aperture value F is a value set by the user, that is, “3.2”.

In the image display frame 30, a distance conversion scale is displayed together with the through image, and the depth of field Z is displayed on the distance conversion scale. Looking at the image display frame 30, it can be seen that the depth of field Z (the portion covered with the net) is up to ∞. That is, it can be easily understood that the subject is in focus if the subject is 1.4 m away from the photographer.
Further, when the relationship graph 40 is seen, when the aperture value F is changed, the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin (line 50) is different, but the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax is ∞m.

FIG. 15 shows a state where the aperture value F “3.2” is displayed as it is on the image display unit 10 when the rear depth of field Tr is set to “5.0 m” and automatic zooming is performed. It is a thing.
As apparent from FIG. 15, the rear depth of field Tr is “5.0 m” set by the user, the front depth of field Tf is “1.4 m”, and the depth of field Z is “6”. .4m ".
Further, the depth-of-field limit near point Lmax is “9.0 m”, the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin is “2.6 m”, and the calculated focal length f is “11.25 mm”. I understand. That is, the telephoto zoom is performed from the image shown in FIG. The aperture value F “3.2” is displayed as it is as set by the user.

Further, when viewing the image display frame 30, the depth of field Z is only a little before the position 10 m away from the photographer, that is, the line 70 (the position of the depth of field limit far point Lmax). I understand. By looking at this figure, the in-focus position and the out-of-focus position of the subject can be easily understood.
Also, from the relationship graph 40, it can be seen that when the aperture value F is changed, the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin (line 50) and the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax (line 60) change.
That is, the depth of field Z when the aperture value F is changed can be easily understood, and the desired depth of field Z can be obtained by varying the aperture value F.

When this distance conversion scale or the like is displayed on the image display unit 10, it is determined whether or not to shoot the subject (step S41), and in the case of shooting, photometric processing and WB processing are performed (step S42). The optimum shutter speed is reset from the appropriate exposure amount (Ev) based on the value and the set aperture value F (step S43).
Then, still image shooting processing is performed (step S44), and the obtained image data is recorded on the memory card 12 (recording means) together with the depth of field conditions (aperture value F, forward or backward depth of field, etc.). (Step S45). The image data and the depth of field condition are recorded in association with each other.
Then, other key processing, display processing, and the like are performed (step S46). Even when it is determined in step S41 that shooting is not performed, the process proceeds to step S46, and other processing such as key processing is performed.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when the depth of field conditions such as the front or rear depth of field, the depth of field limit (far point, near point), and the hyperfocal distance are input or selected. Depending on the shooting distance of the subject that is in focus with the set aperture value, the camera automatically zooms to the focal length that provides the set front or back depth of field. Images with depth conditions can be easily taken.
In addition, an image that satisfies the set aperture value and depth of field condition can be taken any number of times.

Also, since the graph of the relationship between the aperture value and the depth of field limit (near point, far point) and the focal length are displayed, the current depth of field can be adjusted when adjusting the automatically adjusted depth of field. While confirming the depth, relationship graph, and focal length, a predetermined depth-of-field condition can be set, or the aperture value and focal length can be adjusted, and a desired image can be taken.
Even if the zoom magnification or subject distance changes, the depth-of-field conditions remain set, so the user can adjust the depth of the desired depth of field, the in-focus / out-of-focus range, and the degree of blurring. Even beginners can easily shoot drawing expressions.
Note that a desired depth-of-field condition may be set by directly specifying the position, range, and distance of the subject image in the image display unit 10 by a cursor operation, a touch panel, or the like.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the exposure condition is automatically set so as to satisfy the depth-of-field condition set by the user while maintaining the focal length f and the zoom magnification.

F. Configuration of Digital Camera 1 The third embodiment also implements the photographing apparatus of the present invention by using the digital camera 1 having the same configuration as that shown in FIG.
The function of the characteristic configuration of the digital camera 1 according to the third embodiment will be described.

The DSP / CPU 3 detects the focused subject distance L and focal length f (second detection means) when performing photometric processing, zoom processing, AF processing, and the like. The subject distance L is detected by the position of the focus lens 14a set by AF processing, and the focal length f is detected by the position of the zoom lens 14b during AF processing.
Then, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether pan-focus automatic exposure is set. That is, the aperture value F is set so that the hyperfocal distance L∞ becomes the subject distance L. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for selecting pan-focus automatic exposure has been sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the pan focus automatic exposure is set, the hyperfocal distance L∞ is set as the subject distance L.

When the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the pan focus automatic exposure is not performed, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether or not the automatic exposure is performed based on the hyperfocal distance setting. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for inputting the hyperfocal distance L∞ is sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the automatic exposure is set by the hyperfocal distance setting, the value input by the user is set as the hyperfocal distance L∞.
When the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the automatic zoom is not performed with the hyperfocal distance L∞ setting, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether the automatic exposure is performed with the depth of field setting. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for inputting the front depth of field Tf or the rear depth of field Tr is sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the automatic exposure is based on the depth of field setting, the value input by the user is set as the front depth of field Tf or the rear depth of field Tr.

If the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the exposure is not automatic exposure based on the depth of field setting, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether the exposure is automatic exposure based on the depth of field limit setting. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for inputting the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin and the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax is sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the exposure is automatic exposure based on the depth-of-field limit setting, a value input by the user is set as the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin or the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax.
When the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the exposure is not automatic exposure due to the depth of field limit, the DSP / CPU 3 causes the user to input an aperture value F and sets the input value as the aperture value F.

It should be noted that whether or not the pan-focus automatic exposure or the automatic exposure is set by the hyperfocal distance setting or the like is determined by the user in advance by setting the hyperfocal distance f, forward or depth of field (Tf or Tr), etc. You may make it judge by whether it has set. For example, when the user has previously set the depth of field limit far point Lmax in the setting mode, it is determined that the exposure is automatic exposure based on the setting of the depth of field limit. In this case, since the depth-of-field limit far point Lmax is already set, it is necessary to set the depth-of-field limit near point Lmax even if it is determined that the exposure is automatic exposure based on the depth of field setting. There is no.

When the hyperfocal distance L∞, the front or rear depth of field (Tf or Tr), and the depth of field limit (near point Lmin or far point Lmax) are set, the aperture value F is set from the set value. And the calculated value is set as the aperture value F (acquiring means).
As the calculation method, in the case of pan focus automatic exposure, that is, when the hyperfocal distance L∞ = the subject distance L is set, or when the hyperfocal distance L∞ is input by the user, the relationship of Equation 14 is satisfied. The aperture value F is calculated according to the equation.
When the front depth of field Tf is input by the user, the aperture value F is calculated according to the relational expression 15 and when the rear depth of field Tr is input, the aperture is calculated according to the relational expression 16 The value F is calculated.
Further, when the depth of field limit near point Lmin is input by the user, the aperture value F is calculated according to the relational expression of Expression 17, and when the rear depth of field limit far point Lmax is input, Expression 18 The aperture value F is calculated according to the following relational expression.

When the DSP / CPU sets the calculated value as the aperture value F or sets the value input by the user as the aperture value F, the DSP / CPU calculates the appropriate exposure amount (EV) based on the photometric value and the set aperture value F. Calculate and set the shutter speed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the set aperture value F and the shutter speed are within the effective range. If they are within the effective range, the subject is imaged (imaging control means).
If it is outside the valid range, exception processing such as error display is performed.

G. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
When the shooting mode is set by the user's operation of the key input unit 9, it is determined whether or not the still image shooting mode is set (step S51). If it is determined that the mode is not the still image shooting mode, the other mode processing is performed.
In the still image shooting mode, photometric processing, WB processing, etc. are performed (step S52).

Then, zoom processing, AF processing, and the like are performed (step S53), and the focused subject distance L and focal length f are detected (step S54). This subject distance L can be detected by the position of the focus lens 14a set by the AF process. The distance to the subject may be detected by a phase difference detection method or an infrared detection method, or may be a distance input by the user. The focal length f can be detected by the position of the zoom lens 14b when the AF process is performed.
Next, it is determined whether pan-focus automatic exposure is set (step S55). That is, the aperture value F is set so that the hyperfocal distance L∞ becomes the subject distance L. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for selecting pan-focus automatic exposure has been sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the pan focus automatic exposure is set, the hyperfocal distance L∞ is set as the subject distance L (step S59).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the pan focus automatic exposure is not performed, it is determined whether or not the automatic exposure is performed by setting the hyperfocal distance (step S56). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for inputting the hyperfocal distance L∞ is sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the automatic exposure is set by the hyperfocal distance setting, the value input by the user is set as the hyperfocal distance L∞ (step S60).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic exposure is not set by the hyperfocal distance setting, it is determined whether or not the automatic exposure is set by the depth of field setting (step S57). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for inputting the front depth of field Tf or the rear depth of field Tr is sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the exposure is automatic exposure based on the depth of field setting, the value input by the user is set as the front depth of field Tf or the rear depth of field Tr (step S61).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic exposure is not performed by setting the depth of field, it is determined whether the automatic exposure is performed by setting the depth of field limit (step S58). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal for inputting the depth of field limit near point Lmin or the depth of field limit far point Lmax is sent by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. If it is determined that the exposure is automatic exposure based on the depth-of-field limit setting, the value input by the user is set as the near-field depth limit or the far-field depth limit far point Lmax (step S62).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the exposure is not automatic exposure based on the depth-of-field limit setting, the user inputs the aperture value F, sets the input value as the aperture value F (step S64), and proceeds to step S65.

  Note that whether or not the auto-exposure by pan-focus automatic exposure or depth-of-field setting is determined by the user in advance by setting the hyperfocal distance f, the front or depth of field (Tf or Tr), etc. according to the setting mode or the like. You may make it judge by whether it has set. For example, when the user has previously set the depth of field limit far point Lmax in the setting mode, it is determined that the exposure is automatic exposure based on the setting of the depth of field limit. In this case, since the setting has already been performed, the process proceeds to step S63 without performing the setting in step S62. The same applies to other cases, and the process proceeds to step S63 without passing through the processes of steps S59, S60, and S61.

Further, in step S59, step S60, step S61, and step S62, the hyperfocal distance L∞, the front or rear depth of field (Tf or Tr), and the depth of field limit (near point Lmin or far point Lmax) are set. When this is done, the aperture value F is calculated such that the set hyperfocal distance L∞, the front or rear depth of field (Tf or Tr), or the depth of field limit (near point Lmin or far point Lmax). Then, the calculated value is set as the aperture value F (step S63).
As the calculation method, when the hyperfocal distance L∞ is set as the subject distance L in step S59, the aperture value F is calculated by replacing the hyperfocal distance L∞ in Equation 14 with the subject distance L, and in step S60, the user Is set as the hyperfocal distance L∞, the aperture value F is calculated by substituting the hyperfocal distance L∞ in equation (14).

If the value input by the user in step S61 is set as the forward depth of field Tf, the aperture value F is calculated by substituting the input value for the forward depth of field Tf of Formula 15. Is set as the rear depth of field Tr, the aperture value F is calculated by substituting the input value for the rear depth of field Tr in Equation (16).
When the value input by the user in step S62 is set as the depth of field limit near point Lmin, the aperture value F is set by substituting the input value for the depth of field limit near point Lmin of Expression 17. When the calculated value and the value input by the user are set as the depth of field limit far point Lmax, the aperture value F is calculated by substituting the input value for the depth of field limit far point Lmax of Expression 18. .

When the aperture value F is set in step S63 or step S64, the shutter speed is calculated and set from the appropriate exposure amount (Ev) based on the distance measuring process and the set aperture value F (step S65).
Next, it is determined whether or not the set aperture value F and shutter speed (exposure condition) are within the effective range (step S66). If it is determined that they are not within the effective range, an exception process such as an error display is performed and the range is within the effective range. When determined, the depth of field, depth of field limit (near point Lmin, far point Lmax) in the state after setting the exposure conditions (aperture value F, shutter speed), other shooting conditions, etc., together with the through image of the subject The image is displayed on the image display unit 10 (step S67).
In this display, as described in the first embodiment, the depth of field Z is displayed on the distance scale, a numerical display such as the depth of field Z, a relation graph, and the like are displayed.

Then, it is determined whether or not to shoot the subject (step S68), and in the case of shooting, a photometric process and a WB process are performed (step S69), and an appropriate exposure amount (Ev) based on the photometric value and a set aperture value. The shutter speed is reset from F (step S70).
Then, the still image shooting process is performed under the set shooting conditions (step S71), and the obtained image data is recorded in the memory card 12 together with the depth of field conditions (aperture value F, forward or backward depth of field, etc.). (Step S72). The image data and the depth of field condition are recorded in association with each other.
Then, other key processing, display processing, and the like are performed (step S73).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S68 that no shooting is performed, the process proceeds to step S73 to perform other key processing and the like.

As described above, in the third embodiment, when the depth of field conditions such as the front or rear depth of field, the depth of field limit (far point, near point), and the hyperfocal distance are input or selected, Depending on the shooting distance of the subject that is in focus with the focal length f, automatic exposure is performed so that a set front or rear depth of field is obtained, so that an image with a set depth of field condition can be easily obtained. Can be taken.
Also, an image that satisfies the same depth of field condition can be taken any number of times.

Also, since the graph of the relationship between the aperture value and the depth of field limit (near point, far point) and the focal length are displayed, the current depth of field can be adjusted when adjusting the automatically adjusted depth of field. While confirming the depth, relationship graph, and focal length, a predetermined depth-of-field condition can be set, or the aperture value and focal length can be adjusted, and a desired image can be taken.
Even if the zoom magnification or subject distance changes, the depth-of-field conditions remain set, so the user can adjust the depth of the desired depth of field, the in-focus / out-of-focus range, and the degree of blurring. Even beginners can easily shoot drawing expressions.
Note that a desired depth-of-field condition may be set by directly specifying the position, range, and distance of the subject image in the image display unit 10 by a cursor operation, a touch panel, or the like.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, bracketing shooting is performed according to a depth-of-field condition set by the user.

H. Configuration of Digital Camera 1 In the fourth embodiment, the digital camera 1 having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 1 is used to realize the photographing apparatus of the present invention.
The function of the characteristic configuration of the digital camera 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

When the DSP / CPU is set to the setting mode by the user's operation of the key input unit 9 and the correction interval, the correction order, and the number of shots, which are shooting conditions for depth-of-field bracketing shooting, are input, the input is performed. Set the shooting conditions for bracketing shooting.
here. The correction interval is an interval at which bracketing is performed in depth-of-field bracketing shooting. Here, when bracketing the front or rear depth of field (Tf or Tr), the correction interval becomes ΔTf or ΔTr, and the depth of field limit (near point Lmin or far point Lmax) is bracketed. In this case, the correction intervals are ΔLmin and ΔLmax. For example, when the correction interval ΔTr is 10 m, the subject is photographed by changing the rear depth of field Tr by 10 m.

The correction order includes an upward direction (+ direction), a downward direction (− direction), 0 + − order, 0− + order, and the like. For example, if 0 is the initial depth-of-field condition without correction, in the upward direction (+ direction), → (−2 correction interval) → (−1 correction interval) → (0, no correction) ) → (+1 correction interval) → (+2 correction interval) → ······· In the case of the down direction (− direction), → (+2 correction interval) → (+1 correction interval) → (0, no correction) ) → (−1 correction interval) → (−2 correction interval) →.
In the case of 0 + −order, (0, no correction) → (+1 correction interval) → (+2 correction interval) →... (−1 correction interval) → (−2 correction interval) →. In the case of 0- + order, (0, no correction)-> (-1 correction interval)-> (-2 correction interval)->-> (+1 correction interval)-> (+2 correction interval)->- It becomes.
The number of shots refers to the number of times of continuous shooting at one time by bracketing shooting.

When the DSP / CPU 3 determines to subject the subject to bracketing shooting under the set shooting conditions for bracketing shooting, the DSP / CPU 3 performs bracketing shooting according to the set shooting conditions (continuous shooting control means).
For example, when the correction interval is set to ΔTr, the correction order is set to the upward direction, and the number of shots is set to 5, the first image (Tr−2ΔTr) → the second image (Tr−ΔTr) → the third image (Tr) → 4 images Since an image of the first (Tr + ΔTr) → the fifth (Tr + 2ΔTr) is taken, first the rear depth of field (Tr-2ΔTr) of the first image is set (setting means), and the set rear An aperture value F that provides a depth of field is calculated (acquiring means), and shooting is performed with the calculated aperture value F (continuous imaging control unit). Then, the rear depth of field (Tr−ΔTr) of the second image is set (setting means), the aperture value F is calculated so as to be the set rear depth of field (acquiring means), The operation of shooting with the calculated aperture value F (continuous shooting control means) is performed until shooting of the fifth image. The calculation method of the aperture value F is as described in the third embodiment.

Here, the aperture value F is calculated for each image captured by bracketing imaging, but the focal length f may be calculated for imaging.
That is, first, the focal length f is calculated so as to be the rear depth of field (Tr−2ΔTr) of the first image, and the zoom lens 14b is driven so as to be the calculated focal length f, and then shooting is performed. Do. Then, the focal length f is calculated so as to be the rear depth of field (Tr−ΔTr) of the second image, and the zoom lens 14b is driven so as to achieve the calculated focal length f, and shooting is performed. This operation is performed until the fifth image is captured.

I. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 19. Here, when the correction interval is limited to ΔTr, that is, the rear depth of field Tr. Only the operation of the digital camera when shooting with bracketing will be described.
Even when the correction intervals are ΔTf, ΔLmin, and ΔLmax, the basic processing is the same as ΔTr.

When the mode is set by the user's operation of the key input unit 9, it is determined in step 81 whether or not the still image shooting mode is set (step S81). Whether or not (step S82).
If it is determined that the setting mode is set in step S82, it is determined whether or not the depth-of-field bracket setting is set (step S83). The depth-of-field bracket setting refers to setting shooting conditions such as a correction interval “ΔTr”, a correction order, and the number of shots “2k + 1” for shooting by depth-of-field bracketing shooting.

If it is determined that the depth-of-field bracket setting is set, the correction interval “ΔTr”, the number of shots “2k + 1” input by the user, the correction order, and the like are set (step S84), and the process returns to step S81. User input methods such as the correction interval and shooting order will be described later. Here, it is assumed that the correction interval “ΔTr = 10 m” of the rear depth of field Tr, the correction order “upward order”, and the number of shots “2k + 1 = 3” are set. Since the number of shots is set to 3, k = 1.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S82 that the setting mode is not set, processing in another mode is performed. If it is determined in step S83 that depth of field bracket setting is not set, other setting processing is performed.

If it is determined in step S81 that the still image shooting mode is set, photometric processing, WB processing, and the like are performed (step S85). Then, zoom processing and af processing are performed (step s86), and the currently set aperture value f, subject distance L, focal length f to hyperfocal distance l∞0, forward or rear depth of field (Tr0, Tf0). The depth of field limit (near point Lmin0, far point Lmax0) is calculated (step S87). This calculation is performed according to Equations 1 to 5 as described above. The values of Tr0, Tf0, etc. indicate the values of the depth-of-field conditions that serve as a reference for images shot by bracketing shooting.
Then, a distance conversion scale, a numerical value such as the front or rear depth of field (Tf0, Tr0) calculated in step S87, a relation graph, and the like are displayed on the image display unit 10 together with the through image of the subject, and the depth of field Z is calculated. It is displayed on the distance conversion scale (step S88).

FIG. 21 shows a state of the image display unit 10 at that time.
Rear depth of field Tr (= Tr0) = 20 m, forward depth of field Tf (= Tf0) = 1.8 m, depth of field Z (= Z0) = 21.8 m, depth of field limit far point Lmax It can be seen that (= Lmax0) = 24.0 m and the depth of field limit near point Lmin (= Lmin0) = 2.2 m. Further, the focal length f = 18 mm and the aperture value F = 12.3.
Then, it is determined whether or not to shoot the subject (step S89). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the shutter button or the operation of the bracketing shooting button is sent from the key input unit 9. If it is determined not to perform shooting, the process proceeds to step S99. If it is determined that shooting is to be performed, it is determined whether or not it is depth-of-field bracketing shooting (step S90). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the bracketing shooting button is sent from the key input unit 9. Although a shutter button for shooting still images and a bracketing shooting button are provided separately, the user may instruct to perform bracketing shooting in advance, and bracketing shooting may be performed when the shutter button is pressed. Good.

If it is determined that it is not bracketing shooting, other shooting processing is performed. If it is determined that it is bracketing shooting, the process proceeds to step S91 to perform bracketing shooting.
First, when it is determined that bracketing shooting is to be performed (branch to Y in step S90), it is determined whether or not the shooting order set in step S84 is an ascending order (step S91). Since the correction order is set to “upward order” in step S84, the process proceeds to step S92, and the initial value Tr1 (Tr1 = Tr0−kΔTr) of the rear depth of field is set. The initial value here refers to the value of the rear depth of field Tr of the first image captured by bracketing shooting. When the correction interval is set to ΔLmin or the like, the initial value is the depth-of-field limit near point Lmin1 (Lmin1 = Lmin0−kΔLmin) or the like of the image first captured by bracketing imaging.

Here, Tr0 = 20m, ΔTr = 10, k = 1 (from 3 shots = 2k + 1), and the initial value Tr1 is “Tr1 = 20m−1 · 10m = 10m”.
Then, the shooting order m is set to “m = + 1” (step S93), and the process proceeds to step S94.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S91 that the shooting order is not the ascending order, it is determined whether or not the shooting order is the descending order (step S100). If it is determined that the shooting order is the descending order, the initial value Tr1 (Tr1 = Tr0 + k · Δtr) of the rear depth of field is set (step S101). The initial value Tr1 in this case is “Tr1 = 20m + 1 · 10m = 30m”. Then, the shooting order m is set to “m = −1” (step S102), and the process proceeds to step S94.
In step S94, the number of shots j is set to “j = 0”, the number of shots n is set to “n = 2k + 1 = 3”, and depth-of-field correction shooting processing is performed (step S95).

Here, the operation of the depth-of-field correction photographing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the corrected depth-of-field correction photographing process is started, the process proceeds to step S131 in FIG. 20, and a rear depth of field Tr “Tr = Tr1 + m · j · ΔTr” of an image photographed by bracketing photographing is set. Here, “Tr1 = 10 m”, “j = 0”, “m = + 1”, and “ΔTr = 10 m”, so that “Tr = 10 + 1 · 0 · 10m = 10 m”.
In the case of the shooting order descending order, since “Tr1 = 30”, “Tr = 30 + 1 · 0 · 10m = 30 m”.

Next, an aperture value F corresponding to the set depth of field Tr is calculated and set. The aperture value F is calculated according to Equation 16 as described above. When the depth of field limit is bracketed, the aperture value F is calculated by Equation 17 (near point Lmin) and Equation 18 (far point Lmax). The aperture / shutter 15 is set so as to be (step S133), and ranging processing, WB processing, etc. are performed (step S134).
Then, an appropriate shutter speed is set to an appropriate exposure amount (Ev) based on the distance measuring process and the aperture value F set in step S132 (step S135).
Then, after shooting under the set shooting conditions, the obtained image data is stored in the buffer memory (step S136), and then transferred and recorded in the flash memory 7 (step S137).

Then, returning to the flowchart of FIG. 19, the number of shots j is set to “j = j + 1” (step S96). Here, “j = 0 + 1 = 1”.
Then, it is determined whether or not the number of shots j is the set number of shots n, here three or more (step S97). Since the number of shots j is 1, it is determined that the number is less than the number of shots, and the process returns to step S95, that is, step S131 in FIG. 20, and the rear depth of field Tr is set (here, Tr = 10m + 1 · 1 · 10). = 20 m), an aperture value F corresponding to the set rear depth of field Tr is calculated, and shooting is performed.

  This operation is repeated until the number of shots j reaches the number of shots n (here, 3). When it is determined that the number of shots j is equal to or greater than the number of shots n (branch to Y in step S97), the flash memory 7 is recorded in the memory card 12 together with the depth-of-field condition (step S98). An image photographed by the loop of step S95 to step S97 is an image as shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 shows a time chart of an image shot by this bracketing shooting. The first image shot has a rear depth of field Tr of 10 m, the second shot is 20 m, and the third shot. The eyes are 30m. Note that the shaded area indicates a focused area, that is, an area of depth of field Z.
When the image data and the like taken by bracketing photography are recorded on the memory card 12, other key processing, display processing, etc. are performed (step S99).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S100 that the shooting order is not the descending order, it is determined whether or not the shooting order is 0 + − (step S103). If it is determined that the shooting order is not 0 + -order, other processing is performed. If it is determined that the order is 0 + -order, the initial depth of field Tr1 (Tr1 = Tr0) is set (step S104). Then, the shooting order m is set to “m = + 1” (step S105), the shot number n is set to “n = k + 1”, and the shot number j is set to “j = 0” (step S106). Here, when the total number of shots taken by bracketing shooting is set to 3 in step S84, the number of shots n is 2 because “2k + 1 = 3” becomes “k = 1”.

Then, depth-of-field correction shooting processing is performed (step S107). As described above, the depth-of-field correction photographing process here follows the process from step S131 to step S137 in FIG.
Then, the photographed number j is set to “j = j + 1” (step S108), it is determined whether or not the photographed number j is equal to or greater than the number n (here, 2) (step S109). If is not greater than n, the process returns to step S107 and repeats the above operation.
That is, in the processing of step S107 to step S109, the rear depth of field Tr (Tr = Tr1 + m · j · ΔTr), so that the rear depth of field of the captured image is 20 m for the first image, The second piece is 30m. Note that Tr1 = Tr0 = 20 m and ΔTr = 10 m.

Then, it is determined whether or not the number of shots j is greater than or equal to the number of shots n. If the number of shots is greater than or equal to n, the shooting order m is set to “m = −1” (step S110), and the number of shots n is set. “N = k” (here, “n = k = 1”), the number of shots j is set to “j = 1” (step S111), and depth-of-field correction shooting processing is performed (step S112). . As described above, the depth-of-field correction photographing process is performed through steps S131 to S137 in FIG.
Then, the number of shots j is set to “j = j + 1” (here, “j = 1 + 1 = 2”) (step S113), and it is determined whether the number of shots j is greater than or equal to the number of shots n (step S113). S114). Here, since the number of shots j is 2 and the number of shots n is 1, it is determined that the number of shots j is greater than or equal to the number of shots n.

If it is determined that the number of shots j is not greater than or equal to the number of shots n, the process returns to step S112. If it is determined that the number of shots j is greater than or equal to the number of shots n, the process proceeds to step S98 and a plurality of image data recorded in the flash memory 7 is obtained. (Image data photographed by bracketing photographing) is recorded in the memory card 12 together with the depth of field condition.
The rear depth of field Tr of the image photographed by the processing of step S112 to step S114 is 10 m.
That is, when the correction interval ΔTr = 10 m and the number of shots 3 are set in step S84, the captured images have a rear depth of field of “Tr = 10 m” and “Tr, respectively, even if the shooting order is different. = 20m "and" Tr = 30m "are obtained. However, Tr0 = 20 m.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, a plurality of images with different depth-of-field conditions can be captured by a single shutter operation without changing the shooting conditions such as the depth of field setting. can do.
In addition, even if the depth of field condition when shooting with the aim is not the desired depth of field, the depth of the desired depth of field or the range in focus can be selected from a plurality of continuous images taken with bracketing. An image that falls within the blur range can be obtained, and a satisfactory image can be taken.
In addition, since the correction interval can be set freely, the depth of field of the image captured by bracketing shooting, the range of focus and the range of blur can be adjusted, and the desired field of view can be adjusted. An image having a depth condition can be taken.

Further, by inputting a desired depth of field condition to some extent and adjusting the correction interval, a more appropriate desired image can be obtained by bracketing shooting.
Further, since the number of shots can be input, a desired image can be obtained by inputting the number of shots according to the situation of the place. For example, the number of shots can be reduced when a desired image can be obtained almost according to the angle of view input by the user, and the number of shots can be taken when a desired image cannot be obtained with the angle of view of the image set by the user. By increasing the number, a desired image can be obtained.

  In the fourth embodiment, as an example of the bracketing shooting, the operation of the digital camera in the case of shooting with the rear depth of field being bracketed has been described. Needless to say, it is possible to bracket the depth or depth-of-field limit near point, the depth-of-field limit far point, or the hyperfocal distance by bracketing.

  If it is determined that the user wants to shoot without setting the user's depth of field condition (back depth of field, etc.), bracketing shooting is performed. If conditions are set and it is determined that shooting is to be performed, bracketing shooting may be performed. That is, as will be described in the second and third embodiments, bracketing shooting is performed after setting the depth of field condition set by the user. Thereby, since bracketing imaging is performed based on the rear depth of field set by the user, an image desired by the user can be obtained with certainty.

In addition, the aperture value F that satisfies the bracketed depth of field condition is calculated and the bracketing shooting is performed, but the focal length f that satisfies the bracketed depth of field condition is set. It is also possible to calculate and perform bracketing shooting.
That is, instead of calculating the aperture value F corresponding to the depth of field condition as in the third embodiment, the focal length f corresponding to the depth of field condition is calculated as in the second embodiment. Will be calculated. In this case, the aperture value F uses a value input by the user, an aperture value set by AE processing, or the like.

Further, although the case where shooting is performed by bracketing the depth of field condition has been described, the subject may be continuously shot without performing bracketing shooting. At this time, shooting may be performed by setting other depth-of-field conditions for each shooting. For example, in continuous shooting, the first image is taken such that the rear depth of field Tr is “10 m”, and the second image is such that the depth of field limit far point Lmax is “50 m”. And the third image may be continuously imaged such that the hyperfocal distance L∞ is “10 m”.
In addition, even in the case of continuous shooting under the same depth of field condition, the first image is shot so that the rear depth of field Tr is “5 m”, and the second image has the rear depth of field Tr. An image such as “15 m” may be photographed, and the third image may be continuously photographed with different correction intervals such that the rear depth of field Tr is “20 m”.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the fifth embodiment, shooting (multi-bracketing shooting) is performed by bracketing the depth of field and exposure according to the depth-of-field conditions and exposure conditions set by the user.

J. et al. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 23 and 24. Here, the digital camera when the depth-of-field condition correction interval is limited to ΔTr The description will be limited to the first operation.

  If it is determined that the still image shooting mode is set, photometric processing, WB processing, and the like are performed (step S151). After performing zoom processing and AF processing (step S152), the currently set aperture value f, subject distance L, focal length f to hyperfocal distance l∞0, forward or rear depth of field (Tr0, Tf0) and the depth of field limit (near point Lmin0, far point Lmax0) are calculated (step S153). This calculation is performed according to Equations 1 to 5 as described above. The values of Tr0, Tf0, etc. indicate the values of the depth-of-field conditions that serve as a reference for images shot by bracketing shooting.

Then, a distance conversion scale, a numerical value such as the front or rear depth of field (Tf0, Tr0) calculated in step S153, a relation graph, and the like are displayed on the image display unit 10 together with the through image of the subject, and the depth of field Z is calculated. It is displayed on the distance conversion scale (step S154). At this time, it is assumed that an image, a relationship graph, and the like as shown in FIG. 21 are displayed on the image display unit 10. The description of this figure has been described in the fourth embodiment, and is omitted here.
Then, it is determined whether or not to shoot the subject (step S155). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the bracketing shooting button for instructing to perform the shuttering button pressing or bracketing shooting is sent from the key input unit 9. If it is determined not to shoot, other processing is performed, and if it is determined to shoot, the process proceeds to step S156.

  If it is determined that shooting is to be performed, it is determined whether to perform depth of field / exposure bracketing shooting (step S156). This determination is made when the depth of field / exposure bracketing is selected from the bracketing shooting by the user's operation of the key input unit 9 and an operation signal corresponding to the bracketing shooting button is received from the key input unit 9. Judgment is made based on whether or not it has been sent. Although the shutter button for shooting still images and the bracketing shooting button are provided separately, it is determined that the shutter button is pressed in a state where the user is instructed in advance to perform depth of field / exposure bracketing shooting. Alternatively, it may be determined that the depth of field / exposure bracketing shooting is performed.

  Here, the depth-of-field bracketing shooting conditions preset by the user in the setting mode are the depth-of-field correction interval (ΔTr, ΔTF, ΔLmin, ΔLmax, etc.), the depth-of-field correction order (ascending order). , Descending order, etc.), depth of field corrected number of shots (2.k1 + 1), and exposure bracketing conditions are exposure correction interval (ΔEv), exposure correction order (uplink order, descending order, etc.) This means the number of exposure-corrected shots (2.k2 + 1). Here, the user is in the setting mode, the correction interval ΔTr of the conditions for depth-of-field bracketing shooting is 10 m, the correction order is ascending order, and the number of shots is 3 (2 · k1 + 1 = 3, so k1 = 1) And the correction interval ΔEv for exposure bracketing shooting conditions is set to 0.3 Ev, the correction order is set to ascending order, and the number of shots is set to 3 (2 · k2 + 1 = 3, so k2 = 1). .

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 23, if it is determined in step S157 that it is not depth-of-field / exposure bracketing shooting, other shooting processing is performed, and if it is determined that it is depth-of-field / exposure bracketing shooting, It is determined whether or not the depth correction order is an ascending order (step S157).
Here, since the depth-of-field correction order is set to ascending order, it is determined to be ascending order, and an initial value Tr1 (Tr1 = Tf0−k1 · ΔTr) of the rear depth of field to be bracketed is set ( Step S158). Here, since Tr0 is 20 m (see FIG. 21), the initial value Tr of the rear depth of field is “Tr1 = 20−1 · 10 m = 10 m”. Then, the photographing order m1 is set to “m1 = + 1” (step S159), and the process proceeds to step S164.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 157 that the depth of field correction order is not the ascending order, it is determined whether or not the depth of field correction order is the descending order (step S160). If it is determined that the order is descending, the initial value Tr1 (Tr1 = Tr0 + k1 · ΔTr) of the rear depth of field to be bracketed is set (step S161), and the shooting order m1 is set to “m1 = −1” (step S161). Step S162), the process proceeds to step S164.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S160 that the depth-of-field correction order is not descending, initial values of other correction orders are set (step S163), and the process proceeds to step S164.

In step S164, the number of shots n1 and the number of shots j1 are set. Here, n1 = 2 · k1 + 1 = 3 and j1 = 0 are set.
Then, the rear depth of field Tr (Tr = Tr1 + m1 · j1 · ΔTr) of the image shot by bracketing shooting is set (step S165). Here, Tr1 is set to “10 m” in step S158, the shooting order m1 is set to “+1” in step S159, and the number of shots j1 is set to “0” in step 164, so Tr = 10 m. Become.
Then, the process proceeds to step S166 of FIG. 24, and an aperture value F is calculated and set so as to be the rear depth of field Tr set in step S165. This calculation can be calculated by the relational expression of Expression 16.

Then, it is determined whether or not the exposure correction order is an ascending order (step S167). Here, since the exposure correction order is set to the ascending order, the initial exposure value Ev1 (Ev1 = Ev0−k2 · ΔEv) is set (step S168). Here, Ev0 means an exposure amount when it is determined that shooting is performed. Therefore, Ev1 = Ev0−1 · 0.3Ev.
Then, the shooting order m2 is set to “m2 = + 1” (step S169), and the process proceeds to step S174.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the exposure correction order is not the ascending order, it is determined whether or not the exposure correction order is the descending order (step S170). If the exposure correction order is the descending order, the initial exposure value Ev1 (Ev1 = Ev0 + k2 · ΔEv) is set (step S171). Then, the shooting order m2 is set to “m2 = −1” (step S172), and the process proceeds to step S174.
If it is determined that the corrected exposure order is not the ascending order, other initial values of the correction order are set (step S173), and the process proceeds to step S174.

In step S174, the number of shots n2 and the number of shots j2 are set. Here, n2 = 2 · k2 + 1 = 3 and j2 = 0 are set.
Then, an exposure Ev (Ev = Ev1 + m2 · j2 · ΔEv) for bracketing shooting is set, and an optimum shutter speed is set from the set exposure Ev and the aperture value F set in step S166 (step S175). Here, the exposure Ev of the bracketing shooting is “Ev = Ev0−0.3Ev”.
Then, the subject is photographed under the set depth-of-field conditions and exposure conditions (aperture value F, shutter speed), and the obtained image data, depth-of-field conditions, and the like are sent to the flash memory 7 via the buffer memory. (Step S176).

Then, the photographed number j2 is set to “j2 = j2 + 1” (step S177), and it is determined whether j2 is equal to or greater than n2 (step S178). Here, since j2 = 1 and n2 = 3, it is determined to be small, and the process returns to step S175 to repeat the above-described operation.
Here, three images with exposures “Ev0−0.3Ev”, “Ev0 ± 0”, and “Ev0 + 0.3Ev” are photographed by the loop of step S175 to step S178. Note that “Ev0” indicates the exposure amount when it is determined that shooting is performed, and it goes without saying that the rear depth of field Tr of these three images is 10 m.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S178 that j2 is n2 or more, the process proceeds to step S179.

In step S179, the number of shots j1 is set to “j1 = j1 + 1”, and it is determined whether the number of shots j1 is equal to or greater than the number of shots n1 (step S180), and j1 is equal to or greater than n1. If there is, the process proceeds to step S181. If j1 is smaller than n1, the process returns to step S165 to repeat the above-described operation.
Here, since j1 = 1 and n1 = 3, it is determined that j1 is not equal to or greater than n1, so the process returns to step S165 to set the rear depth of field Tr (Tr = Tr1 + m1 · j1 · ΔTr). Do. Here, the rear depth of field Tr is 20 m. Then, an aperture value F is set so as to achieve the set depth of field, and exposure bracketing shooting, that is, exposure becomes “Ev0−0.3Ev”, “Ev0 ± 0Ev”, “Ev0 + 0.3Ev”. Take a picture like this.

Then, the photographed number j1 is set to “j1 = j1 + 1” (here, j1 = 2), and j1 is not equal to or greater than n1 (n1 = 3), so the rear depth of field Tr is set again ( Here, Tr = 30 m), and an aperture value F is set so that the set rear depth of field Tr is set, and exposure bracketing shooting, that is, exposure amounts are “Ev0−0.3Ev” and “Ev0 ± 0Ev”. Then, an image such as “Ev0 + 0.3Ev” is taken.
Then, the photographed number j1 is set to “j1 = j1 + 1” (here, 3), and it is determined whether j1 is n1 or more. Here, since j1 = n1 = 3, it is determined that j1 is n1 or more, and the process proceeds to step S181.
In step S181, the image data recorded by bracketing shooting recorded in the flash memory 7 is recorded in the memory card 12 together with the depth of field condition.

FIG. 25 shows a time chart of an image photographed by this bracketing photographing.
First, an image having a rear depth of field Tr “10 m” and an exposure “Ev0−0.3Ev” is taken as the first image, and a rear depth of field Tr “m10” and an exposure “Ev0 ± 0. A 3Ev image and a third image having a rear depth of field Tr “10 m” and an exposure “Ev0 + 0.3Ev” are captured.
The fourth to sixth images have a rear depth of field Tr “20 m”, the fourth exposure is “Ev0-0.3Ev”, and the fifth exposure is “Ev0 ± 0Ev”. The sixth exposure is “Ev0 + 0.3Ev”.
The seventh to ninth images have a rear depth of field Tr “30 m”, the seventh exposure is “Ev0−0.3Ev”, and the eighth exposure is “Ev0 ± 0Ev”. The exposure of the ninth sheet is “Ev0 + 0.3Ev”.

Next, an example of a method for inputting conditions for user bracketing shooting will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the user operates the setting mode key of the key input unit 9, an image in the setting mode as shown in FIG. 26 (i) is displayed on the image display unit 10. The image display unit 10 displays five items of “normal continuous shooting”, “high-speed continuous shooting”, “16 continuous shooting”, “auto bracketing”, and “off”, and a square check box for each item. Is displayed. This check box indicates that the item displayed in black is the currently selected item. Looking at the figure, you can see that auto bracketing is currently selected. The user can select an item that the user wants to select by operating the cursor keys “↑” and “↓”. For example, when the cursor key “↑” is operated, a check box “16 consecutive shots” is displayed in black from a check box “auto bracketing”. That is, “16 consecutive shots” is selected.

Next, when “auto bracketing” is selected and the user operates the cursor key “→”, an image as shown in FIG. 26J is displayed. That is, the state is switched to a state in which the type of auto bracketing can be selected.
Here, “AE”, “WB”, “focus”, “field angle”, “depth of field”, and “multi” are displayed, and a round check box is displayed for each item. ing. Currently, “AE” is selected. This “AE” means AE bracketing. Here, when the user operates the cursor key “→”, an image for inputting AE bracketing conditions is displayed as shown in FIG.

Under the image shown in FIG. 26 (m), round check boxes are displayed in three places, the lower left, middle lower, and lower right, and the lower left check box is currently displayed in black. When the lower left check box is displayed in black, it indicates that the item for inputting the correction interval is selected, and the correction interval is currently set to every “0.3” Ev. I understand. As this input method, the user can input a numerical value by operating the cursor keys “↑” and “↓” to switch the numerical value of the correction interval. For example, when the cursor key “↑” is operated, the correction interval is switched from “0.3” Ev to “0.2” Ev, and when the cursor key “↓” is operated, the correction interval is “0.3”. “Ev” is switched to “0.4” Ev.
In addition, when the user operates the cursor keys “→” and “←”, the lower left check box is selected, that is, the item for setting the number of corrections is selected. Switch to. When the user further operates the cursor key “→”, an item for setting the correction order is selected.

Further, in a state where an image as shown in FIG. 26J is displayed, the user operates the cursor key “↓”, and the “depth of field” is set as shown in FIG. When the cursor key “→” is operated in the selected state, an image as shown in FIG. 26 (n) is displayed. FIG. 26 (n) is an image for inputting the bracketing conditions when the rear depth of field is bracketed, but not the rear depth of field but the forward depth of field, the depth of field. It may be an image for inputting bracketing conditions when the bracketing depth near the depth limit is to be tibraked. Further, an image for inputting the depth-of-field condition may be switched by the user's operation of the key input unit 9.
This bracketing condition input operation is the same as the method for selecting the AE bracketing condition described above. The lower left is the correction interval, the middle lower is the number of corrections, and the lower right is the correction order.

Next, when the image as shown in FIG. 26 (k) is displayed, the user operates the cursor key “↓” to select “multi-setting” as shown in FIG. 26 (l). When the cursor key “→” is operated in the state of being displayed, an image for inputting the multi bracketing conditions as shown in FIG.
The image display unit 10 displays five items “AE”, “WB”, “focus”, “angle of view”, and “depth of field”, and a round check box is displayed for each item. ing.

As can be seen from FIG. 26 (o), the check box “AE” is currently displayed in black. That is, the bracketing condition “AE” can be input. Here, the conditions for “AE” bracketing are “−0.3”, “± 0”, and “+0.3”. This is because the exposure bracketed by AE bracketing is the standard exposure. To -0.3Ev, standard exposure, and standard exposure + 0.3Ev. The input method of “−0.3”, “± 0”, and “+0.3” is as described above.
Further, the user can select an item to be bracketed by operating the cursor key “↓”. In other words, by operating the cursor key “↓” once, the state is switched to a state where “WB” is selected (a state where the condition of “WB” can be input), and “↓” is further operated. As a result, the state is switched to the state in which “focus” is selected.

Here, in addition to the AE bracketing conditions, depth-of-field bracketing conditions “−10 m”, “± 0”, and “+10 m” are input (see FIG. 26 (o)). Here, it is assumed that the input depth-of-field bracketing condition is a rear-field-depth bracketing condition. Note that it is possible to select which type of depth-of-field bracketing condition is to be input by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. For example, the input depth-of-field bracketing condition can be selected as a forward depth-of-field bracketing condition or a depth-of-field-limited far point bracketing condition.
Then, a condition input by the user is set by operating an execution key or the like.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, a plurality of images corrected and adjusted by combining the depth-of-field condition and the exposure condition can be shot in one shooting, so that a desired scene can be captured. It is possible to obtain an image with an appropriate exposure condition with a shallow expression of depth.

In the fifth embodiment, the subject is photographed by bracketing the depth-of-field condition and exposure. However, WB (white balance), sharpness, contrast, filter, and color correction are used instead of exposure. For example, bracketing shooting may be performed in combination. For example, you may make it image | photograph by bracketing depth-of-field conditions and contrast.
Further, a plurality of depth-of-field conditions, exposure, WB, and the like may be bracketed for shooting. That is, you may make it perform multi bracketing imaging | photography.
In addition, the aperture value F that satisfies the bracketed depth of field condition is calculated and the bracketing shooting is performed, but the focal length f that satisfies the bracketed depth of field condition is set. It is also possible to calculate and perform bracketing shooting. As a result, every time the depth of field is changed by bracketing (every time the focal length is changed), bracketing shooting without moving the zoom lens, such as exposure bracketing, is performed, thus eliminating the waste of moving the zoom lens. Multi-bracketing photography can be performed quickly.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the sixth embodiment, the best shot shooting is provided, and the depth-of-field conditions (forward or backward depth of field, depth of field limit (near point, far point, etc.)) are previously set for each scene. If a scene is recorded in advance and the scene is selected, the subject can be photographed by automatic zoom control or automatic exposure control so that the depth of field condition corresponding to the selected scene is satisfied.

K. Configuration of Digital Camera 1 In the sixth embodiment, the imaging apparatus of the present invention is realized by using the digital camera 1 having the same configuration as that shown in FIG.
The digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment is slightly different from the first embodiment in configuration functions in the following points.

When the user sets the best shot shooting mode by operating the key input unit 9, the DSP / CPU 3 displays a plurality of shooting scenes (shooting modes) on the image display unit 10.
Here, FIG. 27 (p) shows a plurality of shooting scenes displayed on the image display unit 10. The image display unit 10 displays shooting scenes such as “portrait portrait”, “person image (2 to 3 people)”, “landscape + person (commemorative photo)”, and the like. It can also be seen that the person portrait field is surrounded by a thick black line. This represents that “person portrait” is currently selected.

Then, another shooting scene can be selected by the user's operation of the cross key. For example, when the user operates the arrow key “↓”, “landscape + person (commemorative photo)” is selected from “Portrait”, and the user operates the arrow key “→”. In this case, “person image (2 to 3 persons)” is selected from “person portrait”.
Thus, the user can select a shooting scene to be shot by operating the cross key. When the user selects a desired shooting scene and operates the execution key, the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the selected shooting scene has been selected.

When the DSP / CPU 3 determines that the operation of the execution key has been performed, it reads out the shooting information corresponding to the selected shooting scene from the ROM 8 (first condition acquisition means), and uses the read shooting information as the shooting condition. Is set as (setting means).
FIG. 15 (t) shows an example of shooting information stored in the ROM 8.
As can be seen from FIG. 15 (t), shooting conditions (including depth of field conditions) such as aperture, shutter speed, rear depth of field Tr, depth of field limit far point Lmax, and the like for each shooting scene are understood. It can be seen that it is recorded in the ROM 8.
When the read shooting information is set as a shooting condition, automatic zoom control or automatic exposure control is performed.

Here, in order to perform automatic zoom control so that the depth of field conditions (forward or rear depth of field, depth of field limit (near point, far point)) corresponding to the selected shooting scene are set, Although the value F is required, the aperture value F may be recorded in the ROM 8 in advance for each shooting scene, the user may input the aperture value F, or the aperture determined by the AE process. The value F may be used, and when performing automatic exposure control, the focal length f is required, but this may also be recorded in advance in the ROM 8 for each shooting scene. Then, the focal length f obtained by the position of the zoom lens 14b at the time of AF processing may be used.
Note that when a plurality of shooting scenes are displayed on the image display unit 10, shooting scenes for bracketing shooting may be displayed. At this time, it goes without saying that the ROM 8 records shooting information corresponding to a shooting scene for bracketing shooting.

L. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the best shot shooting mode is selected by the user's operation of the key input unit 9, a plurality of shooting scenes as shown in FIG. 27 (p) are displayed on the image display unit 10 in step S201.
Here, when a plurality of shooting scenes are displayed on the image display unit 10, the user selects a desired shooting scene to be shot. In this selection, the execution key is operated after the operation of the cross key. Here, it is assumed that the user selects “person image (2 to 3 people)” with the cross key and operates the execution key.

In step S202, shooting information corresponding to the selected shooting scene is read from the ROM 8, and the read shooting information is set as a shooting condition.
FIG. 15 (t) shows shooting information for each shooting scene recorded in the ROM 8. Here, since “person image” is selected, shooting information corresponding to the ID photo is read from the ROM 8. That is, in the read shooting information, “aperture” is auto, “shutter speed” is auto, “rear depth of field” is 20 m, and the like.

When the read shooting information is set as a shooting condition, the process proceeds to step S22 in FIG. 12 or step S52 in FIG.
When an image that satisfies the depth-of-field condition corresponding to the shooting scene is shot by the automatic zoom control, the process proceeds to step S22 in FIG. 16, and the depth-of-field condition corresponding to the shooting scene is set by the automatic exposure control. When taking an image, the process proceeds to step S52 in FIG.
Whether to perform the automatic zoom control or the automatic exposure control may be selected by the user's operation of the key input unit 9 or may be automatically selected.

Even when a shooting scene is selected, bracketing shooting appropriate to the selected shooting scene may be performed.
For example, when a shooting scene where a person is the subject, such as a shooting portrait “person portrait”, is selected, soft focus or flesh-color bracketing shooting is performed, or when the shooting scene is indoors, WB bracketing or Flash bracketing shooting may be performed, or when the shooting scene is “landscape”, angle of field bracketing or depth of field bracketing shooting may be performed. Depending on the scene, not only bracketing shooting, but also a special continuous shooting function, pan focus, and multiple bracketing shooting combined with 3 x 3 shooting conditions. Etc. may be made possible.

  Even when a still image shooting scene is selected, the correction interval, shooting order, and number of shots may be input by the user's operation of the key input unit 9. That is, bracketing shooting is performed based on the selected shooting scene. In this case, when the shooting information of the selected shooting scene, the input correction interval, shooting order, and the number of shots are set as shooting conditions, the zoom lens 15 is moved to a position corresponding to the set focal length. Then, the process proceeds to step S85 in FIG. 18 or step S151 in FIG.

In addition, shooting information for correction intervals, shooting order, and number of shots is recorded in advance in shooting information for each shooting scene, and when shooting scenes are selected, shooting is performed by normal still image shooting or shooting by bracketing shooting. You may make it make a user select whether to do. When normal still image shooting is selected, set the shooting conditions for normal still images without setting the shooting information of the correction interval, shooting order, and number of shots as shooting conditions, and bracketing shooting is selected. In such a case, the shooting information of the correction interval, shooting order, and number of shots is set as shooting conditions.
Also, a normal still image shooting scene and a bracketing shooting scene are recorded separately, and bracketing shooting is performed when a shooting scene for bracketing shooting is selected. May be.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, when a user selects a shooting scene, shooting information corresponding to the selected shooting scene is set as a shooting condition. By simply selecting the shooting scene (such as people), automatic zoom control and automatic exposure control are performed so that the most appropriate depth of field and blur is achieved, making it easy to capture the optimal depth of field for each scene. Can be taken.
Since it is possible to perform shooting with the optimum depth of field simply by selecting a shooting scene, it is possible to save the user's troubles such as setting the depth of field condition.

The user does not select the shooting scene, but the user selects an image recorded on the memory card 12, so that the shooting condition (rear image) recorded in association with the selected image is selected. Depth of field conditions such as depth of field, bracketing shooting conditions, aperture value, shutter speed, saturation, contrast, etc.) are read (second condition acquisition means), and the read shooting conditions are used as shooting conditions. It may be set to shoot a subject.
Further, even if the selected image is an image shot by normal still image shooting, the user can operate the key input unit 9 to perform bracketing shooting according to the present invention, or the selected image can be shot by bracketing shooting. Even for an image, the user may operate the key input unit 9 to take a still image according to the present invention.

  As a result, the photographed image (image data recorded on the memory card 12) is viewed, and the image that best matches the composition of the image to be photographed is selected. It is possible to take an image that has a depth of field. Further, it is possible to save the user's troubles such as setting the depth-of-field condition, and it is possible to easily photograph the subject with an appropriate angle of view.

In addition, the imaging device in each of the above embodiments is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be a camera-equipped mobile phone, a PDA, a personal computer, or a digital video camera. Any device can be used.
Further, although the digital camera 1 having the optical zoom function has been described, a digital camera having only the digital zoom function may be used.

1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a zoom lens, the focal distance f, and the relationship with an angle of view. It is a figure which shows the shortest distance on the horizontal surface ground which an angle of view can image. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the angle of view for every unit scale, and its position on CCD. It is a figure which shows the mode of the distance conversion scale displayed on the image display part. It is the figure which showed the mode of the depth of field displayed superimposed on a distance conversion scale. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the through image displayed on an image display part, the numerical values, such as depth of field at that time, the depth of field displayed on the distance conversion scale, and a relationship graph. It is a figure when a relation graph is expanded. It is a flowchart which shows the display operation | movement of the distance conversion scale of a digital camera. It is a figure which shows the display mode of another relationship graph. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the through image displayed on an image display part, the numerical values, such as depth of field at that time, the depth of field displayed on the distance conversion scale, and a relationship graph. It is a figure which shows the through image displayed on an image display part, the numerical values, such as depth of field at that time, the depth of field displayed on the distance conversion scale, and a relationship graph. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of a depth-of-field correction imaging process. It is a figure which shows the through image displayed on an image display part, the numerical values, such as depth of field at that time, the depth of field displayed on the distance conversion scale, and a relationship graph. 2 is a time chart of an image taken by depth-of-field bracketing shooting. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the time chart of the image image | photographed by depth of field and exposure bracketing imaging | photography. It is a figure for demonstrating the input method of the conditions for user bracketing imaging | photography. It is a figure which shows the imaging | photography conditions for every best shot scene currently recorded on selection display for selecting the best shot scene of best shot imaging | photography, and ROM. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera of 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera 2 CCD
3 DSP / CPU
4 TG
5 Unit circuit 6 DRAM
7 Flash memory 8 ROM
9 Key input section 10 Image display section 11 Card I / F
12 Memory Card 13 Motor Drive Circuit 14 Shooting Lens 15 Aperture Shutter

Claims (30)

Photographing means for photographing the subject;
A setting means for setting a depth of field condition;
An acquisition means for acquiring a shooting condition that is a depth-of-field condition set by the setting means;
Photographing control means for controlling photographing by the photographing means under the photographing conditions obtained by the obtaining means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: First detection means for detecting an aperture value and a subject distance;
The acquisition means includes
A focal length is calculated from the depth-of-field condition set by the setting means, the aperture value detected by the first detection means, and the subject distance, and the calculated focal distance is acquired as a shooting condition. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The first detection means includes
The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a value input by a user is detected as an aperture value. The first detection means includes
The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an aperture value set by automatic exposure control is detected. A second detecting means for detecting a focal length and a subject distance;
The acquisition means includes
An aperture value is calculated from the depth-of-field condition set by the setting means, the focal length and the subject distance detected by the second detection means, and the calculated aperture value is acquired as an imaging condition. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The depth of field condition is:
It consists of forward depth of field, backward depth of field, depth of field limit near point, depth of field limit far point and hyperfocal distance,
The setting means includes
6. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the depth-of-field conditions is set. A numerical value input means for the user to select one of the depth-of-field conditions and input the selected element in the form of numerical data;
The setting means includes
7. The photographing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein numerical data input by the numerical input means is set as a depth of field condition. The photographing control means includes
8. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising continuous photographing control means for continuously controlling photographing of the subject by the photographing means. The setting means includes
Set different depth of field conditions,
The acquisition means includes
Sequentially acquiring shooting conditions that will be the depth of field conditions set by the setting means,
The continuous shooting control means includes
9. The photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein photographing by the photographing means is controlled continuously according to photographing conditions sequentially obtained by the obtaining means. A correction interval input means for inputting a correction interval of at least a depth of field condition to be bracketed by the user;
The setting means includes
The different depth-of-field conditions are set by bracketing the depth-of-field condition according to the correction depth of the depth-of-field condition input by the correction interval input means. 9. The photographing apparatus according to 9. The correction interval input means includes
Furthermore, a means for inputting the correction order and the number of shots is provided.
The setting means includes
11. The depth-of-field condition is set by bracketing the depth-of-field condition in accordance with the correction interval, the correction order, and the number of shots input by the correction interval input means. Shooting device. The continuous shooting control means includes
Each time the photographing by the photographing means is controlled, at least one of bracketing photography, exposure bracketing photography, sharpness bracketing photography, contrast bracketing photography, filter bracketing photography, and color correction bracketing photography is performed. The photographing apparatus according to 9 to 11, wherein photographing is controlled. 13. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying a photographed image photographed by the photographing means on a display means. The display control means includes
An image photographed by the photographing means is displayed on the display means, and a distance conversion scale representing an apparent distance scale viewed from the photographer of the image displayed on the display means is displayed on the display means in an overlapping manner. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13. A distance position calculating means for calculating a position on the image sensor corresponding to an apparent distance scale seen by a photographer of a photographed image photographed by the photographing means;
The display control means includes
15. The distance conversion scale is displayed on the display unit by displaying the distance scale information at a position on the image sensor corresponding to the distance scale calculated by the distance position calculation unit. Shooting device. A distance calculating means for calculating an apparent distance seen from a photographer of a photographed image photographed by the photographing means corresponding to a position on an image sensor;
The display control means includes
15. The distance conversion scale is displayed on the display unit by displaying the calculated distance scale information at a position on the image sensor corresponding to the distance scale calculated by the distance calculating unit. The imaging device described. Detecting means for detecting an aperture value, a focal length and a subject distance;
A calculation means for calculating a depth-of-field condition and a depth of field of an image photographed by the photographing means from an aperture value, a focal length and a subject distance detected by the detection means;
The display control means includes
17. The photographing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein information on a depth-of-field condition and a depth of field calculated by the calculating unit is displayed on the display unit. The display control means includes
18. The photographing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the depth of field calculated by the calculating unit is displayed on the display unit so as to be superimposed on the distance conversion scale. The display control means includes
A photographed image taken by the photographing means is displayed on the display means, and at least a relationship graph between an aperture value and a depth of field, a relationship graph between a focal length and a depth of field, a relationship between a subject distance and a depth of field The photographing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein one of the graphs is displayed. The display control means includes
20. The photographing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising at least one piece of information selected from an aperture, a shutter speed, an exposure amount, a white balance, a focal length, a subject distance, and a zoom magnification. . 21. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising recording control means for recording an image photographed by the photographing control means in a recording means. The recording control means includes
The image data obtained by the photographing control means and at least a depth-of-field condition when the image data is obtained are recorded in the recording means in association with the image data. Shooting device. First selection means for the user to select a shooting mode;
First condition acquisition means for acquiring a depth-of-field condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the first selection means;
The setting means includes
23. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a depth-of-field condition acquired by the first condition acquiring unit is set. The photographing control means includes
24. The photographing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the type of photographing mode selected by the first selecting means is discriminated, and appropriate bracketing photographing control is performed based on the discrimination result. Second selection means for selecting image data recorded in the recording means;
Second condition acquisition means for acquiring a depth-of-field condition recorded in association with the image data selected by the second selection means;
With
The setting means includes
25. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a depth-of-field condition acquired by the second condition acquisition unit is set. Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Angle-of-view position calculating means for calculating the position on the image sensor corresponding to the angle of view for each unit scale of the captured image captured by the imaging means;
Distance calculating means for calculating the shortest distance at which the angle of view for each unit scale can be imprinted;
The shortest distance information calculated by the distance calculation means is calculated at the position on the image sensor corresponding to the angle of view for each unit scale calculated by the angle-of-view position calculation means together with the captured image taken by the imaging means. Display control means for displaying on the display means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Photographing means for photographing the subject;
An angle-of-view calculating means for calculating an angle of view for each unit scale of the photographed image taken by the photographing means corresponding to the position on the image sensor;
Distance calculating means for calculating the shortest distance at which the angle of view for each unit scale calculated by the calculating means can be imprinted;
The shortest distance information calculated by the distance calculation unit is displayed at a position on the image sensor corresponding to the field angle of each unit scale calculated by the field angle calculation unit together with the captured image captured by the imaging unit. An imaging apparatus characterized by causing the image to be captured. Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Detecting means for detecting an aperture value, a focal length, and a subject distance;
Calculating means for calculating a depth of field of an image photographed by the photographing means from an aperture value, a focal length and a subject distance detected by the detecting means;
Display control means for displaying on the display means information taken by the photographing means and information on the depth of field calculated by the calculating means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The display control means includes
A photographed image taken by the photographing means is displayed on the display means, and at least a relationship graph between depth of field and aperture value, a relationship graph between focal length and depth of field, and a relationship between subject distance and depth of field. 30. The photographing apparatus according to claim 26, wherein one of the graphs is displayed. A shooting process for shooting the subject;
Processing to set the depth of field condition;
A process of acquiring a shooting condition that is a depth-of-field condition set by this process;
A shooting control process for controlling shooting by the shooting process under the shooting conditions acquired by this process;
A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the processes described above.

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