JP2008167273A - Imaging apparatus, and still picture photographing program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus, still picture photographing method and still picture photographing program, for drastically improving handleability in bracketing photographing. <P>SOLUTION: Prior to photographing in a continuous photographing mode, scene selection screens 301, 302 each constituted of a sample image indicating a plurality of photographing scenes is displayed, and a user is allowed to select a plurality of desired photographing scenes. In response to a photographing instruction, a plurality of photographing operations to which photographing conditions different from each other are applied, respectively, in accordance with the plurality of selected photographing scenes are continuously performed thereafter, and a plurality of photographed images is recorded on a memory card or the like. Thus, a plurality of images of each of which image quality is variously changed, can be easily obtained differently from an image, obtained by conventional auto-bracketing photographing, of which lightness or the like is simply changed step by step, for example. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device having an auto bracket function and a still image shooting program thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a digital camera that is an imaging device, an auto bracketing (auto bracketing) function is known in which shooting is continuously performed at each stage while setting values of specific shooting parameters such as an exposure value are changed in stages. (See, for example, Patent Document 1 below).
JP 2005-354165 A

  However, in the above auto bracket function, since the shooting parameters to be changed at the time of shooting are limited to specific shooting parameters such as exposure values, the change in image quality between a plurality of images obtained as a result of shooting is limited. But it is just a monotonous change. For this reason, for example, when the user desires to acquire a plurality of images with various changes in image quality, there is a problem that such a request cannot be met.

  Also, considering the advantages of the auto bracket function, bracketing shooting modes are provided with multiple modes with different shooting parameters that change the setting value in stages, or bracketing shooting parameters that change the setting value in stages. It is preferable that selection is possible prior to shooting. However, in that case, users who do not have a certain level of knowledge about cameras, photos, etc., cannot determine which shooting parameters are effective for changing, and use auto bracketing. There was a problem that the function could not be used effectively.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of greatly improving the usability when performing bracketing shooting, and a still image shooting program thereof. .

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the invention of claim 1, in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit for imaging a subject, an imaging condition storage unit that stores a plurality of imaging conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of imaging modes; , A first shooting control unit that controls single shooting using a shooting condition corresponding to one shooting mode stored in the shooting condition storage unit, and a plurality of images stored in the shooting condition storage unit. Obtained by the imaging unit during single shooting under the control of the first shooting control unit, and a second shooting control unit that controls continuous shooting using a plurality of shooting conditions corresponding to each of the shooting modes. And image storage control means for controlling recording of a plurality of still images obtained by the imaging means during continuous shooting under the control of the second imaging control means. To.

  In the imaging apparatus according to claim 2, selection control means for allowing the user to select an arbitrary shooting mode from the plurality of shooting modes, and a plurality of shooting modes respectively corresponding to the plurality of shooting modes selected by the user. And a first setting unit that sets shooting conditions as a plurality of shooting conditions applied during continuous shooting under the control of the second shooting control unit.

  Further, in the imaging apparatus according to claim 3, the selection control unit regulates a selection target when the user selects a second or subsequent shooting mode according to a shooting mode that has already been selected. Means.

  In the image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, the first setting means sets a shooting condition corresponding to one shooting mode selected by the user according to the control of the first shooting control means. It includes means for setting as a shooting condition applied at the time of shooting.

  In the imaging apparatus according to claim 5, the plurality of imaging conditions stored in the imaging condition storage unit includes a plurality of imaging modes respectively corresponding to a plurality of imaging modes divided into a plurality of groups. And a plurality of groups corresponding to each of a plurality of shooting modes belonging to any of the groups specified by the group specifying means. And a second setting unit for setting the shooting conditions as a plurality of shooting conditions applied during continuous shooting under the control of the second shooting control unit.

  Further, in the imaging apparatus according to claim 6, a group for setting a plurality of shooting modes corresponding to each of a plurality of shooting conditions applied at the time of continuous shooting under the control of the second shooting control unit to the same group It further comprises setting means.

  Further, in the imaging apparatus according to claim 7, the group specifying unit specifies a group to which an arbitrary shooting mode selected by the user among the plurality of shooting modes belongs as a use target. To do.

  The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising generating means for generating new shooting conditions based on a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes selected by the user. The setting means includes a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes selected by the user and a new shooting condition generated by the generating means, and is continuously shot by the control of the second shooting control means. It is characterized by being set as a plurality of shooting conditions applied at the time of shooting.

  Further, in the imaging apparatus according to claim 9, the selection control unit allows the user to select a shooting mode as a basic mode and a shooting mode as a multiplication mode from the plurality of shooting modes, respectively. The generating means generates a new shooting condition based on a shooting condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected as the basic mode and a shooting condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected as the multiplication mode. To do.

  In the imaging apparatus according to claim 10, acquisition means for acquiring image information included in an image of the subject imaged by the imaging means and / or scene specifying information including an imaging environment at the time of imaging the subject. Based on the scene specifying information acquired by the acquisition means, search means for searching for a plurality of shooting conditions from a plurality of shooting conditions stored in the shooting condition storage means, and a plurality of search conditions searched by the search means And a third setting means for setting a plurality of shooting conditions as a plurality of shooting conditions applied during continuous shooting under the control of the second shooting control means.

  The imaging apparatus according to claim 11 further comprises condition number limiting means for limiting the number of a plurality of shooting conditions set by the third setting means to a number preset by the user. Features.

  In the imaging device according to claim 12, sample image storage means for storing a plurality of sample images respectively corresponding to the plurality of photographing modes, and one or a plurality of samples stored in the sample image storage means Display means for displaying an image, wherein the selection control means causes the display means to display one or a plurality of sample images and to select any one of the displayed sample images, thereby allowing the plurality of photographing images to be displayed. It is characterized in that the user can select an arbitrary shooting mode from the modes.

  In the still image shooting program according to claim 13, a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes registered in advance are stored in a computer included in an imaging device including an imaging unit that images a subject. A first shooting control unit that controls single shooting using a shooting condition corresponding to one shooting mode, and a plurality of shooting conditions stored in the shooting condition storage unit. A second shooting control unit that controls continuous shooting by applying a plurality of shooting conditions corresponding to each of the shooting modes; and obtained by the imaging unit during single shooting under the control of the first shooting control unit Function as image storage control means for controlling recording of still images and a plurality of still images obtained by the imaging means during continuous shooting under the control of the second imaging control means And characterized in that.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit for imaging a subject, an imaging condition storage unit that stores a plurality of imaging conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of imaging modes registered in advance. First shooting control means for controlling single shooting based on shooting conditions corresponding to one shooting mode stored in the shooting condition storage means, and selecting a plurality of shooting modes from the plurality of shooting modes Selecting means, generating means for generating a plurality of new shooting conditions based on a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to the plurality of shooting modes selected by the selecting means, and a plurality of shooting conditions generated by the generating means. A second shooting control means for controlling the continuous shooting based on each, and a still image obtained by the imaging means at the time of single shooting under the control of the first shooting control means , And it is characterized in that an image memory control means for controlling recording of a plurality of still images obtained by the imaging means during continuous shooting under control of the second imaging control means.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that images a subject, a plurality of shooting condition storage units that store a plurality of sets of first and second shooting conditions corresponding to a shooting mode; A selection control unit that allows the user to select an arbitrary shooting mode from the shooting modes, and a single shooting mode that is stored in the shooting condition storage unit and that is based on a first shooting condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the user. First shooting control means for controlling shooting and first shooting control means for controlling bracketing shooting based on a second shooting condition stored in the shooting condition storage means and corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the user. 2 shooting control means, a still image obtained by the imaging means during single shooting under the control of the first shooting control means, and bracketing shooting under the control of the second shooting control means. Characterized by comprising an image storage control means for controlling recording of a plurality of still images obtained by the at the imaging means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a still image shooting program for storing a plurality of first and second shooting conditions corresponding to a shooting mode in a computer included in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit for imaging a subject. First shooting control means for controlling single shooting based on the first shooting condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the user, stored in the condition storage means, and stored in the shooting condition storage means. A second shooting control means for controlling bracketing shooting based on a second shooting condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the user, and at the time of single shooting by the control of the first shooting control means. An image for controlling recording of a still image obtained by the imaging unit and a plurality of still images obtained by the imaging unit at the time of bracketing shooting by the control of the second imaging control unit. Characterized in that to function as storage control means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to greatly improve the usability when performing bracketing photography.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the electrical configuration of a digital camera 1 according to the present invention. The digital camera 1 has a CCD 2 that is an imaging means, and is configured around an MPU 3 that is a microcomputer.

  An optical image of the subject is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 2 through an optical system 4 and a diaphragm 6 that constitute a zoom lens, a focus lens, and the like. The optical system 4 is held by a drive mechanism 5 including an AF motor, a zoom motor, and the like, and a drive signal output from the optical system drive unit 7 is supplied to the drive mechanism 5 by a control signal from the MPU 3, whereby the optical axis. Driven back and forth. The diaphragm 6 is driven by a drive signal generated by the diaphragm driver 8 based on a control signal from the MPU 3 and adjusts the amount of light of the subject image incident on the CCD 2.

  On the other hand, the MPU 3 is connected with a TG (Timing Generator) 9 that generates a timing signal, and the CCD 2 is driven by a drive signal generated by a V driver 10 (vertical driver) based on the timing signal generated by the TG 9. Then, an analog imaging signal corresponding to the luminance of the subject image is output to the analog signal processing unit 11.

  The analog signal processing unit 11 includes a gain adjustment amplifier (AGC) that is an analog amplifier, a CDS circuit (Correlated Double Sampling), and an A / D converter (AD) that converts it into a digital signal. The output signal of the CCD 2 is sampled in accordance with the black level and sent to the MPU 3 as a digital signal.

  The MPU 3 is connected to an operation key unit 12, a TFT liquid crystal monitor 13 (display means of the present invention), a strobe 14, a DRAM 15, a built-in memory 16, and an image memory 17.

  The strobe 14 includes an arc tube that emits auxiliary light at the time of shooting based on a command from the MPU 3 and a drive circuit thereof.

  The operation key unit 12 includes a power key, a shutter key, a mode setting key used for setting various operation modes, a menu key, a cross key, a set key, and the like. Is sent to.

  Here, the digital camera 1 has a recording mode for photographing that is a basic operation mode and a reproduction mode for reproducing a recorded image, and a best shot mode described later as a lower mode of the recording mode. The mode setting keys are used for these settings. In the best shot mode, the subject to be photographed and the scene similar to the photographing scene including the photographing environment at that time, or a scene having an atmosphere according to the preference are obtained through a sample image as a sample of the photographing result. In this mode, the user selects and automatically sets the shutter speed, aperture value, color balance, and the like corresponding to the selected scene as shooting conditions at the time of shooting.

  The DRAM 15 is a working memory, and the image memory 17 is an image recording memory including various memory cards. A digital signal (imaging signal) sent from the CCD 2 to the MPU 3 is temporarily stored in the DRAM 15 as image data. At the same time, the MPU 3 performs various kinds of image processing and compression, and then the image file 17 is recorded as an image file in a predetermined format such as the Exif format. The DRAM 15 is a buffer memory that temporarily stores a plurality of image data (still image data) captured for recording during continuous shooting, which will be described later. The DRAM 15 can store a plurality of image data. Storage capacity is secured.

  The image data recorded in the image memory 17 is read out to the MPU 3 as necessary, and is generated into a digital video signal or an analog video signal through processing such as expansion processing, addition of a luminance signal and a color signal, and a TFT liquid crystal monitor. 13 is displayed. In addition, on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 13, an image periodically captured in the recording mode is displayed as a through image.

  The built-in memory 16 is a photographing condition storage unit and a sample image storage unit of the present invention which are rewritable nonvolatile memories such as an EEPROM and a flash memory, and the built-in memory 16 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. Image data 101, program data 102, shooting condition data 103, additional information data 104, selection restriction data 105, group data 106, scene determination temporarily stored when image memory 17 has insufficient free space Data 107 is stored.

  The program data 102 includes various control programs necessary for control of each unit and data processing in the MPU 3, and a program indicating a combination of an aperture value (F) corresponding to an appropriate exposure value (EV) at the time of photographing and a shutter speed. This is so-called firmware including program AE data constituting the diagram.

  Based on the control program, the MPU 3 controls the AE by controlling the charge accumulation time of the CCD 2, which is the shutter speed, the degree of opening of the diaphragm 6, and the gain of the gain adjustment amplifier (AGC) of the analog signal processing unit 11. And AF (auto focus) control and AWB (auto white balance) control for driving the focus lens in accordance with a predetermined program. Further, when a shooting operation is performed when the shutter key is pressed, the emission of the auxiliary shooting light by the flash 14 and the emission amount are controlled as necessary. Further, when the above-described best shot mode is set, the MPU 3 includes a first shooting control unit, a second shooting control unit, an image storage control unit, a regulation unit, a group setting unit, a selection control unit, Processing described later is performed by functioning as group specifying means, second setting means, acquisition means, search means, third setting means, and condition number limiting means.

  The shooting condition data 103, the additional information data 104, the selection restriction data 105, the group data 106, and the scene determination data 107 are data used at the time of shooting in the best shot mode. ing.

  3A is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of the photographing condition data 103, and FIG. 3B is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of the additional information data 104. The shooting condition data 103 is composed of a plurality of shooting parameters such as shutter speed, aperture, EV shift, and color enhancement, and the additional information data 104 indicates the contents of the shooting scene “photograph a person”. It is composed of a title, a description of the shooting scene such as “color enhancement is set to skin color, and the background is blurred when it is set to the telephoto side”, and sample image data that is a sample of the shooting result. As shown in the figure, the shooting condition data 103 and the additional information data 104 correspond to a plurality of types of shooting scenes such as “person” and “landscape” prepared in advance, and are serial numbers assigned to the shooting scenes. A certain scene number is read as appropriate.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of the selection restriction data 105. The selection restriction data 105 is data indicating a combination of shooting scenes whose shooting conditions are opposite to each other. In the illustrated example, a vertical shooting scene in which an “x” mark is written at the intersection position, a horizontal shooting scene, and the like. Is a combination of shooting scenes whose shooting conditions are contradictory to each other. Specifically, for example, “sport” (scene number 8) or “stop spraying” (scene number 14), which is determined to set the shutter speed faster as a shooting condition, and the shutter speed as a shooting condition. The combination with “smooth the flow of water” (scene number 13), which is determined to be set later, is the above-described combination. The selection restriction data 105 is used when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode and “manual” is selected as the shooting scene selection method, as will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of the group data 106. The group data 106 is data indicating a group (“A” to “D” in the figure) to which each of the above-described shooting scenes belongs. In this embodiment, each shooting scene has the same subject in the best shot mode. Those that are highly likely to be selected when shooting with are grouped in advance. The group data 106 is used when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode and “group” is selected as the selection method of the shooting scene, as will be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of the scene determination data 107. The scene determination data 107 is composed of determination data over a plurality of types of determination items determined in advance corresponding to each of the above-described shooting scenes. As shown in the figure, the determination item is subject information that can be acquired based on image data such as brightness, subject color, light source type, subject motion, face portion presence, and the like. The determination data is a value indicating the characteristics of each shooting scene. Although not shown, for example, the brightness range for “brightness”, the color system such as red and blue for “color”, and “light source type” “Sunlight”, “Fluorescent light”, “Cloudy”, “Subject movement”, “Degree of movement”, and “Face part presence”, “Presence / absence” are set. The scene determination data 107 is used when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode and “automatic” is selected as the shooting scene selection method, as will be described later.

  Next, an operation according to the present invention of the digital camera 1 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation when the above-described best shot mode is set in the recording mode. When the best shot mode is set, the user selects whether or not to use the continuous shooting function that records a plurality of still images by performing a plurality of continuous shootings in response to one shooting instruction. In addition, when the continuous shooting function is used, a method for selecting a shooting scene is designated.

  As will be described below, when the use of the continuous shooting function is not selected in the best shot mode (NO in step SA1), the digital camera 1 performs a single shooting process (step SA2).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents of the single shooting process. In such a process, a scene selection screen (for example, a list of sample images showing all pre-registered shooting scenes) is stored in the built-in memory 16 as additional information data 104 (FIG. 3B). A scene selection screen 301) as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed to allow the user to select a desired shooting scene (step SA101). The shooting scene is selected by moving the selection cursor by operating the cross key and by confirming operation by the set key. Further, the shooting scenes A and B as shown in FIG. 12 are displayed in a single manner, and the shooting scene is selected by the display switching operation of the shooting scene by the operation of the cross key and the confirmation operation by the operation of the set key. Also good.

  When any shooting scene is selected (YES in step SA102), data (a plurality of shooting parameters) corresponding to the selected shooting scene (scene number) is selected from the shooting condition data 103 (FIG. 3A). Are set as shooting conditions at the time of shooting (step SA103).

  Subsequently, display of a through image is started to enter a shooting standby state (step SA104), and the presence or absence of a shooting instruction by operating the shutter key is sequentially confirmed (step SA105). Eventually, when there is a shooting instruction (YES in step SA105), shooting processing according to the previously set shooting conditions, that is, shutter speed, aperture value, color balance, etc. corresponding to the shooting scene selected by the user. Shooting processing including various controls is performed (step SA106), and the obtained image data is compressed and recorded in the image memory 17 as a still image file (step SA107).

  Thereafter, the process returns to the main flow of FIG. 7, and one shooting operation in the best shot mode is finished as it is. As a result, the user can select a desired shooting scene prior to shooting, and obtain a shot image of an intended atmosphere without considering complicated shooting parameter setting operations and combinations of those setting values. be able to.

  On the other hand, when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected unlike the above (YES in step SA1), the digital camera 1 displays on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 13 a designation screen for allowing the user to designate a method for selecting a shooting scene. (Step SA3). In this embodiment, three types of “manual”, “group”, and “automatic” are prepared in advance as shooting scene selection methods (hereinafter referred to as scene selection methods), and when “manual” is selected (step) If YES in SA4, the process proceeds to a manual selection process (step SA5). If “group” is selected (NO in step SA4, YES in step SA6), the process proceeds to a group selection process (step SA7). "Is selected (both steps SA4 and SA6 are NO), the process proceeds to automatic selection processing (step SA8).

  First, the case where “manual” is selected as the scene selection method will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the manual selection process.

  When shifting to the manual selection process, the digital camera 1 first checks whether or not a non-selectable scene is set (step SA201). The non-selectable scene will be described later, but since the non-selectable scene is not set at the beginning of the operation (NO in step SA201), it is registered in the TFT liquid crystal monitor 13 as in the case of the single shooting process described above. A scene selection screen in which all the shooting scenes (sample images) are arranged is displayed to allow the user to select a desired shooting scene (step SA202). As in the case of the single shooting process described above, only one shooting scene A and B as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, and the shooting scene display switching operation by the operation of the cross key and the confirmation by the operation of the set key are performed. A shooting scene may be selected by an operation.

  When one of the shooting scenes is selected (YES in step SA203), the scene number of the selected shooting scene is stored, and the shooting condition corresponding to the shooting scene is set as the shooting condition to be used at the time of shooting. (Step SA204).

  Subsequently, with reference to the selection restriction data 105 (FIG. 4) described above, it is confirmed whether or not there is a shooting scene in which the selected shooting scene and shooting conditions are contradictory, and if there is no corresponding shooting scene ( NO at step SA205), the process directly returns to step SA201. In this case, since the determination result in step SA201 is NO again, the scene selection screen including all the shooting scenes is displayed again as in the beginning of the process (step SA202). However, the selected shooting scene is displayed in a state distinguishable from other shooting scenes.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step SA205 is YES and there is a shooting scene in which the shooting conditions are contradictory, the shooting scene is set as a shooting scene that cannot be selected (non-selectable scene) (step SA206). Return to step SA201. In this case, since the determination result in step SA201 is YES, a scene selection screen composed of shooting scenes excluding the above-mentioned unselectable scenes is displayed (step SA207), and the user selects a desired shooting scene from the scene selection screen. Let In other words, when selecting the second and subsequent shooting scenes, the shooting scenes to be selected are restricted according to the already selected shooting scenes.

  Thereafter, by repeating the above-described operation, the user is allowed to select a plurality of shooting scenes. Unlike this, when selecting a shooting scene for the second and subsequent times, a scene selection screen in which grayed out unselectable scenes among all the shooting scenes are displayed, and the cursor for selecting the shooting scene is moved. By prohibiting, a scene that cannot be selected may be clearly indicated to the user.

  Then, when the user gives an instruction to end the selection of the photographic scene by a predetermined key operation (NO in step SA203, YES in SA208), the manual selection process is terminated at that time, and the process returns to the main flow in FIG.

  Thereafter, the digital camera 1 starts to display a through image on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 13 (step SA9), and sequentially confirms whether there is a shooting instruction by operating the shutter key in the shooting standby state (step SA10). . Eventually, if there is a shooting instruction (YES in step SA10), the shooting condition set as the target of use at that time (corresponding to the shooting scene in which the scene number is stored) is read, and shooting processing is performed according to that. (Step SA11), the still image data acquired by photographing is stored in the DRAM 15 (Step SA12).

  Then, the operations of steps SA11 and SA12 are repeated until the shooting process according to all the shooting conditions (scene numbers) set as the use target is completed (NO in step SA13). That is, continuous shooting is performed with the shooting conditions changed for the same subject. Thereafter, when the number of shooting processes corresponding to the number of set shooting conditions (the number of specified shooting scenes) is completed (YES in step SA13), each of the plurality of still image data stored in the DRAM 15 is a still image file. Is recorded in the image memory 17 (step SA14).

  Furthermore, when “manual” is selected as the scene selection method (YES in step SA15), a new group consisting of a plurality of shooting scenes set as targets for use in the current continuous shooting is set as the group data described above. After additional registration in 106 (FIG. 5) (step SA16), one shooting operation in the best shot mode is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation contents when “manual” is selected as the scene selection method as described above. For example, two shooting scenes A and B such as “person” and “child” are selected. When shooting is performed, a shot image 201a reflecting the shooting condition corresponding to “person” and a shot image 201b reflecting the shooting condition corresponding to “child” are obtained by one shooting operation. Can do. In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a scene selection screen including all shooting scenes, 302 denotes a scene selection screen including shooting scenes excluding unselectable scenes, and 401 denotes a through image.

  As described above, when “manual” is selected as the scene selection method, when the use of the continuous shooting function is not selected in the best shot mode, that is, the best shot for performing the single shooting process of FIG. 8 described above. A captured image similar to a captured image obtained when normal still image capturing in the mode is performed a plurality of times in the same shooting scene can be obtained by one shooting operation.

  Thus, by selecting a plurality of arbitrary shooting scenes prior to the shooting operation, for example, an image obtained by conventional auto bracketing shooting, for example, in which the brightness or the like simply changes in a stepwise manner (the change in image quality is monotonous). Unlike images, a plurality of images with various changes in image quality can be easily obtained.

  In addition, as described above, when selecting the second and subsequent shooting scenes, by restricting the selection of shooting scenes whose shooting conditions are in conflict with the already selected shooting scene, a plurality of shooting scenes are used as the user's intention. This makes it possible to eliminate the selection of shooting scenes with completely different object types and shooting environments. As a result, it is possible to prevent a shot image reflecting extremely different shooting conditions from the other shot images from being mixed in a plurality of finally obtained shot images, and the range of change in image quality between the shot images. Can be suppressed within a certain range.

  It should be noted that it is not always necessary to implement the restrictions on the shooting scenes that can be selected after the second time. Alternatively, the number of shooting scenes that can be selected prior to the shooting operation may be limited to a predetermined number.

  Next, the case where step SA6 in FIG. 7 is YES and “group” is selected as the scene selection method will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the group selection process.

  When the process proceeds to the group selection process, the digital camera 1 displays a scene selection screen composed of shooting scenes belonging to at least one of the groups based on the group data 106 (FIG. 5) described above (step SA301). The user selects a desired shooting scene from the screen. When one of the shooting scenes is selected (YES in step SA302), the selected scene and the scene number of the shooting scene of the same group are stored, so that shooting conditions corresponding to these shooting scenes can be set at the time of shooting. The shooting condition to be used is set (step SA303). As a result, the group selection process is terminated, and the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

  Thereafter, continuous shooting with the shooting conditions changed for the same subject is performed by the processing in steps SA9 to SA14 described above. If “group” is selected as the scene selection method (NO in step SA15), the processing in step SA16 described above is skipped, and one shooting operation in the best shot mode is terminated as it is.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation content when “group” is selected as the scene selection method as described above. For example, when “person” is selected as the shooting scene and shooting is performed, 1 is selected. The shooting conditions corresponding to the shooting scenes belonging to the same group A as the “person” in the same shooting operation, such as “landscape and portrait”, “children”, “soft focus”, “backlight” are reflected in each shooting operation. Captured images 201a to 201e can be obtained. Also in this figure, 301 is a scene selection screen composed of all shooting scenes, and 401 is a through image.

  As described above, when “group” is selected as the scene selection method, by selecting an arbitrary shooting scene prior to the shooting operation, as in the case where “manual” is selected as the scene selection method, FIG. It is possible to obtain a photographic image similar to a photographic image obtained when a normal still image shooting in the best shot mode in which a single shooting process is performed is performed a plurality of times in the same shooting scene by a single shooting operation.

  As a result, a plurality of images with various image quality changes can be easily obtained as captured images, unlike, for example, an image obtained by conventional auto bracketing imaging, for example, in which the brightness or the like simply changes stepwise.

  In addition, the shooting conditions to be applied at the time of continuous shooting are set to shooting conditions corresponding to a predetermined shooting scene belonging to the same group as the shooting scene selected by the user, so that the number of times of continuous shooting, that is, one shooting is performed. The number of recorded images can be limited.

  Also, in this embodiment, since the objects that are highly likely to be selected when shooting the same subject in the best shot mode are grouped in advance, when “manual” is selected as the scene selection method, In contrast, it is not necessary to perform the manual selection operation of the shooting scene many times. Therefore, if you are not sure which scene to select prior to continuous shooting, that is, you can manually select one scene, but it is particularly convenient if you need to manually select multiple scenes. Good.

  Note that the shooting scene grouping method may be grouped according to the type of subject such as “person, water, night view, nature”. In this case, if the shooting scene registered in advance is the scene shown in FIG. 5 or the like, shooting scenes such as “person”, “person and landscape”, and “children” are set for the person group, and “ Shooting scenes such as “smooth the flow of water” and “stop spraying”, shooting scenes such as “night view” and “high sensitivity” for night view groups, “landscape”, “landscape and people” for nature groups ”,“ Vivid green ”,“ Autumn leaves ”, etc. may be included. It is also grouped according to various other shooting environments, for example, “outdoor, indoor” shooting locations, “spring, summer, autumn, winter” shooting times, and “morning, evening, night” shooting times. Or you may. Furthermore, in any case, the same shooting scene may be included in a plurality of groups.

  Next, the case where step SA6 in FIG. 7 is NO and “automatic” is selected as the scene selection method will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the automatic selection process.

  When shifting to the automatic selection process, the digital camera 1 first displays a screen for specifying the number of shots on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 13 to allow the user to specify the desired number of shots by key operation, and stores the specified number of shots (step SA401). ). Next, through image display is started (step SA402), and the user is allowed to designate a subject to be continuously shot. For example, if the shutter key can be half-pressed, the subject can be specified by half-pressing the shutter key.

  When the subject is specified (step SA403), once a predetermined number of frames are captured (step SA404), predetermined image information is detected based on the acquired image data for a plurality of frames (step SA405). Here, the brightness of the subject is detected based on the luminance component of the image data, the color of the subject is detected based on the R, G, and B color components of the image data, and the contents of the image data are compared. Then, the motion vector of the subject (the amount of motion of the subject) is detected, or face recognition is performed to detect the presence or absence of a face portion.

  Next, based on each subject information detected as described above, the content of the subject and the current shooting situation are obtained from a plurality of registered shooting scenes up to the designated number designated by the user in step SA401. A plurality of shooting scenes that are close, that is, similar to the actual shooting scene, are searched (step SA406).

  Here, using the scene determination data 107 (FIG. 6) described above, for each determination item, the determination data is compared with the previously detected image information for each determination item, and the number of matching determination items is one or more. Shooting scenes are set as candidates, and the number of matching determination items is set as the degree of similarity, and priorities are assigned accordingly. At that time, for shooting scenes with the same number of matching judgment items, the number of points determined in advance for each matching judgment item is calculated, and the total number of points corresponding to the priority order among the judgment items is calculated. , A higher priority is given to a shooting scene having a larger total number of points. Further, for a plurality of shooting scenes having the same total number of points, a higher priority is given to a scene having a lower scene number. Thereafter, the number of shooting scenes corresponding to the specified number of images is acquired from the shooting scenes having the same number of determination items as one or more and having the higher priority (similarity) assigned as described above.

  Thereafter, by storing scene numbers of a plurality of shooting conditions corresponding to the plurality of shooting scenes acquired (searched) as described above, the shooting conditions corresponding to the shooting scenes are set as shooting conditions to be used at the time of shooting. After that (step SA407), a message notifying the user of the completion of preparation for photographing is displayed on the screen (step SA408). This completes the automatic selection process and returns to the main flow of FIG.

  After the automatic selection process is completed, the process immediately proceeds to step SA10 described above and waits for a shooting instruction. From this point onward, continuous shooting with the shooting conditions changed for the same subject is performed by the processing in steps SA11 to SA13 described above, and one shooting operation in the best shot mode is completed.

  Therefore, when “automatic” is selected as the scene selection method, the subject is designated prior to the shooting operation, and as in the case where “manual” or “group” is selected as the scene selection method, the single shooting in FIG. A captured image similar to a captured image obtained when normal still image shooting in the best shot mode in which shooting processing is performed is performed a plurality of times in the same shooting scene can be obtained by one shooting operation.

  As a result, a plurality of images with various image quality changes can be easily obtained as a photographed image, unlike an image obtained by conventional auto bracketing photography, for example, in which the brightness or the like changes in a stepwise manner. .

  Moreover, simply by specifying the subject, the shooting conditions corresponding to the shooting scene similar to the actual shooting scene are automatically set as shooting conditions to be applied during continuous shooting. Unlike the case of selecting “”, an operation for selecting a scene similar to an actual shooting scene prior to continuous shooting is unnecessary. Therefore, it is particularly convenient when it is difficult to determine which scene should be selected prior to continuous shooting, or when it is difficult to determine.

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to allow the user to specify a desired number of shots by key operation in advance, as in the case where “group” is selected as the scene selection method, the number of consecutive shots, that is, one shot image is taken. The number of recordings can be limited.

  In step SA405 described above, the brightness, color, amount of motion (motion vector), and presence / absence of a face portion are detected as scene specifying information of the present invention from the image data of the subject specified by the user. Such image information is detected (acquired), and in the subsequent step SA406, a plurality of shooting scenes similar to the actual shooting scene are searched based on the acquired image information. It may be as follows.

  For example, in step SA405, external information that cannot be obtained from the image data, such as shooting date and time, is acquired separately from the image information. In step SA406, both the external information and the image information described above or Based on one, a plurality of shooting scenes similar to the actual shooting scene may be searched. However, in this case, unlike the scene determination data 107 (FIG. 6) described above, the scene determination data includes the determination items related to the image information and / or the determination items related to the external information as the determination items described above. It is necessary to prepare.

  In step SA403 described above, the presence / absence of the subject designation operation is determined. However, the process of steps SA404 to SA407 is repeatedly executed while the through image is displayed without performing the subject designation operation. You may do it.

  In step SA405 described above, when predetermined image information is detected based on image data for a plurality of frames, a predetermined area (for example, an AF area) in the image data or an arbitrary designation by the user is performed. The image information may be detected using only the image data in the area. In this case, the image data in the AF area is obtained by pressing the shutter key halfway after aligning the AF area with a certain subject. By detecting predetermined image information based on this, it is possible to detect image information of a desired subject.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode, the conventional auto bracketing shooting is performed regardless of which scene selection method is selected at that time. For example, unlike images with brightness that changes stepwise, for example, multiple images with various image quality changes can be obtained by effectively using various shooting modes prepared for single shooting. Can be easily obtained. As a result, it is possible to greatly improve the usability when performing bracketing photography.

  In addition, when “manual” is selected as the scene selection method, as described above, a new group from a plurality of shooting scenes corresponding to each shooting condition set as a shooting condition applied during continuous shooting is described above. It is additionally registered in the group data 106 (FIG. 5). Therefore, after selecting “group” as the scene selection method and selecting one desired shooting scene thereafter, each shooting condition corresponding to a plurality of shooting scenes (shooting modes) manually selected before that is selected. Can be automatically set as a shooting condition to be applied during continuous shooting. In addition, each effect by the difference in other scene selection methods is as described above.

  Unlike the present embodiment, when “automatic” is selected as the scene selection method, each shooting set as the shooting condition to be applied during continuous shooting is performed as in the case where “manual” is selected. A plurality of shooting scenes corresponding to the conditions may be registered as a new group.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also relates to a digital camera configured such that the user can select whether or not to use the continuous shooting function when shooting in the best shot mode. The configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and the above-described shooting condition data 103 and additional information data 104 are stored in the built-in memory 16. However, the built-in memory 16 stores a program for causing the MPU 3 to function as the first imaging control unit, the second imaging control unit, the selection control unit, the generation unit, and the image storage control unit of the present invention. ing.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

  When the digital camera is selected to use the continuous shooting function, the digital camera displays a scene selection screen including all shooting scenes and allows the user to select one or more desired shooting scenes as basic scenes (step SB1). When one or more basic scenes are selected (YES in step SB2), the selected basic scene is stored (step SB3), and then a photographic scene that can be combined with all of the selected one or more basic scenes Is searched (step SB4).

  Here, from all the registered shooting scenes, a shooting scene corresponding to a shooting condition corresponding to each of the one or more basic scenes and a shooting condition that does not overlap is searched. That is, when a specific shooting condition item such as a shutter speed is defined in the shooting condition corresponding to the basic scene, a shooting scene in which the same shooting condition item is not defined in the corresponding shooting condition, in other words, shooting. Search for shooting scenes with different conditions.

  Next, a scene selection screen consisting only of the scenes that can be combined is displayed, and the user is allowed to select a desired shooting scene as a multiplication scene to be multiplied with one or a plurality of basic scenes (step SB5). When a multiplication scene is selected (YES in step SB6), a new shooting condition is created for each basic scene by adding the shooting conditions of the multiplication scene to the shooting conditions corresponding to each of the basic scenes. The photographing conditions are stored (step SB7). For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when “smooth water flow” and “stop spraying” are selected for the basic scene and “person” is selected for the crossing scene, a new shooting is performed. As conditions, two types of shooting conditions corresponding to virtual shooting scenes that are not actually registered, such as “smooth water flow + person” and “stop water spray + person” are created.

  Subsequently, the shooting conditions corresponding to one or a plurality of basic scenes and the created new shooting conditions are set as targets to be used at the time of shooting (step SB8). In the above example, a total of four shooting conditions including two types of shooting conditions corresponding to two basic scenes and two newly created shooting conditions are set as the use targets at the time of shooting. At this time, the scene number is stored for the shooting conditions corresponding to the basic scene.

  Thereafter, through image display on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 13 is started to enter a shooting standby state (step SB9), and whether or not there is a shooting instruction by operating the shutter key is sequentially confirmed (step SB10). Eventually, if there is a shooting instruction (YES in step SB10), the shooting conditions set as the target of use at that time are read out, and shooting processing is performed according to the read conditions (step SB11). (Step SB12).

  Then, the operations of steps SB11 and SB12 are repeated until the photographing process according to all the photographing conditions set as the use target is completed (NO in step SB13). That is, continuous shooting is performed with the shooting conditions changed for the same subject. Thereafter, when the number of shooting processes corresponding to the set number of shooting conditions is completed (YES in step SB13), a plurality of still image data stored in the DRAM 15 is acquired by shooting processes under different shooting conditions. Each still image data thus recorded is individually recorded in the image memory 17 as a still image file (step SB14). Thus, one shooting operation in the best shot mode is completed.

  As described above, in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode, the user takes two types of shooting scenes, that is, the basic scene and the multiplying scene before the shooting operation. Is selected, and at least three types of shooting conditions including a set of shooting conditions corresponding to at least the directly selected basic scene and the multiplied scene, and a new shooting condition generated from the set of shooting conditions, respectively. Applicable continuous shooting is performed.

  As a result, unlike the images obtained by conventional auto bracketing photography, for example, where the brightness changes in steps, the various photography modes prepared for single-shot photography are used effectively. As a result, it is not possible to obtain a plurality of images with various image quality changes, and even if normal still image shooting is performed multiple times by simply changing the selected scene without using the continuous shooting function in the best shot mode. Thus, it is possible to easily obtain a plurality of images including a photographed image reflecting the above-described new photographing conditions. Therefore, it is possible to greatly improve the usability when performing bracketing shooting.

  In this embodiment, during continuous shooting in the best shot mode, shooting is performed by applying shooting conditions corresponding to the basic scene directly selected by the user and the combined scene. At least two or more shooting scenes may be selected, and only shooting that applies the new shooting conditions described above may be performed. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 5, two types of new shooting conditions corresponding to virtual shooting scenes such as “smooth water flow + person” and “stop water splash + person” are applied. Only photographing may be performed.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user is allowed to select a plurality of shooting scenes by dividing into two types, a basic scene and a multiplying scene, and multiply the shooting conditions on the basic scene side and the shooting conditions on the multiplying scene side. In addition, although the description has been given of generating a new shooting condition to be applied at the time of continuous shooting, the user can select three or more shooting scenes, and three or more shooting conditions corresponding to them (for example, A, B, A new shooting condition (for example, A + B + C) obtained by multiplying all of C) may be generated as a new shooting condition applied during continuous shooting.

  Even with such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a plurality of images with various image quality changes by continuous shooting. Also, in this case, continuous shooting may be performed by applying shooting conditions corresponding to a shooting scene directly selected by the user as in this embodiment, or new shooting conditions may be applied. Only photographing may be performed.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a digital camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also relates to a digital camera configured such that the user can select whether or not to use the continuous shooting function when shooting in the best shot mode. The configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, but the built-in memory 16 includes the MPU 3 in the first imaging control means, selection control means, changing means, and third imaging control means of the present invention. A program for functioning as image storage control means is stored. Further, the built-in memory 16 stores the bracketing data 108 having the contents shown in FIG. 16 in place of the selection restriction data 105, the group data 106, and the scene determination data 107 described above.

  The bracketing data 108 is data corresponding to each shooting scene registered in the digital camera, and is a shooting parameter (hereinafter referred to as an adjustment parameter) whose setting value should be changed stepwise during continuous shooting in the best shot mode. Type, an adjustment interval (adjustment amount) that is a change amount of each adjustment target parameter during continuous shooting, and the number of adjustments.

  The adjustment parameters are determined in advance according to the corresponding shooting scene, that is, the contents of the shooting conditions. Here, in the shooting condition data 103 (see FIG. 2) described above, the setting is not set to auto or standard. It is a parameter. The specific setting value of the adjustment interval is, for example, an adjustment step such as one step or two steps if the shooting parameter can be set stepwise such as the shutter speed and the aperture. If it is related to image processing such as sharpness, contour enhancement, and color filter, it is the adjustment strength. The number of adjustments is the number of times that the adjustment parameter is changed at the adjustment interval, and is a plurality of times in the present embodiment.

  Also in the digital camera of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user can select whether or not to use the continuous shooting function when shooting in the best shot mode.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode.

  When the digital camera is selected to use the continuous shooting function, the digital camera displays a scene selection screen including all shooting scenes and allows the user to select a desired shooting scene (step SC1). When one of the shooting scenes is selected (YES in step SC2), first, the bracketing data 108 corresponding to the selected shooting scene is read (step SC3), and the initial adjustment parameter is set based on the adjustment amount and the number of adjustments described above. The value is calculated and an initial value is set in the adjustment parameter (step SC4). The initial value of the adjustment parameter is a set value when the adjustment parameter is automatically set by the AE control, the AWB control, or the like when the adjustment parameter is changed by the adjustment amount described above for the number of adjustments. It is a value like this.

  Then, shooting processing is performed according to the shooting conditions including the adjustment parameter (step SC5), and still image data acquired by shooting is stored in the DRAM 15 (step SC6). Thereafter, until the number of times of photographing reaches a predetermined number obtained by adding 1 to the number of adjustments of the adjustment parameter (NO in step SC7), the setting value of the adjustment parameter is changed to a value changed by the adjustment interval (step SC8). The operations of steps SC5 and SC6 are repeated. That is, continuous shooting is performed with the shooting conditions changed for the same subject.

  For example, when the shooting scene selected by the user prior to shooting was “Sports” or “Smooth water flow”, continuous shooting with the shutter speed being changed stepwise is performed. When is a “flower”, continuous shooting is performed with the saturation gradually changed. In addition, when the shooting scene is “People”, the degree of skin color enhancement is similarly set. Then, continuous shooting is performed in stages.

  Thereafter, when the number of shootings reaches the above-mentioned predetermined number (YES in step SC7), a plurality of still image data stored in the DRAM 15 and each still image data acquired by shooting processing under different shooting conditions are stopped. The image file is individually recorded in the image memory 17 (step SC9). Thus, one shooting operation in the best shot mode is completed.

  As described above, in the digital camera of the present embodiment, when the use of the continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode, the subject to be photographed from now on, and the subject at that time, prior to the photographing operation, as in the single-shot photographing. Simply select a scene similar to the shooting scene including the shooting environment, or a scene with an atmosphere according to your preference, and perform bracketing shooting in which the setting value of the shooting parameter suitable for the shooting scene changes step by step. Can do.

  In addition, bracketing shooting can be performed by selecting a shooting scene (shooting mode) prepared for single shooting, so there are a shooting mode for single shooting and a shooting mode for continuous shooting (bracketing shooting). There is no need to provide them separately, and the same shooting mode can be commonly used for single shooting and continuous shooting.

  Therefore, anyone can effectively use the auto bracket function regardless of whether or not there is knowledge about the camera, photos, etc., and the usability when performing bracketing photography can be greatly improved.

  In the above-described first to third embodiments, the present invention is applied to a digital camera provided with a best shot mode for displaying a title, a description, and a sample image corresponding to the shooting mode as a shooting mode selection screen. Although the case where the present invention is applied has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a digital camera provided with a normal photographing mode that displays only icons and names corresponding to the photographing mode as a photographing mode selection screen.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the present invention is applied to a digital camera that performs still image shooting. However, in addition to this, the present invention has a still image shooting function. The present invention can be applied to other imaging devices such as a digital video camera and a mobile phone terminal.

It is a block diagram of a digital camera common to each embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the storage data of a built-in memory. (A) is the conceptual diagram which shows the content of imaging condition data, (b) is the conceptual diagram which respectively shows the content of additional information data. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of selection restriction data. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of group data. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of the scene determination data. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the best shot mode in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the single imaging | photography process in the best shot mode. It is a flowchart which shows a manual selection process when use of a continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode. It is a flowchart which shows a group selection process when use of a continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode. It is a flowchart which shows the automatic selection process when use of a continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation content in case a manual selection process is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation content in case a group selection process is performed. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when use of a continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode in 2nd Embodiment. It is the conceptual diagram which showed an example of the imaging conditions corresponding to a basic scene and a multiplication scene, the imaging conditions produced | generated, and the imaging conditions used at the time of continuous imaging | photography. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of the bracketing data in 3rd Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation when use of a continuous shooting function is selected in the best shot mode in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera 2 CCD
3 MPU
11 Analog signal processing part 12 Operation key part 13 TFT liquid crystal monitor 15 DRAM
16 Internal Memory 17 Image Memory 101 Image Data 102 Program Data 103 Shooting Condition Data 104 Additional Information Data 105 Selection Restriction Data 106 Group Data 107 Scene Determination Data

Claims (16)

In an imaging apparatus provided with imaging means for imaging a subject,
Shooting condition storage means for storing a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes;
First shooting control means for controlling single-shot shooting using shooting conditions corresponding to one shooting mode stored in the shooting condition storage means;
Second shooting control means for controlling continuous shooting applied to a plurality of shooting conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of shooting modes stored in the shooting condition storage means;
Still images obtained by the imaging unit during single shooting under the control of the first imaging control unit, and a plurality of still images obtained by the imaging unit during continuous shooting under the control of the second imaging control unit An image storage apparatus comprising: an image storage control unit that controls image recording. Selection control means for allowing a user to select an arbitrary shooting mode from the plurality of shooting modes;
First setting means for setting a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes selected by the user as a plurality of shooting conditions applied during continuous shooting under the control of the second shooting control means; The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The selection control means includes restriction means for restricting a selection target at the time of selection of a second and subsequent photographing modes by a user according to an already selected photographing mode. Imaging device.   The first setting means includes means for setting a shooting condition corresponding to one shooting mode selected by the user as a shooting condition applied during single shooting under the control of the first shooting control means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The plurality of shooting conditions stored in the shooting condition storage means include a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes divided into a plurality of groups,
Group specifying means for specifying any one of the plurality of groups as a use target;
A plurality of shooting conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of shooting modes belonging to any one of the groups specified by the group specifying means are applied to a plurality of shooting conditions applied during continuous shooting under the control of the second shooting control means. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a second setting unit configured to set as follows.   The apparatus further comprises group setting means for setting a plurality of shooting modes corresponding to each of a plurality of shooting conditions applied at the time of continuous shooting under the control of the second shooting control means to the same group. 5. The imaging device according to 5.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the group specifying unit specifies a group to which an arbitrary shooting mode selected by the user among the plurality of shooting modes belongs as a use target. Further comprising a generating means for generating new shooting conditions based on a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes selected by the user,
The first setting means sets a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes selected by the user and a new shooting condition generated by the generation means. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the imaging apparatus is set as a plurality of shooting conditions applied during continuous shooting by control. The selection control means allows the user to select a shooting mode as a basic mode and a shooting mode as a multiplication mode from the plurality of shooting modes,
The generating means generates a new shooting condition based on a shooting condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected as the basic mode and a shooting condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected as the multiplication mode. The imaging device according to claim 8. Acquisition means for acquiring image information included in an image of a subject imaged by the imaging means and / or scene specifying information including an imaging environment at the time of imaging the subject;
Search means for searching a plurality of shooting conditions from a plurality of shooting conditions stored in the shooting condition storage means based on the scene specifying information acquired by the acquisition means;
And a third setting means for setting a plurality of shooting conditions searched by the search means as a plurality of shooting conditions applied at the time of continuous shooting under the control of the second shooting control means. The imaging device according to claim 1.   11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising condition number limiting means for limiting the number of a plurality of shooting conditions set by the third setting means to a number preset by a user. Sample image storage means for storing a plurality of sample images respectively corresponding to the plurality of photographing modes;
Display means for displaying one or more sample images stored in the sample image storage means,
The selection control means causes the display means to display one or a plurality of sample images, and allows the user to select an arbitrary shooting mode from the plurality of shooting modes by selecting an arbitrary sample image from the displayed images. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein A computer included in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that images a subject,
A first control unit that controls single-shot shooting using shooting conditions corresponding to one shooting mode stored in a shooting condition storage unit that stores a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes registered in advance. Photographing control means,
Second shooting control means for controlling continuous shooting applied to a plurality of shooting conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of shooting modes, stored in the shooting condition storage means;
Still images obtained by the imaging unit during single shooting under the control of the first imaging control unit, and a plurality of still images obtained by the imaging unit during continuous shooting under the control of the second imaging control unit A still image shooting program which functions as image storage control means for controlling image recording. In an imaging apparatus provided with imaging means for imaging a subject,
Shooting condition storage means for storing a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of shooting modes registered in advance;
First shooting control means for controlling single shooting based on shooting conditions corresponding to one shooting mode stored in the shooting condition storage means;
Selecting means for selecting a plurality of shooting modes from the plurality of shooting modes;
Generating means for generating a plurality of new shooting conditions based on a plurality of shooting conditions respectively corresponding to the plurality of shooting modes selected by the selection means;
Second shooting control means for controlling continuous shooting based on a plurality of shooting conditions generated by the generating means;
Still images obtained by the imaging unit during single shooting under the control of the first imaging control unit, and a plurality of still images obtained by the imaging unit during continuous shooting under the control of the second imaging control unit An image storage apparatus comprising: an image storage control unit that controls image recording. In an imaging apparatus provided with imaging means for imaging a subject,
Shooting condition storage means for storing a plurality of sets of first and second shooting conditions corresponding to the shooting mode;
Selection control means for allowing the user to select an arbitrary shooting mode from a plurality of shooting modes;
First shooting control means for controlling single shooting based on a first shooting condition corresponding to a shooting mode selected by a user, stored in the shooting condition storage means;
Second shooting control means for controlling bracketing shooting based on the second shooting conditions corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the user, stored in the shooting condition storage means;
Still images obtained by the imaging unit during single-shooting under the control of the first imaging control unit, and a plurality of still images obtained by the imaging unit during bracketing shooting under the control of the second imaging control unit An image storage apparatus comprising: an image storage control unit that controls image recording. A computer included in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that images a subject,
Single shooting based on the first shooting condition corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the user stored in the shooting condition storage means for storing a plurality of sets of first and second shooting conditions corresponding to the shooting mode First imaging control means for controlling
Second shooting control means for controlling bracketing shooting based on the second shooting conditions corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the user, stored in the shooting condition storage means;
A still image obtained by the imaging unit during single shooting under the control of the first imaging control unit, and a plurality of still images obtained by the imaging unit during bracketing shooting under the control of the second imaging control unit. A still image shooting program which functions as image storage control means for controlling image recording.

Images