JP2000089311A - Stroboscope system for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the stroboscope system of a camera by which a proper image is easily obtained by automatically switching an incorporated stroboscope device and an external stroboscope device. SOLUTION: This stroboscope system possesses the external stroboscope device 2, the incorporated stroboscope device, a preliminary light emission means controlling the incorporated stroboscope device so as to radiate the illuminating light of a specified light quantity to an object by preceding photographing operation, a photodetector 7 receiving the reflected light of the object, an integration circuit 9 integrating the photometric output of the photodetector during the operation of the preliminary light emission means, a judging means judging whether or not the proper image is obtained by the illuminating light of the incorporated stroboscope device by an output value, a selecting means selecting either of both stroboscope devices and a main light emission controlling means controlling the stroboscope device selected, and the incorporated stroboscope device is selected in the case of judging that the proper image is obtained by the light emission of the incorporated stroboscope device by the judging means, and the external stroboscope device is selected in the case of judging that the proper image is not obtained, so that main light emission is executed by using the stroboscope device selected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a strobe system for a camera, and more particularly, to a camera having a small strobe device inside a main body and having an external strobe device detachably provided, when taking a photograph. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera strobe system that controls a device and an external strobe device so that an appropriate image can be taken.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photographing apparatus for photographing using a so-called silver halide film or the like, an electronic image pickup apparatus for electronically recording an image signal obtained by an image pickup device or the like (hereinafter, referred to as both). , Generally referred to as a camera or the like), in which a small-sized strobe device is disposed inside a main body.

As described above, in a conventional camera or the like in which a small strobe device (hereinafter referred to as a built-in strobe device) is provided inside the main body, the camera is disposed inside the main body in order to realize a reduction in size and weight of the camera itself. There is a tendency to use small components such as a main capacitor for strobe light emission.

Therefore, when taking a photograph using a built-in strobe device constituted by a small and small-capacity main condenser or the like, the reach of the illumination light is limited. There are limits to the distance to the subject and the shooting range.

On the other hand, a strobe device used in a conventional camera or the like is used, for example, as an auxiliary illumination light for taking a photograph or the like, and also for measuring an appropriate exposure value or the like at the time of photographing, It may be used to set the main light emission amount.

[0006] For example, a strobe system of a camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-289925 emits a predetermined amount of light to a desired subject, that is, preliminary light emission (or pre-light emission) prior to a photographing operation. By doing so, the reflected light from the subject due to this preliminary light emission is received by the light receiving element, and the proper exposure and the light emission amount at the time of the main light emission are calculated by integrating the photometric output of the light receiving element, and based on the calculation result. Thus, the amount of light emitted by the strobe device during the main light emission is controlled.

The means disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-289925 is a means which can be applied to a camera having a built-in flash device. However, when the same means is applied to a camera having a built-in strobe device, as described above, due to the limitation of the reach of illumination light,
There is a problem that the range that can be photographed is limited.

[0008] Various proposals have been made, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-22209, as means for resolving the limitation of the reach of illumination light by the built-in flash device.

The electronic still camera capable of flash photography disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-2222049 does not allow illumination light from the built-in flash device to reach, that is, if the photometric result by the photometric means is underexposed. If it is determined, the amplifier gain of the image signal acquired by the image sensor (CCD) is corrected so as to be larger than usual, and the amount of light received by the image sensor (CCD) is reduced by the increase in the amplifier gain. In this way, shooting is performed by controlling the amount of flash light emission.

According to this, even when photographing a subject having a dark background, such as a person photographing against a night view, the main subject at a short distance and the illumination light from the built-in strobe device cannot reach. That is, it is possible to obtain an image in which light and darkness is balanced with a background at a long distance.

[0011]

However, according to the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-2222049, when the photometric result by the photometric means is underexposed, the amplifier of the image pickup device (CCD) is used. Since the photographing operation is performed with the gain increased, various noises and the like included in the video signal are also increased. Therefore, there is a problem that the image quality of the image as a photographing result is deteriorated as a whole.

Further, for example, when the photographing environment is relatively dark, there may be a case where the main subject itself is at a long distance, resulting in insufficient exposure. In this case, according to the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-2222049, the background portion other than the main subject is also brightly photographed by increasing the amplifier gain.
It is also conceivable that the balance of light and darkness cannot be maintained, resulting in an overexposed portion. Therefore, there is a problem that in such overexposed portions, an image cannot be identified, that is, a so-called collapse occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a small strobe device (built-in strobe device) disposed inside a camera body.
A camera strobe system that can easily perform proper photographing by automatically switching to an external strobe device to shoot an object even in a range where illumination light from the camera cannot reach. To offer.

[0014]

To achieve the above object, a strobe system for a camera according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: an external strobe device detachably mounted on a camera body;
A built-in strobe device disposed inside the camera body, preliminary light emitting means for controlling the built-in strobe device so as to irradiate a predetermined amount of illumination light toward the subject prior to a shooting operation, and reflected light from the subject A light receiving element, an integrating circuit for integrating the photometric output of the light receiving element during the operation of the preliminary light emitting means, and an appropriate image obtained by the illumination light of the built-in strobe device based on the output value of the integrating circuit. Determining means for determining whether or not the flash device is to be used, selecting means for selecting which of the built-in flash device and the external flash device to use, and controlling the flash device selected by the selecting means. Main light emission control means for performing a main light emission operation, wherein the selection means determines that an appropriate image can be obtained by the light emission of the built-in strobe device by the determination means. In this case, if the built-in flash device is selected, and if the judgment means determines that an appropriate image cannot be obtained by the light emission of the built-in flash device, the external flash device is selected, and then the main flash device is used. The control means is controlled so that the main light emission operation is performed using the selected strobe device.

A strobe system for a camera according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an external strobe device detachably provided in the camera body, a built-in strobe device provided inside the camera body, and a photographing operation. Preliminary light emitting means for controlling the built-in strobe device so as to irradiate a predetermined amount of illumination light toward a subject; a light receiving element for receiving reflected light from the subject; and a light receiving element for operating the preliminary light emitting means during operation of the preliminary light emitting means. An integrating circuit for integrating the photometric output; determining means for determining whether an appropriate image can be obtained with the illumination light of the built-in strobe device based on an output value of the integrating circuit; Selecting means for selecting which of the built-in strobe device and the external strobe device to use, and controlling the strobe device selected by the selecting means Main light emission control means for performing a main light emission operation, and control means for controlling, when the external strobe device is selected by the selection means, to perform the preliminary light emission operation again by the external strobe device. It is characterized by.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a flash system of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows only components related to the present invention in order to avoid complication of the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 1, the strobe system of the camera according to the present embodiment has a camera 1 in which a small strobe device (built-in strobe device) is disposed inside a main body, and is detachably mounted on the camera 1. And an external strobe device 2.

The camera 1 is an electronic imaging device configured to electronically record an image signal obtained by an imaging device such as a CCD. This camera 1
The whole is controlled by the control circuit 3.

The control circuit 3 includes a release switch (SW) 11 for generating a release signal which is a command to start a photographing operation and the like, and a plurality of photographing modes prepared in advance for switching to a desired photographing mode. , A plurality of operation means such as a photographing mode setting means 10 for generating a command signal, and a built-in strobe device constituted by a strobe light-emitting circuit 4 and a built-in strobe light-emitting section 5 are electrically connected.

Further, inside the camera 1, there is provided a photographing lens system 6 capable of converging a light beam from a subject to form a subject image.
The object image formed by the photographing lens system 6 is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal, and reflected light from the object (hereinafter referred to as object reflected light) due to preliminary light emission (pre-emission) performed by the built-in flash device. (Hereinafter simply referred to as CC) which is a light receiving element for receiving light.
D) and A which converts an image signal (analog signal) photoelectrically converted by the CCD 7 into a digital signal
A / D conversion circuit 8 and an image signal (CCD 7) of the subject reflected light converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 8
And an integrating circuit 9 for integrating the photometric output of the light source.

The operation result of the integration circuit 9 is output to the control circuit 3, and the control circuit 3 controls the built-in strobe device and the external strobe device 2 based on the result. .

The external strobe device 2 includes an external strobe light emitting section 12, a dimming circuit 13, and the like. The external strobe device 2 includes a light emitting unit (external strobe light emitting unit 1).
A so-called automatic light control strobe device configured to receive the subject reflected light by the illumination light irradiated in 2) and automatically adjust the amount of light emitted by the light control circuit 13; The camera 1 is formed so as to be detachably provided outside the main body.

That is, the external strobe device 2 has an electric contact to which the light emission control signal Sb from the camera 1 is input,
Electrical contacts and the like for outputting a mounting signal Sa of the strobe device 2 are provided, and these electrical contacts and the like include X contacts and the like provided corresponding to the main body side of the camera 1.
It is configured to be connected to a so-called accessory shoe, a synchro terminal or the like (not shown).

Then, the external strobe device 2 is attached to the accessory shoe of the camera 1 or the strobe device 2
Is connected to the sync terminal of the camera 1 via a connection cable or the like, various control signals are exchanged between the external strobe device 2 and the control circuit 3 of the camera 1. It is configured to:

The operation of taking a picture using the strobe system constituted by the camera 1 and the external strobe device 2 thus constructed will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera 1 during the release operation.

When a release signal is generated by the release switch 11 when the camera 1 is in a power-on state and is in a photographing preparation state, the control circuit 3 receives the signal from the release switch 11 in FIG.
The release operation shown in FIG.

First, in step S1 of FIG. 2, the control circuit 3 transmits a light emission control signal Sb to the strobe light emission circuit 4 of the built-in strobe device. In response, the strobe light emitting circuit 4 controls the built-in strobe light emitting unit 5 to
Pre-light emission (pre-light emission) is performed.

This preliminary light emission is a preliminary light emission operation that is performed in advance in order to calculate an approximate amount of light emission required to obtain an image with optimal exposure when photographing using a strobe device. It is. Therefore, the control circuit 3
It serves as preliminary light emission means for controlling the built-in flash device so as to irradiate a predetermined amount of illumination light toward the subject prior to the photographing operation.

In order to calculate a more accurate light emission amount, preliminary light emission needs to be performed in a state where a main capacitor (not shown) for strobe light emission is sufficiently charged, that is, in a fully charged state. .

Next, in step S2, the amount of reflected light is integrated, and then, in step S3, the amount of main light emission is calculated. That is, as a result of the preliminary light emission operation performed in step S1, the illumination light emitted to the subject by the built-in strobe light emitting unit 5 is reflected by the subject, and is reflected by the subject to the CCD 7, which is also a light receiving element of the camera 1, as reflected light of the subject. Incident. The subject reflected light incident on the CCD 7 is photoelectrically converted here, then converted into a digital signal by an A / D conversion circuit 8 and output to an integration circuit 9. Then, the integration circuit 9 integrates the output signal,
The calculation result is output to the control circuit 3. In response to this, the control circuit 3 calculates the light emission amount during the main light emission.

Next, in step S4, the control circuit 3
Determines whether or not the amount of light emission can be sufficiently covered by the built-in flash device as a result of the calculation (calculation of the main light emission amount) in step S3 described above. That is, the control circuit 3 also serves as a judging means for judging whether or not an appropriate image can be obtained with the illumination light of the built-in flash device based on the output value of the integrating circuit 9.

Here, if it is determined that an image with proper exposure can be obtained by photographing with the built-in flash device, the process proceeds to the next step S5, and this step S5 is performed.
In, the control circuit 3 selects the built-in flash device as the flash device to be used at the time of photographing, and proceeds to the process of step S6. Then, in the subsequent processing, the control circuit 3
The camera 1 is controlled so as to start the photographing operation using the built-in strobe device.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that an image with proper exposure cannot be obtained by photographing with the built-in flash device as a result of the calculation in step S3, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the control circuit 3 determines whether or not the external strobe device 2 is mounted on the camera 1. This determination is made by the control circuit 3 monitoring the mounting signal from the external strobe device 2 to confirm the mounting state of the external strobe device 2.

If it is determined that the external strobe device 2 is attached to the camera 1, the process proceeds to step S10. In this step S10, the control circuit 3 determines whether the strobe used for photographing is used. The external strobe device 2 is selected as the device, and the process proceeds to step S6.
Then, in the subsequent processing, the control circuit 3 causes the camera 1 to start the photographing operation using the external strobe device 2.
Will be controlled.

If it is determined in step S9 that the external strobe device 2 is not mounted on the camera 1, the process proceeds to step S5, where the control circuit 3 determines whether the strobe device used for photographing is used. Is selected, and the process proceeds to step S6.

As described above, the control circuit 3 also serves as a selecting means for selecting which of the built-in strobe device and the external strobe device is used as the strobe device used at the time of photographing.

Then, the photographing operation is started in step S6, and subsequently, in step S7, in step S5 or step S10, the main light emitting operation is performed by the strobe device selected by the control circuit 3 as the selecting means. That is, the control circuit 3 also functions as a main light emission control unit that controls the strobe device selected by itself to perform the main light emission operation.

Finally, after the photographing operation is terminated in step S8, a series of release operations in the camera 1 is terminated (END). And camera 1
It returns to the shooting standby state again.

Note that the external strobe device 2 includes a dimming circuit 1
3, when the external flash unit 2 is selected and the main flash operation is performed by the flash unit 2, the flash unit 13 controls the flash unit to emit light according to the subject. Volume adjustments are made.
Accordingly, an appropriate image can be obtained.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the camera 1 provided with the built-in flash device, the preliminary flash is performed using the built-in flash device, whereby the light emission amount at the time of the main flash is calculated. Automatically selects either the built-in strobe device or the external strobe device 2 as the strobe device that performs the main light emission operation in accordance with the calculated result, and executes photographing and the main light emission operation using the selected device. Therefore, when the external strobe device 2 is attached to the camera 1, it is easy to always obtain an image (image signal) with proper exposure.

In step S9 shown in FIG.
When the external strobe device 2 is not mounted, the built-in strobe device is selected, and the photographing operation is performed by this. In this case, as can be seen from the determination in step S4, it is not always possible to obtain an image with proper exposure. However, since the photographing operation is performed using the built-in strobe device, even if the obtained image (signal) is not appropriate due to insufficient exposure, an image (signal) including a desired subject is not included.
You can get it. Therefore, it is possible to avoid so-called missed photo opportunities.

Next, an example in which an external strobe device 2A having no light control circuit 13 is mounted on the camera 1 instead of the external strobe device 2 will be described below. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a strobe system of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 also shows FIG.
In order to avoid complication of the drawing, only the components related to the present invention are shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, the strobe system of the camera according to the present embodiment includes a camera 1 having a built-in strobe device and an external strobe device 2A detachably provided to the camera 1. . The camera 1 has the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the detailed description is omitted.

The external strobe device 2A includes a light emitting table 2
and a so-called dedicated strobe device configured to control light emission and dimming operation by a control signal from a control circuit 3 of the camera 1.
Is formed so as to be detachably provided outside the main body. The light emission table 2a is formed by a list of data on the light emission amount when the main light emission operation is performed. The data signal of the light emission table 2a is transmitted along with the mounting signal and the like to the control circuit on the camera 1 side. 3 is output.

The operation of taking a picture using the strobe system constituted by the camera 1 and the external strobe 2A constructed as described above will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the camera 1 according to the present embodiment during a release operation. Note that processes that are substantially the same as the operation sequence (see FIG. 2) in the above-described first embodiment will be briefly described by assigning the same step numbers.

As in the operation sequence of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2), first, when the camera 1 is in the power-on state and in the photographing preparation state, the release SW
When a release signal is generated by the control signal 11, the control circuit 3 executes the release operation shown in FIG.

First, the operation sequence from step S1 to step S4 shown in FIG. 3 to the end of the photographing operation in step S8 is exactly the same as in the above-described first embodiment.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the image of the proper light emission cannot be obtained by photographing with the built-in flash device as a result of the calculation of the main light emission amount in step S3, the process of step S11 is performed. The control circuit 3 starts communication with the external strobe device 2A, and then proceeds to the process of step S9.

In step S9, the control circuit 3 determines whether or not the external strobe device 2A is mounted on the camera 1. Here, if it is determined that the external strobe device 2A is mounted, the process proceeds to step S10, and in this step S10, the control circuit 3
Selects the external strobe device 2A and proceeds to the process of step S12.

In step S12, data of the light emitting table 2a is output from the external strobe device 2A to the control circuit 3 of the camera 1. In response to this, the control circuit 3
Performs the calculation and determination of the main light emission amount of the external flash device 2A in step S13, and proceeds to the next step S6.

If it is determined in step S9 that the external strobe device 2A is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S5, where the control circuit 3 selects the built-in strobe device and proceeds to step S6. Proceed to processing.

Then, the processing of steps S6 to S8 is executed, and the photographing operation ends. In this way,
A series of release operations in the camera 1 is completed (end), and the camera 1 returns to the shooting standby state again.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a dedicated strobe device is applied as the external strobe device 2A, communication between the camera 1 and the external strobe 2A is ensured. Thus, it is possible to obtain exactly the same effects as in the first embodiment.

Next, a flash system for a camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG.
13 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of a release operation when taking a picture using the strobe system of the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, another operation when the camera 1 and the external strobe 2 (see FIG. 1) of the above-described first embodiment are used is shown.

This embodiment is substantially the same as the operation at the time of the release operation in the above-described first embodiment, but the result of the calculation of the light emission amount at the time of the main light emission calculated based on the preliminary light emission by the built-in flash device. The difference is that when the external strobe device 2 is selected, the strobe device 2 controls so that preliminary light emission (pre-flash) is performed again.

That is, as shown in FIG.
The series of operation sequence up to step S10 is the operation sequence in the first and second embodiments (FIG.
This is exactly the same as FIG. 4). Therefore, the first
Processes that are substantially the same as the operation sequence in the second embodiment are given the same step numbers, and details thereof will be briefly described.

In step S10, the external flash device 2 is selected, and the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the control circuit 3 controls the external flash device 2 to execute preliminary light emission. That is, in the present embodiment, the control circuit 3 functions as a control unit that controls the selected external flash device 2 to perform the preliminary light emission operation.

Next, in step S22, the subject reflected light generated by the preliminary light emission in step S21 is received by the CCD 7, photoelectrically converted, and the photometric output after being converted into an analog signal by the A / D conversion circuit 8 is integrated. The circuit 9 integrates and outputs the calculation result to the control circuit 3.

In step S23, upon receiving the output value of the integrating circuit 9, the control circuit 3 calculates and determines the amount of main light emission at the time of main light emission by the external strobe device 2, and proceeds to the next step S6.

Then, the processing of steps S6 to S8 is executed, and the photographing operation ends. In this way,
A series of release operations of the camera 1 is completed (end), and the camera 1 returns to the shooting standby state again.

As described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in the third embodiment. Further, when the external strobe device 2 is selected, preliminary light emission (pre-flash) is performed again by using the same strobe device 2, so that the light emission amount during the main light emission operation is more accurately adjusted. be able to. Therefore, a more appropriate image (image signal) can be obtained.

[Supplementary Note] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, an invention having the following configuration can be obtained. (1) An external strobe connected to the camera body, a built-in strobe built in the camera body, a pre-emission means for irradiating a predetermined amount of light to a subject prior to an imaging operation, a light receiving element, During the operation of the pre-emission means, an integration circuit for integrating the photometric output of the light receiving element, and a determination means for determining whether or not proper imaging can be obtained with the built-in strobe light emission based on an output value of the integration circuit, If the above-mentioned determination means determines that proper imaging can be obtained with the built-in flash, select the built-in flash, and if it is determined that proper imaging cannot be obtained with the built-in flash, select an external flash. And a main light emission control unit for controlling main light emission by the strobe selected by the selection means.

(2) An external strobe connected to the camera body, a built-in strobe built in the camera body, a pre-light emitting means for irradiating a predetermined amount of light to a subject prior to an imaging operation, and a light receiving element An integrating circuit for integrating the photometric output of the light receiving element during the operation of the pre-emission means, and a judging means for judging whether proper imaging can be obtained by the built-in strobe light emission based on an output value of the integrating circuit. If it is determined by the above-described determination means that proper imaging can be obtained with the built-in flash, the built-in flash is selected, and if it is determined that proper imaging cannot be obtained with the built-in flash, an external flash is used. A flash system for a camera, comprising: a selection unit for selecting, and a control unit for performing pre-emission with the external flash again when the external flash is selected by the selection unit.

[0064]

As described above, according to the present invention, even if the subject is in a range where illumination light from a small strobe device (built-in strobe device) provided inside the camera body cannot reach, the subject can be automatically set. By switching to an external strobe device and taking a picture, it is possible to provide a strobe system for a camera that can easily perform proper photographing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a flash system of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of a release operation of the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a flash system of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of a release operation of the camera of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of a release operation of the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Camera 2.2A External strobe device 2a Light emitting table 3. Control circuit (preliminary light emitting means / judging means / selecting means /
(Main light emission control means / control means) 4 strobe light emission circuit 5 built-in strobe light emission unit 6 photographing lens system 7 light receiving element (CCD) 8 A / D conversion circuit 9 integration circuit 10 ... Shooting mode setting means 11 ... Release switch 12 ... External strobe light emitting unit 13 ... Dimming circuit Sa ... Mounting signal Sb ... Emission control signal

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An external strobe device detachably disposed in a camera body, a built-in strobe device disposed inside the camera body, and a predetermined amount of illumination light directed to a subject prior to a photographing operation. Preliminary light emitting means for controlling the built-in strobe device so as to emit light; a light receiving element for receiving reflected light from a subject; an integrating circuit for integrating the photometric output of the light receiving element during operation of the preliminary light emitting means; Determining means for determining whether or not an appropriate image can be obtained with the illumination light of the built-in flash device based on the output value of the circuit; and which of the built-in flash device and the external flash device to use And a main light emission control means for controlling the strobe device selected by the selection means to perform a main light emission operation, wherein the selection means comprises: If it is determined by the disconnection means that an appropriate image can be obtained by the light emission of the built-in flash device, the built-in flash device is selected, and the proper image cannot be obtained by the light emission of the built-in flash device by the determination means. If it is determined that the external flash device is selected, the main light emission control means is controlled to perform a main light emission operation using the selected strobe device. Strobe system. 2. An external strobe device detachably provided in a camera body, a built-in strobe device provided inside the camera body, and a predetermined amount of illumination light directed to a subject prior to a photographing operation. Preliminary light emitting means for controlling the built-in strobe device so as to emit light; a light receiving element for receiving reflected light from a subject; an integrating circuit for integrating the photometric output of the light receiving element during operation of the preliminary light emitting means; Determining means for determining whether an appropriate image can be obtained with the illumination light of the built-in flash device based on the output value of the circuit; and determining whether the built-in flash device and the external flash device are based on the determination result of the determining means. Selecting means for selecting which strobe device to use; main light emission control means for controlling the strobe device selected by the selecting means to perform a main light emitting operation; Serial when the external flash device is selected by the selection means, a camera flash system, characterized by comprising control means for controlling so as to perform again the preliminary light emitting operation by the external flash device.