JP2000305133A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera capable of setting a photographing mode suitable to such the case the photographer takes his/her own picture. SOLUTION: In the case a self-portrait mode is set, the self portrait of the photographer carrying the camera is appropriately photographed by fixing the focal position and the diaphragm value of a photographic lens, irrespectively of range finding and/or photometry results. At normal photographing, the range finding result and the photometry result are validated by releasing the self- portrait mode, then, the focal position of the photographic lens and the diaphragm value, etc., are made appropriate to photograph the normal object.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly, to a camera capable of taking a photographer who holds the camera as a subject.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In ordinary photographing using a camera,
The photographer looks at the viewfinder of the camera, selects a desired subject, and performs a shutter release with an optimal shutter chance. The camera has a configuration suitable for such shooting, and more specifically, a finder is provided at a position where the photographer holding the camera can look through the eyes,
A release button is provided at a position where the index finger of the right hand holding the camera is just over the finger. Therefore, it can be said that the camera is not originally configured to photograph the photographer himself.

[0003] On the other hand, there are cases where a photographer desires to be himself a subject. In such a case, the photographer sets the camera on a tripod and performs photographing using a self-timer mechanism or a remote-controlled release mechanism, or performs photographing by requesting a person other than the photographer, depending on the situation. The photographing mode was appropriately selected.

[0004]

However, since the tripod is heavier and more bulky than the camera, it is inconvenient for the photographer to always carry it. You can't always use a tripod. In addition, in the photographing using the self-timer mechanism, there is a problem in that it is difficult to perform photographing while capturing an optimal shutter chance. Further, there is a case where only the photographer exists at a place where photographing is desired, and in such a case, it is impossible to request a person other than the photographer to photograph.

[0005] On the other hand, it is possible to take a picture of the photographer himself by holding the camera of the prior art to the photographer himself while holding the camera only with his left hand, and extending his arm as far as possible. However, in such photographing, since the photographer who is the subject is in front of the camera, he cannot look through the viewfinder. Therefore, for example, it is impossible to confirm whether or not the distance measuring infrared ray of the infrared distance measuring device is irradiated to the user. If the distance measuring infrared rays are not irradiated to the photographer, erroneous measurement of the subject distance may be performed, and an out-of-focus image may be photographed. In addition, when the camera is gripped with only one hand, there is a problem that camera shake easily occurs.

[0006] Therefore, there is a concept that photographing conditions such as a focus position and an aperture of a photographing lens are fixed in a camera. However, such a camera is dedicated to photographing a photographer who holds the camera, and cannot be used for other photographing, which is inconvenient. Therefore, it is preferable that the photographing conditions can be changed in the camera so that normal photographing can be performed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and provides a camera capable of setting a photographing mode suitable for photographing a photographer himself or a camera having improved operability of such a camera. The purpose is to:

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer who holds the camera. Is set, and when the self-portrait shooting mode is set, shooting is performed without performing at least one of distance measurement and photometry.

A camera according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a zoom lens and is capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer holding the camera. When the self-portrait shooting mode is set, the zoom lens is moved to a predetermined position as a predetermined shooting condition.

A camera according to a third aspect of the present invention is a camera having a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer holding the camera, and having a variable focal length, When the self-portrait photographing mode is set, the photographing lens is fixed at a predetermined focal length.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer holding the camera. When the mode is set, a predetermined photographing condition is set irrespective of the result of distance measurement and / or photometry.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer who holds the camera. A mirror member for visually recognizing the reflected image of the photographer, and a displacement member for displacing the mirror member between a visually recognizable state in which the image can be visually recognized and a non-visible state in which the image cannot be visually recognized. Driving means for driving the displacement member so as to displace the mirror member to the visible state in response to the setting of the self-portrait photographing mode.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer holding the camera. A mirror member for visually recognizing the reflected image of the photographer, and a displacement member for displacing the mirror member between a visually recognizable state in which the image can be visually recognized and a non-visible state in which the image cannot be visually recognized. Wherein the self-portrait photographing mode is set in response to the mirror member being displaced to the visible state.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the photographer holding the camera moves between a reflection position where the reflected image of the photographer himself can be visually recognized and a non-reflection position different from the reflection position. A possible mirror member is provided, and the power switch of the camera is turned on in response to the movement of the mirror member to the reflection position.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer holding the camera. A mirror member can be attached at a reflection position where a user can visually recognize the reflected image of the photographer himself, and in response to the mirror member being attached to the camera, the self-portrait photographing is performed. The mode is set.

[0016]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer himself holding the camera. When the rate shooting mode is set, shooting is performed without performing at least one of distance measurement and photometry. For example, by fixing the focus position and aperture value of the shooting lens to predetermined values, the photographer holding the camera himself Images can be appropriately captured. On the other hand, when performing normal shooting, by canceling the self-portrait shooting mode, for example, by performing distance measurement or photometry, the focusing position of the shooting lens, the aperture value, etc. are suitable for shooting a normal subject. Value.

According to the camera of the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera having a zoom lens and capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing the photographer who holds the camera. When the self-portrait shooting mode is set, the zoom lens is zoomed to a predetermined position as a predetermined shooting condition. For example, by holding the zoom position of the zoom lens on the wide side, the user can hold the camera. The photographer himself / herself can be appropriately photographed. On the other hand, when performing normal shooting, by releasing the self-portrait shooting mode, the zoom lens can be zoomed to the zoom position intended by the photographer, thereby making it suitable for shooting a normal subject. Become.

Further, when the self-portrait photographing mode is set, if the zoom movement of the zoom lens other than the zoom movement of the zoom lens to a predetermined position is prohibited, for example, the zoom position of the zoom lens is inadvertently set. It is possible to prevent the focusing range which may occur as a result of moving to the telephoto side from being narrowed.

Therefore, it is preferable that the predetermined position is on the wide side of the zoom lens.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera having a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer who holds the camera, and having a variable focal length. When the self-portrait photographing mode is set, the photographing lens is fixed at a predetermined focal length. For example, the focal position of the photographing lens is fixed to be equal to the length of the arm of the photographer holding the camera. Thus, the image of the photographer himself holding the camera can be appropriately photographed. On the other hand, when performing normal photographing, by releasing the self-portrait photographing mode, the photographing lens can be driven to focus on the focal position intended by the photographer, so that it is suitable for photographing a normal subject. become.

Further, it is preferable that the predetermined focal length is set at a position where the focal length of the photographing lens is on the wide side, since a focusing range is widened.

It is preferable that the predetermined focal length be at the wide end of the photographing lens, since the focusing range is maximized.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer who holds the camera. When the rate shooting mode is set, regardless of the distance measurement and / or photometry result,
Since predetermined photographing conditions are set, for example, by fixing the focus position and aperture value of the photographing lens as the predetermined photographing conditions, it is possible to appropriately photograph an image of the photographer holding the camera. . On the other hand, when performing normal shooting, by canceling the self-portrait shooting mode, for example, the distance measurement result and the photometry result can be made valid, thereby setting the focus position and the aperture value of the shooting lens to the normal value. The value can be set to a value suitable for photographing a subject.

Further, it is preferable that the focusing position of the photographing lens is set to a predetermined position regardless of the result of the distance measurement, because the photographing lens does not move according to the result of the distance measurement. .

The predetermined position is defined as a condition that the subject distance is 0.
If it is a position that focuses on a subject that is 5 to 0.6 m,
Since the length of the arm is equal to or close to the length of the photographer's arm holding the camera, it is easy to focus and is preferable.

Further, if the light emission of the red-eye reducing illuminant is prohibited as the predetermined photographing condition, for example, the red-eye reducing illuminant is used as a notifying means for notifying the setting of the self-portrait photographing mode different from the original purpose. It is possible,
This is preferable because the outer surface of the camera body can be used effectively.

Preferably, the red-eye reduction illuminant is a red-eye reduction lamp or flash.

Further, the camera is capable of inputting a signal from a remote-controlled release device, and as long as the predetermined photographing condition enables a shutter release in accordance with a signal from the release device. The camera shake can be suppressed.

Further, the camera can change the size of a photographing frame, and if a predetermined photographing frame is set as the predetermined photographing condition, for example, a wide film surface can be exposed. This is preferable because the risk of missing the subject image is thereby reduced.

From this viewpoint, the predetermined photographing frame is
The size is preferably a size excluding the panorama size, more preferably the predetermined image frame is a full size, and further preferably the high frame size is a high-vision size.

Further, if the set self-portrait photographing mode is released in response to a predetermined operation, the camera is easy to use and a more user-friendly camera is provided.

From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the predetermined operation is a shutter release, an operation of turning off a power switch of the camera, and an operation of turning on a film rewind switch.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer who holds the camera. A mirror member for visually recognizing the reflected image of the photographer himself, and a displacement for displacing the mirror member between a visually recognizable state in which the image can be visually recognized and a non-visible state in which the image cannot be visually recognized. A self-portrait photographing device that includes a member and a driving unit that drives the displacement member so as to displace the mirror member to the viewable state in response to the setting of the self-portrait photographing mode. When the mode is set, even if the photographer does not drive the mirror member himself,
As a photographer holding the camera, the image of the photographer himself reflected on the mirror member can be visually recognized,
Since the driving means displaces the mirror member to a visible state, the photographer can judge whether or not the photographer is within the photographing frame while holding the camera, and the operability is more excellent. A user friendly camera is provided.

On the other hand, when the mirror member is displaced from the unrecognizable state to the recognizable state based on the intention of the photographer, the photographer intends to photograph the photographer himself close to the camera. Can be considered.
Therefore, according to the camera of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the self-portrait shooting mode is set in response to the mirror member being displaced to the viewable state. Even if the mode is not set, such a shooting mode is set according to the photographer's intention, so that a user-friendly camera with better operability is provided.

Further, if the set self-portrait photographing mode is released in response to the mirror member being displaced from the visible state to the non-visible state, it is convenient and more user-friendly. A camera is provided.

Further, when the self-portrait photographing mode is released, if the mirror member is displaced from the visible state to the non-visible state, a user-friendly and more user-friendly camera is provided.

Further, the camera is capable of changing the photographing frame, and if a display means for displaying information on the photographing frame is provided on the mirror member or the displacement member, the photographer can change the photographing frame. The size of the frame and the like can be grasped, and more accurate shooting can be performed.

Similarly, when the mirror member is displaced from the unrecognizable state to the recognizable state based on the intention of the photographer, the photographer attempts to photograph the photographer himself close to the camera. Can be considered. Therefore, according to the camera of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the power switch of the camera is turned on in response to the mirror member being displaced to the viewable state. Even without doing so, the power switch is turned on in accordance with the photographer's intention, so that a user-friendly camera with better operability is provided.

In addition, it is conceivable to improve the portability of the camera by making the mirror member detachable from the camera. In such a case, when the mirror member is mounted in the viewable state based on the intention of the photographer, it can be considered that the photographer intends to photograph the photographer himself close to the camera. Therefore, according to the camera of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the self-portrait photographing mode is set in response to the mirror member being mounted in the viewable state, so that the photographer himself can perform self-portrait photographing. Even if the mode is not set, such a shooting mode is set according to the photographer's intention, so that a user-friendly camera with better operability is provided.

Furthermore, if the set self-portrait photographing mode is released in response to the removal of the mirror member from the camera, it is convenient to use.
A more user-friendly camera is provided.

If the photographer has a notifying means for notifying the photographer that the self-portrait photographing mode is set, the photographer is set to the self-portrait photographing mode by the notice of the notifying means. And it is preferable.

[0042] If the notifying means is a light emitting means provided on the front of the camera and illuminated based on the setting of the self-portrait shooting mode, the photographer can visually set the self-portrait shooting mode. Is preferable.

From this point of view, it is preferable that the light-emitting means also be used as a lamp, particularly a red-eye reduction lamp or a self-timer lamp, because the outer surface of the camera body can be effectively used.

[0044]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, a "self portrait (photographing) mode" refers to using a tripod. Instead, it refers to a photographing mode suitable for photographing the photographer himself holding the camera.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the CPU 1 of the camera
A power supply circuit 2, an LCD display panel 3, a distance measuring circuit 4,
Photometry circuit 5, red-eye reduction drive circuit 6, flash circuit 7, lens drive circuit 8, film feed circuit 9, shutter drive circuit 10, photographing frame switch 11
, Mirror detection switch 12 and rewind switch 1
3, a mode switch 14, and a zoom operation switch 15
, A release switch 16, a main switch 17,
The mirror driving switch 18, the mirror driving circuit 19, and the remote control light receiving circuit 20 are connected. On the basis of the ON operation of the main switch 17, the CPU 1 can start the following control relating to photographing.

When it is desired to perform photographing in the normal photographing mode, the photographer operates the mode switch 14 to the "normal (photographing) mode" side so that the CPU 1 sets the normal photographing mode. However, in the present embodiment, actually, the “normal mode” is automatically set by turning on the main switch 17.
By operating the zoom operation switch 15, the photographer can zoom up or down a photographing lens (not shown) having a zoom function to arbitrarily determine the size of an image photographed on film. Wear.

Thereafter, in response to a signal from a release switch 16 based on half-pressing of a shutter release button (not shown), the CPU 1 measures the luminance of the subject by the photometric circuit 5 and drives the distance measuring circuit 4 to activate the subject. The lens driving circuit 8 is controlled so that a photographing lens (not shown) is driven to a focusing position based on the measured distance to the subject. In this embodiment, the focusing drive and the zoom movement of the taking lens are performed by the same motor.

Further, the CPU 1 responds to a signal from the release switch 16 based on the full-pressing of the shutter release button, and uses a shutter speed and an aperture value determined based on the photometric result from the photometric circuit 5 to use an aperture / shutter (not shown). The shutter drive circuit 10 is controlled so as to drive the shutter. CPU
1 drives a film (not shown) via the film feeding circuit 9 after photographing, and performs a winding operation by one frame. When all frames that can be photographed are photographed, or when the rewind switch 12 is operated, the film feeding circuit 9 winds the film. In addition, CPU
1 can also perform shutter release by inputting a signal from a remote device (not shown) via the remote control light receiving circuit 20.

Further, when it is determined based on the photometry result of the photometry circuit 5 that the field brightness is low, the CPU 1 drives the flash circuit 7 to emit a flash. In such a case, in a so-called flashmatic control, instead of always maximizing the amount of flash light emission, the amount of exposure to the film surface is adjusted by adjusting the aperture value at the time of flash light emission. ing.

On the other hand, when it is desired to perform photographing in the self portrait mode, the photographer switches the mode switch 14 to the "self portrait mode" side so that the CPU 1 sets the self portrait mode. Becomes

Since the subject photographed in the self portrait mode is the photographer himself holding the camera, the subject distance can be set to a short distance. Even if it deviates, the photographer can be brought into focus. In order to increase the depth of field, it is preferable to set the aperture value to the small aperture side. Further, it is preferable to increase the shutter speed in order to cope with the fact that the camera shake is likely to be caused by holding the camera with one hand. In order to compensate for an exposure amount that is reduced by increasing the shutter speed, it is preferable to perform flash emission regardless of the luminance of the field.

As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 1 forcibly sets the following photographing conditions in accordance with the switching of the mode switch to the self portrait mode. (1) The lens drive circuit 8 is driven to set the zoom position to the wide end side, so that the photographic image frame matches the reflection range of the later-described visual recognition mirror. It is preferable that the size of the photographic image frame is slightly larger than the reflection range of the viewing mirror so that the photographer can surely photograph the range that he or she actually wants to photograph. (2) By driving the lens driving circuit 8, the focusing position of the photographing lens is adjusted so that the object distance is 0.4 to 1.0 m, more preferably 0.5 to 0.6 m (in the present embodiment, 0.5 to 0.6 m).
55 m) is set at a position where the subject is in focus, and defocusing due to erroneous distance measurement due to deviation of the distance measurement light is prevented. (3) The shutter drive circuit 10 is driven to forcibly set the aperture toward the small aperture to increase the depth of field. More specifically, according to the sensitivity of the film loaded in the camera, F22 is set if the ISO sensitivity of the film is 400 or more, and F16 is set if the ISO sensitivity of the film is less than 400. (4) The flash circuit 7 is driven to emit a flash light in response to a shutter release (so-called daytime synchro).
Is performed to compensate for the reduced exposure amount according to the small aperture setting.

On the other hand, as other photographing conditions, it is conceivable that red-eye reduction operations such as a red-eye reduction lamp and flash pre-emission are prohibited so that shutter release can be performed at an appropriate timing. This is because the red-eye effect is unlikely to occur because the subject distance is short. In addition, if the release button is pressed while holding the camera with one hand, a camera shake is likely to occur.Therefore, it may be possible to receive a remote release signal using infrared rays or the like, thereby minimizing the camera shake. .

In addition, it is difficult to imagine a situation where the photographer always shoots himself, and when switching to the self-portrait mode, photographing conditions different from those in normal photographing are set. Irrespective of this, it is desirable to release the self-portrait mode under certain conditions to avoid unintended photographing by the photographer due to forgetting to release the mode. As such a condition, it is conceivable to cancel the self-portrait mode every time one image is shot. On the other hand, there are cases where it is desired to continuously shoot the photographer himself, but in such a case, the self-portrait mode is canceled by turning off the main switch in order to avoid the trouble of setting the mode each time the photographer shoots. It is possible to do. Further, for example, when the photographer performs a zoom movement when the self-portrait mode is set, it is considered that the photographer no longer intends to perform photographing in the self-portrait mode, and the mode is released. Further, if the photographer turns on the rewind switch when the self-portrait mode is set, it is unlikely that the photographer will continuously perform photography in the self-portrait mode. .

Next, a specific operation according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to a flowchart. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the operation of the camera according to the present embodiment.

In response to the ON operation of the main switch 17 performed in step S101 of FIG. 2, the CPU 1
In step S102, the lens driving circuit 8 is driven to move the taking lens to the initial position, that is, the zoom wide position. In the following step S104, the CPU
1 determines whether or not the rewind switch 13 has been turned on, and if it is determined that the rewind switch 13 has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S1.
At 05, the self portrait mode flag is turned off.

Further, in step S106, the CPU 1 initializes the display on the LCD display panel 3 (that is, resets the number of shots). In step S107, the CPU 1 drives the film feeding circuit 9 to rewind the film. . After that, the flow moves to step S103, where the CPU 1 waits for all switches to be turned off, and then returns to step S104 again.

In step S104, the CPU 1
If it is determined that the rewind switch 13 has not been turned on, in the following step S108, it is determined whether or not the zoom button 15 has been operated to perform zoom-up. If it is determined that the zoom button 15 has been operated, in step S109, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the self-portrait mode has been set based on the flag. The flow moves to step S112.

If it is determined in step S109 that the self-portrait mode is not set based on the flag, the CPU 1 drives the lens driving circuit 8 unless the zoom position is at the telephoto end (step S110).
A zoom-up operation is performed (step S111), and the flow returns to step S103. If the zoom position is at the telephoto end, the flow moves to step S112.

Further, in step S112, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the zoom button 15 has been operated to perform zoom-down. If it is determined that the zoom button 15 has been operated, the CPU 1 drives the lens drive circuit 8 to perform a zoom-down operation (step S11) unless the zoom position is at the wide end (step S110).
4), the flow returns to step S103. If it is the wide end, the flow moves to step S115.

The CPU 1 determines in step S115
It is determined whether or not the mode switch 14 has been turned on.
If it is determined that the ON operation has been performed, the CPU 1 sequentially switches the mode in step S116. Further, in step S117, CPU 1 determines whether or not the self portrait mode has been set. If it is determined that the self portrait mode is set, the CPU
1 turns on the self portrait mode flag in step S121, and stores the zoom position and the screen size in step S122. Here, CPU1
However, the reason why the zoom position and the screen size are stored is to quickly return to the previous setting when the mode is further switched.

Hereinafter, as described above, the CPU 1 sets the photographing conditions according to the self-portrait mode. That is, in step S123, the CPU 1 drives the lens driving circuit 8 to set the zoom position to the wide end. Further, in step S124, the CPU 1 sets the photographed image frame to the full size which is the maximum size. In the present embodiment, since the maximum size of the photographed image frame is H (high definition size), it is set to H (high definition size). When a mirror, which will be described in detail later, is provided so as to be tiltable up and down, the CPU may be used.
1 performs a mirror-up operation in step S125. Thereafter, the flow returns to step S103.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S117 that the self-portrait mode is not set, the CPU 1 turns off the self-portrait mode flag in step S126, and further sets the zoom position and the screen size to the stored zoom position and screen size. Perform resetting (step S12)
7, S128). Further, when the above-described mirror is provided in the camera, the CPU 1 performs a mirror-down operation in step S129. Then the flow goes to step 103
Return to.

CPU 1 determines in step S 115
If it is determined that the mode switch 14 has not been turned on, it is determined in step S118 whether the self portrait mode has been set. If the self-portrait mode has been set, the CPU 1 determines in step S119 whether or not the mirror drive switch 18 has been turned on. If the mirror drive switch 18 has not been turned on, the flow proceeds to step S described above.
Go to 126. On the other hand, if the mirror drive switch 18 has been turned on, the flow proceeds to step S described later.
Move to 130.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S118 that the self-portrait mode has not been set, the CPU 1 determines in step S120 whether or not the mirror drive switch 18 has been turned on. If the mirror drive switch 18 has been turned on, the flow moves to step S121 described above. On the other hand, if the mirror drive switch 18 is not turned on, C
PU1 is ready to receive a remote control release signal from the outside via remote control light-receiving circuit 20 in subsequent step S130.

If a remote control release signal is received in step S130, the remote control flag is turned on in step S138, and the flow shifts to a release sequence subroutine (step S132). Alternatively, without receiving the remote control release signal in step S130, the release switch 16
Is also half-pressed (that is, S1 is on), the flow shifts to a release sequence subroutine (step S132). The release sequence subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.

If the remote control release signal has not been received and the release switch 16 has not been half-pressed, the CPU 1 determines in step S133 whether the main switch 17 has been turned off. If the main switch 17 is on, the flow returns to step S104. On the other hand, when determining that the main switch 17 has been turned off, the CPU 1 proceeds to step S1.
If the self-portrait mode is set at 34, for example, the self-portrait mode is released, and step S13 is executed.
At 5, the lens driving circuit 8 is driven to retract the taking lens to facilitate storage.

Further, in step S136, the CPU 1 cuts off the power supply to the LCD display panel 3 to turn off the display, and if the mirror is in the up state, the flow proceeds to step S13.
At 7, this is brought down. In such a state,
The CPU 1 waits for the main switch 17 to be turned on again.

Next, the release sequence will be described. In step S201 of FIG. 3, in response to the half-press of the release switch 16 (S1), the CPU 1 causes the photometric circuit 5 to perform a photometric operation, and based on that, executes step S20.
In 2, the shutter time is set.

The CPU 1 determines in step S203
It is determined whether the self-portrait mode is set. When the self-portrait mode is set, the CPU 1 turns on the flash flag in step S204, and in step S205, controls the lens driving circuit 8 so that the subject with the subject distance of 0.55 m is focused. To drive the photographing lens in focus. Thereafter, the flow proceeds to step S210 without performing the distance measurement.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the self-portrait mode is not set, the CPU 1 determines the field luminance in step S206, and only if the luminance is lower than the predetermined luminance, the CPU 1 determines in step S203
At 207, the flash flag is turned on.

Further, the CPU 1 causes the distance measuring circuit 4 to perform a distance measuring operation in step S208, and determines a lens driving amount in step S209 based on the operation. CP
U1 determines in S210 that a remote control release signal has been received from the outside via the remote control light receiving circuit 20.

If a remote control release signal has been received in step S210, the flow moves to step S213. On the other hand, when the remote control release signal is not received, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the release switch 16 is half-pressed in step S211. If the release switch 16 is neither half-pressed nor fully-pressed, the flow exits the release sequence routine.

Further, in step S212, the CPU 1 waits for the release switch 16 to be fully pressed (S2 ON), and in response to the full depression of the release switch 16,
In the following step S213, lens driving is performed based on the lens driving amount set in step S205 or step S209.

Subsequently, in step S214, CPU 1 determines whether or not the self portrait mode is set. If the self-portrait mode has been set, the flow moves to step S217. On the other hand, when determining that the self-portrait mode is not set, the CPU 1 determines in step S215 that the self-portrait mode is not set.
If it is determined that the flash flag is on, the red-eye reduction driving circuit 6 is driven to turn on the red-eye lamp (red-eye reduction lamp) (step S216). If it is determined that the flash flag is off, the red-eye lamp is not turned on. S2
At 17, the shutter drive circuit 10 is driven to open the shutter.

If the CPU 1 determines in step S218 that the flash flag is ON, the CPU 1 drives the flash circuit 7 to emit a flash (step S218).
219) If it is determined that the flash flag is off, the shutter drive circuit 10 is driven to close the shutter in step S220 without emitting the flash.

In step S221, the CPU 1 drives the lens drive circuit 8 to return the taking lens, and in step S2
At 22, the film feeding circuit 9 is driven to wind up the film by one frame. Further, the CPU 1 determines in step S22
At 3, the capacitor of the flash circuit 7 is charged in preparation for the next flash photography. When canceling the self-portrait mode each time one-frame shooting is completed, the CPU 1 cancels the self-portrait mode flag in step S224. Furthermore, CPU1
Initializes the display on the LCD display panel 3 in step S225. Thereafter, the flow leaves the release sequence subroutine.

Incidentally, when photographing the photographer himself in the self-portrait mode, it is convenient to be able to visually check whether he or she is within the photographing frame of the camera. Therefore, the camera according to the present embodiment includes a mirror that allows a photographer to see himself / herself. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the camera in a state in which the mirror is raised to the reflection position, that is, a state in which the photographer holding the camera can visually recognize the image of himself reflected by the mirror. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of FIG.
It is the figure cut | disconnected by the V line and seen in the arrow direction.

In FIG. 4, a mirror cover 102 serving also as a displacement member for displacing a mirror is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 101 between a visible state in which the photographer's own image can be visually recognized and an invisible state in which the image of the photographer cannot be visually recognized. It is attached so that it can rotate around the edge. At the reflection position shown in FIG. 4, a mirror M, which is a convex mirror, is mounted in front of the mirror lid 102. The curvature of the mirror M is set so that the range of the mirror M and the image frame of the camera whose zoom position is at the wide end match when the photographer holding the camera observes the image.

In FIG. 5, a fixed gear 102a is formed at the lower end of the mirror cover 102. Fixed gear 102a
Is connected via a gear train 112 to a pinion 111a arranged on a rotation shaft of a motor 111 as a driving means so as to be able to transmit power. If the rotation axis of the motor 111 rotates forward, the fixed gear 102a rotates to raise the mirror cover 102, while if the rotation axis of the motor 111 rotates reversely,
The fixed gear 102a is inverted so that the mirror lid 102 is lowered.

A mirror down switch 120 and a mirror up switch 121 constituting the mirror detection switch 12 are provided inside the camera body 101. The mirror lid 102 is one of the invisible states in which the photographer holding the camera cannot see the image reflected by the mirror.
When the camera goes down to the storage position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 5, a part of the mirror cover 102 presses the mirror down switch 120, whereby the mirror down can be detected. When the mirror lid 102 is raised to the reflection position shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, the lower end of the mirror lid 102 is
3, the mirror-up switch 121 is pressed, whereby the mirror-up can be detected.
In the present embodiment, the mirror down switch 120
Although both the mirror-up switch 121 and the mirror-up switch 121 are mechanical switches, it is needless to say that a photoelectric switch such as a photo reflector can also be used. In addition, it is also possible to provide a configuration in which only one switch is provided without detecting the two switches to detect and control the state of the mirror.

In this embodiment, when the self-portrait mode is set, the CPU 1 drives the motor 111 to drive the mirror cover 102 to the reflection position shown in FIGS. At the reflection position, when photographing the photographer himself holding the camera, the photographer can visually check the mirror M to determine whether or not he or she fits within the photographing image frame. On the other hand, when the self-portrait mode is released, the CPU 1 drives the motor 111 to drive the mirror lid 102 to a storage position in close contact with the upper surface of the camera body 101. Thus, the mirror M is not in the way during normal shooting or when the camera is stored.

Further, before the self-portrait mode is set, in response to the photographer turning on the drive switch (not shown), the mirror up switch 121 is moved to the reflection position by the mirror up switch 121. The self-portrait mode can be set in response to the detection of. In such a case, the self portrait mode can be released in response to the mirror down switch 120 detecting that the mirror lid 102 has moved to the storage position.

In addition, when the photographer manually turns the mirror cover 102 to the reflection position while the power of the camera is turned off, the rotation is detected in response to the detection of the mirror up switch 121, and The camera can be turned on and the self-portrait mode can be set.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operation of rotating the mirror cover 102 assumes that the photographer intends to perform photographing in the self-portrait mode,
Since the power of the camera is turned on or the self-portrait mode is set, a user-friendly camera whose operation is simplified can be provided.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a display showing a photographing image frame is added to the mirror cover 102 as a modification of the present embodiment. Below the mirror lid 102, small films cut into small "C", "H", and "P" shapes are provided, and an LED (not shown) is disposed inside the film. The LED is turned on in accordance with the image frame (conventional size, high definition size, panorama size) set on the camera side.
Note that a display line DL indicating the image frame may be stamped on the surface of the mirror M instead of or together with the display.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another modified example of the display means for displaying the image frame. Such display means is formed from the LCD panel 104, and is provided, for example, on the front surface of the mirror M in FIG. Around the LCD panel 104, there are provided discoloration areas 1 to 3 which can be selectively blackened (or whitened) in accordance with a photographing frame set on the camera side based on power supply.

When the high-definition size is selected, none of the discolored areas 1 to 3 shown in FIG.
The whole becomes visible. On the other hand, when the conventional size is selected, the discolored areas 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 7 are blackened, so that only the area of the mirror M similar to the conventional size can be visually recognized. Further, when the panorama size is selected, the discolored areas 1 and 3 shown in FIG. 7 are blackened, so that only the area of the mirror M similar to the panorama size can be visually recognized. Note that attaching the LCD panel 104 to the mirror lid 102 also rotates the LCD panel 104. In such a case, the drive circuit of the LCD panel 104 is attached via a flexible substrate (not shown) to allow the LCD panel 104 to rotate. A movable configuration can be provided. As described above, according to the configurations of FIGS. 6 and 7, the effective reflection area of the mirror is displayed according to the shooting frame set on the camera side. It is possible to determine whether or not the user is in the house.

It is also conceivable that the mirror M has a structure separate from the camera. A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 8 and 9 are views showing the mirror unit according to the present embodiment, FIG. 8 is a view showing the mirror in an upright state, and FIG. 9 is a view showing the mirror in a downside state. The mirror unit will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 8, the mirror unit 310
A pair of legs 311 extending in the vertical direction, a connecting portion 312 connecting the upper ends of the legs 311, a supporting portion 313 extending forward from the center of the connecting portion 312, and supported by the supporting portion 313. The frame 314 includes a frame 314 and a mirror 315 that is a convex mirror fitted into the frame 314. The curvature of the mirror 315 is set so that the area of the mirror 315 and the image frame of the camera to which the mirror unit 310 is attached match when the photographer holding the camera observes the image.

In the vicinity of the lower end of the leg 311, recesses 311 a facing each other are formed. A joint 312a between the connecting portion 312 and the leg 311 has a smooth curved surface in accordance with the upper edge of the rear surface of the camera to be mounted. As shown in FIG. 9, the support portion 313 has a pair of support arms 313a extending forward, and an opening 313b whose axis extends in the horizontal direction is provided at the front end of each support arm 313a. I have.

The frame 314 has a pair of pivots 314c at the lower end thereof, which extend in the horizontal direction to face each other. Axis 31
4c is fitted into the opening 313b, so that the frame 31
4 is attached to the support part 313 so as to be able to rotate (tilt). If a click mechanism (not shown) for restricting the rotation of the frame 314 and the support 313 is provided, the frame 314 and the support 313 can be held in the respective states shown in FIGS. For example, there is no danger of inadvertent tilting due to, for example, its own weight. The frame portion 314 has a shallow rectangular recess 314a on the front side in the state shown in FIG. 8, and has a horizontally long protrusion 314b on the upper edge. The mirror 315 fitted into the recess 314a of the frame portion 314 has a vertical length shorter than the horizontal length, and has a shape similar to a so-called high-definition picture size.

The mirror 315 has four indices 3 each.
15a and 315b are engraved or printed. A rectangular frame formed by connecting the opposing indices 315a has a shape similar to a so-called conventional size photograph size. On the other hand, the opposing index 315b
Are formed in a shape similar to a so-called panorama-size photograph size.
To what kind of photo size these indices 315a and 315b correspond, inscribed or printed together with a code such as "C" for conventional size or "P" for panoramic size, close to the index. Can be.

The mirror unit according to the present embodiment comprises:
When attached to a camera and photographing a photographer who holds the camera, the photographer is used to determine whether or not he or she fits within the photographing image frame. In the present embodiment, when taking a picture in high definition size,
An image reflected on the entire mirror 315 at the reflection position is exposed on the film. Therefore, the photographer may perform the release operation after confirming that the subject and the subject to be photographed are within the mirror 315. On the other hand, when a conventional size or a panoramic size is desired, if a subject including the subject is confirmed to be within the rectangular frame divided by the indicators 315a and 315b and the release operation is performed, the corresponding subject is captured. You can get a photo.

FIGS. 10 to 12 are views showing the mirror unit 310 according to the present embodiment attached to a camera. FIG. 10 is a front view, FIG. 11 is a rear view, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged viewfinder portion of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the mirror unit 31
0 is a finder unit 3 arranged on the back of the camera 320
21. More specifically, in the upper part of the rear surface of the camera 320, the finder 321 protruding into a rectangular plate shape has projections 321a formed on both sides near the lower end thereof. In the state where the mirror 315 is attached to the reflection position shown in FIGS. Have been. Although not shown, the mirror unit 310 can be tilted to the storage position shown in FIG. 9 in a state where the mirror unit 310 is attached to the camera 320.

As shown in FIG. 11, the mirror unit 310 is mounted on the camera 320 from above, and the viewfinder 32 is inserted into the recess 311a of the leg 311.
By engaging the one projection 321a, the mirror unit 310 is detachably attached to the camera 320 and is prevented from being accidentally pulled out. still,
It is also conceivable to provide a projection on the leg 311 and provide a recess in the finder 321 which engages with the projection.

In FIG. 13, near the lower end of the leg 311 (shown by a dotted line) of the mirror unit 310 at the mounting position, the recess 3 formed in the finder 321 is formed.
A detection switch 330 is arranged in 21b.
The detection switch 330 includes a detection piece 33 that protrudes in the horizontal direction.
0a. Before the mirror unit 310 is attached, the detection piece 330a is in the protruding position shown in FIG.
When attached to 21, it is retracted from the protruding position to the detection position by being pushed from the leg 311 indicated by the dotted line. By electrically detecting this, the attachment of the mirror unit 310 can be detected.

According to the present embodiment, if the detection switch 330 detects that the photographer has attached the mirror unit 310 to the camera 320 before the self portrait mode is set in the camera 320, the detection switch 330 responds accordingly. You can also set the self portrait mode. In such a case, removal of the mirror unit 310
In response to the detection by the detection switch 330, the self-portrait mode can be released.

The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be appropriately modified and improved. is there. For example, without using a mirror,
Shooting in self portrait mode is possible,
In such a case, it is convenient if the photographer holding the camera can be notified from the front of the camera whether or not the self portrait mode is set. As such a notifying means, when the self-portrait mode is set, for example, a light emitting means such as a red-eye reduction lamp or a self-timer lamp may blink at a cycle different from the original lighting cycle. Further, a dedicated display for confirming the set mode from the front of the camera may be provided.

[0100]

According to the camera of the present invention, a camera capable of setting a photographing mode suitable for photographing a photographer himself,
Alternatively, a camera with improved operability of such a camera can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the camera in a state where a mirror is raised to a reflection position.

FIG. 5 is a view of the configuration of FIG. 4 cut along a line VV and viewed in a direction of an arrow.

FIG. 6 shows a mirror lid 102 as a modification of the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a display indicating a captured image frame is added to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modification of the display means for displaying the image frame.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mirror unit in a state where the mirror is set up.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mirror unit in a state where the mirror is turned down.

FIG. 10 shows a mirror unit 310 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the camera attached to the camera.

FIG. 11 is a mirror unit 310 according to the embodiment;
It is a rear view which shows the state attached to the camera.

FIG. 12 is a mirror unit 310 according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the camera attached to the camera.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view showing a finder portion of FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 Power supply circuit 3 LCD display panel 3 4 Distance measurement circuit 5 Photometry circuit 6 Red-eye reduction drive circuit 7 Flash circuit 8 Lens drive circuit 9 Film feed circuit 10 Shutter drive circuit 11 Photographing frame switching switch 12 Mirror detection switch 120 Mirror Down switch 121 Mirror up switch 13 Rewind switch 14 Mode switch 15 Zoom operation switch 16 Release switch 17 Main switch 18 Mirror drive switch 19 Mirror drive circuit 20 Remote control light receiving circuit 310 Mirror unit M Mirror

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03B 17/38 G02B 7/11 NF term (Reference) 2H020 FB03 MA03 MC15 MC83 MC84 MC85 MC92 MD01 MD05 MD12 MD13 MD15 2H051 AA01 DC01 EA30 GB15 2H053 AB01 AC13 AC14 AC16 DA00 DA04 DA09 2H100 AA11 AA33 AA61 BB05 BB06 FF04 2H101 BB01 DD01 DD21 DD42

Claims (34)

[Claims] 1. A camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer himself holding a camera, wherein when the self-portrait photographing mode is set, A camera for photographing without performing at least one of distance measurement and photometry. 2. A camera having a zoom lens and capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer himself holding the camera, wherein the self-portrait photographing mode is set. When set, the camera moves the zoom lens to a predetermined position as a predetermined shooting condition. 3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein when the self-portrait photographing mode is set, zoom movement of the zoom lens other than zoom movement of the zoom lens to a predetermined position is prohibited. . 4. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined position is on a wide side of the zoom lens. 5. A camera having a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer himself holding the camera and having a variable focal length, wherein the self-portrait photographing mode is A camera characterized in that when set, the taking lens is fixed at a predetermined focal length. 6. The camera according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined focal length is a position where the focal length of the taking lens is on a wide side. 7. The camera according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined focal length is a wide end of the photographing lens. 8. A camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer himself holding the camera, wherein when the self-portrait photographing mode is set, A camera wherein a predetermined photographing condition is set irrespective of a result of distance measurement and / or photometry. 9. The camera according to claim 8, wherein, as the predetermined photographing condition, a focusing position of the photographing lens is set to a predetermined position regardless of a distance measurement result. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined position is an object distance of 0.
The camera according to claim 9, wherein the camera is located at a position where the subject is in a range of 5 to 0.6 m. 11. The method according to claim 2, wherein, as the predetermined photographing condition, light emission of a red-eye reduction illuminant is prohibited.
The camera according to any one of 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10. 12. The camera according to claim 11, wherein the red-eye reduction illuminant is a red-eye reduction lamp or a flash. 13. The camera according to claim 1, wherein a signal from a remotely operated release device is input to the camera, and a shutter release is enabled according to the signal from the release device as the predetermined photographing condition. The camera according to any one of claims 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, wherein 14. The camera according to claim 2, wherein a size of a photographing frame is changeable, and a predetermined photographing frame is set as the predetermined photographing condition. , 8, 9, 10,
The camera according to any one of 11, 12, and 13. 15. The camera according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined image frame has a size excluding a panorama size. 16. The camera according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined image frame is full size. 17. The camera according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined image frame is a high-definition image. 18. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the set self-portrait shooting mode is released in response to a predetermined operation. 19. The camera according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined operation is a shutter release. 20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation of turning off a power switch of the camera.
9. The camera according to 8. 21. The camera according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined operation is an ON operation of a film rewind switch. 22. A camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer holding a camera, wherein the photographer grasping the camera receives the reflected light. A mirror member for visually recognizing an image of the photographer; a displacing member for displacing the mirror member between a visually recognizable state where the image is recognizable and a non-recognizable state where the image is not recognizable; and the self-portrait photographing mode. And a drive unit for driving the displacement member so as to displace the mirror member to the visible state in response to the setting of the camera. 23. A camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer holding a camera, wherein the photographer grasping the camera receives the reflected light. A mirror member for visually recognizing an image of the photographer; and a displacement member for displacing the mirror member between a visible state in which the image can be visually recognized and an invisible state in which the image cannot be visually recognized, Wherein the self-portrait photographing mode is set in response to the camera being displaced to the viewable state. 24. The self-portrait photographing mode that has been set is released in response to the mirror member being displaced from the visible state to the non-visible state. The camera according to. 25. The camera according to claim 22, wherein when the self-portrait photographing mode is released, the mirror member is displaced from the visible state to the non-visible state. 26. The camera according to claim 26, wherein a photographing frame is changeable, and display means for displaying information on the photographing frame is provided on the mirror member or the displacement member. 26. The camera according to any one of 22 to 25. 27. A mirror member movable between a reflection position where a photographer holding the camera can visually recognize the reflected image of the photographer himself and a non-reflection position different from the reflection position. The camera according to claim 1, wherein a power switch of the camera is turned on in response to the movement of the mirror member to the reflection position. 28. A camera capable of setting a self-portrait photographing mode for setting photographing conditions suitable for photographing a photographer holding a camera, wherein the photographer grasping the camera receives the reflected light. A mirror member can be attached at a reflection position where the photographer's own image can be visually recognized. In response to the mirror member being attached to the camera, the self-portrait shooting mode is set. Features camera. 29. The camera according to claim 28, wherein the set self-portrait photographing mode is released in response to the removal of the mirror member from the camera. 30. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies a photographer that the self-portrait photographing mode is set. 31. The camera according to claim 30, wherein the notifying unit is a light emitting unit provided on a front surface of the camera and turned on based on the setting of the self-portrait shooting mode. 32. The camera according to claim 31, wherein said light emitting means is a lamp. 33. The camera according to claim 31, wherein the light emitting means is also used as a red-eye reduction lamp. 34. The light emitting means. 33. The camera according to claim 31, wherein the camera is also used as a self-timer lamp.