JP2000314907A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance portability and operability and also to improve user- friendliness by sufficiently utilizing the flexibility of a function constitution and a layout and preventing erroneous operation when carried. SOLUTION: A barrier member 5 is formed into a shape obtained by partially notching a nearly disk-like shape, and is freely turnably supported at a nearly center part of a front surface of a camera body part 1. The barrier member 5 covers an objective lens incident plane of an image pickup optical system 2 and a light emitting part of a stroboscope 3 in a first state corresponding to a specified turning angle position, and power is turned off in this state. Also, the barrier member 5 exposes the objective lens incident plane of the image pickup optical system 2 and the light emitting part of the stroboscope 3 in a second state corresponding to a turning angle position reverse to the first state, and the power is turned on in this state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera for recording image information obtained by an image pickup device such as a solid-state image pickup device on a recording medium, and more particularly to an electronic camera taking into consideration the form and handling when carrying and taking an image. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional camera using a silver halide film, a so-called silver halide camera, has been widely used for photography. On the other hand, in recent years, a digital camera or the like is used, and an image of a subject is captured by a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor, and a still image (still image) or a moving image (movie image) of the object is captured. 2. Description of the Related Art An electronic camera of a type that obtains data and digitally records the data on an IC memory medium such as an IC (integrated circuit) card called a PC card or a video floppy disk is rapidly spreading.

It is no exaggeration to say that in this type of electronic camera, all functions other than the optical system are performed electronically. Has been Electronic cameras process image data electrically, so there is no space occupation by the film feeder, etc., and there is a high degree of freedom in functions and layouts. It should be easy to have excellent operability, portability and appearance. However, at present, most of the layouts follow the conventional silver halide camera layout configuration, and the layout and usability are almost the same as those of the silver halide cameras. Further, not many electronic cameras are provided with a lens barrier for protecting the imaging lens.

For example, JP-A-6-43534 and JP-A-7-82186 disclose a conventional silver halide camera in which a strobe light emitting portion is provided on a lens barrier that rotates up and down to open and close the front surface of a photographic lens. An example of a conventional silver halide camera provided with is shown. These JP-A-6-43534
In JP-A-7-82186 and JP-A-7-82186,
With the lens barrier pivoted upward and open, the front surface of the taking lens is exposed and the strobe light emitting portion provided on the inner surface side of the lens barrier is directed toward the subject, while the lens barrier is pivoted downward. In the closed state, the front surface of the photographing lens is covered by the lens barrier, and the strobe light emitting portion provided on the inner surface side of the lens barrier is hidden inward.
JP-A-6-43534 and JP-A-7-8
In Japanese Patent No. 2186, a foldable range finder that forms a finder optical path above a taking lens in an open state is further incorporated in a lens barrier portion.

[0005]

The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-4 / 1994
The cameras disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3534 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-82186 relate to a silver halide camera, not an electronic camera, and the lens barrier rotates vertically. Is also a classic form. As described above, electronic cameras follow the classical form, and even if a lens barrier is provided to protect the imaging lens, the form seen in conventional silver halide cameras There is no change. That is, in the electronic camera, although the degree of freedom in the functional configuration and layout is higher than that of a conventional silver halide camera, the degree of freedom in the functional configuration and layout is improved in operability, portability, and appearance. It is not fully utilized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an electronic camera that is fully portable, operable, and easy to use, making full use of the degree of freedom in the functional configuration and layout. And An object of claim 1 of the present invention is to improve the portability, especially when the camera is carried, without the incident surface and the strobe light emitting surface of the imaging optical system being exposed, and without being accidentally turned on. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that does not impair operability.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to expose the entrance surface of the image pickup optical system, the strobe light emitting surface, and the distance measuring window for distance measurement, and to turn on the power by mistake, especially when carrying. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera which does not have a movable part, does not hinder the operation, and can improve portability without impairing operability. A third object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera having a simple and easy-to-manufacture configuration. An object of a fourth aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera with good operability of a barrier member. An object of a fifth aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera in which the operability of a barrier member is good and a reliable operation is possible.

The object of claim 6 of the present invention is to provide a portable device which is capable of exposing an incident surface, a strobe light emitting surface, and a display screen of an image pickup optical system, and preventing the power from being accidentally turned on. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera which improves the image quality and does not impair operability.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an image pickup optical system in which the incident surface, the strobe light-emitting surface, the distance measuring window and the display screen are exposed, and that the power is turned on by mistake. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera which can be improved in portability without causing the movable portion to obstruct the operation and without impairing the operability. Claim 8 of the present invention
In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera having a simple and easy-to-manufacture configuration. An object of a ninth aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera with good operability of a barrier member. An object of a tenth aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera in which the operability of the barrier member is good and the operation can be reliably performed.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera for forming an image of a subject, the image being formed by the imaging optical system. Image sensor for converting the subject optical image into electronic image information, a recording medium for recording the image information,
An operation unit for allowing a user to perform an imaging operation, an imaging processing unit that responds to the operation unit, performs required processing on the image information converted by the imaging device, and writes the processed information on the recording medium, and a strobe that illuminates a subject during imaging. An electronic camera having an imaging optical system, an imaging element, a recording medium, an operating unit, an imaging processing unit, and a strobe unit, and an objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and a light emitting unit of the strobe unit. A camera body portion exposed close to the front side substantially at the center portion, and a substantially disk-shaped partially cutout shape near the front side substantially center portion of the camera body portion; The notch is retractably supported on the disk-shaped center axis so as to be rotatable from the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit of the strobe unit. In the first state corresponding to degrees position,
In a second state in which the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit of the strobe unit are covered, and the notch is located on the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit side of the strobe unit. A barrier member that exposes the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit of the strobe unit from the notch, and the imaging element, the operation unit, when the barrier member is located in the first state,
Power supply means for turning off a power supply for supplying operating power to the imaging processing means and the strobe light means, and turning on the power supply when the barrier member is located in the second state. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera for imaging an object image, and an image sensor for converting the object optical image formed by the imaging optical system into electronic image information. A recording medium for recording image information, an operation unit for a user to perform an imaging operation, and performing a required process on the image information converted by the imaging device in response to the operation unit and writing the image information on the recording medium An electronic camera having an imaging processing unit, a distance measuring unit for measuring a subject distance, and a strobe unit for illuminating a subject at the time of imaging, wherein the imaging optical system, the imaging element, a recording medium, an operating unit,
Accommodates imaging processing means, distance measuring means and strobe means,
An objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, a distance measuring window portion of the distance measuring device and a light emitting portion of the strobe device are exposed at a substantially central portion on the front side and a camera body portion arranged close to the camera body portion;
A substantially disk-shaped part is cut out in the vicinity of a substantially central part on the front side of the camera body part, and the notch part is supported by the camera body part so as to be rotatable on the disk-shaped center axis. In the first state corresponding to the angle of retreat from the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the distance measuring window of the distance measuring means and the light emitting unit of the strobe means, and A second state in which the notch is located on the side of the objective lens of the imaging optical system, the distance measuring window of the distance measuring means, and the light emitting unit side of the strobe means. A barrier member that exposes the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit of the strobe means from the cutout portion; and the image sensor and the operation device when the barrier member is located in the first state. means, Power supply means for turning off a power supply for supplying operating power to the image processing means, the distance measuring means and the strobe means, and turning on the power supply when the barrier member is in the second state. It is characterized by.

In the electronic camera according to the third aspect of the present invention, the barrier member may be formed in a substantially semicircular shape by forming the cutout portion by cutting out to a position near the center of a disk. In the electronic camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the barrier member may include a non-slip portion provided on a surface to facilitate a rotating operation. The electronic camera according to the present invention as set forth in claim 5, wherein the electronic camera is provided on at least one of the camera body portion and the barrier member, and at a rotation position of the barrier member corresponding to the first state and the second state, A click stop mechanism for locking the barrier member may be further included.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera, comprising: an imaging optical system for forming an image of a subject; and an electronic camera for imaging the subject optical image formed by the imaging optical system. Element for converting image information, recording medium for recording the image information, operating means for the user to perform an imaging operation, and responding to the operating means, the image information converted by the imaging element Imaging processing means for performing processing and writing the recording information on the recording medium, reproduction display for reproducing and displaying image information captured by the imaging element and image information recorded on the recording medium on a display screen provided on the back side of the body cover portion Electronic camera having means for illuminating a subject at the time of image capturing, said image capturing optical system, image sensor, recording medium, operating means, image processing means, playback display A step and a strobe means are accommodated, and an objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system and a light-emitting portion of the strobe means are arranged so as to be exposed at a substantially central portion on the front side and are arranged close to each other, and the display screen is arranged so as to be exposed at the back side. And a substantially disk-shaped part of which is cut out in the vicinity of a substantially central portion on the front side and the rear side of the camera body portion, and the camera body portion is turned around the disk-shaped center axis. It is movably supported, and the front side and the back side of the notch are in a first state corresponding to the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the light emitting section of the strobe means and the angular position retracted from the display screen. The objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the light emitting part of the strobe means and the display screen are covered, and the front side and the back side of the notch are the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system; A barrier that exposes the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the light emitting unit of the strobe light, and the display screen from the notch in the second state located on the light emitting unit side of the strobe means and the display screen side. When the member and the barrier member are in the first state, a power supply for supplying operating power to the image sensor, the operation unit, the image processing unit, the strobe unit, and the reproduction display unit is turned off, and the barrier member is turned off. And a power switch means for turning on the power when in the second state.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera for imaging an object image, and an image sensor for converting an optical image of the object formed by the imaging optical system into electronic image information. A recording medium for recording image information, an operation unit for a user to perform an imaging operation, and performing a required process on the image information converted by the imaging device in response to the operation unit and writing the image information on the recording medium Imaging processing means, distance measuring means for measuring a subject distance, reproduction for reproducing and displaying image information captured by the image sensor and image information recorded on the recording medium on a display screen provided on the back side of the body cover portion. Display means, and an electronic camera having strobe means for illuminating a subject at the time of imaging,
The image pickup optical system, the image pickup element, the recording medium, the operation means, the image pickup processing means, the reproduction display means, the distance measurement means and the strobe means are accommodated, the objective lens entrance surface of the image pickup optical system, the distance measurement window of the distance measurement means A camera body part, wherein the light emitting part of the flash unit and the strobe means are arranged in such a manner that the light emitting part is exposed at a substantially central part on the front side and is arranged close to the display screen, and the display screen is arranged so as to be exposed on the rear side.
The front and rear sides of the camera body have a substantially disk-shaped partly cutout near the center, and are supported by the camera body so as to be rotatable on the disk-shaped central axis. The front side and the back side of the notch are the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, a distance measuring window of the distance measuring means,
In a first state corresponding to the light emitting portion of the strobe means and the angular position retracted from the display screen, cover the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the light emitting portion of the strobe means and the display screen, and In a second state in which the front side and the rear side of the notch are located on the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the distance measuring window of the distance measuring unit, the light emitting unit side of the strobe unit and the display screen side, A barrier member that exposes the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe means, and the light emitting unit of the display screen from the notch;
When the barrier member is in the first state, a power supply for supplying operating power to the image sensor, the operation unit, the image processing unit, the distance measuring unit, the strobe unit, and the reproduction display unit is turned off, and the barrier member is turned off. And a power switch means for turning on the power when it is in the second state.

In the electronic camera according to the present invention, both the front side and the rear side of the barrier member are notched to the vicinity of a disk-shaped center position to form the notch,
It may be formed in a substantially semicircular shape. In the electronic camera according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the barrier member may include a non-slip portion provided on a surface to facilitate a rotation operation. The electronic camera according to the present invention as set forth in claim 10, wherein the electronic camera is provided on at least one of the camera body portion and the barrier member, and in a rotation position of the barrier member corresponding to the first state and the second state, A click stop mechanism for locking the barrier member may be further included.

[0016]

The electronic camera according to the first aspect of the present invention converts an optical image of a subject formed by an imaging optical system into electronic image information by an imaging device in accordance with an operation by a user. In an electronic camera that performs processing and records image information on a recording medium, a front side of a camera body portion having a configuration in which an objective lens incident surface and a strobe light emitting portion of the imaging optical system are arranged in close proximity to the front side substantially at the center. In the vicinity of the central portion, a barrier member having a substantially disk-shaped partially cutout shape is provided in the camera body portion so as to be rotatable on the disk-shaped center axis, and the barrier member is provided with In a first state in which the cutout portion corresponds to the angular position at which the notch portion is retracted from the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the strobe light emitting portion, the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the strobe light are emitted. In the second state in which the notch portion is located on the side of the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the strobe light emitting portion, the notch portion extends from the notch portion to the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the strobe light emitting portion. And a power switch for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera is interlocked with the barrier member. When the barrier member is in the first state, the power is turned off, and the barrier member is turned off. The power is turned on when in the second state. Such a configuration makes full use of the degree of freedom of the functional configuration and layout.
When the camera is carried, the incident surface of the imaging optical system and the strobe light-emitting portion are exposed, and the power is not accidentally turned on, so that the portability is improved and the operability is not impaired. Can be achieved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera which converts an optical image of a subject formed by an imaging optical system into electronic image information by an imaging device in accordance with an operation by a user. In an electronic camera for performing processing and recording image information on a recording medium, a camera having a configuration in which an objective lens incident surface, a strobe light emitting portion, and a distance measuring window portion of the imaging optical system are disposed in close proximity to each other at a substantially central portion on the front side. Near the center of the front side of the body portion, a substantially disk-shaped barrier member having a partially cut-out shape is provided in the camera body portion so as to be rotatable on the disk-shaped center axis,
In a first state in which the notch portion of the barrier member corresponds to an angle at which the notch portion of the imaging optical system is retracted from the objective lens incidence surface, the strobe light emitting portion, and the distance measuring window portion, the objective lens incidence surface of the imaging optical system. A second state in which the strobe light-emitting portion and the distance measurement window are covered, and the notch is located on the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light-emitting portion and the distance measurement window. The power input switch for turning on / off the electronic camera is interlocked with the barrier member while exposing the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting unit, and the distance measurement window unit. When the barrier member is in the second state, the power supply is turned off when the power supply is turned on. With such a configuration, especially when the camera is carried, the entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emission surface, and the distance measurement window for distance measurement are exposed, and the power is not turned on accidentally. It does not hinder operation and does not impair operability.

In the electronic camera according to a third aspect of the present invention, the barrier member is cut out to a position near the center of the disk to form the cutout, and is formed in a substantially semicircular shape. With such a configuration, particularly, the barrier member has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture. In the electronic camera according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the barrier member includes a non-slip portion provided on a surface to facilitate a turning operation. With such a configuration, in particular, the hand does not slip when operating the barrier member,
Operability is improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic camera, wherein at least one of the camera body portion and the barrier member is provided with the barrier member at a rotation position of the barrier member corresponding to the first state and the second state. A click stop mechanism for locking the member is provided. With such a configuration, the operation is particularly ensured, and the stability is improved.

An electronic camera according to a sixth aspect of the present invention converts an optical image of a subject formed by an imaging optical system into electronic image information by an imaging device in accordance with an operation by a user, and performs predetermined processing. In an electronic camera for recording image information on a recording medium, the object lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting portion is exposed at a substantially central portion on the front side and is disposed in close proximity, and the display screen is exposed on the back side. Near the center of the front and back sides of the camera body portion having the configuration arranged in the vicinity, a barrier member having a substantially disk-shaped partly cutout shape is provided on the camera body portion along the disk-shaped center axis. Provided rotatably supported, at an angular position where the notch of the barrier member on the front side and the back side is retracted from the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting unit and the display screen. In a corresponding first state, the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting portion, and the display screen side are covered, and the cutout portion is provided with the objective lens incident surface, the strobe light emitting device side of the imaging optical system, and the display. In a second state located on the screen side, the power switch for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera while exposing the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting unit, and the display screen from the cutout portion is exposed. In conjunction with the barrier member, the power supply is turned off when the barrier member is in the first state, and the power supply is turned on when the barrier member is in the second state.

With this configuration, the functional configuration and the degree of freedom of the layout can be fully utilized, and especially when the device is carried,
The entrance surface of the image pickup optical system, the strobe light emitting unit and the display screen are exposed, and the power is not accidentally turned on, so that portability is improved and operability is not impaired. Can be achieved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera, the subject optical image formed by the imaging optical system is converted into electronic image information by an imaging device in accordance with an operation by a user. In an electronic camera that performs processing and records image information on a recording medium, the display screen includes an objective lens incident surface, a strobe light emitting portion, and a distance measuring window portion of the image pickup optical system which are exposed at a substantially central portion on the front side and are arranged close to each other. A substantially disk-shaped partly cut-off barrier member is provided in the camera body near the center of the front and back sides of the camera body having the camera body exposed to the rear. It is provided so as to be rotatable on the center axis of the shape,
In the first state, the front side and the back side of the cutout portion of the barrier member correspond to an objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, a strobe light emitting portion, a distance measurement window portion, and an angular position retracted from a display screen. The front surface and the back side of the notch cover the objective lens incident surface, the strobe light emitting portion, the distance measurement window portion, and the display screen of the imaging optical system, and the objective lens incident surface, the strobe light emitting portion, and the distance measuring window of the imaging optical system are provided. In the second state located on the unit side and the display screen side, the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting unit, the distance measuring window unit, and the display screen are exposed from the notch, and the electronic camera A power switch for turning on / off the power is interlocked with the barrier member. When the barrier member is in the first state, the power is turned off, and the barrier member is in the second state. When was, the power supply is turned on.

With this configuration, especially when the camera is carried, the entrance surface of the image pickup optical system, the strobe light emitting surface, the distance measurement window for distance measurement and the display screen are exposed, and the power is accidentally turned on. In addition, the movable part does not hinder the operation, and does not impair operability.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera, the barrier member is formed so as to be notched up to the vicinity of the center of the disk on both the front side and the rear side to form the cutout, and to be formed in a substantially semicircular shape. I have. With such a configuration, particularly, the barrier member has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture. In the electronic camera according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the barrier member includes a non-slip portion provided on a surface for facilitating the turning operation. With such a configuration, in particular, the hand does not slip when operating the barrier member, and the operability is improved.

An electronic camera according to claim 10 of the present invention comprises:
At least one of the camera body portion and the barrier member is provided with a click stop mechanism for locking the barrier member at a rotation position of the barrier member corresponding to the first state and the second state. With such a configuration, the operation is particularly ensured, and the stability is improved.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an electronic camera according to the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. FIG.
2 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front with the barrier member opened and closed, respectively.
FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an opening / closing operation of a barrier member of the electronic camera, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an electronic functional configuration of the electronic camera. FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the electronic camera according to the present invention at the time of shooting, and FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the electronic camera when carrying.

The electronic camera shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a camera body 1, an image pickup optical system 2, a strobe light emitting unit 3, and a distance measuring window 4. The camera body 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a circular area is formed substantially at the center of the front side, and a left-pointing triangle and “ON” are formed on the right side of the circular area. ”And a right-pointing triangle on the left side of the circular area.
An off index 1b composed of the letter "F" is formed.
As shown in the figure, the camera body unit 1 has an objective lens entrance surface of an imaging optical system 2, a strobe light emitting unit 3 and a distance measuring window unit 4 arranged side by side on the substantially same circumference in the upper half of the circular area. Exposed. Although not shown, a release button is provided at a position on the right side of the upper surface of the camera body 1 (the left side in FIGS. 1 and 2). The camera body 1
The image pickup optical system 2, a strobe device (127: see FIG. 4) and a distance measuring unit (124: see FIG. 4), and each functional configuration of an electronic camera such as an image pickup device, a recording medium, operation means, and image pickup processing means are accommodated. ing.

The image pickup optical system 2 includes one or more lenses, and exposes an objective lens located closest to the object side to the front of the camera body 1. FIG.
Is a light emitting unit of the strobe device 127 shown in FIG.
Is a transmitting / receiving unit or a light receiving unit of the distance measuring unit 124 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the barrier member 5 forms a disk-shaped part substantially corresponding to a circular area formed substantially at the center on the front side of the camera body part 1, for example, slightly outward from the center of the circle. At a position close to, a substantially semicircular (or D-shaped) notched by a straight line, that is, a chord, and is substantially curved so as to project slightly forward. On the front surface of the barrier member 5, a non-slip portion 5a made of, for example, ridges arranged radially as shown in the drawing is provided.
The non-slip portion 5a is formed of a material having high friction such as rubber or synthetic rubber, and protrudes from the barrier member 5. In addition, an index 5b formed of a triangular mark is provided at a position to be described later on the periphery of the barrier member 5 in a direction away from the center of the circle. The barrier member 5 is rotatably supported on the circular area of the camera body 1 around the center of the circle.

FIG. 2 shows a first position in which the notch of the barrier member 5 corresponds to a turning position facing a position retracted from the entrance surface of the objective lens of the imaging optical system 2, the strobe light emitting section 3 and the distance measuring window 4. In this state, the barrier member 5 covers the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system 2, the strobe light emitting section 3, and the distance measuring window section 4. In this state, the indicator 5b of the barrier member 5 is provided at a position corresponding to the off indicator 1b of the camera body 1. In FIG. 1, the notch of the barrier member 5 corresponds to a rotation position corresponding to the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system 2, the strobe light emitting unit 3, and the side on which the distance measuring window 4 is arranged. In this state, the barrier member 5 exposes the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system 2, the strobe light emitting section 3, and the distance measuring window section 4 from the cutout portion. The index 5b of the barrier member 5 corresponds to the ON index 1a of the camera body 1 in this state.

When the barrier member 5 is in the second state, the power switch means (included in the operation means) (not shown) of the electronic camera including the image sensor, the operation means, and the image processing means is provided by a power switch (not shown). The power supplied to the functional components is turned on, and when the barrier member 5 is in the first state, the power is turned off. The barrier member 5 is
As shown in FIG. 3, by turning the fingertip (refer to the operation state at the center), the state is switched between an on state, which is a shooting standby state corresponding to FIG. 1, and an off state, which is a portable state corresponding to FIG. Can be

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the barrier member 5 is opened to expose the objective lens entrance surface of the image pickup optical system 2, the strobe light emitting section 3 and the distance measuring window section 4, and the power is on. When the barrier member 5 is rotated 180 ° in the illustrated case from the ON state, which is a photographable state, in an arbitrary direction, the barrier member 5 is turned OFF as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the barrier member 5 is closed, the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system 2, the strobe light emitting unit 3 and the distance measuring window unit 4 are covered by the barrier member 4, and the power is off. From the off state, which is a portable state in which photography is not possible, the barrier member 5
Is turned on by 180 degrees in an arbitrary direction, the ON state shown in FIG. 1 is obtained. At this time, it is desirable to provide at least one of the camera body 1 and the barrier member 5 with a so-called click stop mechanism for locking the barrier member 5 in the off state and the on state.

Next, the electrical system configuration of the electronic camera shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described. In this embodiment, an electronic camera capable of recording not only still images, that is, still images, but also moving images and audio information for a short time is described as an example. The electronic camera shown in FIG. 4 has a lens system 101, a shutter mechanism 102, a CC
D solid-state imaging device 103, CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit 104, first A / D (analog-digital) converter 105, digital signal processing unit 106, image compression / decompression unit 107, FIFO (first in-first) out)
108, card interface (I / F) 109, PC
Card 110, microphone 111, filter amplifier (filter amplifier) 112, second A / D (analog-
Digital) converter 113, voice compression / decompression unit 114,
CPU 121, LCD (liquid crystal display) 122, operation unit 123, distance measurement unit 124, lens driver 125, control signal generation unit (SG) 126, strobe device 127, battery 128, and DC-DC (DC-DC) converter 129 are doing.

Lens system 101 and shutter mechanism 102
Constitutes the imaging optical system 2 for forming a subject image. The shutter mechanism 102 has an auto focus (AF)
It includes a mechanism, an aperture mechanism, a filter mechanism, and the like, and controls exposure at the time of release. In this embodiment, a CCD solid-state imaging device 103 is used as an imaging device.
The CCD solid-state imaging device 103 converts an optical image formed by the imaging optical system into an electric signal. In this case, the imaging processing means includes the CDS circuit 104 and the first A / D converter 10.
5, digital signal processing unit 106, image compression / decompression unit 1
07, a FIFO 108, a CPU 121, and the like.

The CDS circuit 104 suppresses noise components in the CCD solid-state imaging device 103 by correlated double sampling. The first A / D converter 105 is a CDS circuit 10
An analog image signal input from the CCD solid-state imaging device 103 via the digital camera 4 is converted into digital image data.
That is, the output signal of the CCD solid-state imaging device 103 is C
The signal is sampled at the optimum sampling frequency in the first A / D converter 105 via the DS circuit 104 and is converted into a digital value. Digital signal processing unit 106
Divides the digital image data input from the first A / D converter 105 into a color difference component and a luminance component, and performs necessary various processes, a correction process, and a pre-process for image compression / decompression. The image compression / decompression unit 107 is, for example, a JPEG (Jo
It performs processing such as orthogonal transformation and Huffman encoding / decoding for image compression / decompression based on the int Photographic Experts Group.

On the other hand, the sound is converted into an electric signal by the microphone 111, and only a required frequency band is selectively amplified by the filter amplifier 112, and the second A / D
The signal is sampled at a frequency twice or more the required frequency band by the converter 113 and is converted into a digital value. Further, this digital value is compressed and encoded by the audio compression / decompression unit 114. FIFO 108
For example, it is a temporary storage unit realized by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), a flash memory, or the like, and temporarily stores compressed image data and audio data. F
The compressed image data and compressed audio data held in the IFO 108 are read out by the card interface 109 and written to the PC card 110 which is a recording medium coupled to the card interface 109.

The CPU 121 controls the operation of each of the above units according to an instruction from the operation unit 123. LCD 122
A mode display such as an operation state of the electronic camera C is performed. The LCD 22 has a display surface located on the back of the camera body 1 shown in FIG. The LCD 122 functions as a display unit of the electronic finder by displaying digital image data before and during image capturing in real time, and displays digital image data after image capturing and decompressed and restored recorded image data. The operation unit 123 constitutes operation means, and includes a release button, a power switch, and the like for giving an imaging instruction.

Although not clearly shown, the power switch is turned on when the barrier member 5 shown in FIG. 1 is in the open state as shown in FIG. The power supply is turned off in the closed state shown, and a control signal is supplied to the CPU 21 to control on / off of power supply from the DC-DC converter 129 to the imaging processing system and the like. The distance measuring unit 124 includes a CPU 1
A distance measuring unit for measuring a subject distance by an active method or a passive method controlled by 21; for example, in the case of distance measurement by an active method, an infrared beam is projected from the distance measuring window unit 4 to the subject, and reflected light from the subject Is received in the distance measurement window section 4 to measure the subject distance.

The lens driver 125 includes an image pickup lens system 101 and a shutter mechanism 102 constituting an image pickup optical system.
Is driven under the control of the CPU 121. The control signal generation unit 126 generates a drive control signal such as a clock signal and supplies the drive control signal to the CCD solid-state imaging device 103, the CDS circuit 104, and the first A / D converter 105 to operate these units. The strobe device 127 is controlled by the CPU 121, emits light when the shutter mechanism 102 is opened, and illuminates the subject. The power supply of the electronic camera C is
It comprises a battery 128 and a DC-DC converter 129. As the battery 128, a Ni-Cd (nickel cadmium) battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium battery, or the like is used.

When shooting with this electronic camera,
For example, an image is taken by operating a release button or the like of the operation unit 123 while observing a display unit of the LCD 122 for displaying an electronic finder. By the release operation of the release button 3 of the operation unit 123, the shutter mechanism 102 of the imaging optical system 2 is opened, and the subject image is displayed on the CCD solid-state imaging device 103.
And a PC via the digital signal processing unit 106 or the like.
The image data is written to the card 110. A specific operation of the above-described electronic camera will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG.
As shown in FIG.
The objective lens entrance surface, the strobe light emitting section 3 and the distance measuring window section 4 are covered with a barrier member 5. For this reason,
The electronic camera has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape according to the form of the camera body 1, and has almost no projection on the outer surface. At this time, not only is the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system 2, the strobe light emitting unit 3 and the distance measuring window unit 4 not exposed, but also if other parts of the operating unit 123 are carelessly operated, the barrier member Since the power is turned off by the switch means in response to the operation of No. 5, the imaging processing system does not operate erroneously, and the user can carry with confidence.

When the user wants to take a picture, the user rotates the barrier member 5 from the state shown in FIG. 2 until the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system 2, the strobe light emitting section 3 and the distance measuring window section 4 are exposed. For example, if the electronic camera is in the state as shown in FIG. 1, the power is turned on by a switch unit interlocked in response to the operation of the barrier member 5, the imaging processing system is controlled by the CPU 121, The camera enters a possible shooting standby state. In the shooting standby state, the user holds the camera body 1 of the electronic camera, presses the release button of the operation unit 123 while measuring the composition and timing while observing the subject with a finder or the like.

When the release button is pressed, the CPU
121 activates the auto-focus function using the distance measuring unit 124, and opens the shutter mechanism 102,
The image data of the subject formed on the incident surface of the CCD solid-state imaging device 103 is written to the PC card 110 via the digital signal processing unit 106 and the like. As described above, in the electronic camera described above, the entire camera formed by the camera body portion 1 and the barrier member 5 maintains a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, has a good appearance, does not become large in size, and does not deteriorate in usability. When carrying, the object lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system 2, the strobe light emitting unit 3, and the distance measuring window unit 4 are covered so as not to be exposed, and the power is turned off, so that the portable device can be carried safely and easily.

In the above description, the barrier member 5 covers the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system 2, the strobe light emitting section 3, and the distance measuring window section 4 so as to be openable and closable. If so, a configuration may be adopted in which the incident surface or the like is openably and closably covered by the barrier member 5. Further, the distance measurement window 4 may be disposed outside the circular area opened and closed by the barrier member 5 and may be excluded from protection by the barrier. Further, the barrier member 4 can rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise, but a configuration in which the rotor can be continuously obtained only in one direction is also possible.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are rear views showing the external appearance of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the barrier member is opened and when the barrier member is closed, respectively. In FIGS. 5 and 6, reference numeral 11 denotes a camera body portion, at the center of the rear side of which a barrier member 15 is configured to rotate integrally with the barrier member 5 described above. A non-slip portion 15a is attached or formed on the surface of the barrier member 15, and can be rotated from any side together with the barrier member 15 on the front side.

The state shown in FIG. 6 shows a first state in which the notch of the barrier member 15 corresponds to a turning position in which the notch of the barrier member 15 is moved away from the display screen 6 of the reproduction display means. In this state, the display screen 6 is covered, but at the same time, the barrier member 15 on the front side also covers the objective lens entrance surface, the strobe light emitting unit 3 and the distance measuring unit 4. Indicator 15B of barrier member 15
Is provided at a position corresponding to the off index 11b of the camera body 11 in this state.

The state shown in FIG.
Indicate the second state corresponding to the turning position facing the side where the display screen 6 is arranged, and the barrier member 15
Exposes the display screen from the notch in this state. The index 15b of the barrier member 15 corresponds to the ON index 11a of the camera body 11 in this state. When the barrier member 15 is located in the second state, the electronic camera including an image sensor, an operation unit, an image processing unit, and a reproduction display unit by a power switch unit (included in the operation unit) (not shown) when the barrier member 15 is in the second state. Is turned on, and when the barrier member 15 is in the first state, the power is turned off. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, but can be variously modified and implemented without changing the gist of the invention.

[0047]

As described above, according to the present invention, a subject optical image formed by an imaging optical system is converted into electronic image information by an imaging device in accordance with an operation by a user. In the electronic camera which records the image information on the recording medium by performing the above-described processing, the objective lens incidence surface and the strobe light-emitting portion of the imaging optical system are exposed at the substantially central portion on the front side and are arranged close to each other. Near the center portion of the side, a substantially disk-shaped partly cut-out barrier member is provided on the camera body portion so as to be rotatably supported on the disk-shaped center axis, A first position corresponding to an angular position where the notch is retracted from the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the strobe light emitting unit;
In the second state, the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the strobe light emitting unit are covered, and the cutout is located on the objective lens incident surface and the strobe light emitting unit side of the imaging optical system. The power input switch for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera is interlocked with the barrier member while exposing the objective lens incidence surface and the strobe light emitting unit of the imaging optical system from the notch portion, and the barrier member is configured to be the first member. In the state, the power is turned off, and when the barrier member is positioned in the second state, the power is turned on. When the camera is carried, the entrance surface of the imaging optical system and the strobe light-emitting portion are exposed, and the power is not accidentally turned on. It is possible to provide an electronic camera is not impaired.

According to the electronic camera of the second aspect of the present invention, the subject optical image formed by the imaging optical system is converted into electronic image information by the imaging device in accordance with the operation by the user. In an electronic camera that performs predetermined processing and records image information on a recording medium, a configuration in which an objective lens incident surface, a strobe light emitting portion, and a distance measuring window portion of the image pickup optical system are disposed in close proximity to the front side substantially exposed to the center. Near a substantially central portion on the front side of the camera body portion, a substantially disk-shaped partially cutout barrier member is rotatably supported on the camera body portion on the disk-shaped center axis. An objective lens of the imaging optical system in a first state in which the notch portion of the barrier member corresponds to an angular position where the cutout portion is retracted from an objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, a strobe light emitting unit, and a distance measurement window. incident A second state in which the strobe light-emitting portion and the distance measurement window are covered, and the notch is located on the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light-emitting portion and the distance measurement window. The power input switch for turning on / off the electronic camera is interlocked with the barrier member while exposing the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting unit, and the distance measurement window unit. When the power supply is turned off, the power supply is turned off, and when the barrier member is positioned in the second state, the power supply is turned on. The flash emission surface and the distance measurement window for distance measurement are exposed, and the power is not accidentally turned on, and the movable parts do not interfere with the operation,
It does not impair operability.

According to the electronic camera of the third aspect of the present invention,
Since the barrier member is cut out to the vicinity of the center position of the disk to form the cutout and is formed in a substantially semicircular shape,
In particular, the barrier member has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture. According to the electronic camera of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the barrier member includes a non-slip portion provided on the surface for facilitating the turning operation, so that the hand slips particularly when the barrier member is operated. No operability is obtained. According to the electronic camera of the fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the camera body portion and the barrier member is provided with the barrier member at a rotation position of the barrier member corresponding to the first state and the second state. In particular, by providing a click stop mechanism that locks the
Stability is improved.

According to the electronic camera of the sixth aspect of the present invention,
In an electronic camera that converts a subject optical image formed by an imaging optical system into electronic image information by an image sensor according to an operation by a user, performs predetermined processing, and records the image information on a recording medium, The objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting section and the display screen are exposed and arranged substantially at the front and back sides substantially at the center. A disc-shaped barrier member having a partially cut-out shape is provided on the camera body so as to be rotatable on the disc-shaped center axis, and the cut-out portions on the front side and the back side of the barrier member are provided. In a first state corresponding to the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting unit and the angular position retracted from the display screen, the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system is In the second state where the notch covers the unit and the display screen, and the front side and the back side are located on the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting unit side and the display screen, The power input switch for turning on / off the electronic camera is interlocked with the barrier member while exposing the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting unit, and the display screen, and the barrier member is in the first state. When the power supply is located, the power supply is turned off, and when the barrier member is positioned in the second state, the power supply is turned on. Sometimes,
Provided is an electronic camera in which an incident surface of an imaging optical system, a strobe light emitting unit, and a display screen are exposed, power is not accidentally turned on, portability is improved, and operability is not impaired. be able to.

According to the electronic camera of the present invention, the subject optical image formed by the image pickup optical system is converted into electronic image information by the image pickup device according to the operation by the user. In an electronic camera that performs predetermined processing and records image information on a recording medium, an objective lens incident surface, a strobe light emitting unit, a distance measuring window, and a display screen of the imaging optical system are provided at substantially central portions on a front side and a rear side. Near a substantially central portion on the front side and the rear side of the camera body portion arranged to be exposed, a barrier member having a substantially disk-shaped partially cutout shape is provided on the camera body portion, and the disk-shaped central axis is provided on the camera body portion. An angle at which the notch on the front side and the back side of the barrier member is retracted from the entrance surface of the objective lens of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting section, the distance measuring window section, and the display screen. In the first state corresponding to the position, the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting unit, the distance measurement window and the display screen are covered, and the cutout portion is the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, In the second state located on the strobe light emitting portion, the distance measuring window portion side, and the display screen side, the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe light emitting portion, the distance measuring window portion, and the display screen are exposed from the cutout portion. And a power switch for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera is interlocked with the barrier member. When the barrier member is in the first state, the power is turned off, and the barrier member is turned off by the barrier member. In the configuration where the power is turned on when the camera is located in the state 2, especially when the camera is carried, the incident surface of the image pickup optical system, the strobe light emitting surface, the distance measurement window for distance measurement, and the display screen are exposed; Accidentally Source without will contain, yet not in the way of the movable portion operation, nor detract from the operability.

According to the electronic camera of claim 8 of the present invention,
Since the barrier members on the front side and the rear side are cut out to the vicinity of the center of the disk to form the cutout and are formed in a substantially semicircular shape, the barrier member is particularly simple in structure and manufactured. Becomes easier. According to the electronic camera of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the barrier member includes a non-slip portion provided on a surface for facilitating the turning operation, so that the hand slips particularly when operating the barrier member. No operability is obtained. According to the electronic camera of the present invention, at least one of the camera body portion and the barrier member is provided with the barrier member at a rotation position of the barrier member corresponding to the first state and the second state. In particular, by providing a click stop mechanism that locks, the operation is assured, and the stability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an external configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a shooting standby state.

FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing an external configuration of the electronic camera of FIG. 1 when not in use;

FIG. 3 is a photographing standby state, an operation state, and a state of the electronic camera of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a state of a non-use portable state.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical functional configuration of the electronic camera in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view schematically illustrating an external configuration of a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a shooting standby state.

FIG. 6 is a rear view schematically showing an external configuration of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 5 in a non-use state.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera body part 1a, 11a ON index | index 1b, 11b Off index | index 2 Image pick-up optical system 3 Strobe light emission part 4 Distance measuring window 5,15 Barrier member 5a, 15a Non-slip part 5b, 15b Index | index 6 Display screen 101 Image pick-up lens system 102 Shutter Mechanism 103 CCD (charge coupled device) solid-state imaging device 104 CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit 105, 113 A / D (analog-digital) converter 106 digital signal processing unit 107 image compression / expansion unit 108 FIFO (first in- first out) 109 Card interface (I / F) 110 PC card 111 Microphone 112 Filter amplifier 114 Audio compression / decompression unit 121 CPU (Central processing unit) 122 LCD (Liquid crystal display) 123 Operation unit 124 Distance measuring unit 125 Lens driver 126 Control No. generator (SG) 128 Battery 129 DC-DC converter

Claims (10)

[Claims] An imaging optical system for forming a subject image, an imaging device for converting a subject optical image formed by the imaging optical system into electronic image information, a recording medium for recording image information, and a user Operating means for performing an imaging operation, an imaging processing means responsive to the operating means, performing required processing on the image information converted by the imaging device and writing the information on the recording medium, and a strobe means for illuminating a subject at the time of imaging An electronic camera having the imaging optical system, the imaging element, a recording medium, an operation unit, an imaging processing unit, and a strobe unit, and a front surface of an objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and a light emitting unit of the strobe unit. A camera body portion exposed close to the central portion of the camera body portion and a substantially disk-shaped part cut away in the vicinity of the central portion on the front side of the camera body portion; None, supported by the camera body so as to be rotatable on the disk-shaped central axis, and corresponding to the angular position at which the notch is retracted from the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit of the strobe means. In the first state, the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit of the strobe unit are covered, and the cutout is located on the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit side of the strobe unit. A barrier member that exposes the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit of the strobe unit from the notch in the second state, and the barrier member is located in the first state. And turning off a power supply for supplying operating power to the image sensor, the operation means, the image processing means, and the strobe means, and turning off the power when the barrier member is in the second state. Electronic camera characterized by comprising a power supply switching means to down. 2. An imaging optical system for forming a subject image, an imaging device for converting a subject optical image formed by the imaging optical system into electronic image information, a recording medium for recording image information, and a user Operating means for performing an imaging operation, an imaging processing means responsive to the operating means, performing a required process on the image information converted by the imaging device and writing the information on the recording medium, and a distance measurement for measuring a subject distance An electronic camera having an image pickup optical system, an image pickup device, a recording medium, an operation unit, an image pickup processing unit, a distance measuring unit, and a strobe unit. A camera body portion in which the objective lens incident surface of the above, the distance measuring window of the distance measuring means, and the light emitting portion of the strobe light are exposed at the substantially central portion on the front side and are arranged close to each other; A substantially disk-shaped part is cut out in the vicinity of a substantially central part on the front side of the D part, and the camera body part is rotatably supported on the disk-shaped center axis. In a first state corresponding to an objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, a distance measuring window of the distance measuring unit and an angular position retracted from the light emitting unit of the strobe unit, the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and In a second state in which the light emitting portion of the strobe means is covered and the notch is located on the object lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the distance measuring window of the distance measuring means and the light emitting portion side of the strobe means. A barrier member that exposes the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system and the light emitting unit of the strobe unit from the cutout portion; and when the barrier member is located in the first state, the imaging element, the operation unit, Image processing A power switch for turning off a power supply for supplying operating power to the distance measuring means and the strobe means, and turning on the power when the barrier member is located in the second state. Electronic camera. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the barrier member is cut out to a position near a center of a disk to form the cutout, and is formed in a substantially semicircular shape. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the barrier member includes a non-slip portion provided on a surface to facilitate a rotation operation. . 5. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the first state and the second state are provided on at least one of the camera body and the barrier member.
In the rotation position of the barrier member corresponding to the state of
The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a click stop mechanism for locking the barrier member. 6. An imaging optical system for forming a subject image, an imaging device for converting a subject optical image formed by the imaging optical system into electronic image information, a recording medium for recording image information, and a user Operating means for performing an imaging operation, imaging processing means responsive to the operating means, performing required processing on the image information converted by the imaging element and writing the information on the recording medium, and an image captured by the imaging element An electronic camera comprising: playback display means for playing back information and image information recorded on the recording medium on a display screen provided on the back side of a body cover portion; and strobe means for illuminating a subject at the time of imaging. Housing an optical system, an imaging element, a recording medium, an operation means, an imaging processing means, a reproduction display means and a strobe means,
A camera body portion in which the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system and the light-emitting portion of the strobe device are arranged in such a manner as to be exposed and substantially arranged at the front side substantially in the center, and the display screen is arranged so as to be exposed to the back side; The front and rear sides of the camera body have a generally disk-shaped part cutout near the center, and are supported by the camera body so as to be rotatable on the disk-shaped central axis. The objective lens of the imaging optical system in a first state in which the front side and the rear side of the notch correspond to the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the light emitting unit of the strobe unit, and the angular position retracted from the display screen. An incident surface, a light-emitting portion of the strobe means and the display screen, and a front side and a back side of the cutout are provided with an objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, a light-emitting side of the strobe means, In a second state located on the display screen side, a barrier member that exposes the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the light emitting unit of the strobe unit, and the display screen from the cutout portion; When located in the first state, the power supply for supplying operating power to the image sensor, the operation unit, the image processing unit, the strobe unit and the reproduction display unit is turned off, and the barrier member is located in the second state. An electronic camera, comprising: a power switch for turning on the power. 7. An imaging optical system for forming a subject image, an imaging device for converting a subject optical image formed by the imaging optical system into electronic image information, a recording medium for recording image information, and a user Operating means for performing an imaging operation, an imaging processing means responsive to the operating means, performing a required process on the image information converted by the imaging device and writing the information on the recording medium, and a distance measurement for measuring a subject distance Means, reproduction display means for reproducing and displaying image information taken by the image pickup element and image information recorded on the recording medium on a display screen provided on the back side of a body cover portion, and strobe means for illuminating a subject at the time of image pickup An electronic camera having the imaging optical system, an imaging element, a recording medium, an operation unit, an imaging processing unit, a reproduction display unit, a distance measurement unit and a strobe unit, The objective lens entrance surface of the image pickup optical system, the distance measuring window of the distance measuring unit and the light emitting unit of the strobe unit are exposed at a substantially central portion on the front side and are arranged close to each other, and the display screen is exposed on the rear side. A camera body portion arranged; and a substantially disk-shaped part cutout near a substantially central portion on a front side and a rear side of the camera body portion, wherein the camera body portion is formed on the disk-shaped center axis. The front side and the rear side of the notch are rotatably supported by the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, a distance measuring window of the distance measuring means,
In a first state corresponding to the light emitting portion of the strobe means and the angular position retracted from the display screen, cover the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the light emitting portion of the strobe means and the display screen, and In a second state in which the front side and the rear side of the notch are located on the objective lens incident surface of the imaging optical system, the distance measuring window of the distance measuring unit, the light emitting unit side of the strobe unit and the display screen side, A barrier member that exposes the objective lens entrance surface of the imaging optical system, the strobe unit, and a light emitting unit of a display screen from the notch; and the image sensor when the barrier member is located in the first state. When the barrier member is in the second state, the power supply for supplying operating power to the control means, the imaging processing means, the distance measuring means, the strobe means and the reproduction display means is turned off. An electronic camera, comprising: power switch means for turning on the power. 8. The barrier member is formed in a substantially semicircular shape by forming the cutout portion by cutting out to the vicinity of the center of the disk on both the front side and the rear side.
Or the electronic camera according to 7. 9. The electronic camera according to claim 6, wherein the barrier member includes a non-slip portion provided on a surface to facilitate a turning operation. . 10. A click stop that is provided on at least one of the camera body and the barrier member and locks the barrier member at a rotation position of the barrier member corresponding to the first state and the second state. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a mechanism.