JP2001169159A - Digital camera and digital camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera which easily transfers a photographed image to the outside. SOLUTION: This digital camera has a first operation mode, where a subject is photographed to record image data and a second operation mode where the subject is photographed, to not only record image data but also transfer it to the outside, and the digital camera is provided with a CCD 103 which picks up the image of the subject to acquire image data, a recording medium 123 on which image data are recorded, a data communication part 117 which communicates data with an external device, a memory 115 where first information to indicate selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode is stored, and a CPU 110 which performs control for executing the first operation mode or the second operation mode, in accordance with contents of the first information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a digital camera and a digital camera system, and more particularly, to a digital camera and a digital camera system having a communication function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent digital cameras are RS232C.
PC with interface such as interface or USB
(Personal computer). By accessing the data storage area of the digital camera with the PC, photographic data taken by the digital camera can be transferred to the PC, and image data processed by the PC can be transferred to the digital camera.

For example, as disclosed in JP-A-5-219422 and JP-A-5-219430, a PC is combined with a digital camera, parameters and instructions are set from the PC to the digital camera, and the digital camera is connected. The technology for remote control is known.

In the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-67265, the camera system is composed of a camera body and an auxiliary setting device (electronic notebook), and data based on a photographing mode of the camera body is provided on the camera body side. And a second memory for storing command data and change data transmitted from the setting assisting device. This command data is for changing a part of the shooting mode of the camera body. Therefore, usually, while taking an image based on the data stored in the first memory of the camera body, when performing special shooting, an auxiliary setting device (electronic notebook) is electrically connected to the camera body and the auxiliary Command data and change data are transmitted from the setting device (electronic notebook) to the second memory of the camera body.
Then, it is determined whether or not the command data is provided from the auxiliary setting device side on the camera body side, and when it is determined that the command data is not provided, shooting is performed based on the stored contents of the first memory of the camera body. On the other hand, when it is determined that the command data has been given, shooting is performed based on the contents stored in the second memory.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-335102 proposes a camera setup system in which camera parameters can be set up efficiently and accurately using a graphical user interface.

In recent years, there has been a demand for speeding up information transfer. In addition to the conventional method of using a camera for storing a photographed image, a method of transmitting a photographed image immediately to somewhere. A method is needed.

[0007]

However, in the prior art, a technique of changing the photographing mode of a digital camera by an external device has been disclosed. However, the task of taking a picture and the task of transferring the picture are separately performed. This is necessary, and when data is transferred to the outside, communication-related settings are required. Therefore, a certain level of knowledge is required for communication settings, so that there is a problem that the operation is complicated and difficult. In particular,
When a digital camera is used for business reports, the camera operator is often inexperienced in the operation, and it is difficult to master the operation.

[0008] In recent years, digital cameras have recently become highly functional with a high number of pixels, and when performing routine work in business and personal use, the settings thereof are various.
It is becoming difficult for each person who operates the digital camera to make appropriate settings, and it is difficult to make effective use of photographed data.

When a high-quality mode is selected and photographing is performed, fine details can be clearly photographed, but since the data capacity is large, it cannot be said that photographing with the highest quality is necessarily required. For example, if the image is printed in A4 size, 1600 * 1200 dots, if the image is used in part of the A4 report, 400 * 480 dots, etc. And
The operator who operates the digital camera usually does not know the optimal set value. Therefore, it is desired that the operator of the digital camera does not directly set the image quality and the like but can automatically set the image quality for each purpose.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera and a digital camera system capable of easily transferring a captured image to the outside.

[0011]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first operation mode for photographing a subject and recording image data, and a first operation mode for photographing a subject. An image input unit that has a second operation mode for recording data and transferring the data to the outside, capturing an image of a subject, and acquiring image data; a recording unit for recording image data; A communication unit for performing data communication, and a first unit in which first information for instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode is stored.
And control means for controlling execution of the first operation mode or the second operation mode in accordance with the content of the first information.

According to the above invention, there is provided a first operation mode in which an object is photographed and image data is recorded, and a second operation mode in which the object is photographed and image data is recorded and transferred to the outside. The control means executes the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the first information instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

[0013] The invention according to claim 2 is based on claim 1.
In the invention according to the second aspect, a plurality of parameters for executing the second operation mode and second information specifying one or more of the plurality of parameters are stored.
Wherein the control means controls to execute the second operation mode in accordance with the parameter specified by the second information when the second operation mode is selected. is there.

According to the above-mentioned invention, a plurality of parameters for executing the second operation mode are provided, and the control means, when the second operation mode is selected, one or more of the plurality of parameters. The second operation mode is executed in accordance with a parameter specified by the second information for specifying a plurality.

[0015] The invention according to claim 3 is based on claim 1.
The content of the first information can be set from the external device. According to the above invention, the content of the first information can be set from the external device.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2.
The content of the second information can be set from the external device. According to the above invention, the content of the second information can be set from the external device.

[0017] The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1.
In the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a parameter for executing the second operation mode can be set from the external device. According to the present invention, it is possible to set a parameter for executing the second operation mode from an external device.

The invention according to claim 6 is based on claim 1.
In the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the parameter for executing the second operation mode includes information about image quality at the time of shooting and / or setting information at the time of communication. According to the above invention, the parameters for executing the second operation mode include information on image quality at the time of shooting and / or setting information at the time of communication.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera system including a digital camera and an external device connectable to the digital camera, wherein the digital camera captures an object and records image data. A first operation mode, a second operation mode in which a subject is photographed and image data is recorded and transferred to the outside, and an image input means for photographing the subject and acquiring image data, and recording the image data Recording means for performing data communication, first communication means for performing data communication with an external device, and the first communication means.
First storage means for storing first information for instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode, and the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the content of the first information. Control means for controlling to execute an operation mode, wherein the external device includes a second communication means for performing data communication with the digital camera, and the first information via the second communication means. And setting means for setting parameters for executing the second operation mode.

According to the invention, in the digital camera,
A first operation mode for photographing the subject and recording the image data, and a second operation mode for photographing the subject and recording the image data and transferring the data outside,
The control means executes the first operation mode or the second operation mode in accordance with the content of the first information instructing the selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode. The contents of the first information and the parameters for executing the second operation mode are set.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a digital camera and a digital camera system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera system includes a digital camera 1 and a personal computer 2 as an external device, both of which are connected via a connection cable 3 to perform data communication.
Here, the digital camera 1 and the personal computer 2 are communicated via the connection cable, but the digital camera 1 and the personal computer 2 may be connected wirelessly (for example, IrDA).
Here, the digital camera 1 and the personal computer 2 are directly connected, but may be connected via a network such as the Internet.
Also, here, an example in which a personal computer is used as an external device connected to the digital camera 1 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this.
As an external device connected to the device, an electronic organizer, a portable terminal device (for example, a PDA) or the like may be connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 1 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera 1 includes a lens 101, a mechanical mechanism 102 including an autofocus mechanism, a CCD 103, a CDS (Correl).
provided Double Sampling (correlated double sampling) circuit 104, A / D converter 105, digital signal processing unit 106, image compression / decompression processing unit 107,
Card interface 108, card adapter (PC
Card I / F) 109, CPU 110, motor driver 111, SG (control signal generation unit) 112, mode display unit 113, operation unit 114, memory 115, RAM 116,
Data communication unit 117, strobe circuit 118, LCD11
9, a DC-DC converter 121, a battery 122, a recording medium 123, and the like.

The mechanical mechanism 102 includes a mechanical shutter, an auto focus mechanism, an aperture mechanism, and a filter. The CCD 103 converts a subject image input via the lens 101 and the mechanical mechanism 102 into an electric signal (analog image data). The CDS circuit 104
This is a circuit for reducing noise of the CCD type imaging device. The A / D converter 105 converts analog image data from the CCD 103 input via the CDS circuit 104 into digital image data.

The digital signal processing unit 106 separates the digital image data input from the A / D converter 105 into color difference (Cb, Cr) and luminance (Y) for various processing, correction, and image compression / decompression. Perform data processing. The image compression / decompression processing unit 107 performs, for example, compression (encoding) and decompression (decoding) processing conforming to JPEG. The card interface 108 is a PCMCIA (Person
al Computer Memory Card I
international Association)
The interface operation with the PC card conforming to the standard is executed. The recording medium 123 is composed of, for example, a compact flash or a smart media, and records compressed image data and the like.

The motor driver 111 controls the drive of the drive motor of the lens 101 and the stop motor of the mechanical mechanism 102 in accordance with the control signal input from the CPU 110. An SG (control signal generation unit) 112 includes a CCD 103,
A signal for controlling the operation timing of the CDS circuit 104 and the A / D converter 105 is generated.

The mode display section 113 displays the selected mode and the like. The operation unit 114 includes various switches for performing operations such as function selection, setting of various modes, and shooting instructions.

The CPU 110 follows an instruction from the operation unit 114 or an external operation instruction such as a remote controller (not shown) in accordance with various control programs stored in the memory 115.
Using the RAM 116 as a work area, the entire device of the digital camera 1 is controlled. The digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first camera that shoots a subject and records image data.
And a second operation mode in which a subject is photographed, image data is recorded, and the image data is transferred to the outside.

The memory 115 stores various control programs and data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of the data configuration of the memory 115. As shown in the figure, the memory 115 includes an automatic execution flag storage unit 151, an automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152, an automatic execution parameter storage unit (0 to N) 153, and a PC connection program storage unit 1.
54, a shooting program storage unit 155, an address book 156, and the like.

The automatic execution flag storage section 151 stores an automatic execution flag (first number) for designating whether or not to execute the automatic execution.
Information) is stored. For example, when the automatic execution flag is “ON”, the automatic execution is set to ON and the second operation mode is executed. When the automatic execution flag is “OFF”, the automatic execution is set to OFF and the first operation mode is set. Is executed.

Automatic execution parameter_area number storage 1
52, an automatic execution parameter storage unit (0 to N) 153
An area number (second information) for selecting one or more of the above is stored. For example, when the area number “1” is set, the automatic execution parameter storage unit 1 is selected.

Automatic execution parameter storage (0 to N) 15
3 stores parameters (set values) used for automatic execution (second operation mode), and a plurality of automatic execution parameters 0 to N. When performing the automatic execution (second operation mode) among the plurality of automatic execution parameters 0 to N, the automatic execution parameter selected by the area number of the automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152 is used. Note that different set values can be set for each of the automatic execution parameters 0 to N.

The automatic execution parameters include a photographing quality parameter 161 such as a vertical and horizontal size of a photograph and the number of colors, an image quality parameter 162 for transferring image data recorded via the data communication unit 117 to the outside, and a transfer. Destination mail address 163, transfer destination password 164, telephone number 16
5, the communication function ON / OFF flag 166 and the like are stored.

The data in the automatic execution flag storage 151, the automatic execution parameter_area number storage 152, and the automatic execution parameter storage (0 to N) 153 are stored in the PC connection program storage 155 when the personal computer 2 is connected. By starting the program stored in the personal computer 2, the setting can be made from the digital camera setting program on the personal computer 2. This setting can be performed in the same manner as in the camera system disclosed in JP-A-6-67265. Here, the detailed description of the setting method is omitted.

The data communication section 117 performs data communication with an external device in a wired or wireless manner. The strobe circuit 118 emits strobe light under the control of the CPU 110.

The LCD 119 is a digital signal processor 10
Image data, operation menus, and the like are displayed by the display control of 6. The battery 122 is used as a camera power supply, and includes, for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery, an alkaline battery, and the like, and is provided inside the digital camera 1 via the DC-DC converter 121. Supplied. The DC-DC converter 121 has a built-in switch circuit for turning on / off various powers output to the inside of the digital camera under the control of the CPU 110.

FIG. 4 shows the personal computer 2 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration. 2, a personal computer 2 includes an input unit 201 for inputting a character string, a data communication unit 202 for performing data communication, and a display unit 2.
03 and C which controls the entire personal computer
A PU 204, a recording medium 205 storing various control programs for operating the CPU 204, a recording medium drive device 206 for reading / writing data on the recording medium 205, a RAM 207 used as a work area of the CPU 204, and the like. It is composed of

The input unit 201 comprises a keyboard or the like provided with cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like.
4 is output. The data communication unit 202 performs data communication with the digital camera 1 and the like. The display unit 203
The display is configured by a CRT, an LCD, or the like, and performs display according to display data input from the CPU 204.

The CPU 204 is a control unit that manages control of the entire personal computer according to various control programs stored in the recording medium 205. The CPU 204 includes an input unit 201, a data communication unit 20
2. The display unit 203, the recording medium drive device 206, and the RAM 207 are connected, and control data communication, reading of control programs, reading / writing of various data, data / command input, and the like.

The recording medium 205 stores various control programs for operating the CPU 204, parameters used for the processing, and the like. The various control programs include, for example, a digital camera setting program for giving an operation instruction to the digital camera 1 and setting parameters and the like of the digital camera 1. The digital camera setting program is started, and the settings of the automatic execution flag storage unit 151, the automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152, and the automatic execution parameter storage units (0 to N) 153 of the digital camera 1 are set on the operation screen. It can be performed. As the recording medium 205, for example, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a CD-RO
M or CD-R can be used.

Next, the operation of the digital camera 1 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows a digital camera 1
2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of FIG. In the figure, when the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on (step S1), the CPU 110 first performs initialization of the digital camera such as initialization of each circuit and motor (step S2). Next, the CPU 110 turns ON / OFF the automatic execution flag in the automatic execution flag storage unit 151 of the memory 115.
OFF is checked (step S3), and when the automatic execution flag is OFF, a conventional normal camera photographing program is executed to execute normal photographing (first operation mode) (step S12). Specifically, an image is shot under shooting conditions such as image quality set by an operator of the digital camera, and the image data converted into an electric signal by the CCD 103 is subjected to signal processing by the digital signal processing unit 106 and then subjected to image compression / The compression processing is performed by the decompression processing unit 107, and is recorded on the recording medium 123 via the card interface 108.

On the other hand, if the flag in the automatic execution flag storage section 151 is ON in step S3, the CPU 110
Checks the area number in the automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152 to execute the second operation mode (step S4), and executes the automatic execution parameter storage unit 153.
Which automatic execution parameter to execute is acquired (step S5). Subsequently, the CPU 110 acquires the corresponding automatic execution parameters, and acquires the acquired automatic execution parameters (the parameters 161 of the image quality such as the vertical and horizontal sizes and the number of colors of the photograph, and the image data recorded via the data communication unit 117). Image quality parameter 162 for transfer to outside, transfer destination mail address 163, transfer destination password 164,
The telephone number 165) is set in the digital camera 1 (step S6).

Subsequently, the CPU 110 prepares for photographing such as reading various switches, charging the strobe 118, displaying the subject on the LCD 119 (step S7), and waits for the release to be pressed. Until the release is pressed, the state of various switches is monitored. For example, when the power switch is turned off, a power-off program is executed.

Then, when the release is pressed (step S8), the CPU 110 performs a shooting operation in the same manner as a normal camera under the shooting conditions set by the automatic execution parameters, and the CCD 103 converts it into an electric signal. The image data is subjected to signal processing in the digital signal processing unit 106, then subjected to compression processing in the image compression / decompression processing unit 107, and is recorded on the recording medium 123 via the card interface 108 (step S9). Further, the CPU 110 checks the communication function ON / OFF flag 166 of the automatic execution parameter (step S10), and the communication function ON / OFF.
If the flag 166 is OFF, the process returns to the preparation for the next photographing (step S7), and the communication function ON / OFF flag 166 is set.
Is ON, the captured image is transferred to the data communication unit 11.
7, the conditions set by the automatic execution parameters (image quality 162 during data transfer, destination mail address 16
3. According to the transfer destination password 164 and the telephone number 165), the data is transferred to the specified transfer destination (step S11), and the process returns to the preparation for the next photographing (step S7).

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the first operation mode (normal photographing mode) for recording the photographed image and the first operation mode for recording the photographed image and transferring the photographed image to the outside are provided. A second operation mode, an automatic execution flag for instructing selection between the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and determining the content of the automatic execution flag to perform the first operation. Since the mode or the second operation mode is executed, the captured image can be easily transferred to the outside. Further, the operator can simply press the shutter in any operation mode, and can prevent an operation error.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of automatic execution parameters for executing the second operation mode and an automatic execution parameter_for specifying one or more of the plurality of automatic execution parameters are set. An automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152 when the second operation mode is selected.
Since the second operation mode is executed by setting the setting condition of the automatic execution parameter specified by the area number of the area number, when executing the second operation mode, the user can select from various setting conditions. Then, it can be executed.

Further, in this embodiment, since the ON / OFF of the automatic execution flag can be set from an external device, the operation mode can be set from the external device, thereby improving the convenience of the operator.

In this embodiment, since the area number of the automatic execution parameter_area number storage section 152 can be set from an external device, the external device selects an automatic execution parameter to be used in the second operation mode. And the convenience of the operator is improved.

Further, in this embodiment, since the contents of the plurality of automatic execution parameters can be set from the external device, the plurality of automatic execution parameters can be set from the external device, so that the convenience of the operator is good. Become. In addition, after setting on a PC that is easy to operate, the settings can be transferred to the camera, which facilitates the setting. In addition to making it easier to do, for example, if the work content is changed every day, connect the camera and PC before going out,
The camera can be set to the optimal condition for the day's work, improving usability.

In the present embodiment, the image quality (size, number of colors, etc.) 161 and / or the setting information at the time of communication (image quality 1 at the time of data transfer) are included in the automatic execution parameters.
62, the transfer destination mail address 163, the transfer destination password 164, and the telephone number 165), the operator of the external device can set the necessary image quality at the time of shooting and the conditions at the time of transfer. Thus, the operator can use the apparatus in an optimal state.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be carried out with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0052]

As described above, according to the digital camera of the first aspect, the first operation mode in which the subject is photographed and the image data is recorded, the image data is recorded by photographing the subject, and the image data is recorded. A second operation mode for transferring to the outside, and the control means controls the first operation mode or the second operation mode.
Since the first operation mode or the second operation mode is executed according to the first information instructing the selection of the operation mode, the captured image can be easily transferred to the outside. Further, the operator can simply press the shutter in any operation mode, and can prevent an operation error.

According to the digital camera of the second aspect, the digital camera of the first aspect has a plurality of parameters for executing the second operation mode, and the control means controls the second operation mode. Is selected, the second operation mode is executed in accordance with the parameter specified by the second information for specifying one or more of the plurality of parameters.
In addition to the effects of the digital camera according to the first aspect, the second operation mode can be executed by selecting from various setting conditions.

According to the digital camera of the third aspect, since the content of the first information can be set from an external device in the digital camera of the first aspect, the effect of the digital camera of the first aspect is obtained. In addition to the above, the operation mode can be set from an external device, and the convenience of the operator is improved.

According to the digital camera of the fourth aspect, in the digital camera of the second aspect, since the content of the second information can be set from an external device, the effect of the digital camera of the second aspect is obtained. In addition, an automatic execution parameter to be used in the second operation mode can be selected from an external device, thereby improving the convenience of the operator.

According to the digital camera of the fifth aspect, in the digital camera of any one of the first to fourth aspects, parameters for executing the second operation mode can be set from an external device. Claim 1
In addition to the effects of the digital camera according to any one of (1) to (4), an automatic execution parameter can be set from an external device, and the convenience of the operator is improved.

According to the digital camera of the sixth aspect, in the digital camera of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the parameters for executing the second operation mode include image quality at the time of shooting. And / or setting information at the time of communication is included, so that in addition to the effects of the digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5, image quality at the time of shooting required by an operator of an external device And conditions at the time of transfer can be set, and the operator can use the apparatus in an optimal state.

According to the digital camera system of the present invention, in the digital camera, the first operation mode for photographing the subject and recording the image data is provided. And the control means transfers the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the content of the first information instructing the selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode. In the external device, the setting unit sets the content of the first information and the parameter for executing the second operation mode, so that the captured image can be easily transferred to the outside. It becomes possible. Further, the operator can simply press the shutter in any operation mode, and can prevent an operation error.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital camera in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of a data configuration of a memory in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the personal computer of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the digital camera in FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 digital camera 2 personal computer 3 connection cable 101 lens 102 mechanical mechanism 103 CCD 104 CDS circuit 105 A / D converter 106 digital signal processing unit 107 image compression / decompression processing unit 108 card interface 109 card adapter (PC card I / F) 110 CPU 111 Motor driver 112 SG (control signal generation unit) 113 Mode display unit 114 Operation unit 115 Memory 116 RAM 117 Data communication unit 118 Strobe circuit 119 LCD 121 DC-DC converter 122 Battery 123 Recording medium 201 Input unit 202 Data communication Unit 203 display unit 204 CPU 205 recording medium 206 recording medium drive device 207 RAM

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A first operation mode for photographing a subject and recording image data, and a second operation mode for photographing a subject and recording image data and transferring the image data to the outside. An image input unit that captures an image of a subject to obtain image data; a recording unit that records image data; a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device; and the first operation mode or the second operation mode. First storage means for storing first information for instructing selection of an operation mode; and controlling to execute the first operation mode or the second operation mode in accordance with the content of the first information. A digital camera, comprising: control means; 2. A plurality of parameters for executing the second operation mode, and one of the plurality of parameters.
Or second storage means for storing second information for specifying a plurality of pieces of information, wherein the control means, when the second operation mode is selected, a parameter specified by the second information. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the second operation mode is executed according to the following. 3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the content of the first information can be set from the external device. 4. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the content of the second information can be set from the external device. 5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein a parameter for executing the second operation mode can be set from the external device. 6. The parameter according to claim 1, wherein the parameters of the second operation mode include information on image quality at the time of photographing and / or setting information at the time of communication. Digital camera. 7. A digital camera system comprising a digital camera and an external device connectable to the digital camera, the digital camera comprising: a first operation mode for photographing a subject and recording image data; A second operation mode for recording an image of the subject and transferring the image data to the outside, and an image input unit for capturing the subject and acquiring the image data; and a recording for recording the image data. Means, first communication means for performing data communication with an external device, and first storage means for storing first information instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode. Control means for controlling to execute the first operation mode or the second operation mode in accordance with the content of the first information, wherein the external device comprises: A second communication unit for performing data communication with the digital camera, and a setting unit for setting parameters for executing the content of the first information and the second operation mode via the second communication unit. A digital camera system comprising: