JP2001201679A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera capable of performing ambush photographing in composition or in a range intended by a photographer by changing the size or the position of a subject detecting area. SOLUTION: This camera is equipped with a range-finding means 101 calculating range-finding data concerning a subject distance based on subject image data, an ambush mode setting switch 107 performing the setting of an ambush photographing mode for performing the photographing of a subject entering a photographic image plane, an ambush area setting switch 108 setting an area for detecting the subject at the time of setting the ambush photographing mode by the switch 107, and a display means displaying the area set by the switch 108 in the image plane of a finder. In the camera, range-finding is performed by the means 101 at the intervals of specified time in the area set by the switch 108 and photographing is automatically per formed when the change of the range-finding data is larger than a specified value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly, to a camera capable of setting an ambush photographing mode for photographing a subject entering a photographing screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, FIG.
When an image of a moving subject as shown in FIG. 1A is to be photographed, the shutter is pressed after the photographing button is pressed due to a delay in the response of the photographer or a long time required for calculation and driving in the camera. A time lag occurs before the operation is performed, and as shown in FIG.
In many cases, a photograph in which a target subject goes too far from a target position is taken.

In view of the above, a camera has been proposed in which a shutter is automatically released when a subject moves to the center of the screen. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-22648 discloses such a technique. The technique described in (1) describes a technique in which distance measurement is performed at predetermined time intervals to update reference data, and shooting is performed when the difference between this reference data and new data exceeds a predetermined value.

[0004]

However, in the method described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Hei 7-22648, distance measurement is performed because only a partial area within the photographing screen can be measured. When a subject enters an unoccupied area, the photographing cannot be performed. Further, the photographer cannot set the detection area of the subject to a desired size or position.

That is, according to the technique described in the above publication, a moving person is positioned on the right side of the screen and another person enters the left side of the screen as shown in FIG. I couldn't respond to the composition.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 (A), when it is desired to take a picture at a predetermined size such that a flying bird is located at the upper right of the screen, or as shown in FIG. 11 (B). In a scene where there are many moving subjects, it is not possible to cope with a case where a specific moving subject is to be photographed at a certain position.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a camera capable of changing the size and position of a subject detection area and performing ambush shooting in a composition and range intended by a photographer. It is intended to be.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a distance measuring means for calculating distance measuring data relating to a subject distance based on subject image data, and penetrates into a photographing screen. An ambush shooting mode setting means for setting an ambush shooting mode for shooting a subject, and an ambush area setting means for setting an area for subject detection when the ambush shooting mode is set by the ambush shooting mode setting means. .

The camera according to a second aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the first aspect, further comprising a display unit for displaying an area set by the ambush area setting unit in a finder screen.

The camera according to a third aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the first or second aspect, wherein the distance measurement by the distance measuring means is performed at predetermined time intervals within the area set by the ambush area setting means. The photographing is performed in accordance with a change in the distance measurement data calculated by the distance measuring means.

The camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the first or second aspect, wherein the object image data is detected at predetermined time intervals within the area set by the ambush area setting means. The photographing is performed according to the change of the subject image data.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a distance measuring means, and FIG. FIG. 4 shows an example of ambush area switching.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modified example of the ambush area display, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the ambush shooting sequence.

First, the configuration of the camera will be described with reference to FIG.

This camera has a distance measuring means 101 as a subject change detecting means for measuring distance to an object and outputting distance measuring information, and a light measuring means 102 for measuring luminance in a photographing screen and outputting luminance information. A lens driving unit 103 for driving a focus adjustment lens included in the photographing lens based on the distance measurement information output from the distance measuring unit 101; and a film exposure by controlling a subject light passage time. A shutter means 104, a release switch 106 for starting a shooting sequence of the camera, an ambush mode setting switch 107 serving as an ambush shooting mode setting means for setting an ambush mode, and detection of a subject entering the shooting screen Ambush area 11
6 (see FIG. 3), a lay-down area setting switch 108 as a lay-down area setting means for switching the range, and a film feeding means 109 for winding and rewinding the film.
An EEPROM 110 which is a nonvolatile memory for storing a distance measurement interval, various set values, adjustment values, and the like in the ambush mode;
The above components are connected to each other, and the CPU 105 is a control unit that controls the sequence of the entire camera and also performs calculations and the like on various data.

In the above description, EE is used as the nonvolatile memory.
Although a PROM is used, the present invention is not limited to this.

The ambush mode setting switch 1
07 and the ambush area setting switch 108 need not necessarily be a single button switch, but may be a dial, a cross key, or a plurality of button switches.

Next, referring to FIG.
Will be described in detail.

The distance measuring means 101 includes light receiving lenses 111a and 111b for forming a subject image, and converts the subject images formed by the light receiving lenses 111a and 111b into electric signals according to the light intensity. Area sensors 112a and 112b
a, 112b, an integration control circuit 113 for controlling the integration operation
A / D for converting analog electric signals output from the area sensors 112a and 112b into digital signals
And a conversion circuit 114. The integration control circuit 113 and the A / D conversion circuit 114
05, and the digital signal converted by the A / D conversion circuit 114 is output to the CPU 105.

Next, an example of the ambush area switching will be described with reference to FIG.

In the finder screen 115, an ambush area 116 having a rectangular shape, for example, whose center is substantially coincident with the center of the finder screen 115, is set. The size can be switched.

That is, this ambush area 116
This is an area for detecting an intruding subject in the shooting screen. Each time the ambush area setting switch 108 is pressed once, for example, an area of five stages as shown in the figure is changed cyclically, It is supposed to be.

Further, the range of the area set by the ambush area setting switch 108 is displayed using a frame or the like by display means made of a transmissive liquid crystal or the like. In the finder screen 115, it is observed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a modification of the display of the ambush area.

In this example, the display means is formed by combining a transmission type liquid crystal and a color filter, etc., so that the ambush area 116 displayed observable in the finder screen 115 is colored, for example, green or red. Is displayed.

Next, an ambush photographing sequence will be described with reference to FIG.

When the release switch 106 is turned on, this process is started. First, it is determined whether or not the ambush mode is set by the ambush mode setting switch 107 (step S101).

If the ambush mode has not been set, a normal photographing sequence is executed.

On the other hand, when the ambush mode is set, the distance is measured by the distance measuring means 101 in the ambush area 116 set by the ambush area setting switch 108 (step S102). Based on the subject image data output from the distance measuring means 101, the CPU 105 performs known correlation calculation, interpolation calculation, and the like to calculate subject distance data.

Subsequently, a predetermined time corresponding to the distance measuring time interval set in the EEPROM 110 is measured using a timer or the like built in the CPU 105 (step S103). The timer setting time may be set so that the distance measurement time interval is constant according to the integration time in step S102 and step S105 described later.

Then, it is determined whether or not the ambush mode has been released (step S104), and if it has been released, the process shifts to a state of waiting for the next switch input.

On the other hand, when the ambush mode is not released, the distance is measured by the distance measuring means 101 in the ambush area 116 (step S105). The method of calculating the subject distance data at this time is the same as in step S102.

Next, the CPU 105 calculates a difference between the subject distance data obtained in step S102 and the subject distance data obtained in step S105 (step S106). Note that the difference between the subject distance data in step S102 and the subject distance data in step S105 is determined only for the first time, and for the second and subsequent times, the subject distance data in the previous step S105 and the subject distance in the current step S105 are determined. The difference from the distance data may be obtained.

Then, it is determined whether or not the difference between the subject distance data in the ambush area 116 obtained in step S106 is larger than a predetermined value set in the EEPROM 110 (step S107). Returns to step S103 and repeats the above-described operation.

On the other hand, when the difference between the subject distance data is larger than a predetermined value, the photometry is performed by the photometry means 102, and the CPU 105 calculates exposure data based on the luminance information (step S108). In addition,
The processing in step S108 is performed in step S103.
From step S107 to step S107.

Next, based on the subject distance data obtained in step S105, the CPU 105 calculates the extension amount of a focus adjusting lens (not shown) (step S109). Instead of using the subject distance data obtained in step S105, the distance may be measured again to calculate the subject distance data, and the feeding amount may be obtained according to the result. Further, the processing in step S109 may be performed between the above-described steps S103 to S107.

Subsequently, a lens for focusing adjustment (not shown) is extended by the lens driving means 103 in accordance with the extension amount obtained in step S109 (step S1).
10). The processing in step S110 may be performed between steps S105 and S107.

Then, the shutter means 104
Exposure is performed according to the exposure data obtained in step S108 (step S111).

When the exposure is completed, the film feeding means 109 winds one frame of the film (step S112), and waits for the next switch input.

According to the first embodiment, the distance is measured in the ambush area at predetermined time intervals, and photographing is performed when the distance measurement data changes more than a predetermined value.
Ambush shooting can be performed.

When the photographer operates the ambush mode setting switch, the size of the ambush area can be changed to a desired size. The size can be set, or the size can be set such that only the subject that has entered the center of the screen is photographed.

Further, since the size of the set ambush area is displayed in the viewfinder screen, the photographer can easily check the size and range.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention and is a flowchart showing an ambush photographing sequence. In the second embodiment, a description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different points will be mainly described.

In the first embodiment described above, the detection of a subject entering the photographing screen is performed based on a change in the distance measurement data in the ambush area 116. The embodiment of FIG.
The detection is performed based on a change in subject image data.

The ambush photographing sequence of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When the release switch 106 is turned on, this process starts. First, it is determined whether or not the ambush mode is set by the ambush mode setting switch 107 (step S201).

Here, when the ambush mode is not set, a normal photographing sequence is executed.

On the other hand, when the ambush mode is set, the distance is measured by the distance measuring means 101 in the ambush area 116 set by the ambush area setting switch 108 (step S202). In the distance measuring means 101, the integration operation of the area sensors 112a and 112b is controlled by the integration control circuit 113,
The analog integrated data output from the area sensors 112a and 112b are converted into digital data a1, a2,..., An (where a1 to an are digital data of each sensor in the ambush area) by the A / D conversion circuit 114. D
After conversion, the digital data is output to the CPU 105 as subject image data. The detection of the subject image data may use both the area sensors 112a and 112b, or may use only one of the area sensors 112a and 112b.

Subsequently, a predetermined time corresponding to the subject image data detection time interval set in the EEPROM 110 is measured using a timer or the like built in the CPU 105 (step S203). The timer setting time may be set so that the detection time interval of the subject image data becomes constant according to the integration time in step S202 and step S205 described later.

Then, it is determined whether or not the ambush mode has been canceled (step S204).

On the other hand, if the ambush mode has not been released, the distance is measured by the distance measuring means 101 in the ambush area 116 (step S205). The method of calculating the subject distance data at this time is the same as in step S202.

Next, in the CPU 105, the subject image data obtained in the step S202 and the S205
The degree of coincidence with the subject image data obtained in (1) is calculated (step S206). The degree of coincidence is determined by the object image data a1, a2,..., An detected in step S202 and the object image data b1, b2,.
Using bn, the calculation is performed by a correlation calculation or the like as shown in the following Expression 1.

[0052]

(Equation 1)

Steps S202 and S20
5, the degree of coincidence of the subject image data is determined only for the first time, and for the second and subsequent times, the degree of coincidence between the subject image data in the previous step S205 and the subject image data in the present step S205 is determined. Is also good.

Then, it is determined whether or not the correlation value F (n) indicating the degree of coincidence of the subject distance data in the ambush area 116 obtained in step S206 is larger than a predetermined value set in the EEPROM 110. (Step S207) If it is smaller, the process returns to Step S203 to repeat the above-described operation.

On the other hand, the correlation value F (n) of the subject distance data
Is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the subject has entered the ambush area, the photometry unit 102 performs photometry, and based on the luminance information, the CPU 1
05, the exposure data is calculated (step S20).
8). The processing in step S208 may be performed between steps S203 and S207.

Subsequently, the ranging within the ambush area 116 is measured by the distance measuring means 101 (step S).
209). Here, based on the subject image data output from the distance measuring means 101, the CPU 105
Subject distance data is calculated by performing a known correlation operation, interpolation operation, or the like. Note that the above step S205
The subject distance data may be calculated using the subject image data b1, b2,.

Next, based on the subject distance data obtained in step S209, the CPU 105 calculates the extension amount of a focus adjusting lens (not shown) (step S210). Instead of using the subject distance data obtained in step S209, the distance may be measured again to calculate the subject distance data, and the feeding amount may be obtained according to the result. Further, the process of step S210 may be performed between steps S205 and S207.

Then, the lens driving means 103 extends a focus adjusting lens (not shown) in accordance with the extension amount obtained in step S210 (step S2).
11). Note that the process of step S211 may be performed between steps S205 and S207.

Thereafter, the shutter means 104
Exposure is performed according to the exposure data obtained in step S208 (step S212).

When the exposure is completed, the film feeding means 109 winds one frame of the film (step S213), and then waits for the next switch input.

According to the second embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and a subject entering due to a change in subject image data is detected. A subject that enters the same distance as a subject in the ambush area when the ambush mode is set can be detected.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of area division within a ambush area, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an ambush shooting sequence. . In this third embodiment,
A description of the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and only different points will be mainly described.

The third embodiment divides the ambush area into a plurality of areas, calculates a change in distance measurement data for each of the divided areas, and detects a subject entering the ambush area. It was made.

First, the area division within the ambush area will be described with reference to FIG.

In the finder screen 301, an ambush area 302 for detecting a subject entering the photographic screen is set, and the ambush area 302 is set in the ambush area setting switch 108.
, And the set range is displayed by a display means such as a transmissive liquid crystal using a frame line or the like.

The ambush area 302 is further divided into a plurality of areas as shown by reference numerals A to I in FIG. Can be set.

Next, an ambush photographing sequence will be described with reference to FIG.

When the release switch 106 is turned on, the process starts. First, it is determined whether or not the ambush mode is set by the ambush mode setting switch 107 (step S301).

Here, when the ambush mode is not set, a normal photographing sequence is executed.

On the other hand, when the ambush mode is set, the divided areas A to I in the ambush area 116 set by the ambush area setting switch 108 are set.
Are measured by the distance measuring means 101 (step S302). Based on the subject image data output from the distance measuring means 101, the CPU 105
, Subject distance data is calculated by performing a known correlation operation, interpolation operation, or the like for each of the divided areas A to I.

Subsequently, a predetermined time corresponding to the distance measuring time interval set in the EEPROM 110 is measured using a timer or the like built in the CPU 105 (step S303). The timer setting time may be set so that the distance measurement time interval is constant according to the integration time in step S302 or step S305 described later.

Then, it is determined whether or not the ambush mode has been released (step S304). If the ambush mode has been released, the flow shifts to a state of waiting for the next switch input.

On the other hand, when the ambush mode is not released, each of the divided areas A to
The distance is measured by the distance measuring means 101 for each I (step S305). The method of calculating the subject distance data at this time is the same as in step S302.

Next, the CPU 105 calculates a difference between the subject distance data obtained in step S302 and the subject distance data obtained in step S305 for each of the divided areas A to I (step S306). In addition,
Subject distance data in step S302 and step S3
The difference between the subject distance data in step S305 and the subject distance data in step S305 is obtained only for the first time, and the difference between the subject distance data in step S305 and the subject distance data in step S305 is obtained. good.

Then, it is determined whether or not the difference between the subject distance data for each of the divided areas A to I in the ambush area 116 obtained in step S306 is larger than a predetermined value set in the EEPROM 110 (step S306). Step S
307) If there is no large divided area, the process returns to step S303 to repeat the above-described operation.

On the other hand, if there is one or more divided areas in which the difference between the subject distance data is larger than the predetermined value, the closest selection is performed using the subject distance data in step S305 for the divided area larger than the predetermined value. Is performed (step S308). Note that the distance may be measured again for a divided area in which the difference between the subject distance data is larger than a predetermined value, and the selection may be performed using the measured distance data. Instead of the nearest selection, other selection means such as selection of intermediate data may be used.

Thereafter, photometry is performed by the photometric means 102, and exposure data is calculated in the CPU 105 based on the luminance information (step S309). Note that the processing in step S309 is performed in step S3.
It may be performed between 03 and step S307.

Next, based on the subject distance data of the area selected from the divided areas A to I in step S308, the CPU 105 calculates the extension amount of the focus adjustment lens (not shown) (step S310). In addition,
For the divided area selected in step S308,
The distance may be measured again to determine the amount of extension. Further, the processing in step S310 is performed in step S3.
05 to step S307.

On the basis of the lens extension amount obtained in step S310, the lens driving means 103 extends an unillustrated focus adjusting lens (step S31).
1). The processing in step S311 may be performed between steps S305 and S307.

Then, the shutter means 104
Exposure is performed according to the exposure data obtained in step S309 (step S312).

When the exposure is completed, the film feeding means 109 winds one frame of the film (step S313), and waits for the next switch input.

In the above description, the detection of the subject entering the ambush area 302 is performed by the plurality of divided areas A to A.
Although the measurement is performed by changing the distance measurement data for each I, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be performed by changing the subject image data for each of the divided areas A to I.

According to the third embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments described above can be obtained, and the ambush area is divided into a plurality of areas to form one detection area. By narrowing the field of view, when a subject at a short distance and a long distance exists in the distance measurement field of view, the distance measurement data becomes an intermediate distance between the short distance object and the long distance object or a long distance object distance, so-called. The mixed perspective state is less likely to occur. This makes it possible to obtain highly accurate ranging data.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of setting an ambush area based on the attitude of a camera. In the fourth embodiment, a description of the same parts as those in the above-described first to third embodiments will be omitted, and only different points will be mainly described.

The camera according to the fourth embodiment is provided with a posture detecting means such as a mercury switch for detecting the posture of the camera. Based on the output of the posture detecting means, the CPU 105 It is determined whether the camera is in a vertical position or a horizontal position.

When the ambush mode is set by the ambush mode setting switch 107, the ambush area is divided into an area for the vertical position and an area for the horizontal position according to the attitude of the camera detected by the attitude detecting means. And switch to it.

FIG. 9 shows an example of an area corresponding to these postures.

That is, in the finder screen 401,
As shown in FIG. 9A, a horizontal band ambush area 402 having a horizontal band shape can be set.
Further, a vertical position ambush area 403 having a band shape intersecting in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction as shown in FIG.
Can be set.

In this way, when the result of detection by the attitude detecting means is a horizontal position, a horizontal position ambush area 402 as shown in FIG. 9A is automatically set.
In the case of the vertical position, the vertical position ambush area 403 as shown in FIG. 9B is automatically set.

According to the fourth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the above-described first to third embodiments are obtained, and the ambush area is switched according to the posture of the camera. Ambush shooting according to the condition.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Appendix] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention as described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) Distance measurement means for calculating distance measurement data relating to the subject distance based on the subject image data, and ambush photography mode for setting an ambush photography mode for photographing a subject moving from outside the photography screen to the inside of the photography screen Setting means, and at the time of setting the ambush shooting mode by the ambush shooting mode setting means, comprises an ambush area setting means for setting an area for subject detection, and a predetermined time within the area set by the ambush area setting means. The distance is measured by the distance measuring means at intervals, and photographing is performed in accordance with the change in the distance measurement data calculated by the distance measuring means, or at predetermined time intervals within the area set by the ambush area setting means. A camera which detects the subject image data and performs photographing in accordance with a change in the subject image data.

(2) The ambush area is divided into a plurality of areas. Distance measurement data or subject image data is detected for each area, and a change in the distance measurement data or subject image data is detected. The camera according to (1), wherein the camera performs photographing based on the data.

(3) Distance measurement means for calculating distance measurement data relating to the subject distance based on the subject image data, and ambush photography mode for setting an ambush photography mode for photographing a subject moving from outside the photography screen to the inside of the photography screen Setting means, and at the time of setting the ambush shooting mode by the ambush shooting mode setting means, comprises an ambush area setting means for setting an area for subject detection; A camera which switches an area set by the ambush area setting means according to a posture.

(4) Subject change detecting means for detecting a change in a subject at a predetermined time interval, and ambush area setting means for setting a ambush area to be detected by the subject change detecting means in a photographing screen And control means for automatically performing photographing when the change of the subject detected by the subject change detection means in the ambush area is larger than a predetermined value. camera.

(5) The camera according to (4), wherein the subject change detection means detects a change in subject distance.

(6) The camera according to (4), wherein the subject change detecting means detects a change in subject image data.

(7) An additional note (4) characterized by further comprising display means for displaying the ambush area set by the ambush area setting means in a finder screen.
The camera according to.

(8) The apparatus further comprises posture detecting means for detecting the posture of the camera, and the ambush area setting means sets the ambush area according to the posture of the camera detected by the posture detecting means. The camera according to supplementary note (4), characterized in that:

(9) The camera according to (4), wherein the ambush area setting means changes at least one of the size or the position of the ambush area in the photographing screen.

[0102]

As described above, according to the camera of the present invention, the size and position of the subject detection area can be changed to perform ambush shooting in the composition and range intended by the photographer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a distance measuring unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of ambush area switching in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a modification of the ambush area display in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an ambush shooting sequence of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an ambush shooting sequence of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of area division in a waiting area of a camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an ambush shooting sequence of the camera according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting an ambush area based on a posture of a camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a conventional camera cannot successfully shoot a target scene.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a case where a conventional camera cannot successfully shoot a target scene.

[Explanation of symbols]

101: Distance measuring means (subject change detecting means) 102: Photometric means 103: Lens driving means 104: Shutter means 105: CPU (control means) 106: Release switch 107: Ambush mode setting switch (Ambush shooting mode setting means) 108: Ambush area setting switch (ambush area setting means) 109 ... Film feeding means 110 ... EEPROMs 115,301,401 ... Finder screen 116,302 ... Ambush area 402 ... Ambush area for horizontal position 403 ... Ambush area for vertical position

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03B 17/20 G02B 7/11 N 17/38 G03B 3/00 A (72) Inventor Osamu Nonaka Shibuya, Tokyo 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Ward Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H002 AB01 FB31 FB32 FB33 GA16 GA54 2H011 AA01 DA00 DA05 2H020 FB00 FC14 MA07 MD01 2H051 DA07 DA11 DA21 EA28 EB20 GA09 GA17 2H102 AA44 BB11

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A distance measurement means for calculating distance measurement data relating to a subject distance based on object image data; a laydown photography mode setting means for setting an ambush photography mode for photographing a subject invading a photographic screen; A camera comprising: an ambush shooting mode setting unit that sets an area for subject detection when the ambush shooting mode is set; 2. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying an area set by said ambush area setting means in a finder screen. 3. The distance measurement by the distance measuring means is performed at predetermined time intervals within the area set by the ambush area setting means, and photographing is performed according to a change in the distance measurement data calculated by the distance measuring means. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said subject image data is detected at predetermined time intervals within an area set by said ambush area setting means, and photographing is performed according to a change in said subject image data. Alternatively, the camera according to claim 2.