JP2002365689A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that the influence of the depth of field of every specified diaphragm value cannot be confirmed before performing consecutive photographing. SOLUTION: In this camera capable of realizing subject observation through a photographic lens and having a control means to automatically change the diaphragm value of the photographic lens to several specified diaphragm values so as to perform several times of consecutive photographing, the control means changes the diaphragm value of the photographic lens to the several specified diaphragm values so as to allow the subject observation at every specified diaphragm value in accordance with operations performed before starting several times of photographing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera having a function of automatically changing the aperture value of a photographing lens to a plurality of aperture values and performing a plurality of continuous photographing operations.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent automatic cameras, a photoelectric conversion element (photometric sensor) for receiving light transmitted through a photographing lens is arranged inside the camera in order to obtain the amount of light of a subject as camera photographing information. The exposure value is determined by calculating an appropriate shutter control value (Tv value) and a lens aperture control value (Av value) by an arithmetic processing device based on the detection results of the elements.

[0003] The shooting mode in which both the Tv value and the Av value are automatically determined as described above is generally called an AE program (P mode). On the other hand, in addition to the P mode, there are shooting modes such as a shutter priority program that calculates an Av value with a fixed Tv value and an aperture priority program that calculates a Tv value with a fixed Av value. In any of these shooting modes, the exposure is determined based on the program diagram stored in the arithmetic processing unit inside the camera in any case.

FIG. 14 shows a gradient of exposure control at a specific luminance. This obliquely changing area indicates a proper exposure range. For example, when the Tv value is 1/125, Av
An appropriate exposure is obtained at a value of F5.6. In addition, when the shutter control range of the camera is up to 1/2000, A
Under the v value, underexposure occurs outside the control range, and when the aperture control range of the lens is up to F22, overexposure occurs outside the control range at a Tv value of 1/8 or less. Further, the control range of the proper exposure differs between the case where the aperture of the lens is F2 and the case where the aperture is F4. Generally, the Tv value is set outside the control range, or the Av value is outside the range where the aperture of the photographing lens can be changed. If it is set, a warning is issued.

On the other hand, the T calculated based on the subject luminance information
Camera with AE program shift function that can change the combination of Tv value and Av value while maintaining proper exposure by shifting v value and Av value, and can continuously shoot on film frames while automatically shifting exposure value There is a camera that has an auto bracketing function.

In the auto bracketing photography, for example, the Tv value and the Av value (calculation result based on the subject luminance information) of the proper exposure are photographed for the first frame of the film, and the Tv value corresponding to the one-step underexposure for the second frame And Av value, 3
This is an exposure shift method in which the camera automatically performs a method of shooting at the Tv value and the Av value corresponding to one-step overexposure at the frame. In this way, auto bracketing photography automatically changes the exposure to the over side and under side around the appropriate exposure, and shoots the same scene several times in succession. A photograph taken with the intended exposure can be selected from the plurality of photographs taken.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 5-323412, the combination of the Av value and the Tv value is automatically changed while the exposure value is kept constant in each of the aperture priority, shutter speed priority and manual shooting modes. A camera capable of taking a picture is disclosed.

[0008] When bracketing shooting is performed in the same scene, a photograph formed by the operation on the camera side of the same subject greatly changes. For example, in bracketing shooting with shifted exposure, a photograph having a flow of proper exposure → underexposure → overexposure can be obtained. In a camera with an auto shift function, the lens aperture amount A
If only the v value is shifted, the degree of blurring of the lens changes due to the depth of field, and the resulting photographs are different in expression even though the subject is the same.

As is well known, the focus range captured as a photograph varies depending on the aperture value (F value) due to the influence of the depth of field, and the focus range becomes narrower on the open aperture side where the F value is small.
The focusing range is wide on the small aperture side where the value is large.

A specific description will be given using a landscape photograph shown in FIG. Here, the range indicated by a solid line indicates a range in focus, and the range indicated by a dotted line indicates a range out of focus. FIG. 15A shows a photograph taken under the reference AE (Tv = 1 / 125.Av = F5.6) calculated based on the photometric result. The reference AE is an exposure value automatically set based on subject brightness information.

FIG. 15 (b) shows a condition (Tv = 1 / 15.multidot.T) in which the lens aperture is shifted to the small aperture side by three steps on the apex.
(Av = F16) shows a photograph taken at this time, where the depth of field is deep and the focusing range is wide. FIG.
5 (c) shows a photograph taken under the condition (Tv = 1/1000 · Av = F2) in which the lens aperture is shifted to the three-step opening side on the apex, and the depth of field at this time is It becomes shallow and the focusing range becomes narrow.

In the completed photograph, as shown in FIG. 15, a photograph having a deep depth of field and a photograph having a shallow depth of field have different tastes even in the same scene. Here, if the aperture of the lens can be changed, the depth of field can be confirmed through the viewfinder by narrowing or opening the lens aperture before photographing.

[0013]

However, when shooting is performed by the auto bracketing function or the auto shift function, the depth of field is checked at that time even though continuous shooting is performed at least three times. The exposure is limited to the aperture value.

For example, in the case where continuous shooting is performed by shifting the Av value to the plus side and the minus side based on the Av value F5.6, the Av value F5. Only the depth of field at 6 can be confirmed. Here, if the continuous shooting is started, the depth of field at the Av value shifted to the plus side or the minus side can be confirmed. However, at the stage where the Av value before the continuous shooting is set, the second and subsequent times are set. It is not possible to confirm the depth of field during the shooting.

On the other hand, when trying to confirm the depth of field at all Av values when performing continuous photographing, one A
It is inconvenient to set the v value and check the depth of field.

Similarly, when performing continuous shooting by auto bracketing, it is not possible to confirm the depth of field at each preset exposure value before performing continuous shooting.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to confirm the effect of the depth of field for each Av value in a camera that performs continuous shooting while automatically changing a plurality of Av values before performing continuous shooting. It is to provide a camera that can do it.

[0018]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a subject can be observed through a photographing lens, and the aperture value of the photographing lens is automatically changed to a plurality of predetermined aperture values in succession for a plurality of consecutive times. In a camera having control means for performing photographing, the control means adjusts an aperture value of the photographing lens so as to allow a subject to be observed at each of the predetermined aperture values in response to the plurality of operations before the start of photographing. It is characterized in that it is sequentially changed to a plurality of predetermined aperture values.

As described above, before the continuous shooting, the effect of the depth of field for each predetermined aperture value is confirmed in advance by allowing the subject to be observed at each predetermined aperture value at which the continuous shooting is actually performed. be able to.

Further, in order to automatically change the aperture value of the photographing lens to a plurality of predetermined aperture values before continuous photographing, it is necessary to change the aperture value of the photographing lens one by one and check the influence of the depth of field. Can be omitted.

The aperture value includes a first aperture value that is automatically set based on a photometric result, and a second aperture value that is set according to a photographer's operation. In addition, the aperture value includes a first aperture value automatically set based on a photometric result, and a second aperture value automatically set according to a shutter speed arbitrarily set by a photographer's operation. Value.

Each time the aperture value of the photographing lens is changed, it is possible to display the changed aperture value and the amount of change of the aperture value.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the following embodiments.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 1 denotes an MPU, in which a CPU, ROM, R
It is a multifunctional one-chip microcomputer having an AM, an A / D converter, a nonvolatile EEPROM, a liquid crystal display driving circuit, and the like. The MPU 1 controls the operation of each circuit by communicating with peripheral circuits connected to the MPU 1 according to a program stored in the ROM. Where A
The operation of the E program is also controlled by the MPU internal program.

Each of the input ports P1 to P3 of the MPU 1 is turned on by half-pressing a release button as a camera operation status switch (sw1) for starting a photometry operation or a distance measurement operation, and fully depressing the release button. , A switch (sw2) for starting the exposure operation and a switch (swMIF) for detecting the detached state of the taking lens are connected.

The input ports P4 to P7 of the MPU 1 are used as setting switches before the release operation, and are selected from shutter speed priority (Tv priority), aperture priority (Av priority), AE program (P), and manual (M). A switch (swMODE) of a mode switching dial having a 4-bit configuration for selecting an exposure mode is connected.

The input ports P8 and P9 of the MPU 1 are used to set shutter time, aperture value, information on the number of exposure steps at the time of auto bracketing photographing (for example, information on 0.5 steps and each step), and the like. A switch (swDIAL) of an electronic dial, which is used and has a 2-bit conduction pattern having a phase difference of 90 degrees and a brush, is connected.

Each of the input ports P10 to P13 of the MPU 1 has a switch (swAEB) for setting auto bracketing for shifting the AE exposure, and a switch for setting the Av value shifted by operating the electronic dial. (SwCOMP), a switch (swADB) for setting the Av value shift mode, which is a mode for shifting the Av value, and the aperture of the taking lens is continuously set in correspondence with the Av value of the reference AE and the shifted Av value. Switches (swAVM) for setting a preview mode, which is a mode for confirming the depth of field at each aperture, are connected respectively.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a photometric circuit including a photometric sensor;
The luminance of the subject is measured according to the output of PU1, and this measurement result is output to the A / D conversion input port of MPU1. Reference numeral 3 denotes a distance measuring circuit including a distance measuring sensor for AF, which performs a distance measuring operation in accordance with the output of the MPU 1, and outputs a result of the distance measuring to A
Output to the / D conversion input port. In the present embodiment, a phase difference detection method for detecting a focus adjustment state based on a phase shift of a subject image is used as a distance measurement method.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a lens communication contact disposed at a photographic lens attaching / detaching portion of the camera body, which enables mutual communication (serial communication) between the MPU 1 and a control section of the photographic lens 5 mounted on the camera body. The information communicated includes lens ID information indicating the type of the photographing lens 5 attached to the camera body, and the MPU 1 registers the lens ID information with a plurality of lens IDs registered in advance. By collating, the type of the photographing lens 5 attached to the camera body can be grasped. Also, MPU
Reference numeral 1 sends an aperture operation command for photographing and an aperture operation command for checking the depth of field to the control unit of the imaging lens 5 via the lens communication contact 4.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a light control circuit for adjusting the amount of strobe light, and includes a light control sensor for detecting reflected light from the film surface.
When the strobe light reaches a predetermined light amount based on the detection result of the light control sensor, the light control circuit 6 outputs a light emission stop command to the dedicated strobe 8 attached to the camera body via the strobe communication contact 7. Reference numeral 9 denotes a small strobe built in the camera, and the amount of strobe light emission is controlled by the output of the light control circuit 6.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a power supply circuit including a DC / DC converter, which converts the voltage of the battery 11 into a voltage that can be used inside the camera, and supplies the voltage to various parts in the camera. Reference numeral 12 denotes a sounding body (warning means according to the present invention) that emits an AF focusing sound, a self-timer countdown notification sound, and other warning sounds.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a lamp drive circuit which causes the lamp 14 to emit light in accordance with a command from the MPU 1. This lamp 14
It emits light when the sounding body 12 sounds or when red eyes are alleviated. Reference numeral 15 denotes a motor drive circuit that controls driving of the motor 16. The motor 16 is a driving source when performing various operations inside the camera.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a shutter drive circuit, which is an MPU 1
Shutter (focal plane shutter)
18 is driven. Here, the MPU 1 controls the traveling of the front curtain and the rear curtain of the shutter 18 based on a preset Tv value. Reference numeral 19 denotes a film drive circuit for controlling the feeding of a film serving as a photographing medium.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an external LCD (display means described in the claims of the present application) for liquid crystal display installed on the exterior of the camera.
Reference numeral 21 denotes a liquid crystal display LCD (display means according to the present invention) installed in the viewfinder. On the external LCD 20 and the LCD 21 in the viewfinder, various kinds of information relating to photographing are displayed.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a camera according to the present embodiment. Main switches and the like are arranged on the exterior of the camera.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the camera, in which a lens communication contact 4 is provided at a portion where a photographing lens is attached. Via this lens communication contact 4, information communication of the photographing lens is performed and driving control of the photographing lens is performed. In addition, a switch (sw) for setting auto bracketing is provided near the outer periphery of the portion where the taking lens is attached.
AEB) and a switch (swADB) for setting the Av value shift mode are arranged.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the camera. On the upper side of the camera, release button (sw1, sw2), electronic dial (swDIAL), mode switching dial (s
wMODE) and an external LCD 20 are arranged, and a switch (swCOMP) for setting the shifted Av value is arranged on the back of the camera. FIG.
(C) is a side view of the camera, and a preview mode setting switch (swAVM) is arranged on the left side of the camera.

FIG. 3 shows a mode switching dial (swMOD).
The enlarged view of E) is shown. By rotating this mode switching dial to match a predetermined character or picture with an index, a mode can be set according to the character or picture.

In FIG. 3A, ISO (M1) is a mode for resetting the film sensitivity, A-DEP.
(M2) is a depth-priority AE mode for automatically focusing in consideration of the depth of field, M (M3) is a manual exposure mode for a photographer to arbitrarily determine an exposure value,
Av (M4) is an aperture priority mode in which the Av value is determined in advance and the Tv value is automatically controlled; Tv (M5) is a shutter priority mode in which the Tv value is determined in advance and the Av value is automatically controlled; M6) indicates a program AE mode for automatically determining the Tv value and the Av value based on the AE program. L (M7) indicates the lock position, and when the index is set to "L", the camera stops operating.

The patterns M8 to M13 indicate a group of modes set to perform shooting under shooting conditions suitable for a shooting scene corresponding to each pattern. Automatically sets the optimal exposure conditions and switches between single-shot shooting and continuous shooting.

More specifically, M8 is a fully automatic mode for automatically setting photographing conditions, M9 is a portrait mode set for portrait photography, M10 is a landscape mode set for landscape photography, and M11 is a landscape mode set for landscape photography. Denotes a close-up mode set for close-up shooting, M12 denotes a sports mode set for shooting a rapidly moving subject, and M13 denotes a night view mode set for night view shooting. When the mode is set by matching the pictures shown in M8 to M13 with the index, M
PU1 determines an exposure condition based on a program chart corresponding to the set mode.

The mode switching dial shown in FIG.
ADB is displayed on the display of the mode switching dial shown in FIG.
(M14). This ADB (M1
4) shows an Av value shift mode which is a mode for shifting the Av value.

As described above, the switch for setting the Av value shift mode may be provided independently on the camera body as the switch swAEB as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3B, it may be included in the mode switching dial. Similarly, a switch for setting auto bracketing may be provided as a switch swADB alone in the camera body as shown in FIG. 2A, or may be included in a mode switching dial. .

FIG. 4 shows the external LCD 20 and the L in the finder.
FIG. 4A shows the display contents of the CD 21, and FIG.
FIG. 4B shows a state where the CD 20 is fully lit, and FIG. 4B shows a state where the LCD 21 in the finder provided below the finder is fully lit. External LCD 20 and LC in viewfinder
Lighting, non-lighting, and blinking of each segment in D21 are common, and lighting of each segment is performed by MPU1.
Is controlled by the output.

FIG. 5 shows the display contents of the external LCD 20 when the Av value shift mode is set. The Av value shift is assumed to be auto depth bracketing, and the ADB indicating this initial is designated as Adb on the segment display as external L
It is displayed on CD20. Here, when a predetermined segment is displayed on the external LCD 20, the same as this segment is also displayed on the LCD 21 in the finder.

FIG. 5A shows the external LCD 2 when the switch (swADB) for setting the Av value shift mode is pressed.
0 indicates the display content. Here, "Adb" is turned on, the dots for the exposure difference display are turned off, and the operation of the electronic dial is in a state of waiting for the input of the Av value shift amount.

FIG. 5B shows the display contents of the external LCD 20 when the Av value is set to be shifted up / down one step by rotating the electronic dial. Here, "A
db ± 1.0 ”, and the dots for the exposure difference display are lit at the positions of“ +1 ”and“ −1 ”.

FIG. 5 (c) shows the display contents of the external LCD 20 when the Av value is set to be shifted to plus / minus two steps by rotating the electronic dial. Here, "A
db ± 2.0 ”, and the dots for the exposure difference display are lit at the positions of“ +2 ”and“ −2 ”.
The display timing of the segments on the external LCD 20 and the finder LCD will be described later with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of the MPU internal program when the Av value shift mode is set by the operation of the swADB. The MPU 1 starts the circuit operation from step 100. In addition, MPU1
The type of the photographic lens mounted on the camera body is detected in advance via the lens communication contact 4.

In step S100, the process waits for a shift input of the Av value, and waits until the electronic dial (swDIAL) is rotated. At this time, the display content of the external LCD 20 is in the state shown in FIG. When the electronic dial is rotated, the process proceeds to step S101.

In step S101, the amount of rotation of the electronic dial is counted. In step S102, it is determined whether the Av value of the reference AE has been shifted to the plus side or the minus side according to the rotation direction of the electronic dial. Here, since a 2-bit signal having a different phase according to the rotation direction of the electronic dial (swDIAL) is input to the MPU 1, the MPU 1 can determine the rotation direction of the electronic dial based on this input signal.

If it is determined in step S102 that the electronic dial has turned to the plus side, step S1 is executed.
03, and if it is determined that the rotation has been made in the minus side, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S103, the shift amount when the Av value of the reference AE is shifted to the plus side by operating the electronic dial is displayed on the external LCD 20, and the MP
An AE program in U1 calculates a Tv value such that the exposure value remains the reference AE for the Av value shifted to the plus side (program shift). Where A
“+ (plus)” is displayed on the external LCD 20 to indicate that the v value has been shifted to the plus side.

In step S104, the shift amount when the Av value of the reference AE is shifted to the negative side by operating the electronic dial is displayed on the external LCD 20, and M
An AE program in the PU1 calculates a Tv value such that the exposure value remains at the reference AE with respect to the Av value shifted to the negative side (program shift). Here, "-(minus)" is displayed on the external LCD 20 to indicate that the Av value has been shifted to the minus side.

When the Av value of the reference AE is shifted to the plus side and the minus side, the display contents of the external LCD 20 are in the state shown in FIG. 5B or 5C.

In step S105, it is determined whether the Av value to be shifted or the shift amount is within a predetermined allowable range. Here, the predetermined allowable range indicates an aperture value changeable area of the photographing lens attached to the camera body, a displayable range of the external LCD 20, a camera shake limit area by a shutter speed corresponding to the shifted Av value, and the like.

If it is determined that the shifted Av value or the shift amount is out of the predetermined allowable range, step S1 is executed.
In step S1, if it is determined that the shifted Av value or the shift amount is within a predetermined allowable range, the process proceeds to step S1.
Proceed to 07.

In step S106, the external LCD 20
A warning is given to the photographer by blinking a dot displayed on the (LCD 21 in the finder) or sounding the sounding body 12. By issuing such a warning,
The photographer can appropriately shift the Av value within an allowable range.

In step S107, the shifted Av
The value or the shift amount is stored in the external LCD 20 (L in the finder).
CD21).

In step S108, step S107
It is determined whether or not the shift setting of the Av value indicated by is determined. If it is determined that the shift setting of the Av value is determined, the set Av value is stored, a flag is set, and the processing is terminated. If it is determined that the shift setting of the Av value is not determined, the step is performed. It returns to S101.

Here, swCO in the mode switching dial
By setting MP to the index, the shift setting of the Av value is determined. If the swADB is a single switch as shown in FIG. 2A, the setting of the ADB shift amount may be determined by pressing the swADB again.

If the shift setting of the Av value is not determined in step S108, the process returns to step S101. Therefore, the Av value can be changed until the shift setting of the Av value is determined, and the positive value can be changed. In addition, the shift amount of the Av value on the minus side can be set.

In the middle of the above-described flow, if there is an interruption due to the pressing operation of the release button, the process returns to the normal photographing routine.

FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the Av value shift mode and the Av value shift mode.
9 shows a shooting flowchart when performing continuous shooting after setting a value shift. Here, the mirror driving, shutter driving, film feeding driving, and the like, which are the basic operations of camera photographing, are the same as those in the well-known normal routine, and are therefore omitted.

In step S200, the process waits until sw1 is turned on by half-pressing the release button. When sw1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S201. Here, when sw1 is turned on, the photometry operation is performed by the photometry circuit 2 and the distance measurement operation is performed by the distance measurement circuit 3.

In step S201, the reference AE taking into account the shift amount set in the Av value shift mode is displayed on the external LCD 20 (LCD 21 in the finder, hereinafter the same). The external LCD 20 may display “Adb ± 00” as shown in FIG. 8A, or display the Tv value and Av value at the time of actually photographing as shown in FIG. 9A. It may be displayed. In the exposure difference display at this time, a dot is lit at the 0 position indicating properness.

In step S202, the process waits until sw2 is turned on by fully pressing the release button. When sw2 is turned on, the flow advances to step S203. Step S20
In 3, the photographing operation is performed under the exposure condition of the reference AE displayed on the external LCD 20 in step S201. When the photographing operation is completed, the film is fed, the next frame is set in the photographing screen, and the detection of sw2 is released.

In step S204, the setting contents when the shift value is set to the plus side with respect to the Av value of the reference AE in the Av value shift mode are displayed on the external LCD 20 (the LCD 21 in the finder). As shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the reference AE is set as “Adb + 2.0”.
The shift amount for the Av value may be directly displayed, or the Tv value and the Av value after the shift setting may be displayed as shown in FIG.

Here, in the exposure difference display when "Adb + 2.0" is displayed, a dot is lit at the position indicating the shift amount as shown in FIG. 8B, and the Tv value and the Av value are displayed. When the exposure difference is displayed, a dot is lit at the 0 position indicating the appropriateness as shown in FIG. 9B.

In step S205, the process waits until sw2 is turned on again by fully pressing the release button.
When 2 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S206. Step S
At 206, a photographing operation is performed under the exposure conditions displayed on the external LCD 20 at step S204. When the photographing operation is completed, the film is fed, the next frame is set in the photographing screen, and the detection of sw2 is released.

In step S207, the setting contents when the shift value is set to the minus side with respect to the Av value of the reference AE in the Av value shift mode are displayed on the external LCD 20 (the LCD 21 in the finder). As shown in FIG. 8C, the external LCD 20 sets “Adb-2.0” as the reference A
The shift amount of the E with respect to the Av value may be directly displayed, or Tv after the shift is set as shown in FIG.
The value and the Av value may be displayed.

Here, the exposure difference display when "Adb-2.0" is displayed is such that a dot is lit at the position indicating the shift amount as shown in FIG. 8B, and the Tv value and the Av value are changed. When the exposure difference is displayed, the dot is lit at the 0 position indicating the appropriateness as shown in FIG. 9B.

In step S208, the system waits until sw2 is turned on again by fully pressing the release button.
When 2 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S209. Step S
In step 209, a photographing operation is performed under the exposure conditions displayed on the external LCD 20 in step S207. When the photographing operation is completed, the film is fed, the next frame is set in the photographing screen, and the detection of sw2 is released. Thereby, the continuous shooting ends.

In the above-described continuous photographing, three photographings are performed while changing the combination of the Av value and the Tv value while maintaining the exposure value at the reference AE. In the present embodiment, the shift amount of the Av value is set to the same value on both the positive side and the negative side, but it is also possible to set only one side to a large value.

Next, a description will be given of the aperture operation (preview mode) when observing the subject image for each Av value shifted in the Av value shift mode through the photographic lens before performing continuous shooting.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the camera with the taking lens attached to the camera body. The camera according to the present embodiment is a single-lens reflex camera capable of observing a subject image passing through a photographing lens through a viewfinder. As described above, the aperture operation inside the taking lens is controlled by the control unit inside the taking lens through the MPU via the lens communication contact 4.
This is performed by receiving a throttle command from the camera.

Here, in the preview mode, since actual photographing is not performed, mirror driving and shutter driving are not performed, and only aperture driving is performed. This allows the photographer to observe the subject image (depth of field) at a predetermined aperture by looking through the finder.

FIG. 11 shows that the Av value shift mode
After the value shift setting is performed, each of the set Av
FIG. 9 shows a schematic flowchart of an MPU internal program when the value depth of field is confirmed (preview mode), and the MPU proceeds from step S300.

In step S300, the process waits until the switch (swAVM) for setting the preview mode is turned on. When swAVM is turned on, the flow advances to step S301. In step S301, the Av value of the reference AE determined based on the photometry result is stored in the external LCD 20.
(LCD 21 in finder). A display example of the external LCD 20 at this time is shown in FIG. FIG.
In (a), “Adb” and the Av value of the reference AE “5.
6 "is displayed, and a dot is lit at the 0 position as an exposure difference display.

In step S302, the MPU 1 sends a command to the photographing lens 5 via the lens communication contact 4 to control the lens drive so that the lens aperture becomes the Av value in the reference AE. At this time, the taking lens attached to the camera body performs only the aperture-down operation. The photographer can check the depth of field at the Av value of the reference AE by looking through the finder.

Although not shown, when the taking lens is not attached to the camera body, the sounding body 12
A warning may be issued by, for example, generating a sound.

In step S303, when the taking lens is stopped down to a position corresponding to the Av value of the reference AE, a timer is started. Here, the timer time is compared with a predetermined time X set in advance. The predetermined time X is a time (preview time) for the photographer to check the depth of field under the shooting conditions of the reference AE, and can be set as appropriate. By setting the preview time in this manner, the photographer can sufficiently check the depth of field.

If the timer time has not reached the predetermined time X, the process returns to step S301, and loops from step S301 to step S303 until the timer time reaches the predetermined time X. When the timer time reaches the predetermined time X, the process proceeds to step S304.

In step S304, the Av value obtained by shifting the Av value of the reference AE to the plus side is displayed on the external LCD 20 (the LCD 21 in the finder). External LC at this time
FIG. 12B shows a display example of D20. In FIG. 12B, “Adb” and the Av value “11” obtained by shifting the Av value of the reference AE to the plus side are displayed, and a dot is lit at the +2 position as the exposure difference display.

In step S305, the MPU 1 sends a command to the photographing lens 5 via the lens communication contact 4 to control the lens drive so that the lens aperture becomes the Av value shifted to the plus side. At this time, the taking lens attached to the camera body performs only the aperture-down operation.
The photographer can check the depth of field at the Av value shifted to the plus side by looking through the viewfinder.

In step S306, step S303
Similarly to the above, when the taking lens is stopped down to the position corresponding to the Av value shifted to the plus side, the timer is started, and the timer time is compared with a predetermined time X set in advance. Here, if the timer time has not reached the predetermined time X, the process returns to step S304, and from step S304 to step S304 until the timer time reaches the predetermined time X.
Loop 306. As a result, the photographer can perform the predetermined time X
During the period, the depth of field can be confirmed.

In step S307, the Av value obtained by shifting the Av value of the reference AE to the minus side is displayed on the external LCD 20 (the LCD 21 in the finder). External L at this time
A display example of the CD 20 is shown in FIG. FIG. 12 (c)
In the example, “Adb” and the Av value “2.8” obtained by shifting the Av value of the reference AE to the negative side are displayed, and a dot is lit at the −2 position as the exposure difference display.

In step S308, the MPU 1 sends a command to the photographing lens 5 via the lens communication contact 4 to control the lens drive so that the lens aperture becomes the Av value shifted to the minus side. At this time, the taking lens attached to the camera body performs only the aperture-down operation. The photographer can check the depth of field at the Av value shifted to the minus side by looking through the finder.

In step S309, step S303
In the same manner as above, Av with the taking lens shifted to the minus side
When the position is narrowed down to the position corresponding to the value, the timer is started, and the timer time is compared with a predetermined time X set in advance. Here, if the timer time has not reached the predetermined time X, the process returns to step S307, and loops from step S307 to step S309 until the timer time reaches the predetermined time X. This allows the photographer to check the depth of field for the predetermined time X. And
When the timer time reaches the predetermined time X, the operation of checking the depth of field (preview mode) ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, Av
The aperture of the taking lens is changed in chronological order according to the Av value set in the value shift mode, so that the same depth of field as in actual shooting can be continuously checked by looking through the viewfinder. The effect of the focusing range and the depth of field in the actual shooting scene can be checked in advance of shooting.

In the present embodiment, the plus shift side of the reference AE is set to an Av value at which the lens aperture is narrowed, and the minus shift side of the reference AE is set to the Av value at which the lens aperture is opened.
However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plus shift side may be an Av value at which the lens aperture is opened, and the minus shift side may be an Av value at which the lens aperture is narrowed. In any case, the Av value may be set in the Av value shift mode in accordance with the actual shooting order.

In this embodiment, the lens aperture is switched after a predetermined time X has elapsed. However, the lens aperture may be switched by operating a switch.

(Second Embodiment) The camera according to the first embodiment can confirm the depth of field for each Av value in advance by changing the aperture of the photographing lens in time series before continuous photographing. However, the camera according to the present embodiment can confirm in advance the depth of field of the next photographing performed during continuous photographing. Here, the configuration of the camera of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic flowchart of the MPU internal program when the swAVM is pressed during the continuous shooting. When the swAVM is operated, the preview mode is set, and the MPU 1 proceeds from step S400.

In step S400, the Av values set in the Av value shift mode (the Av value of the reference AE, the Av value shifted to the plus side, and the Av value shifted to the minus side) are read and photographed. Av value is reference A
E is the Av value or Av shifted to the plus side
It is determined whether the value is a value or an Av value shifted to the negative side.

In step S401, the Av value in the next photographing is stored in the external LCD 20 (LCD in the finder).
21). That is, in the present embodiment, continuous shooting is performed in the order of reference, plus shift, minus shift,
For example, when the preview mode is set after the photographing is performed with the reference AE, the external LCD 20 displays the Av value shifted to the plus side. In addition, external LC
D20 can be displayed as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C and FIGS. 9A to 9C.

In step S402, a stop-down command is sent to the photographing lens in accordance with the Av value displayed on the external LCD 20. As a result, the aperture of the taking lens is stopped down to a position corresponding to the Av value, and the photographer can check the depth of field with the stopped-down state. Step S40
After 2, the program returns to the standby state.

On the other hand, if the preview mode is set during the Av value shift setting in the Av value shift mode, the Av value of the reference AE, the Av value shifted to the plus side or the minus value is shifted. It is also possible to confirm the depth of field at the obtained Av value.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the preview mode is set in the middle of continuous shooting, the display of the Av value in the next shooting and the lens-down operation according to the Av value are performed. Even during continuous shooting, the depth of field in the next shooting can be checked in advance.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may have any function having the same function as the present invention.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where continuous shooting is performed while appropriately changing the combination of the Av value and the Tv value while keeping the exposure value constant has been described. The present invention can also be applied to auto bracketing in which continuous shooting is performed while changing.
Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a single-lens reflex camera but also to various cameras in which the aperture of a taking lens can be changed.

[0104]

According to the present invention, before performing continuous shooting,
By allowing the subject to be observed for each predetermined aperture value at which actual continuous shooting is performed, the effect of the depth of field for each predetermined aperture value can be confirmed in advance.

Further, in order to automatically change the aperture value of the photographing lens to a plurality of predetermined aperture values before continuous photographing, it is necessary to change the aperture value of the photographing lens one by one and check the influence of the depth of field. Can be omitted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an external view of the camera according to the first embodiment. (A) Front view of a camera. (B) Top view of the camera. (C) Side view of the camera.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are enlarged views of a mode dial in the camera according to the first embodiment; FIGS.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are all lighting diagrams of the external LCD 20 and FIGS.

FIGS. 5A to 5C are display examples (a) to (c) of the external LCD 20 in setting the shift of the Av value.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart in an Av value shift mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart in continuous shooting.

FIG. 8 shows display examples (a) to (c) of the external LCD 20 during continuous shooting.

FIG. 9 shows display examples (a) to (c) of the external LCD 20 during continuous shooting.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a camera.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart in a preview mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows display examples (a) to (c) of the external LCD 20 in the preview mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart in a preview mode according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an in-camera exposure calculation.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an image of a depth of field.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 MPU, 2 photometry circuit, 3 ranging circuit, 4 lens communication contacts, 5 taking lens, 6 dimming circuit, 7 strobe communication contacts, 8 dedicated strobe, 9 built-in strobe, 1
0 power circuit, 11 battery, 12 sounding body, 13 lamp drive circuit, 14 lamp, 15 motor drive circuit, 1
6 motor, 17 shutter drive circuit, 18 shutter, 19 film drive circuit, 20 external LCD, 21
LCD in viewfinder

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03B 17/18 G03B 17/18 A 17/20 17/20 F term (Reference) 2H002 AB00 BB01 BB05 BB09 BB11 BB13 CC21 FB23 FB24 FB53 FB55 FB62 FB69 FB71 FB84 GA06 GA07 GA68 HA11 JA02 2H020 MA07 MC41 MC44 MC83 MC84 MC85 MD01 MD08 2H080 BB60 CC07 EE01 2H102 AA01 AA03 AA13 AA32 AA36 AA57 AA71 AB00 BA17 BA01 BA08

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A control means capable of observing a subject through a photographing lens, automatically changing an aperture value of the photographing lens to a plurality of predetermined aperture values, and performing a plurality of continuous photographing operations. In the camera, the control unit sequentially changes an aperture value of the photographic lens to the plurality of predetermined aperture values in accordance with an operation before the start of the plurality of imaging operations so as to allow a subject to be observed for each of the predetermined aperture values. Camera. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of predetermined aperture values include a first aperture value that is automatically set based on a photometric result, and a second aperture value that is set according to a photographer operation. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The plurality of predetermined aperture values are automatically set in accordance with a first aperture value automatically set based on a photometric result and a shutter speed arbitrarily set by a photographer's operation. 2. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a second aperture value. 4. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a timer for changing an aperture value of the photographing lens every time a predetermined time elapses. 5. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the changed aperture value each time the aperture value of the photographing lens is changed. 6. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the amount of change of the aperture value each time the aperture value of the photographing lens is changed. 7. The control means determines whether the aperture value to be changed is within a predetermined allowable range, and determines that the aperture value to be changed is outside the predetermined allowable range. 7. The camera according to claim 1, wherein a warning is issued by a warning unit.