JP2003322891A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To completely achieve the function of a camera so as to realize high- quality picture taking and to improve handleability by attaching an auxiliary grip to the camera and using it. <P>SOLUTION: When a detection switch for detecting whether or not the attaching screw 20 of the auxiliary grip 14 is tightened in a tripod screw hole 12 provided on a camera main body 10 detects that the screw 20 of the grip 14 is not tightened in the screw hole 12, the camera is automatically set to a photographing mode to set comparatively high shutter speed at which camera shake is not caused in a state where the main body 10 is singly used. When the detection switch detects that the screw 20 of the grip 14 is tightened in the screw hole 12, the camera is automatically set to a photographing mode to set comparatively low shutter speed at which the camera shake is not caused in a state where the main body 10 is held by using the grip 14 and the depth of field is made deep, which is set when the auxiliary grip is used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera which is suitable for use with an auxiliary grip attached and has good usability.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a camera such as a so-called electronic camera (digital camera) or a so-called silver salt camera (film camera) is widely used as an optical device that can be held and operated by a hand.

In a conventional silver halide camera, exposure control is appropriately changed between when the camera is held by hand and when the camera is fixed on a tripod or the like so that higher quality pictures can be obtained. The idea to do is
It is proposed in Japanese Patent No. 25428.

In this silver halide camera, a control unit (CPU) built therein carries out an appropriate exposure calculation process and a flashmatic calculation process to execute the exposure control.

Then, for example, when performing exposure control in the normal photographing mode by natural light, the following control is performed based on the mode selection signal from the mode selection means and the H / L signal from the fixed state detection means. . (A) When the camera is set to the normal shooting mode and the camera is not attached to the mounting screw member of the tripod (when the detection signal from the fixed state detection means is the H signal), the proper exposure calculation means is , An appropriate EV value at that time is calculated based on the subject brightness information from the photometric means and the ISO information from the film sensitivity reading means. Further, the shutter drive control means as the exposure control means uses the proper EV.
A set of aperture value and shutter speed value that matches the value is selected, for example, according to the diagram of the prepared program chart, and the combination of the aperture value and shutter speed value based on this is selected. , And driving control of the aperture / shutter means. (B) In the case where the camera is set to the normal photographing mode and the camera is fixed to the mounting screw member of the tripod (when the detection signal of the fixed state detecting means is the L signal), the above-mentioned item (A) is used. A combination of a set of aperture value and shutter speed value that matches the calculated appropriate EV value is selected, for example, according to the diagram of the program chart prepared in advance, and the aperture based on this is selected. The shutter / combined shutter means is driven and controlled by a combination of the value and the shutter speed value.

As described above, when the camera is set to the normal photographing mode, the aperture value is controlled to be larger when the camera is fixed to the tripod mounting screw member even when the EV value is the same. To be done.

On the other hand, in the case of exposure control in a flash photography mode using strobe light, control is performed as follows based on the mode selection signal from the mode selection means and the H / L signal from the fixed state detection means. To do. (C) When the camera is set to the flash photography mode and the camera is not attached to the mounting screw member of the tripod, the flashmatic calculation means causes the guide number to be calculated based on the distance measurement information from the automatic distance measurement means. Aperture value calculation according to the method is performed, and using this aperture value, for example, drive control (flashmatic control) of the shutter and aperture means is performed according to a diagram prepared in advance, and at the same time, light emission as shown in FIG. The strobe light emitting means is controlled to emit synchronized light at a timing. In this case, the aperture / shutter sector is controlled to open up to the aperture value at that time and close immediately after strobe light emission. (D) When the camera is set to the flash photography mode and the camera is fixed to the tripod mounting screw member,
In consideration of the photometric result, using the aperture value calculated in the same manner as in the case of (C) and the shutter time value that matches the appropriate EV value calculated in the same manner as in the case of (A) above. , For example, drive control the shutter means also used as the diaphragm in accordance with a diagram prepared in advance (control of the slow synchro system), and at the same time, controls the strobe light emitting means to emit synchronized light at the light emission timing shown in the figure. .

In this case, the aperture / shutter sector is
First, the aperture is set to the aperture value set by the flashmatic computing means, and after the strobe light emitting means emits light, the open state is maintained until the shutter time value that matches the appropriate EV value elapses.
After that, it will be controlled to close. It should be noted that the light emission timing is changed based on the distance measurement information in both cases (C) and (D).

In the above-described silver halide camera, the exposure control of the camera is controlled by the shutter priority method when the camera is held in a handheld state, and the aperture is set when the camera is fixed on a tripod or the like. It is configured to perform exposure control by the priority method.

On the other hand, in flash photography mode, exposure control is performed by a flashmatic method when the camera is held by hand, and in flash photography mode, exposure control is performed by a slow sync method when the camera is fixed on a tripod or the like. Configure to do.

In the case where the silver halide camera is constructed as described above, the hand-shake phenomenon can be prevented when the camera is held in the handheld state, and the focus range is set wide when the camera is fixed on a tripod or the like. (The depth of field can be increased). Therefore, with this silver halide camera, for example, a background located at a long distance and a person located at a short distance can both be photographed with proper focus and with proper exposure, and higher quality pictures can be obtained. Has been done.

[0012]

In recent years, an electronic camera, which is a kind of camera that can be held and operated in a hand, has been urgently developed, for example, by making it vertical and reducing its size and weight, and improving its usability. ing.

In such a compact vertical type electronic camera, the area of the portion holding the camera body by hand becomes smaller as the camera body becomes smaller, and the user operates the release button at the time of photographing. When performing, it is difficult to securely hold the camera body so that it does not move, and so-called camera shake (a phenomenon when the camera moves when the shutter is operating and the image is not clearly captured) is likely to occur.

Therefore, in order to miniaturize the camera, it is necessary to set a fast shutter speed (shutter time value) that does not cause camera shake, and perform automatic control with priority on the shutter speed for shooting. However, there is a problem that only a photograph of an image with a shallow depth of field can be taken.

In a small vertical camera, the small vertical camera is fixed to a tripod in order to prevent camera shake, and the aperture value is set as large as possible to increase the depth of field. Then, automatic control with priority given to the aperture may be performed to shoot.

However, when it is necessary to fix the small vertical camera to a tripod and use it, the user always carries a relatively large tripod and sets the small vertical camera on the tripod. Because you have to do the troublesome work to shoot, make the camera small and vertical, convenient for carrying,
There is a problem that the aim of improving usability is lost.

In view of the above facts, it is an object of the present invention to newly provide a camera which, when attached and used with an auxiliary grip, can sufficiently exhibit the functions of the camera to capture a high quality image and improve the usability. And

[0018]

The camera of the present invention comprises a first
, A tripod screw hole provided on the camera body, a detection switch that detects whether or not the auxiliary grip mounting screw for the tripod screw hole is fastened, and the auxiliary grip mounting screw is not fastened to the tripod screw hole. When the detection switch detects that the camera body is used alone, it sets a relatively high shutter speed that can prevent camera shake and automatically switches to the shooting mode where the camera body is used independently. However, when the detection switch detects that the attachment screw for the auxiliary grip has been fastened to the tripod screw hole, the auxiliary grip can be used to prevent camera shake while holding the camera body, and With a relatively slow shutter speed that can deepen the depth of field, a means to automatically switch to the shooting mode when using the auxiliary grip Characterized in that it has a.

With the above-mentioned structure, when the camera body is used alone, camera shake is relatively likely to occur, so that the shooting mode for shooting at a relatively high shutter speed is automatically set and appropriate. You can take a picture.

In addition, when the camera body is used with the auxiliary grip attached, the user can use the auxiliary grip to hold the camera body to prevent camera shake, so that the shutter speed is relatively slow. It is possible to automatically switch to the shooting mode when the auxiliary grip is set to, and perform shooting, and it is possible to shoot an appropriate image with a relatively deep depth of field and without camera shake.

Further, since the switching operation of these photographing modes is automatically performed, the user is not bothered by the switching operation of the photographing modes and the usability can be improved.
It is possible to prevent an image taken by forgetting the shooting mode switching operation from failing due to camera shake.

Further, when the auxiliary grip is attached to the camera body, the grip member of the auxiliary grip can be held with one hand so that the camera body can be securely held so as not to shake. Even if there is, it is possible to exert its function properly.

Further, when the gripping member of the auxiliary grip is gripped with one hand and the operation button of the camera body is operated with the fingers of the gripping hand, the camera body is a small vertical type. Even if the operation of operating the operation button does not cause the camera body to shake and cause inconvenience, the usability of the camera can be improved.

Secondly, the camera of the present invention discriminates between a tripod screw hole provided in the camera body and whether the attachment screw of the auxiliary grip or the male screw of the tripod is fastened to the tripod screw hole. A detection switch that can detect that neither is fastened, and the camera body is used independently when the detection switch detects that the mounting screw of the auxiliary grip and the male screw of the tripod are not fastened to the tripod screw hole. Set a relatively high shutter speed that can prevent camera shake when the camera is in use.The camera body is automatically switched to the shooting mode in which it is used alone, and the auxiliary grip mounting screw is fastened to the tripod screw hole. When the detection switch detects, the camera can be used with the auxiliary grip to prevent camera shake while holding the camera body and the field of view. The camera automatically switches to the shooting mode when the auxiliary grip is used to set a relatively slow shutter speed that can increase the depth, and when the detection switch detects that the tripod's male screw is fastened to the tripod screw hole, camera shake is prevented. The camera body is set on a tripod that sets a combination of an aperture value set to have a relatively large aperture value and a relatively slow shutter speed value that can appropriately deepen the depth of field assuming that it does not occur. A means to automatically switch to the shooting mode when it is fixed,
It is characterized by having.

With the above-described structure, when the camera body is used alone, camera shake is relatively likely to occur, so that the shooting mode for shooting at a relatively high shutter speed is automatically set and appropriate. You can take a picture.

When the camera body is used with the auxiliary grip attached, the user can use the auxiliary grip to hold the camera body to prevent camera shake, so that the shutter speed is relatively slow. It is possible to automatically switch to the shooting mode when the auxiliary grip is set and perform shooting, and it is possible to shoot an appropriate image with a relatively deep depth of field and without camera shake.

At the same time, when the camera body is fixed to a tripod, the camera is automatically switched to the photographing mode when the tripod is used so that the photographing can be performed, so that there is no risk of camera shake. This makes it possible to shoot an image in which the depth of field is set sufficiently deep as desired and which is free from camera shake.

Further, since the switching operation of these photographing modes is automatically performed, the user is not bothered by the switching operation of the photographing modes and the usability can be improved.
It is possible to prevent an image taken by forgetting the shooting mode switching operation from failing due to camera shake.

When the auxiliary grip is attached to the camera body, the grip member of the auxiliary grip can be held with one hand to securely hold the camera body so that the camera body does not shake. Even if there is, it is possible to exert its function properly.

Further, when the gripping member of the auxiliary grip is gripped with one hand and the operating button on the camera body is operated by using the finger of the gripping hand, the camera body is a compact vertical type. Even if the operation of operating the operation button does not cause the camera body to shake and cause inconvenience, the usability of the camera can be improved.

[0031]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a camera of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The camera according to the present embodiment is configured as a small vertical camera as shown in FIGS.

This small vertical camera body 10 has a vertically long rectangular shape with a height (height) of 80 mm or less, which is considered to be less than the size of an index that is difficult to handle when the camera device body is handled by hand as a rule of thumb. Form.

A JIS standard tripod screw hole 12 is arranged in the center of the bottom of the small vertical camera body 10. The small vertical camera body 10 is fixed to the tripod 15 by screwing the male screw 17 installed on the base of the tripod 15 into the tripod screw hole 12 so that the photographing work can be performed.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the tripod screw hole 12 is provided with a male screw 1 installed on the base of a normal tripod 15.
The detection space is formed by making the depth deeper than the one for screwing 7 by a predetermined length.

The small vertical camera body 10 mounts the auxiliary grip 14 by screwing the mounting screw 20, which is a male screw installed in the auxiliary grip 14, into the tripod screw hole 12 in which the detection space is provided in series. It can be used with it attached.

The mounting screw 20, which is a male screw installed on the auxiliary grip 14, is formed to be longer than the male screw 17 installed on the base of the ordinary tripod 15 by a predetermined length.
0 is screwed into the tripod screw hole 12 and the position of the bottom surface of the tip of the mounting screw 20 and the male screw 17 are fixed to the tripod screw hole 12
It is possible to determine which is screwed into the mounting screw 20 based on the difference from the position of the bottom surface of the tip of the male screw 17 when the screw is inserted therein.

In addition, it is determined whether the auxiliary grip 14 or the tripod 15 is attached to the tripod screw hole 12 portion of the small vertical camera body 10, and whether or not any one of them is attached (presence or absence of attachment). ) Is also attached to the detection means.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, for example, this detecting means is urged so as to project a predetermined length from the bottom of the screw hole of the tripod screw hole 12 and is expandable and retractable (withdrawable). The detection switch 36 is equipped with two detection pins (first detection pin 34A) (second detection pin 34B) having different protruding lengths into the tripod screw hole 12.

As shown in FIG. 7, this detecting means has two detecting pins (first detecting switch 36) having different projecting lengths because the mounting screw 20 or the male screw 17 is not screwed into the tripod screw hole 12. 1 detection pin 34A) (second detection pin 34
B) respectively projecting into the tripod screw holes 12 by a predetermined length (for example, when the detection switch 36 operates 0FF), the auxiliary grip 1 is attached to the compact vertical camera body 10.
It is detected that the 4 or the tripod 15 is not attached.

As shown in FIG. 5, the detecting means has the male screw 17 of the tripod 15 fully screwed into the tripod screw hole 12 to a predetermined depth position. 34A (tripod detection pin) has a tripod screw hole 12
It is detected that the tripod 15 is attached to the compact vertical camera body 10 when it is pushed out from the inside by a predetermined length (for example, when the first detection pin 34A of the detection switch 36 is ON operation). .

Further, the detecting means, as shown in FIG.
Since the mounting screw 20 of the auxiliary grip 14 is fully screwed into the tripod screw hole 12 up to the predetermined depth position, the first detection pin 34A (tripod detection pin) of the detection switch 36 and the first detection pin of the detection switch 36. 2 When the detection pins 34B (auxiliary grip detection pins) are pushed out from the tripod screw holes 12 by a predetermined length (for example, the detection switch 3)
6 when the first detection pin 34A and the second detection pin 34B are both ON operation), it is detected that the support plate 16 is attached to the small vertical camera body 10.

In the small vertical type camera body 10, whether the small vertical type camera body 10 is set on the tripod 15 by the detecting means mounted on the tripod screw hole 12 portion,
Alternatively, the auxiliary grip 14 is attached to the small vertical camera body 10.
With the camera attached or a small vertical camera body 1
0 is discriminated and detected whether it is a state of being used alone (a state in which neither the tripod 15 nor the support plate 16 is attached).

Based on the detection result, the small vertical camera body 10 sets an appropriate shooting mode (for example, to prevent camera shake, and to set a shutter speed capable of increasing the depth of field). , It is configured to automatically switch to the shooting mode in which the shutter speed priority is automatically controlled and shooting is performed.

Therefore, the detection switch 36 is constructed so as to transmit each detection output thereof to a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) in the compact vertical camera body 10. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, the detection switch 36 includes the first detection pin 34A and the second detection pin 3 of the detection switch 36.
4B and 0B are both operated in the 0FF state, the small vertical camera body 10 is used alone (tripod 15 and support plate 1
An output signal which detects that none of 6 and 6 is attached is transmitted to the central processing unit.

Then, in the central processing unit, based on the detection signal that is detected that the small vertical camera body 10 is in a state of being used alone (a state in which neither the tripod 15 nor the support plate 16 is attached). A small vertical camera in which the user sets the shutter speed to prevent camera shake when the user holds the small vertical camera body 10 alone, and performs automatic control with priority on the shutter speed for shooting. An operation for automatically switching to a shooting mode in which the main body 10 is used alone is executed.

In this central processing unit, in the photographing mode in which the small vertical camera body 10 is used independently, a shutter speed that can prevent camera shake in the state where the small vertical camera body 10 is used independently is set. At the time of setting, for example, an appropriate exposure calculation means (not shown) is used to calculate an appropriate EV value at that time based on necessary information such as subject brightness information from the photometric means. Furthermore, the central processing unit uses a combination of a set of aperture value and shutter speed (shutter speed value) that matches the appropriate EV value by the compact vertical type by a shutter drive control means as an exposure control means (not shown). Select a small vertical camera body 10 prepared in advance by means of experimentally obtaining suitable photographing conditions using the camera body 10 of FIG. The combination of the aperture value and the shutter speed value based on this automatically sets the photographing mode in which the aperture / shutter means is drive-controlled.

Also, in the small vertical camera body 10, as shown in FIG. 6, when both the first detection pin 34A and the second detection pin 34B of the detection switch 36 are turned on, the detection switch 36 is turned on. The output signal which detects that the auxiliary grip 14 is attached to the small vertical camera body 10 is transmitted to the central processing unit.

Then, in the central processing unit, based on a detection signal which detects that the auxiliary grip 14 is attached to the small vertical camera body 10, for example, the auxiliary grip 14 is used to make the small vertical camera body. Shooting mode when using an auxiliary grip that sets a shutter speed that can prevent camera shake when holding 10 and that can deepen the depth of field and performs automatic control with shutter speed priority. Perform an operation that automatically switches to.

In the shooting mode when the auxiliary grip is used, the auxiliary grip 14 can be used to prevent camera shake in the state where the small vertical camera body 10 is held, and the depth of field can be deepened. The central processing unit may perform any control as long as the control content is enabled.

For example, in the photographing mode when the auxiliary grip is used, the central processing unit uses an appropriate exposure calculation means (not shown), and based on necessary information such as subject brightness information from the photometric means, the appropriate EV at that time is obtained. Calculate the value.

Further, the central processing unit is suitable in the state where the small vertical type camera body 10 is used alone according to the diagram of the program chart for the state where the small vertical type camera body 10 is used alone. Select a shutter speed value (eg A
F1 / 60), and the shutter speed value suitable for this single use is lowered by a predetermined number of steps (the shutter speed value may be uniformly lowered by one step or two steps, or according to a predetermined conditional expression). It is also possible to lower the required number of steps specified) Shutter speed value that can increase the depth of field at a shutter speed that prevents camera shake in the shooting mode when using the auxiliary grip (for example, AF1 / 125) Set as.

In this central processing unit, a program is used to combine the aperture value corresponding to the shutter speed value in the photographing mode when the auxiliary grip is used so as to match the proper EV value calculated as described above. Line of diagram (if necessary, prepared beforehand by means such as experimentally obtaining suitable shooting conditions when shooting in shooting mode when the auxiliary grip is used in the small vertical camera body 10) It is also possible to select according to the drawing and drive and control the shutter means that also serves as the diaphragm by a combination of the aperture value and the shutter speed value based on this selection.

Next, in the small vertical camera body 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first detection pin 34A of the detection switch 36 is turned on and the second detection pin 34B is 0F.
When the F operation is performed, the output signal, which is detected by the detection switch 36 that the tripod 15 is attached to the small vertical camera body 10, is transmitted to the central processing unit.

Then, in the central processing unit, the small vertical camera body 10 is fixed to the tripod 15 on the basis of the detection signal which detects that the tripod 15 is attached to the small vertical camera body 10. The operation of automatically switching to the shooting mode when the small vertical camera body 10 is fixed to the tripod 15 is executed on the premise that the state does not occur.

For example, in the photographing mode when the tripod 15 is used, the central processing unit uses an appropriate exposure calculation means (not shown), and based on necessary information such as subject brightness information from the photometric means, the appropriate EV at that time is obtained. Calculate the value.

Further, the central processing unit prepares a combination of a set of aperture value and shutter speed value suitable for the proper EV value calculated as described above, for example, with a program line prepared in advance for photographing when using a tripod. A combination of the aperture value and the shutter speed value set so that the aperture value is selected to be relatively large, which is selected according to the diagram of the chart, is drive-controlled for the aperture / shutter device.

In addition, according to the diagram of the program chart for the state where the small vertical type camera body 10 is used alone, a suitable shutter speed value is obtained in the state where the small vertical type camera body 10 is used alone. The shutter speed value may be lowered by a relatively large predetermined number of steps by selecting a suitable shutter speed value in the state of being used alone (the shutter speed value may be uniformly lowered by one step or a plurality of steps, or according to a predetermined conditional expression. It is also possible to lower the required number of steps, which is relatively large.) In the shooting mode when using the tripod 15, the shutter speed is set under conditions that will not cause camera shake, and is set as a shutter speed value that can deepen the depth of field. To do.

In the small vertical camera body 10, the exposure control may be performed by the aperture priority method in the photographing mode when the tripod 15 is used.

Further, in the small vertical camera body 10 according to the present embodiment, when the exposure control in the flash photography mode using strobe light is performed, the small vertical camera body 10 described above is used alone. Higher quality shooting is possible depending on the state, the state in which the small vertical camera body 10 is held and used by the auxiliary grip 14, or the state in which the small vertical camera body 10 is held and used by the tripod 15. It is configured to execute the same operation control as described above so as to enable the above.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the auxiliary grip 14 attached to the small vertical camera body 10 is
An upper end of a grip member 18 is axially attached to one end of a support plate 16 fixed to the bottom of the small vertical camera body 10 as an integral member (attachment).

The support plate 16 of the auxiliary grip 14 is formed in a rectangular plate shape adapted to the bottom of the small vertical camera body 10, and has a male screw which can be screwed into the tripod screw hole 12 in the center thereof. A certain mounting screw 20 is mounted so as to be rotatable and not to fall out.

Further, the support plate 16 is provided with a hinge portion 22 at one end thereof. The hinge portion 22 has a shaft pin 2
The upper end portion of the grip member 18 is pivotally attached via the shaft 4. As a result, the auxiliary grip 14 includes the support plate 16 and the grip member 1
8 is pivoted by a hinge portion 22 pivotally mounted to be in a hooked (inverted L-shaped) open state as shown in FIG. 1, or the support plate 16 and the grip member 18 are set as shown in FIG. It is configured so that it can be stored in a closed, one-letter shape so as to fit together.

The auxiliary grip 14 is provided with a simple lock mechanism (click mechanism or the like) so that the auxiliary grip 14 can be held and held in the postures of the use state and the stored state, respectively.

Further, the grip member 18 is formed with an unevenness so that the user can easily hold it with one hand and hold it easily.

The auxiliary grip 14 thus constructed is
When the mounting screw 20 is screwed into the tripod screw hole 12 and integrally attached to the small vertical camera body 10 as shown in FIG. 4 to be in use, an auxiliary grip is provided on one side of the camera body 10. It is configured such that the outer side portions of the 14 grip members 18 are smoothly continuous (for example, configured to be flush).

With this configuration, when the user grips the grip member 18 of the auxiliary grip 14, as shown in FIG. 4, the index finger side of the hand holding the grip member 18 is on one side of the camera body 10. You will be able to touch the parts comfortably.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, one side portion of the camera body 10 of the small vertical camera body 10 which is touched by the index finger side of the hand holding the grip member 18,
A release button (so-called shutter button) 26 which is an operation button is arranged at a position where the index finger of the hand holding the grip member 18 can easily operate.

A release button 2 which is an operation button installed on one side of the compact vertical camera body 10.
The arrangement position of 6 may be arranged at the upper portion in the figure of the small vertical camera body 10 as shown by the solid line in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, or as shown by the imaginary line in FIGS. 1 and 3. Alternatively, the small vertical camera body 10 may be arranged at the lower portion in the drawing. Although not shown, it may be installed at an intermediate portion on one side of the camera body 10.

The small vertical camera body 10 may have operation buttons for various other functions instead of the release button 26.

The small vertical camera body 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 converts a video signal representing a subject image into digital image data and compresses the data, and then a semiconductor memory (built-in memory, for example, , A flash memory built into the camera, or a card-shaped memory that can be attached and detached) as a digital still camera.

The release button 26 installed on one side of the compact vertical camera body 10 as described above.
Is configured as a so-called two-stroke type.

That is, the release button 26 has first and second switches (not shown), and when the release button 26 is pressed in the first stage, the first switch is turned on, and in response to this ON signal, preparation for photographing is made. Therefore, various operations such as a focusing operation are started, and when the release button 26 is further pressed to reach the second stage, the second switch is turned on, and the photographing operation is started in response to the ON signal. .

On the front surface of the compact vertical type camera body 10, there are an image pickup lens device 28, a stroboscopic light emitting section 30, and although not shown, a viewfinder, a distance measuring window, and the like that cannot function if shielded. It is installed.

Those that cannot function when shielded from light, such as the image pickup lens device 28 and the stroboscopic light emitting unit 30, are shown in FIG. 4 for each hand holding the grip member 18 on the front surface of the small vertical camera body 10. Place it in a place where your fingers are difficult to place. As a result, when the user holds the gripping member 18 to hold the small vertical camera body 10, the imaging lens device 28, the strobe light emitting unit 30, and the like that cannot function when shielded from light are hidden by the hand. Make sure there is no such thing.

An image display section (monitor) 32 is provided on the back surface of the compact vertical camera body 10. The image display unit 32 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

Although not shown, the main power switch, the tele / wide setting button, the flash forced shooting setting button, the time setting button, the reproduction mode setting button, the compression rate setting button, etc. are provided on the rear surface of the compact vertical camera body 10. Arrange various operation buttons.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image display section 32 is arranged on the upper side of the figure in which it is difficult for the fingers of the hand holding the grip member 18 on the rear surface of the small vertical camera body 10 to be placed. To do. Thereby, when the user holds the grip member 18 to hold the small vertical camera body 10,
It is possible to prevent the image display unit 32 from being hidden by the hand.

Further, a main power switch (not shown), a tele / wide setting button, a flash forced shooting setting button, a time setting button, a reproduction mode setting button, a compression rate setting button, etc., which are arranged on the back surface of the compact vertical camera body The various operation buttons are arranged at positions where it is easy to operate, for example, a thumb or other finger of the hand holding the grip member 18 in the small vertical camera body 10 as necessary.

Inside the compact vertical camera body 10, a CCD (imaging element) (not shown) is arranged behind the imaging lens device 28, and the CCD is passed through the imaging lens device 28.
The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of is subjected to photoelectric conversion in the CCD and sequentially read out as an image signal.

This image signal is transmitted to the signal processing unit, subjected to signal processing such as gain adjustment, A / D conversion, luminance / color difference signal signal generation, and gamma correction, and then guided to the image display unit 32. Then, the captured image is displayed on the image display unit 32.

The small vertical camera body 10 has an automatic exposure adjustment (AE) function and an auto focus (AF) function, so that the user can use the small vertical camera body 10
Optimal exposure adjustment and focus adjustment are automatically performed only by pointing the image pickup lens device 28 of FIG.

At this time, the composition is determined while watching the image (preview moving image) displayed on the image display section 32,
When the release button 26 is pressed, the image on the image display unit 32 freezes (freezes), and the image signal read from the CCD when the release button 26 is pressed undergoes a predetermined process to undergo built-in memory, for example, a flash memory built in the camera. ,
Alternatively, it is recorded in a recording unit such as a removable card-shaped memory. When the recording process is completed, the freeze is released and the mode returns to the moving image or intermittent image display mode.

The small vertical camera body 10 has a reproduction mode and reads out image data recorded in the recording section and displays the image on the image display section 32, or a personal computer (not shown). Computer
Image data is received from an external device such as a computer via a communication function or an input / output terminal (not shown), and the image is displayed on the image display unit 32.
It can be displayed on the (monitor).

Next, the auxiliary grip 14 is attached to the small vertical camera body 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above.
The operation and usage of the one attached will be described.

The camera body 10 has a length (height) of 80 m.
It is composed of a small vertical type of m or less, and JIS is attached to the bottom.
A standard tripod screw hole 12 is arranged.

In such a small vertical type camera body 10, it is convenient to attach the auxiliary grip 14 when using this. Therefore, the auxiliary grip 14 is attached to the tripod screw hole 12 of the small vertical type camera body 10. A case in which the auxiliary grip 14 is used by screwing the screw 20 will be described.

In this small vertical type camera body 10, when the auxiliary grip 14 is attached to the small vertical type camera body 10, the camera is automatically set to the photographing mode when the auxiliary grip is used in the small vertical type camera body 10. To be done.

When taking a picture with the small vertical camera body 10 with the auxiliary grip 14 attached, the user (photographer) holds the grip member 18 with one hand (the right hand in FIG. 4) and, for example, the index finger. Alternatively, a photograph is taken by pressing the release button 26 with a thumb or the like. At the time of this photographing operation, the user can grasp the grip member 18 and firmly hold the small vertical camera body 10 in a relatively stable manner.

Further, the small vertical camera body 10 performs the photographing operation in the photographing mode when the auxiliary grip is used. Therefore, the user (photographer), while holding the small vertical camera body 10 by the auxiliary grip 14, has an appropriate shutter speed that does not cause camera shake and an aperture value that maximizes the depth of field. It is possible to capture a high-quality image under the condition of the combination that matches the appropriate EV value.

In this small vertical camera body 10, the small vertical camera body 1 is provided by the auxiliary grip 14.
Set the shutter speed while holding 0 to the tripod 15
Since the shutter speed is set to an appropriate value higher than the shutter speed when the small vertical camera body 10 is held, it is possible to prevent shooting failure due to camera shake as much as possible.

Further, since the grip member 18 is flush and continuous with the side surface of the small vertical camera body 10 on which the release button 26 is provided, the release button 26 can be pressed with the index finger or thumb of the hand holding the grip member 18. It can be easily extended to the side and operated in a comfortable position.

At the time of this photographing, the user holds the grip member 18 of the small vertical camera body 10 with one hand, and confirms the entire composition by looking at the image display section 32 at the time of photographing, and releases at an appropriate timing. Since the operation of pressing the button 26 can be performed, it is possible to take a picture quickly or easily enjoy the picture.

When carrying the small vertical camera body 10 to which the auxiliary grip 14 is attached, as shown in FIG. 4, the auxiliary grip 14 is opened and the user holds only the grip member 18 with one hand. Can be held and carried around. Therefore, the user can handle the rod-shaped grip member 18 in an easy-to-hold state.

Further, when the user carries the auxiliary grip 14 attached to the small vertical camera body 10 to which the auxiliary grip 14 is attached in his / her hand, the user may touch the part such as the imaging lens device 28 with his / her hand. It can be protected from fingerprints and stains.

Next, when the small vertical camera body 10 is used alone (when neither the tripod 15 nor the support plate 16 is attached), the user uses the small vertical camera body 10 alone. In the state of being held by, the CPU takes an appropriate image at a shutter speed that can prevent camera shake set by the central processing unit.

In this small vertical camera body 10, when the auxiliary grip 14 or tripod 15 is not attached and when the auxiliary grip 14 or tripod 15 is removed, the small vertical camera body 10 is automatically operated. The camera is set to the shooting mode when it is used alone. Therefore, this compact vertical camera body 10
Then, it is possible to prevent shooting failures due to camera shake as much as possible.

When the small vertical camera body 10 is handled alone (when the tripod 15 and the support plate 16 are not attached), the camera body 10 is housed, or the bag or pocket is used. It is convenient to carry in an etc. The auxiliary grip 14 removed from the small vertical camera body 10 is folded into a small size as shown in FIG. 2, and the auxiliary grip 14 is separately compact from the small vertical camera body 10. You can carry it with you.

Next, the small vertical camera body 10 is attached to the tripod 1.
5, when the small vertical camera body 10 is fixedly held on the tripod 15, the central processing unit causes the small vertical camera body 10 to move to the tripod 15.
The operation to automatically switch to the shooting mode when it is fixed to is in a state where it is automatically performed.

Therefore, since the small vertical camera body 10 fixedly held on the tripod 15 has no risk of shooting failure due to camera shake, the aperture value is set as large as possible to increase the depth of field. Then, it is possible to perform shooting by performing automatic control with aperture priority.

The small vertical camera body 10 includes any type of camera, for example, a normal silver halide camera that photochemically exposes a film to fix an object image on the film, and a solid-state electronic image pickup device (for example, CCD). Still video, which is used for magnetically or electronically fixing (recording on a floppy disk or storing in memory) a video signal representing a subject image output from the solid-state electronic image sensor.
It can be a camera.

[0101]

According to the camera of the present invention, firstly, the detection switch for detecting whether or not the attachment screw of the auxiliary grip to the tripod screw hole provided in the camera body is fastened is provided in the tripod screw hole. When it detects that the mounting screw is not tightened, it sets a relatively high shutter speed that can prevent camera shake when the camera body is used independently. When the detection switch detects that the mounting screw of the auxiliary grip is fastened to the tripod screw hole, the auxiliary grip can be used to prevent camera shake when holding the camera body. Also, set a relatively slow shutter speed that can deepen the depth of field, and automatically switch to the shooting mode when using the auxiliary grip

As a result, when the camera body is used alone, camera shake is relatively likely to occur, so that an appropriate image can be taken by automatically setting a shooting mode for shooting at a relatively high shutter speed. There is.

At the same time, when the camera body is used with the auxiliary grip attached, the user can use the auxiliary grip to hold the camera body to prevent camera shake, so that the shutter speed is relatively slow. It is possible to automatically switch to the shooting mode when the auxiliary grip set to is set to execute shooting, and it is possible to take an appropriate image with a relatively deep depth of field and no camera shake. .

Further, since the switching operation of these photographing modes is automatically performed, the user is not bothered by the switching operation of the photographing modes and the usability can be improved.
There is an effect that it is possible to prevent an image taken by forgetting the operation of switching the shooting mode from failing due to camera shake.

Further, when the auxiliary grip is attached to the camera body, since the grip member of the auxiliary grip can be grasped by one hand and the camera body can be securely held so as not to shake, the camera body is small and vertical. Even if there is, there is an effect that the function can be properly exerted.

Further, when the gripping member of the auxiliary grip is gripped with one hand and the operation button on the camera body is operated by using the finger of the gripping hand, the camera body is a compact vertical type. However, there is an effect that the camera body is not shaken by the operation of the operation button to cause any inconvenience, and the usability of the camera can be improved.

Secondly, the camera of the present invention discriminates whether the attachment screw of the auxiliary grip or the male screw of the tripod is fastened to the tripod screw hole provided in the camera body by the detection switch. When the camera detects that it is not fastened and the detection switch detects that the mounting screw of the auxiliary grip and the male screw of the tripod are not fastened to the tripod screw hole, camera shake occurs when the camera body is used alone. Set a relatively high shutter speed so that the camera can be turned off automatically by switching to the shooting mode in which the camera body is used independently. In addition, this camera can prevent camera shake when the camera body is held by using the auxiliary grip when the detection switch detects that the mounting screw of the auxiliary grip is fastened to the tripod screw hole. Automatically switches to the shooting mode when using the auxiliary grip that sets a relatively slow shutter speed that can deepen the depth of field. In addition, this camera has a relatively small aperture that allows an appropriate depth of field, assuming that no camera shake will occur when the detection switch detects that the tripod's male screw is fastened to the tripod screw hole. Set the combination of the aperture value set to increase the value and the shutter speed value that is relatively slow. Automatically switch to the shooting mode when the camera body is fixed to a tripod.

Thus, when the camera body is used alone, camera shake is relatively likely to occur, so that the photographing mode for photographing at a relatively high shutter speed can be automatically set and a proper image can be photographed. Also, when the camera body is used with the auxiliary grip attached, the user can use the auxiliary grip to hold the camera body to prevent camera shake. There is an effect that it is possible to automatically switch to the shooting mode when the grip is used and perform shooting, and it is possible to shoot an appropriate image with a relatively deep depth of field and without camera shake.

At the same time, when the camera body is used while being fixed to a tripod, there is no risk of camera shake because it is possible to automatically switch to the shooting mode when using the tripod and perform shooting. There is an effect that it is possible to shoot an image in which the depth of field is set to be sufficiently deep as desired, and moreover, an appropriate image without camera shake is captured.

Further, since the switching operation of these photographing modes is automatically performed, the user is not bothered with the switching operation of the photographing modes and the usability can be improved.
There is an effect that it is possible to prevent an image taken by forgetting the operation of switching the shooting mode from failing due to camera shake.

When the auxiliary grip is attached to the camera body, the grip member of the auxiliary grip can be grasped with one hand to securely hold the camera body so that the camera body does not shake. Even if there is, there is an effect that the function can be properly exerted.

Further, when the gripping member of the auxiliary grip is gripped with one hand and the operation button on the camera body is operated with the fingers of the gripping hand, the camera body is a compact vertical type. However, there is an effect that the camera body is not shaken by the operation of the operation button to cause any inconvenience, and the usability of the camera can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a small vertical camera body according to an embodiment of a camera of the present invention, an auxiliary grip attachable to the body, and a tripod.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where an auxiliary grip attachable to a small vertical camera body according to the embodiment of the camera of the present invention is taken out and put in a stored state.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a rear surface of the small vertical camera body according to the embodiment of the camera of the present invention with a monitor taken out.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which an auxiliary grip is attached to a small vertical camera body according to an embodiment of the camera of the present invention and used.

FIG. 5 is a view showing that a detection switch portion, which is a detection means attached to a tripod screw hole portion of a small vertical camera body according to an embodiment of a camera of the present invention, detects that a tripod male screw is fastened. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state.

FIG. 6 is a view showing that the detection switch portion, which is a detection means mounted in the tripod screw hole portion of the small vertical camera body according to the embodiment of the camera of the present invention, detects that the attachment screw of the auxiliary grip is fastened. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state of doing.

FIG. 7 is a view showing that the detection switch portion, which is the detection means attached to the tripod screw hole portion of the small vertical camera body according to the embodiment of the camera of the present invention, has nothing fastened to the tripod screw hole portion. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Small vertical camera body 12 Tripod screw hole 14 Auxiliary grip 15 tripod 16 Support plate 17 Male screw 18 Grip member 20 mounting screws 34A First detection pin 34B Second detection pin 36 detection switch

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A tripod screw hole provided on a camera body, a detection switch for detecting whether or not a mounting screw of an auxiliary grip is fastened to the tripod screw hole, and a tripod screw hole of the auxiliary grip. When the detection switch detects that the mounting screw is not fastened, the camera body is set independently to set a relatively high shutter speed that can prevent camera shake when the camera body is used alone. When the detection switch detects that the mounting screw of the auxiliary grip is fastened to the tripod screw hole by automatically switching to the shooting mode to be used, the auxiliary grip is used to control the camera body. Set a relatively slow shutter speed that can prevent camera shake in the held state and deepen the depth of field, Camera, characterized in that it comprises serial means for automatically switching operation to the photographing mode when the auxiliary grip used, the. 2. A tripod screw hole provided in a camera body, and whether the auxiliary grip attachment screw or the tripod male screw is fastened to the tripod screw hole, and neither is fastened. And a detection switch that is also capable of detecting, and the camera body is used alone when the detection switch detects that the mounting screw of the auxiliary grip and the male screw of the tripod are not fastened to the tripod screw hole. Set a relatively high shutter speed that can prevent camera shake when the camera is in use.The camera body is automatically switched to the shooting mode for independent use, and the mounting screw of the auxiliary grip is inserted into the tripod screw hole. When the detection switch detects that the camera is fastened, the auxiliary grip is used to hold the camera body while holding the camera. The shutter speed is set to a relatively slow shutter speed that allows you to increase the depth of field while automatically switching to the shooting mode when using the auxiliary grip, and the tripod screw hole is fastened to the male screw of the tripod. If the detection switch detects that the camera shake does not occur, it is possible to appropriately deepen the depth of field. A camera that sets a combination with a shutter speed value and that automatically switches to a shooting mode when the camera body is fixed to the tripod.