JP2003344905A - Photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing device desirable in terms of outside appearance and design, prevented from causing parallax and realizing accurate photography. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic camera, where the image of a subject is formed on an image pickup part 12 by a photographic lens 11 and the formed image is fetched as image data in the image pickup part 12, is provided with a lens cover 6 protecting the lens 11 so as to open/close on the subject side of the lens 11, and provided with a convex mirror 20 reflecting the image of the subject on the cover 6. Therefore, not only the camera desirable in terms of outside appearance and design is obtained but also a photographer can confirm a photographic range by reflecting his (her) own image on the mirror 20 of the cover 6 in the case of self-photographing that the photographer himself (herself) is photographed. Both of the image reflected on the mirror 20 of the cover 6 and the image taken as a picture by the image pickup part 12 are positioned on the same optical axis 13, whereby the optical axes 13 of both of them are aligned. Therefore, the parallax is not caused and the accurate photography where the line of sight is fit is realized. <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 photographing device such as an electronic camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in an electronic camera, an image of a subject is formed on an image pickup section by a taking lens, and the formed image is taken in as image data by the image pickup section. In such an electronic camera, in order to know the shooting range of oneself when taking a selfie of the photographer himself,
A mirror is provided on the front surface of the camera body at a position where it does not interfere with shooting by the shooting lens, and the image of the photographer himself is reflected on this mirror, and the photographed range of himself is checked by looking at this reflected image.

[0003]

However, in such an electronic camera, since the mirror is provided on the front surface of the camera body, not only is it unfavorable in terms of appearance and design, but also it does not interfere with shooting by the shooting lens. Since the mirror is provided at the position, the optical axes of the taking lens and the mirror are deviated, and the so-called parallax occurs in which the position of the image reflected on the mirror and the taken image shifts, and the line of sight does not match and the accurate There is a problem that you cannot shoot.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to take an accurate image without any parallax, which is preferable in terms of appearance and design.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus in which an image of a subject is formed on an image pickup section by a photographing lens and the formed image is taken in as image data by the image pickup section. In the image taking apparatus, a lens cover for protecting the taking lens is provided on the object side of the taking lens so as to be openable and closable, and the lens cover has a mirror surface function for displaying an image of the object. According to this invention, the lens cover that protects the taking lens is provided with the mirror surface function of projecting the image of the subject, which is preferable not only in terms of appearance and design, but also when taking a self-portrait of the photographer himself. , The image of yourself can be projected on the lens cover to check the shooting range, and the optical axes of both the image displayed on the lens cover and the image shot by the image pickup unit can be made to coincide with each other. Accurate shooting that matches the line of sight can be performed without causing a lux.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image taking apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the lens cover moves on and off the optical path of the taking lens according to shutter operation. According to the present invention, when the shutter operation is performed while the image of oneself is displayed on the lens cover, the lens cover can be moved on and off the optical path of the photographing lens according to the shutter operation. It is easy to operate, and this also allows you to take accurate pictures.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the mirror surface function is a convex mirror provided on the outer surface of the lens cover. According to this invention, by forming the convex mirror provided on the lens cover with a convex curved surface having a radius of curvature suitable for taking a self-portrait, the image reflected on the convex mirror is a photographing angle, that is, an image of a subject photographed by the imaging unit. The sizes can be almost the same, which allows more accurate image capturing.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the mirror surface function is a half mirror formed on at least a portion of the lens cover corresponding to the photographing lens. is there. According to this invention, since the half mirror is formed in the portion of the lens cover corresponding to the taking lens, even if the lens cover is arranged corresponding to the taking lens, the taking lens side is dark. Since it is possible to see and see the image of itself, and to be able to take in external light to some extent through this half mirror, the image to be photographed can be displayed on the monitor.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the lens cover is divided into a plurality of parts, which are integrated when the photographing lens is closed and divided when the photographing lens is opened. It is the described imaging device. According to this invention, since the lens cover is divided into a plurality of parts,
It is possible to increase the opening / closing speed of the lens cover with respect to the taking lens, which allows rapid shooting, thus enabling continuous shooting.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the lens cover is attached to a lens barrel in which the photographing lens is incorporated so as to be openable and closable. According to the present invention, the taking lens, the imaging unit,
By assembling the lens cover and the lens cover to the lens barrel, unitization can be achieved. Therefore, the lens cover can be accurately aligned with the taking lens and the image pickup unit, and the assembling workability can be improved.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] A first embodiment in which the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic camera of the present invention seen from the rear side, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic camera seen from the front side, and FIG. 3 is a state in which the front side of the electronic camera of FIG. It is the perspective view which showed a part of internal structure schematically. This electronic camera includes a camera body 1 as shown in FIGS. The display unit 2 is provided on the rear surface (the front side surface in FIG. 1) of the camera body 1.
Further, a cursor key 3 is provided, and a shutter button 4 and a plurality of key buttons 5 are provided on the upper surface of the camera body 1 as shown in FIGS.

The display unit 2 is a flat display such as a liquid crystal display element or an EL element (electroluminescence element), and displays a photographed image and an image at the time of photographing, and also displays information such as a date and a photographing mode. It is configured to display. The cursor key 3 is a button switch that can be operated in the cross direction, and is configured to select a captured image or a shooting mode. The shutter button 4
It is a multi-stage switch that is pressed in two steps, and is configured so that the first-stage switch is turned on in the half-pressed state, and the second-stage switch is turned on in the fully-pressed state. The plurality of key buttons 4 are switches for selecting various menus.

As shown in FIG. 2, a lens cover 6, a flash unit 7 and an optical finder unit 8 are provided on the front surface (front side surface in FIG. 2) of the camera body 1. The lens cover 6 covers the lighting hole 9 provided on the front surface of the camera body 1 so as to be openable and closable.
It is located on the right side of the front side. The strobe unit 7 generates a flash of light at the time of shooting, and is arranged at the center of the upper part of the front surface of the camera body 1. The optical viewfinder section 8 is for confirming the shooting range of a subject in a normal shooting mode for shooting a landscape or a person, and is located in the upper right of the front surface of the camera body 1 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera body 1 is continuously provided from the front surface to the rear surface.

As shown in FIG. 3, a photographing unit 10 is provided inside the camera body 1 so as to correspond to the lighting hole 9 of the camera body 1. The photographing unit 10 includes a photographing lens 11 and an image pickup section 12, which are arranged on the optical axis 1.
It is arranged on the 3rd. In this case, the lighting hole 9 on the front surface of the camera body 1 has its center aligned with the optical axis 13 and corresponds to the taking lens 11 via the lens cover 6. Also,
The taking lens 11 takes in an image of a subject in the camera body 1 and forms the image on the imaging unit 12. Imaging unit 12
Includes a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD, and the photographing lens 11
Is disposed on the image plane side (lower side in FIG. 3) of the photographing lens 11
The image formed in 1 is taken in as image data.

By the way, the lens cover 6 is located between the lighting hole 9 on the front surface of the camera body 1 and the photographing lens 11,
On the optical path by the drive device 14 (position shown by the solid line in FIG. 3)
And the outside of the optical path (the position indicated by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 3) to open and close the optical path of the photographing unit 10. That is, this lens cover 6 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, it is composed of a disc portion 15 slightly larger than the lighting hole 9 on the front surface of the camera body 1 and an arm portion 16 provided on the disc portion 15. The arm portion 16 is provided inside the camera body 1. It is rotatably attached to the provided support shaft 17, and the disc portion 15 is configured to rotate about the support shaft 17.

The drive device 14 is provided with a drive source 18 for rotating the lens cover 6 and a spring member 19. The drive source 18 is composed of an electromagnetic solenoid, a motor, etc., the main body portion 18a is fixed inside the camera main body 1, the operating portion 18b is connected to the arm portion 16, and the main body portion 18a reciprocates the operating portion 18b in this state. Thereby, the arm portion 16 is rotated around the support shaft 17 against the spring force of the spring member 19, whereby the disc portion 15 of the lens cover 6 is moved from the optical path to the outside of the optical path. ing. One end of the spring member 19 is attached to the inside of the camera body 1,
The other end is attached to the arm 16 and thereby urges the lens cover 6 in a direction to move it onto the optical path.

The lens cover 6 also has a mirror surface function for displaying an image of a subject. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the convex mirror 2 is provided at the central portion of the front surface of the lens cover 6, that is, at the portion corresponding to the taking lens 11.
0 is provided. This convex mirror 20 is for allowing the photographer to see an image of himself through the lighting hole 9 on the front of the camera body 1 when taking a self-portrait of himself / herself. It is formed on a convex curved surface having a radius of curvature suitable for self-portrait so that the photographing angle, that is, the size (angle of view) imaged by the imaging unit 12 is almost the same.

Next, the operation flow of this electronic camera will be described with reference to FIG. When this operation flow starts, it is determined whether the power is on (step S
1) If the power is on, it is determined whether the shooting mode is a self-shooting mode for shooting the photographer himself (step S).
2). At this time, if the self-portrait shooting mode is selected, the lens cover 6 is closed (step S3). That is, the driving device 14 of the lens cover 6 is driven, the arm portion 16 is rotated about the support shaft 17 against the spring force of the spring member 19, and the disc portion 15 of the lens cover 6 is placed on the optical path (see FIG. 3) to the position indicated by the solid line). This allows
The convex mirror 20 provided on the lens cover 6 is the camera body 1
Corresponding to the daylighting hole 9 on the front side of the, the convex mirror 20 allows the photographer himself to be seen and viewed.

In this state, the camera body 1 is turned toward the photographer so that the convex mirror 20 can see the photographer's own face, and the convex mirror 2
Decide the shooting angle by seeing your own face reflected in 0.
At this time, shooting parameters such as opening a diaphragm for emphasizing skin color and blurring the background are set to the optimum state for self-shooting (step S4). Then, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 4 has been pressed halfway to turn on the first-stage switch (step S
5). At this time, if the shutter button 4 is not pressed,
When the shutter button 4 is pressed and the first-stage switch is turned on, the lens cover 6 is opened (step S6). That is, the driving device 14 of the lens cover 6 is driven, the arm portion 16 is rotated about the support shaft 17 against the spring force of the spring member 19, and the disc portion 15 of the lens cover 6 is placed outside the optical path (see FIG. 3 to the position indicated by the chain double-dashed line).

As a result, the photographing unit 10 is ready for photographing, so focus adjustment (AF) and exposure adjustment (AE) are performed (step S7), and the shutter button 4 is further pressed to switch the second stage switch. Is turned on (step S8), and if the second-stage switch is not turned on, the process returns to step S5 and the above operation is repeated. When the second-stage switch is turned on, the photographer himself / herself performs photographing (step S9), and the image formed by the photographing lens 11 is captured by the image pickup unit 12 as image data. After that, the process returns to step S1 and the above-described self-portrait operation is repeated.

At this time, if the self-shooting shooting mode for shooting the photographer himself is not selected in step S2, it is determined to be a normal shooting mode, that is, a shooting mode for shooting a landscape or a person. In this normal photographing mode, the photographer looks into the optical viewfinder 8 to determine the photographing angle for the subject, so the lens cover 6 is opened (step S10). That is, the driving device 14 of the lens cover 6 is driven to move the arm portion 16 to the spring member 19.
The support shaft 17 is pivoted against the spring force of the above, and thereby the disc portion 15 of the lens cover 6 is moved to the outside of the optical path (the position indicated by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 3). As a result, the image capturing unit 10 becomes ready for shooting.

In this state, the photographer sets the optical viewfinder 8
Looking at, when determining the shooting angle for the subject, the shooting parameters are set to a state suitable for landscape or person (step S11), and it is determined whether the shutter button 4 is half pressed and the first-stage switch is turned on. Yes (step S1
2). At this time, if the shutter button 4 is not pressed,
When the shutter button 4 is pressed and the first-stage switch is turned on, the focus adjustment (AF) and the exposure adjustment (AE) are performed (step S13), and the shutter button 4 is further pressed and the second stage is pressed. It is determined whether the eye switch is turned on (step S14), and if the second stage switch is not turned on, the process returns to step S12 and the above operation is repeated.

Then, when the second-stage switch of the shutter button 4 is turned on, normal photographing such as landscape is executed (step S15), and the image formed by the photographing lens 11 is taken by the image pickup unit 1
In 2, it is captured as image data. After this, step S1
Then, the normal shooting described above is repeated. At this time,
Since the lens cover 6 is always open, continuous shooting is possible. In this state, when the self-shooting shooting mode is selected in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3,
The self-shooting operation is performed as described above (step S
3 to step S9). When the power is turned off in step S1, the driving device 14 for the lens cover 6 is driven to close the lens cover 6 (step S16), and this operation flow is ended.

As described above, according to this electronic camera, since the convex mirror 20 for projecting the image of the subject is provided on the lens cover 6 for protecting the taking lens 11, it is possible to obtain a preferable one in terms of appearance and design. In addition to this, when taking a self-portrait of the photographer himself, the image of himself can be projected on the convex mirror 20 of the lens cover 6 through the lighting hole 9 of the camera body 1 to check the photographing range. At this time, the image reflected on the convex mirror 20 of the lens cover 6 and the photographing unit 1
Both the image taken at 0 are located on the same optical axis 13,
As a result, both optical axes 13 coincide with each other, so that parallax does not occur and accurate photographing with a line of sight can be performed. In particular, by forming the convex mirror 20 provided on the lens cover 6 into a convex curved surface having a radius of curvature suitable for taking a self-portrait, the image reflected on the convex mirror 20 is taken at a photographing angle, that is, a subject imaged by the imaging unit 12. The size of the image can be almost the same as that of the image, so that more accurate photographing can be performed.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment in which the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals for description. This electronic camera has a disk portion 1 of a lens cover 6.
5 is a structure in which a half mirror 25 having a mirror surface function is formed in the central portion of 5, that is, a portion corresponding to the taking lens 11, and other than this, the structure is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a rectangular opening 26 is provided in the center of the disc portion 15 of the lens cover 6 so as to penetrate the front and back. Also, half mirror 25
Is a structure in which a semi-transmissive metal vapor deposition film 25b having light transparency is formed on the back surface (lower surface in FIG. 6) of a transparent plate 25a made of organic glass or inorganic glass such as acrylic or polycarbonate. It is fitted into the opening 26 of the plate portion 15.

In such an electronic camera, since the half mirror 25 is formed in the central portion of the disc portion 15 of the lens cover 6, the disc portion 15 of the lens cover 6 is arranged corresponding to the taking lens 11. However, since the side of the photographing lens 11 in the camera body 1 is dark, the image of the photographer himself can be viewed on the half mirror 25 through the lighting hole 9 of the camera body 1. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain a preferable appearance and design,
Lens cover 6 for self-portraits
The image of oneself can be projected on the half mirror 25 and the shooting range can be confirmed.

Also in this case, both the image reflected on the half mirror 25 of the lens cover 6 and the image photographed by the photographing unit 10 are located on the same optical axis 13, so that both optical axes 13 coincide with each other. Therefore, the parallax does not occur, and accurate shooting with a matching line of sight can be performed. In particular, in this case, since external light can be taken in to some extent through the half mirror 25, not only focus adjustment (AF) and exposure adjustment (AE) are possible, but also the image of the photographer 12 is captured. Can be taken in as image data, and the taken-in image data can be displayed on the display unit 2 provided on the rear surface of the camera body 1.

[Third Embodiment] Next, referring to FIG.
A third embodiment in which the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera will be described. Also in this case, the same parts as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. This electronic camera has a disk portion 15 of the lens cover 6.
The structure is that the plane mirror 30 is provided over the entire area on the front surface in FIG. 7, that is, the surface located on the subject side (the upper surface in FIG. 7), and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. In this case, the front surface of the disk portion 15 is formed as a flat surface, and the plane mirror 30 has a structure in which a metal deposition film is formed over the entire area on the flat front surface of the disk portion 15.

In such an electronic camera, since the plane mirror 30 is provided over the entire front surface of the disk portion 15 of the lens cover 6, the same function and effect as those of the first embodiment are obtained, and in particular, the front surface of the disk portion 15 is provided. Since it is only necessary to form the metal vapor deposition film over the entire area, it is possible to easily and easily provide the plane mirror 30 on the lens cover 6, and thus to obtain a lower cost than that of the first embodiment. You can

In the third embodiment, the disc portion 15 of the lens cover 6 is formed into a flat surface, and the flat mirror 30 is provided on the disc portion 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The surface may be formed into a gentle convex curved surface, and a convex mirror having a gentle curved surface having a radius of curvature larger than that of the first embodiment may be formed on this surface by metal vapor deposition. The surface of the part 15 may be formed into a concave curved surface, and a concave mirror may be formed on this surface by metal vapor deposition. Further, not limited to this, the entire disc portion 15 may be formed as a half mirror similar to that of the second embodiment. In this case, the lens cover 6 may be formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and a semi-transmissive metal vapor deposition film having light transmittance may be formed on the disc portion of the lens cover 6. Even with such a structure, the second
There are the same effects as the embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, referring to FIG.
A fourth embodiment in which the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera will be described. Also in this case, the same parts as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. This electronic camera divides the lens cover 6 into two parts, a first lens cover 35 and a second lens cover 36, and when the first and second lens covers 35, 36 close the object side of the taking lens 11. They are integrated with each other and are separated from each other when they are opened. Other than this, the structure is almost the same as that of the first embodiment.

That is, the first lens cover 35 is a semicircular portion 37 that closes almost half of the taking lens 11 on the object side.
And an arm portion 38 provided on the semicircular portion 37. The arm portion 38 is rotatably attached to a support shaft 39 provided in the camera body 1, and in this state, by the first drive device 40. The semicircular portion 37 is configured so as to rotate about the support shaft 39. Similarly to the first lens cover 35, the second lens cover 36 includes a semi-circular portion 41 that is located opposite to the semi-circular portion 37 of the first lens cover 35 and closes almost half of the subject side of the taking lens 11. The arm portion 42 is provided on the semicircular portion 41, and the arm portion 42 is rotatably attached to the support shaft 43 provided in the camera body 1. In this state, the semicircular portion is formed by the second drive device 44. 41 is configured to rotate about a support shaft 43.

In this case, the first and second lens covers 35,
As shown in FIG. 8, each of the semicircular portions 37 and 41 of 36 is configured to be integrated into a circular shape centered on the optical axis 13 when the subject side of the taking lens 11 is closed. . Further, the first and second convex mirrors 45 and 46 are respectively provided on the semicircular portions 37 and 41 of the first and second lens covers 35 and 36, respectively.
Is provided. These first and second convex mirrors 45, 46
Is configured such that when the semicircular portions 37 and 41 are integrated into a circular shape, a convex mirror having the same structure as the convex mirror 20 of the first embodiment is formed in the central portion thereof. The first and second drive devices 40 and 44 have the same structure as the drive device 14 of the first embodiment.

In such an electronic camera, the first and second lens covers 3 are driven by the first and second driving devices 40 and 44.
The semi-circular portions 37 and 41 of the reference numerals 5 and 36 respectively support the support shaft 39
When it is pivotally moved about 43 and is placed on the subject side of the taking lens 11, as shown in FIG.
Are integrated into a circular shape with the optical axis 13 as the center, whereby the first and second convex mirrors 45 and 46 of the respective semicircular portions 37 and 41 are also integrated into the same convex mirror as the convex mirror 20 of the first embodiment. Become. Therefore, like the first embodiment, when taking a self-portrait of the photographer himself / herself, the first and second convex mirrors 45 and 46 of the first and second lens covers 35 and 36 are passed through the lighting hole 9 of the camera body 1. You can see your own image on
As a result, accurate parallax-free photography can be performed without causing parallax.

Further, in this electronic camera, the shutter button 4
Is pressed to turn on the first-stage switch to close the first and second lens covers 35 and 36, and when the shutter button 4 is further pushed to turn on the second-stage switch,
When the second lens covers 35 and 36 are opened, they are divided into the first and second lens covers 35 and 36, so the opening / closing speed with respect to the taking lens 11 should be faster than that in the first embodiment. Since this allows quick shooting, continuous shooting is possible even when shooting a self-portrait, and a user-friendly one can be obtained.

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, referring to FIG.
A fifth embodiment in which the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera will be described. In this case, the same parts as those of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. In this electronic camera, a first and second lens covers 35, 3 are attached to a lens barrel 50 in which a taking lens 11 and an imaging section 12 are incorporated.
6 is assembled, and other than this, the structure is almost the same as that of the fourth embodiment. That is, the first and second lens covers 35 and 36 are provided with the respective support shafts 39 and 43 of the arm portions 38 and 42 at the upper end portion of the lens barrel 50, and in this state, the first and second drive devices (not shown). Support shaft 39,
It is configured to rotate about 43.

In such an electronic camera, in addition to the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment, the taking lens 11, the image pickup section 12, and the first and second lens covers 35 and 36 are attached to the lens barrel 50. As a result, these can be unitized, and therefore, the first and second lens covers 35 and 36 can be accurately aligned with the taking lens 11 and the imaging section 12, and the assembling workability can be improved. This makes it possible to obtain a product having excellent productivity.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, the case where the first and second lens covers 35 and 36 are divided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the lens cover is divided into three or more. You may. Further, in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the first and second lens covers 35 and 36 are provided with the first and second drive devices 40 and 44, respectively, and are independently driven, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first and second lens covers 35, 36 may be driven simultaneously by interlocking them with one driving device. In this way, the structure is simplified, the number of parts is small, and a low-priced product can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the semicircular portions 37 and 41 of the first and second lens covers 35 and 36 are formed.
The case where the first and second convex mirrors 45 and 46 are respectively provided in the above is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second semi-circular portions 37 and 41 of the first and second lens covers 35 and 36 are respectively provided. A half mirror is provided, and the first and second lens covers 35,
The first and second half mirrors have the same structure as the half mirror 25 of the second embodiment when the semicircular portions 37 and 41 of 36 are arranged at positions corresponding to the taking lens 11 and closed. You may. With this configuration, the fourth,
In addition to the same operational effects as the fifth embodiment, it also has the same operational effects as the second embodiment.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, the lens cover for protecting the taking lens is provided with the mirror surface function for displaying the image of the subject, so that not only the appearance but also the design are preferable. When taking a self-portrait of the photographer himself, the image of himself can be projected on the lens cover to check the shooting range, and the light of both the image reflected on the lens cover and the image captured by the imaging section can be checked. The axes can be made to coincide with each other, so that parallax does not occur and accurate photographing with a line of sight can be performed. In this case, if the structure is such that the lens cover moves on and off the optical path of the taking lens according to the shutter operation, when the shutter operation is performed while the image of itself is displayed on the lens cover, the shutter operation is performed. Since the lens cover can be moved to the optical path of the taking lens and to the outside of the optical path, the photographing operation is easy and accurate photographing can be performed.

If the mirror surface function is a convex mirror provided on the outer surface of the lens cover, by forming this convex mirror with a convex curved surface having a radius of curvature suitable for taking a self-portrait, the image reflected on the convex mirror can be captured by the image pickup section. The size of the image of the subject to be photographed can be made to be almost the same, and more accurate photographing can be performed. In addition, if the mirror surface function is a half mirror that is formed on at least a portion of the lens cover that corresponds to the taking lens, even if the lens cover is arranged corresponding to the taking lens, the taking lens side is dark, so the half mirror does not Since it is possible to see and see the image of itself, and to be able to take in external light to some extent through this half mirror, the image to be photographed can be displayed on the monitor.

Further, since the lens cover is divided into a plurality of parts, integrated with the taking lens when closed, and divided when opening, the opening / closing speed of the lens cover with respect to the taking lens can be increased, As a result, it is possible to shoot rapidly, and continuous shooting is possible. In addition, by attaching the lens cover to the lens barrel incorporating the taking lens so as to be openable and closable, the taking lens, the image pickup unit, and the lens cover can be unitized by the lens barrel. The alignment can be done accurately, which can improve the assembling workability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment in which an image pickup apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera, as viewed from a rear surface side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic camera of FIG. 1 viewed from the front side.

3 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the internal structure of the electronic camera of FIG. 2 with its front surface facing upward.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the electronic camera shown in FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the internal structure of the second embodiment in which the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera.

6 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of the lens cover shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the internal structure of the third embodiment in which the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the internal structure in a fourth embodiment in which the image pickup apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the internal structure in a fifth embodiment in which the image pickup apparatus of the present invention is applied to an electronic camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 camera body 6 lens cover 10 Shooting unit 11 Shooting lens 12 Imaging unit 13 Optical axis 14 Drive 20 convex mirror 25 half mirror 30 plane mirror 35 First Lens Cover 36 Second lens cover 40 First drive device 44 Second drive device 45 First convex mirror 46 Second convex mirror 50 lens barrel

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A photographing apparatus, wherein an image of a subject is formed on an image pickup section by a photographing lens, and the formed image is captured by the image pickup section as image data. In the photographing apparatus, the photographing lens is protected on the subject side of the photographing lens. An image pickup apparatus, wherein a lens cover is provided so as to be openable and closable, and the lens cover has a mirror surface function of displaying an image of the subject. 2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens cover moves on and off the optical path of the photographing lens according to shutter operation. 3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mirror surface function is a convex mirror provided on an outer surface of the lens cover. 4. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mirror surface function is a half mirror formed in at least a portion of the lens cover corresponding to the photographing lens. 5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens cover is divided into a plurality of pieces, and the lens cover is integrated when the photographing lens is closed and divided when the photographing lens is opened. 6. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens cover is openably and closably attached to a lens barrel in which the photographing lens is incorporated.