JP2006229481A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera capable of efficiently recording a series of images obtained by high speed consecutive shots. <P>SOLUTION: A consecutive shot interval is set in accordance with a scene mode. In the case of recording a plurality of image data acquired by the consecutive shot operations in a consecutive shot mode, first, the first image data are recorded and then after the first image data are acquired, only image data acquired at the interval of the consecutive shot interval are recorded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera capable of continuous shooting.

  In recent years, many digital cameras have a single shooting mode and a continuous shooting mode as operation modes at the time of shooting. The single shooting mode is an operation mode in which an image of one frame is taken in response to a user pressing the release button. On the other hand, the continuous shooting mode is an operation mode in which the shooting operation is repeated while the user presses the release button, thereby shooting a plurality of frames of images. Here, the continuous shooting speed in the continuous shooting mode is expected to reach several tens of frames per second in the future. When shooting is performed in such an ultra-high speed continuous shooting mode, image files for several tens of frames are recorded on a recording medium in one continuous shooting.

  In a digital camera having such a continuous shooting mode, for example, it is necessary to devise a file management mode in order to improve usability such as image search. As an example of such a device, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of managing a folder by grouping a plurality of images acquired by one continuous shooting.

In addition, when the continuous shooting speed is increased, a large amount of images that are not so different are recorded, which presses the capacity of the recording medium. Therefore, as a technique for preventing an unnecessary image from being recorded on a recording medium, in Patent Document 2, the user can instruct whether or not to record an image on a recording medium after the continuous shooting is completed.
JP-A-11-341421 JP 2001-78136 A

  In general, high-speed continuous shooting is effective for fast-moving subjects such as race cars, but when continuous shooting is performed to capture a momentary facial expression, such as portrait shooting, such high-speed continuous shooting is effective. No copying is required.

  Here, in the method of Patent Document 1, a method for efficiently managing a large amount of images obtained by photographing has been proposed, but unnecessary images are also recorded on a recording medium. On the other hand, in the method of Patent Document 2, since the user needs to specify whether or not to record an image, the user may feel annoyed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a digital camera that can efficiently record a series of images obtained by high-speed continuous shooting.

  In order to achieve the above object, the digital camera according to the first aspect of the present invention acquires image data by capturing a subject image in a digital camera capable of setting a plurality of shooting modes corresponding to a plurality of shooting scenes. And a continuous shooting unit that operates the imaging unit a plurality of times in response to one manual operation and performs a continuous shooting operation of recording a plurality of image data obtained thereby on a recording medium. The continuous shooting means adjusts the interval of the continuous shooting operation according to a set shooting mode.

  In order to achieve the above object, the digital camera according to the second aspect of the present invention can set a plurality of shooting modes corresponding to a plurality of shooting scenes, and can continuously shoot according to one manual operation. In the digital camera in which the operation is executed, the operation interval of the continuous shooting operation is adjusted according to the set shooting mode.

  According to these first and second aspects, since the interval of the continuous shooting operation is adjusted according to the shooting mode, a series of images obtained by high-speed continuous shooting can be efficiently recorded according to the shooting mode.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera according to a third aspect of the present invention is a digital camera capable of setting a plurality of shooting modes corresponding to a plurality of shooting scenes, capturing a subject image, and image data. Imaging means for acquiring the image, continuous shooting means for continuously operating the imaging means in response to one manual operation, and a plurality of images acquired by continuously operating the imaging means by the continuous shooting means Temporary storage means for temporarily storing image data and a plurality of image data acquired with a time interval of a predetermined time or more selected from the plurality of image data stored in the temporary storage means And recording means for recording on a recording medium.

  According to the third aspect, since the recording interval of the image data acquired by the continuous shooting is adjusted according to the shooting mode, a series of images obtained by the high-speed continuous shooting is efficiently recorded according to the shooting mode. it can.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a digital camera capable of setting a plurality of shooting modes corresponding to a plurality of shooting scenes, capturing a subject image, and image data. Acquired as a result of operating the imaging means by the continuous shooting means, the continuous shooting means for operating the imaging means a plurality of times every predetermined time in response to one manual operation And recording means for recording a plurality of image data on a recording medium.

  According to the fourth aspect, since the operation interval of the imaging unit is adjusted according to the shooting mode, a series of images obtained by high-speed continuous shooting can be efficiently recorded according to the shooting mode.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital camera that can efficiently record a series of images obtained by high-speed continuous shooting.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 schematically shows the internal configuration of a digital camera body cut away in order to illustrate the configuration of a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view. Here, as an example, the camera 1 in FIG. 1 is a single-lens reflex camera.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the camera 1 includes a lens barrel 100 and a camera body 200.

  In the lens barrel 100, a photographing optical system 102 composed of a plurality of optical lenses is disposed. The photographing optical system 102 is configured to be movable in the optical axis direction by a lens driving mechanism to be described later, and transmits a light beam from a subject (not shown) in the internal direction of the camera body 200.

  An exposure opening having a predetermined aperture for guiding the light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 102 to the inside of the camera body 200 is formed at a substantially central portion on the front side of the camera body 200. A photographing optical system mounting portion 200a is formed at the peripheral edge of the exposure opening, and the lens barrel 100 is detachably attached to the camera body 200 via the photographing optical system mounting portion 200a. Here, the camera body 200 can be equipped with various lens barrels 100 according to the purpose of shooting.

  Furthermore, various constituent members such as a viewfinder device 202, a shutter unit 208, an imaging unit 211, and a circuit board 200b are disposed at predetermined positions inside the camera body 200.

  The viewfinder device 202 includes a quick return mirror (hereinafter referred to as a main mirror) 202a, a focusing screen 202b, a pentaprism 202c, and an eyepiece lens 202d.

  The main mirror 202a has a half-mirror on the light incident surface, and a position on the optical axis of the photographing optical system 102 (the position shown in FIG. 1 hereinafter referred to as a down position) and a position retracted from the optical axis (hereinafter referred to as up). (Referred to as position). In the normal state, the main mirror 202a is arranged with a predetermined angle, for example, 45 degrees from the optical axis of the photographing optical system 102. With such a configuration, when the camera 1 is in a normal state, a part of the light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 102 is reflected by the main mirror 202a and a part of the light beam is transmitted through the main mirror 202a. Here, a sub mirror 203 is provided on the back surface of the main mirror 202a, and the light beam transmitted through the main mirror 202a enters an AF sensor unit described later.

  Further, the light beam reflected by the main mirror 202a forms an image on the focusing screen 202b. The image formed on the focusing screen 202b is inverted by the pentaprism 202c to become an erect image. The image formed by the pentaprism 202c is magnified by the eyepiece lens 202d. With such a configuration, the user can visually check the image of the subject.

  On the other hand, when the camera 1 is in the photographing operation state, the main mirror 202a is moved to a predetermined up position where it is retracted from the optical axis of the photographing optical system 102. At this time, the light beam from the subject that has passed through the imaging optical system 102 enters the imaging unit 211 via the shutter unit 208. The shutter unit 208 is composed of, for example, a focal plane shutter mechanism. The shutter unit 208 is configured to be opened and closed by a shutter control circuit, which will be described later. By controlling the opening and closing time of the shutter unit 208, the exposure time and the like of the imaging unit 211 disposed behind the shutter unit 208 are controlled. Be controlled.

  The imaging unit 211 includes a dustproof filter (also referred to as dustproof glass) 213, an imaging element 212, and the like. The dust filter 213 is disposed on the front side of the image sensor 212, and the dust filter 213 prevents dust from adhering to the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 212. Further, the dustproof filter 213 is configured to be vibrated by a piezoelectric element described later, and dust attached to the dustproof filter 213 is removed by vibrating the dustproof filter 213. The image sensor 212 includes a large number of photoelectric conversion elements (for example, photodiodes) that form a photoelectric conversion surface, and a light beam incident on the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 212 is converted into an electrical signal.

  Various electric circuits of the camera 1 are mounted on the circuit board 200b.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail the internal electric circuit configuration of the camera 1 shown in FIG. Note that the components described in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the camera 1 includes the lens barrel 100 and the camera body 200.

  Control of each part of the lens barrel 100 is performed by a lens control microcomputer 101 (hereinafter referred to as “Lucom”). On the other hand, control of each part of the camera body 200 is performed by a body control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as Bucom) 201 as continuous shooting means and recording means. Here, when the lens barrel 100 is attached to the camera body 200, the Lucom 101 and the Bucom 201 are communicably connected via the communication connector 101a. In this case, as a camera system, the Lucom 101 is operated so as to be subordinate to the Bucom 201.

  Further, as described above, the photographing optical system 102 is disposed inside the lens barrel 100. Here, in FIG. 2, a plurality of optical lenses constituting the photographing optical system 102 are representatively illustrated as one optical lens. The photographing optical system 102 is driven in the optical axis direction by a DC motor (not shown) existing in the lens driving mechanism 103.

  A diaphragm 104 is provided behind the photographic optical system 102. The diaphragm 104 is driven to open and close by a stepping motor (not shown) existing in the diaphragm drive mechanism 105. By controlling the opening and closing of the diaphragm 104, the amount of light flux from the subject incident on the camera body 200 via the photographing optical system 102 is controlled.

  Here, the control of the DC motor in the lens driving mechanism 103 and the control of the stepping motor in the aperture driving mechanism 105 are performed by the Lucom 101 that has received a command from the Bucom 201.

  In addition, a finder device including a main mirror 202a, a focusing screen 202b, a pentaprism 202c, and an eyepiece lens 202d is provided inside the camera body 200. When the camera 1 is in the normal state, as described above, a part of the light beam from the subject incident through the photographing optical system 102 is reflected by the main mirror 202a. As a result, an observation image is formed via the focusing screen 202b, the pentaprism 202c, and the eyepiece 202d.

  Here, a photometric circuit 204 is provided in the vicinity of the pentaprism 202c, and a part of the light beam that has passed through the pentaprism 202c enters a photosensor (not shown) in the photometric circuit 204. In the photometry circuit 204, a well-known photometry process is performed based on the light amount of the light beam detected by the photosensor. The result processed by the photometry circuit 204 is transmitted to the Bucom 201. In the Bucom 201, the exposure amount at the time of photographing is calculated based on the result input from the photometry circuit 204. This result is transmitted from Bucom 201 to Lucom 101. In the Lucom 101, drive control of the diaphragm 104 is performed based on the exposure amount notified from the Bucom 201.

  Further, the light beam that has been transmitted through the main mirror 202a and reflected by the sub mirror 203 is guided to an AF sensor unit 205 for performing automatic focus adjustment (AF). An AF sensor for performing, for example, phase difference AF is provided inside the AF sensor unit 205. The light beam incident on the AF sensor is converted into an electric signal. The output from the AF sensor of the AF sensor unit 205 is transmitted to the Bucom 201 via the AF sensor driving circuit 206. Then, ranging processing is performed in Bucom 201, and the driving amount of the photographing optical system 102 necessary for focus adjustment is calculated. This result is transmitted from Bucom 201 to Lucom 101. In the Lucom 101, drive control of the photographing optical system 102 is performed based on the drive amount notified from the Bucom 201.

  Further, when the camera 1 is in the photographing operation state, the main mirror 202a is moved to a predetermined up position where it is retracted from the optical axis of the photographing optical system 102. Such driving of the main mirror 202 a is performed by the mirror driving mechanism 207. The mirror drive mechanism 207 is controlled by the Bucom 201. Here, when the main mirror 202a is moved to the up position, the sub mirror 203 is folded accordingly.

  When the main mirror 202 a is moved to the up position, the light beam from the subject that has passed through the photographing optical system 102 enters the direction of the shutter unit 208. The spring force for driving the front curtain and rear curtain constituting the focal plane type shutter unit 208 is charged by the shutter charge mechanism 209. The front curtain and the rear curtain are driven by the shutter control circuit 210. The shutter charge mechanism 209 and the shutter control circuit 210 are controlled by the Bucom 201.

  The light beam that has passed through the shutter unit 208 is incident on an image sensor 212 serving as an imaging unit provided inside the imaging unit 211 disposed behind the shutter unit 208. The image pickup device 212 is protected by a dustproof filter 213 disposed between the image pickup device 212 and the photographing optical system 102. The dust filter 213 is made of a transparent member such as glass.

  In addition, a piezoelectric element 214 for vibrating the dustproof filter 213 at a predetermined vibration frequency is attached to the periphery of the dustproof filter 213. The piezoelectric element 214 has two electrodes and is driven by a dustproof filter driving circuit 215. The dust filter 21 is controlled by the Bucom 201. The dust filter 213 vibrates by vibrating the piezoelectric element 214 by the dust filter driving circuit 215. As a result, dust adhering to the surface of the dustproof filter 213 is removed.

  Here, the image sensor 212 and the piezoelectric element 214 are integrally stored in a case having the dust filter 213 as one surface. Thereby, adhesion of dust to the image sensor 212 can be reliably prevented.

  A temperature measurement circuit 216 is provided in the vicinity of the imaging unit 211. Usually, the temperature affects the elastic modulus of a glass material. That is, since the change in temperature becomes one of the factors that change the natural frequency of the dust filter 213, the ambient temperature is always measured when the dust filter 213 is vibrated. Note that the temperature measurement point of the temperature measurement circuit 216 is preferably set in the vicinity of the vibration surface of the dust filter 213. In this way, by controlling the vibration of the dustproof filter 213 in consideration of changes in temperature, the dustproof filter 213 can always be vibrated under optimum conditions.

  The electrical signal (image signal) obtained by the image sensor 212 is read and digitized via the imaging interface circuit 217 at every predetermined timing. Image data obtained by digitization by the imaging interface circuit 217 is stored in a buffer memory 219 serving as a temporary storage unit configured by SDRAM or the like via an image processing controller 218. Here, the buffer memory 219 is a memory for temporarily storing data such as image data, and is used as a work area when various processes are performed on the image data.

  When electronic viewfinder (EVF) display is performed, image data read via the imaging interface circuit 217 and stored in the buffer memory 219 is read by the image processing controller 218. The image data read by the image processing controller 218 is subjected to image processing such as white balance correction for EVF display and then stored in the buffer memory 219. Thereafter, the image data stored in the buffer memory 219 is read by the image processing controller 218 frame by frame and converted into a video signal. This video signal is resized to a predetermined size for display and then displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 222 as a display means. The EVF display is performed only before the photographing operation, that is, when the main mirror 202a is at the up position.

  Further, after the photographing is finished, the image processing controller 218 reads the image data read through the imaging interface circuit 217 and stored in the buffer memory 219. The image data read by the image processing controller 218 is stored in the buffer memory 219 after being subjected to known image processing such as white balance correction, gradation correction, and color correction. Thereafter, the image data stored in the buffer memory 219 is read by the image processing controller 218, converted into a video signal, resized to a predetermined size for display, and then output and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222. The user can confirm the photographed image with the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222.

  At the time of image recording, the image data processed by the image processing controller 218 is compressed by a known compression method such as the JPEG method. JPEG data obtained by JPEG compression is stored in the buffer memory 219 and then recorded on the FlashROM 220 or the recording medium 221 as a recording medium as a JPEG file to which predetermined header information is added. Here, the Flash ROM 220 is assumed to be a memory built in the camera 1, and the recording medium 221 is assumed to be mounted outside the camera 1. As the recording medium 221, for example, a memory card or a hard disk drive configured to be detachable from the camera 1 is used.

  When an image is reproduced from a JPEG file recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221, the JPEG data recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221 is read and decompressed by the image processing controller 218. Thereafter, the decompressed data is converted into a video signal, resized to a predetermined size for display, and output and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222.

  The Bucom 201 is connected to a nonvolatile memory 223 that stores predetermined control parameters necessary for camera control. The non-volatile memory 223 is composed of, for example, a rewritable EEPROM.

  Further, a battery 225 as a power source is connected to the Bucom 201 via a power circuit 224. In the power supply circuit 224, the voltage of the battery 225 is converted into a voltage required by each part of the camera system and supplied to each part of the camera system.

  Further, the Bucom 201 includes an operation display LCD 226 for notifying the user of the operation state of the camera 1 by display output, and a camera operation switch (SW) 227 for detecting operation states of various operation members of the camera 1. And are connected.

  Here, the operation member of the camera 1 will be described. 3 to 6 are external views of the camera 1 for explaining the operation members of the camera. 3 shows a top view of the camera 1, FIG. 4 shows a front view of the camera 1, FIG. 5 shows a side view of the camera 1, and FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the camera 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the upper surface of the camera 1, a power switch lever 301, a release button 302, a mode dial 303, a sub dial 304, an ISO button 305, an exposure correction button 306, a white balance (WB) ) Button 307, image quality mode button 308, flash mode button 309, and LIGHT button 310.

  The power switch lever 301 is an operation member for turning on / off the power of the camera 1. By turning the power switch lever 301, the main power supply of the camera 1 is switched on / off.

  The release button 302 is a button for executing a shooting preparation operation and an exposure operation. This release button is composed of a two-stage switch of a first release switch and a second release switch. When the release button 302 is pressed halfway, the first release switch is turned on to perform photometry processing or distance measurement. A shooting preparation operation such as processing is executed. Further, when the release button 302 is fully pressed, the second release switch is turned on to perform the exposure operation.

  A mode dial 303 is an operation member for setting a shooting mode at the time of shooting. By rotating the mode dial 303, a shooting mode at the time of shooting is set. In the example of FIG. 3, for example, five modes of a program AE mode (P), an aperture priority AE mode (A), a shutter priority AE mode (S), a manual mode (M), and a scene mode (SCN) can be set. .

  The program AE mode is a mode in which an exposure operation is performed according to the exposure conditions (aperture value and shutter speed) calculated by the camera 1. The aperture priority AE mode is a mode in which exposure is performed with the shutter speed set according to the aperture value set by the user. The shutter priority AE mode is a mode in which exposure is performed with an aperture value set according to the shutter speed set by the user. The manual mode is a mode in which exposure is performed with an aperture value and shutter speed set by the user. The scene mode is a mode in which shooting is performed under conditions suitable for various shooting scenes. In the scene mode, it is necessary to set a desired scene on the menu screen with the mode dial 303 set to SCN.

  The sub dial 304 is an operation member that is operated in a state where another operation member is pressed. By rotating the sub dial 304, it is possible to change the setting of the function related to the operation member currently pressed by the user. Here, when the setting using the sub dial 304 is performed, the operation state of the camera 1 at that time is displayed on the operation display LCD 226. The user can change the setting while viewing this display.

  The ISO button 305 is a button for setting the imaging device sensitivity (corresponding to the ISO sensitivity of the film) during the exposure operation. When the dial operation is performed while the ISO button 305 is pressed, the setting of the image sensor sensitivity during the exposure operation is changed.

  The exposure correction button 306 is a button for setting an exposure correction value for correcting the exposure amount during the exposure operation. When the dial operation is performed while the exposure correction button 306 is pressed, the value of the exposure correction value is changed. By setting the exposure correction value, for example, even when the exposure amount automatically calculated by the camera 1 in the program AE mode or the like is not appropriate, it is possible to perform shooting while correcting this.

  The WB button 307 is a button for setting how white balance is performed. By performing a dial operation while the WB button 307 is pressed, the white balance setting is changed to auto white balance or preset white balance.

  In auto white balance, white balance correction is automatically performed by the camera 1. Further, in the preset light source white balance, white balance correction is performed under conditions set in advance according to various light sources such as sunlight in fine weather, fluorescent lamps, and light bulbs.

  The image quality mode button 308 is a button for setting an image quality mode (image size and compression rate) at the time of image recording. The image quality mode is changed by performing a dial operation while the image quality mode button 308 is pressed.

  The flash mode button 309 is a button for setting the light emission mode of the external flash device when an external flash device (not shown) is attached to the camera 1. By performing a dial operation while the flash mode button 309 is pressed, the light emission mode is changed in the order of, for example, an auto light emission mode, a red-eye reduction light emission mode, a slow sync mode, and a forced light emission mode.

  The auto light emission mode is a mode in which conditions such as the light emission amount of the external flash device are automatically set by the camera 1. The red-eye reduction flash mode is a mode in which pre-flash for red-eye reduction is performed prior to shooting. The slow sync mode is a mode in which flash emission is performed by using a low-speed shutter together, and is an effective mode for night scene shooting and the like. The forced light emission mode is a mode in which the flash is emitted regardless of shooting conditions.

  The LIGHT button 310 is a button for turning on or off the backlight of the operation display LCD 226.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a one-touch white balance (WB) button 311 is provided on the front of the camera 1. The one-touch WB button 311 is a button for registering white balance conditions that cannot be handled by auto white balance or preset white balance.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an auto bracket (BKT) button 312, a photometry mode button 313, a DRIVE mode button 314, and a focus mode lever 315 are provided on the side surface of the camera 1.

  The BKT button 312 is a button for setting the number of shots, exposure correction amount, and white balance gain during bracket shooting. In bracket shooting, a plurality of images with different exposure amounts and white balance gains are shot. When the dial operation is performed while the BKT button 312 is pressed, the number of shots, the exposure correction amount, and the white balance gain are changed.

  The photometry mode button 313 is a button for setting a photometry method at the time of photometry processing. When a dial operation is performed while the photometry mode button 313 is pressed, the photometry method is changed in the order of spot photometry, center-weighted average photometry, and evaluation photometry, for example.

  In spot photometry, photometric processing is performed based on the amount of light within a very narrow range in the screen. In the center-weighted average metering, the metering process is focused on the center in the screen. Further, in evaluation photometry, the screen is divided into a plurality of areas, photometric processing is performed, and a result obtained for each divided area is evaluated to obtain a final photometry result.

  The DRIVE mode button 314 is a button for setting the operation mode of the camera 1. When the dial operation is performed while the DRIVE mode button 314 is pressed, the operation mode is changed in the order of, for example, a single shooting mode, a continuous shooting (continuous shooting) mode, a self mode, and a remote control mode.

  The single shooting mode is a mode in which an image of one frame is shot in response to a full pressing operation of the release button 302 by the user. Further, the continuous shooting mode is a mode in which the shooting operation is repeated while the user fully presses the release button 302, thereby shooting a plurality of frames of images. The self mode is a mode in which so-called self-timer shooting is performed in which an exposure operation is performed after a predetermined time after the release button 302 is fully pressed. The remote control mode is a mode for enabling the camera 1 to be operated by a remote controller (not shown).

  The focus mode lever 315 is an operation member for setting an AF mode at the time of shooting. By switching the focus mode lever 315, the AF mode is changed in the order of, for example, a single AF mode, a continuous AF mode, and a power focus (PF) mode.

  The single AF mode is a mode in which the focus state of the photographing optical system 102 is fixed until the half-press of the release button 302 is released after the focus control of the photographing optical system 102 is once performed. The continuous AF mode is a mode in which focus control of the photographing optical system 102 is performed following the movement of the subject. The PF mode is a mode in which the user can manually adjust the focus of the photographing optical system 102.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, on the back of the camera 1, there are a main dial 316, an AF frame button 317, an AE lock button 318, a playback mode button 319, an erase button 320, a protect button 321 and information. A display button 322, a menu button 323, a cross button 324, and an OK button 325 are provided.

  The main dial 316 is an operation member having the same function as that of the sub dial 304. When the main dial 316 is rotated, the setting of the function related to the operation member currently pressed by the user can be changed. Is possible.

  The AF frame button 317 is a button for selecting an AF method at the time of shooting. When the dial operation is performed while the AF frame button 317 is being pressed, the AF method is changed to, for example, multi AF or spot AF.

  In multi AF, the focus state of a plurality of ranging points in the screen is detected. On the other hand, in the spot AF, the focus state of one point (can be selected from a plurality of candidates) in the screen is detected.

  The AE lock button 318 is a button for fixing exposure conditions. While the AE lock button 318 is being pressed, the exposure amount calculated at that time is fixed.

  The playback mode button 319 is a button for switching the operation mode of the camera 1 to a playback mode in which an image can be played back from a JPEG file recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221.

  The delete button 320 is a button for deleting the image data (JPEG file) from the flash ROM 220 and the recording medium 221 during the playback mode.

  The protect button 321 is a button for protecting the image data so that the image data is not accidentally erased during the reproduction mode.

  The information display button 322 is a button for displaying image information based on additional information (for example, Exif information) of image data.

  The menu button 323 is a button for displaying a menu screen on the liquid crystal monitor 222. This menu screen is composed of menu items having a plurality of hierarchical structures. The user can select a desired menu item with the cross button 324 and can determine the item selected with the OK button 325. Here, the menu items include, for example, a setup menu for the Flash ROM 220 and the recording medium 221, a shooting menu capable of setting image data quality, image processing, scene mode, and the like, playback conditions during image playback, and settings during image printing. There are a playback menu that allows the user to perform various operations, a custom menu that allows various fine settings according to the photographer's preference, and a setup menu that sets the operating state of the camera such as the type of warning sound.

  For example, when setting the scene mode, a desired scene can be selected on the menu screen while the mode dial 303 is set to the scene mode (SCN). Examples of this scene include portrait, sports, commemorative photo, landscape, night view, and the like. In accordance with the selected scene, shooting conditions such as an AE program, a flash emission mode, a photometry method, an AF method, and a continuous shooting interval are set.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation in the scene mode of the camera 1 having the configuration as described above. The process of the flowchart of FIG. 7 is started when the mode dial 303 is switched to the scene mode (SCN) by the user.

  When the mode dial 303 is switched to SCN by the user, first, shooting conditions and playback conditions corresponding to the portrait mode are set (step S1).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the menu button 323 (step S2). If the menu button 323 is pressed in step S2, the process branches from step S2 to step S3, a menu screen for setting the scene mode is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222, and the scene mode setting process is started. (Step S3). This scene mode setting process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the menu button 323 has not been pressed, the process branches from step S2 to step S4, and whether or not the first release switch has been turned on by the user, that is, the release button 302 has been pressed halfway It is determined whether it has been done (step S4). If it is determined in step S4 that the first release switch is turned on, the process branches from step S4 to step S5 to start the scene mode shooting process (step S5). This scene mode shooting process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the first release switch is not turned on, the process branches from step S4 to step S6, and it is determined whether or not the playback mode button 319 is pressed by the user (step S6). ). If it is determined in step S6 that the playback mode button 319 has been pressed, the process branches from step S6 to step S7, and processing in the playback mode is executed (step S7). A description of this playback mode processing is omitted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the playback mode button 319 has not been pressed, the process branches from step S6 to step S8 to determine whether or not the mode dial 303 has been switched by the user (step S6). S8). If it is determined in step S8 that the mode dial 303 has not been switched, the process returns from step S8 to step S2. On the other hand, if the mode dial 303 is switched in step S8, that is, if a shooting mode other than the scene mode is selected, the processing in FIG. Return to.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the scene mode setting process in step S3 of FIG.

  In the process of FIG. 8, first, the item “portrait mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is selected (step S11). Next, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK button 325 (step S12). If it is determined in step S12 that the OK button 325 is pressed, step S12 is branched to step S13, and shooting / playback conditions corresponding to the portrait mode are set (step S13). Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 8 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the OK button 325 has not been pressed, step S12 is branched to step S14 to determine whether the user has pressed either the upper side or the lower side of the cross button 324. Determination is made (step S14). If no button is pressed, the process returns from step S14 to step S12.

  If it is determined in step S14 that the lower side of the cross button 324 is pressed, step S14 is branched to step S15, and the item “sport mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is selected. (Step S15). If it is determined in step S14 that the upper side of the cross button 324 is pressed, step S14 is branched to step S27, and the item “night scene mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is selected. Is done.

  When the item of the sport mode is selected in step S15, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK button 325 (step S16). If it is determined in step S16 that the OK button 325 has been pressed, step S16 is branched to step S17, and shooting / playback conditions corresponding to the sport mode are set (step S17). Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 8 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the OK button 325 has not been pressed, step S16 is branched to step S18 to determine whether the user has pressed either the upper side or the lower side of the cross button 324. Determination is made (step S18). If no button is pressed, the process returns from step S18 to step S16.

  If it is determined in step S18 that the lower side of the cross button 324 has been pressed, step S18 is branched to step S19, and the item “Memorial shooting mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is selected. (Step S19). If it is determined in step S18 that the upper side of the cross button 324 is pressed, step S18 is branched to step S11, and the item “portrait mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is displayed. Selected.

  When the commemorative shooting mode item is selected in step S19, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK button 325 (step S20). If it is determined in step S20 that the OK button 325 is pressed, step S20 is branched to step S21, and shooting / playback conditions corresponding to the commemorative shooting mode are set (step S21). Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 8 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the OK button 325 has not been pressed, step S20 is branched to step S22 to determine whether the user has pressed either the upper side or the lower side of the cross button 324. Determination is made (step S22). If no button is pressed, the process returns from step S22 to step S20.

  If it is determined in step S22 that the lower side of the cross button 324 is pressed, step S22 is branched to step S23, and the item “landscape mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is selected. (Step S23). If it is determined in step S22 that the upper side of the cross button 324 is pressed, step S22 is branched to step S15, and the item “sport mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is selected. Is done.

  When the landscape mode item is selected in step S23, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK button 325 (step S24). If it is determined in step S24 that the OK button 325 is pressed, step S24 is branched to step S25, and shooting / playback conditions corresponding to the landscape mode are set (step S25). Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 8 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the OK button 325 has not been pressed, step S24 is branched to step S26 to determine whether the user has pressed either the upper side or the lower side of the cross button 324. Determination is made (step S26). If no button is pressed, the process returns from step S26 to step S24.

  If it is determined in step S26 that the lower side of the cross button 324 has been pressed, step S26 is branched to step S27, and the item “night scene mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is selected. (Step S27). If it is determined in step S26 that the upper side of the cross button 324 has been pressed, step S26 is branched to step S19, and the item “commemorative photography mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is displayed. Selected.

  When the night view mode item is selected in step S27, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the OK button 325 (step S28). If it is determined in step S28 that the OK button 325 has been pressed, step S28 is branched to step S29, and shooting / playback conditions corresponding to the night view mode are set (step S29). Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 8 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the OK button 325 has not been pressed, step S28 is branched to step S30 to determine whether the user has pressed either the upper side or the lower side of the cross button 324. Determination is made (step S30). If no button is pressed, the process returns from step S30 to step S28.

  If it is determined in step S30 that the lower side of the cross button 324 is pressed, step S30 is branched to step S11, and the item “portrait mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is selected. The If it is determined in step S30 that the upper side of the cross button 324 is pressed, step S30 is branched to step S23, and the item “landscape mode” on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is selected. Is done.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the scene mode shooting process according to the first embodiment.

  When the release button 302 is half-pressed by the user, the first release switch is turned on. In response to this, the photometry circuit 204 performs photometry processing based on the photometry method set according to the scene mode. This result is transmitted to Bucom 201. In Bucom 201, the exposure amount is calculated based on the AE program set according to the scene mode (step S101). Next, a signal detected by the AF sensor unit 205 based on the AF method set in accordance with the scene mode is transmitted to the Bucom 201 via the AF sensor driving circuit 206. In response to this, the Bucom 201 performs distance measurement processing and calculates the drive amount of the photographing optical system 102 necessary for focus adjustment. Then, the photographing optical system 102 is driven based on the driving amount calculated here (step S102).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the second release switch has been turned on by the user, that is, whether or not the release button 302 has been fully pressed (step S103). If the second release switch is not turned on in step S103, the process branches from step S103 to step S119, and it is determined whether or not the first release switch remains on (step S119). If it is determined in step S119 that the first release switch remains ON, the process returns from step S119 to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S119 that the first release switch has been turned OFF, the process of FIG. 9 is terminated and the process returns to the main process of the camera 1 (not shown).

  If the second release switch is turned on in step S103, the process branches from step S103 to step S104, and the main mirror 202a is moved to the up position (step S104). Next, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the camera 1 is a continuous shooting mode (step S105).

  If it is determined in step S105 that the operation mode of the camera 1 is the continuous shooting mode, step S105 is branched to step S106, and the processing of the continuous shooting mode is started. First, the aperture 104 is reduced based on the exposure amount calculated in step S101 (step S106). Next, the imaging operation of the image sensor 212 is started (step S107). Thereafter, the shutter 208 is opened / closed based on the exposure amount calculated in step S101 (step S108). After the shutter unit 208 is closed, the imaging operation of the imaging device 212 is stopped (step S109).

  Next, EVF display is started based on the image signal obtained by the image sensor 212 (step S110). Here, while the main mirror 202a is moved to the up position, the subject cannot be observed by the finder device. In the continuous shooting mode, the imaging operation is continuously performed while the main mirror 202a is moved to the up position, so that the subject can be observed during the imaging operation. EVF display is performed.

  Thereafter, image data based on the image signal obtained by the image sensor 212 is stored in the buffer memory 219 (step S111). Note that the buffer memory 219 has a capacity sufficient to temporarily store a large number of image data acquired by continuous imaging operations.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second release switch has been turned off by the user (step S112). If it is determined in step S112 that the second release switch remains ON, step S112 is branched to step S107, and the next image is captured. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S112 that the second release switch is turned off, step S112 is branched to step S113, and the continuous imaging operation is terminated. First, the EVF display is terminated (step S113). Next, the aperture 104 is opened (step S114), and the main mirror 202a is moved to the down position (step S115). Thereafter, the image data stored in the buffer memory 219 is recorded in the flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221 in a predetermined file format such as JPEG format (step S116). The image recording process in the continuous shooting mode will be described later. After the image recording is completed, the process of FIG. 9 is terminated and the process returns to the main process of the camera 1.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the operation mode of the camera 1 is the single shooting mode, step S105 is branched to step S121, and single shooting mode processing is started. First, the aperture 104 is reduced based on the exposure amount calculated in step S101 (step S121). Next, the imaging operation of the image sensor 212 is started (step S122). Thereafter, the shutter unit 208 is opened and closed based on the exposure amount calculated in step S101 (step S123). After the shutter unit 208 is closed, the imaging operation of the imaging device 212 is stopped (step S124). After the imaging operation of the imaging device 212 is stopped, the image data is recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221 in a predetermined file format such as JPEG format (step S125).

  Next, the aperture 104 is opened (step S126), and the main mirror 202a is moved to the down position (step S127). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the first release switch has been turned off by the user (step S128). The determination in step S128 is repeated until the first release switch is turned off.

  If it is determined in step S128 that the first release switch has been turned off, the process in FIG. 9 is terminated and the process returns to the main process in the camera 1.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the continuous-shot image recording process in step S116 of FIG.

  In the continuous image recording process, first, a count value n indicating how many pieces of image data are read from the buffer memory 219 is set to n = 1 (step S301).

  Next, n-th image data (first image for the first time) is read (step S302). Then, the photographing time information of the nth image data measured by a built-in clock (not shown) of the Bucom 201 is acquired (step S303).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the image data read in step S302 is the first (first) image data (step S304). If it is determined in step S304 that the image data read in step S302 is the first image data, step S304 is branched to step S308, and the first image data is recorded in the flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221. (Step S308). Thereafter, the photographing time acquired in step S303 is set as the reference time (step S309). Subsequently, n is incremented by 1 (step S310), and the process returns to step S302. As a result, the second image data is read from the buffer memory 219 next time.

  For the second and subsequent sheets, the determination in step S304 is branched to step S305, and it is determined whether or not the image data read in step S302 is the last image data (step S305).

  If it is determined in step S305 that the image data read in step S302 is not the last image data, step S305 is branched to step S306, the shooting time acquired in step S303 and the reference set in step S309. A time difference ΔT from the time is calculated (step S306). For example, in the case of the second image data, the time difference between the shooting time of the second image data and the shooting time of the first image data is ΔT. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not ΔT is equal to or greater than a predetermined continuous shooting interval (step S307).

  Here, the continuous shooting interval is a predetermined time for adjusting the interval of the continuous shooting operation. This continuous shooting interval is set according to the dynamic characteristics of the subject to be photographed for each scene mode. For example, the continuous shooting interval is set to be short in a scene mode in which a fast-moving subject is taken, and the continuous shooting interval is set to be long in a scene mode in which a slow-moving or stationary subject is taken. However, in the portrait mode, the continuous shooting interval is set short in order to catch a momentary facial expression of a person.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating shooting conditions for each scene mode. Note that the imaging conditions shown in FIG. 11 are merely examples.

  The portrait mode is a scene mode for photographing a person. In this portrait mode, the AE program is set as the opening priority program. In this opening priority program, the aperture 104 is opened more than in normal exposure. The flash emission mode is set to automatic, and flash emission is performed when the surroundings are dark. Further, the photometry method is set to spot photometry, and the AF method is set to spot AF. In the continuous shooting mode, the continuous shooting interval is set to 300 ms so that an instant facial expression can be caught.

  The sports mode is a scene mode for photographing a moving subject such as a sports scene. In this sport mode, the AE program is set as a high-speed shutter program, and control is performed so that the shutter speed is given priority during exposure. Also, the flash emission mode is set to prohibited. Furthermore, the metering method is set to center-weighted average metering, and the AF method is set to multi-AF. In the continuous shooting mode, the continuous shooting interval is set to 100 ms, which is shorter than that in the portrait mode so that the movement of the subject can be accurately grasped.

  The commemorative photo mode is a scene mode for taking a commemorative photo. In this commemorative photographing mode, the AE program is set as a standard program, and exposure control is performed under standard conditions. The flash emission mode is set to automatic, the metering method is set to evaluation metering, and the AF method is set to multi-AF. Furthermore, the continuous shooting interval is set to 1 s.

  The landscape mode is a scene mode for photographing a landscape subject. In this landscape mode, the AE program is set as the depth priority program. In this depth priority program, the aperture 104 is narrowed more than in normal exposure. Also, the flash emission mode is set to prohibited. Further, the metering method is set to evaluation metering, and the AF method is set to spot AF. Furthermore, the continuous shooting interval is set to 500 ms.

  The night view mode is a scene mode for taking a night view. In this night view mode, the AE program is set to the low-speed shutter program. In this low-speed shutter program, the shutter speed is slow, so that the background can be copied even at night. Further, the flash emission mode is set to forced emission. The metering method is set to center-weighted average metering, and the AF method is set to multi-AF. Furthermore, the continuous shooting interval is set to 1 s.

  Here, the description returns to FIG. 10 again. If it is determined in step S307 in FIG. 10 that ΔT is equal to or greater than the continuous shooting interval, step S307 is branched to step S308, and the image data read in step S302 is recorded on the FlashROM 220 or the recording medium 221. Thereafter, the shooting time of the image data is set to the next reference time. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that ΔT is less than the continuous shooting interval, step S308 is branched to step S310, n is incremented, and the next image data is read.

  If it is determined in step S305 that the image data read in step S302 is the last image data, step S305 is branched to step S311, and the last image data is recorded in the flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221. (Step S311). Thereafter, the process of FIG. 10 is terminated, and the process returns to the process of FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram when an image file is recorded. As shown in FIG. 12, the image file is recorded in the image folder 400. The image file acquired in the single shooting mode is recorded as an independent file such as the image file 401 or the image file 402. On the other hand, a series of image files 405 to 407 acquired in the continuous shooting mode are recorded in the same folder (continuous shooting folder 1 in the figure) 404. These series of image files 405 to 407 are associated with each other, so that it can be seen that they were acquired during the same continuous shooting.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, only a part of the image data obtained by the continuous imaging operation in steps S107 to S112 in FIG. 9 is recorded in the flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221. . That is, after the image data acquired at the beginning of the continuous imaging operation is recorded, only the image data acquired with a continuous shooting interval is recorded, so that the capacity of the FlashROM 220 and the recording medium 221 is more than necessary. The image data can be recorded efficiently without being pressed. Here, since the continuous shooting interval is set according to the scene mode, the image data can be recorded at an optimal continuous shooting interval according to the scene.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment of the present invention is an example in which image data is efficiently recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221 by adjusting the interval of the imaging operation in the continuous shooting mode according to the continuous shooting interval. . Note that the configuration described in the first embodiment is applied as it is. Henceforth, description is abbreviate | omitted about the part similar to 1st Embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating scene mode shooting processing according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 13, the operation in the single shooting mode is the same as that described in FIG. Therefore, only the process in the continuous shooting mode will be described here.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the operation mode of the camera 1 is the continuous shooting mode, step S105 is branched to step S106, and the processing of the continuous shooting mode is started. First, the aperture 104 is reduced based on the exposure amount calculated in step S101 (step S106).

  Next, the image pickup operation of the image pickup device 212 is started. In the second embodiment, timing of a timer (not shown) in the Bucom 201 is started in synchronization with the start of the image pickup operation (step S107a).

  Thereafter, the shutter 208 is opened / closed based on the exposure amount calculated in step S101 (step S108). After the shutter unit 208 is closed, the imaging operation of the imaging device 212 is stopped (step S109).

  Next, EVF display is started based on the image signal obtained by the image sensor 212 (step S110). Thereafter, image data based on the image signal obtained by the image sensor 212 is stored in the buffer memory 219 (step S111).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second release switch has been turned off by the user (step S112). If it is determined in step S112 that the second release switch remains ON, step S112 is branched to step S117, and the time corresponding to the continuous shooting interval is calculated based on the count value of the timer started in step S107a. It is counted whether or not it has elapsed (step S117). The determination in step S117 is repeated until the time corresponding to the continuous shooting interval elapses. Note that the continuous shooting interval in step S117 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

  If it is determined in step S117 that the time corresponding to the continuous shooting interval has elapsed, step S117 is branched to step S107a, the next imaging operation is started, and counting of the continuous shooting interval is started again.

  If it is determined in step S112 that the second release switch is turned off, step S112 is branched to step S113, and the continuous imaging operation is terminated. First, the EVF display is terminated (step S113). Next, the aperture 104 is opened (step S114), and the main mirror 202a is moved to the down position (step S115). Thereafter, the image data stored in the buffer memory 219 is recorded in the flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221 in a predetermined file format such as JPEG format (step S116). Here, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, all the image data stored in the buffer memory 219 is recorded in the flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, after the imaging operation for one frame is completed, the next imaging operation is not executed until the time corresponding to the continuous shooting interval elapses. Similar to the embodiment, the image data can be efficiently recorded without pressing the capacity of the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221 more than necessary. Further, since the imaging operation itself is not performed until the continuous shooting interval elapses, the capacity of the buffer memory 219 can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are naturally possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, it goes without saying that the value of the continuous shooting interval described in FIG. 11 can be changed.

  Further, the above-described embodiments include various stages of the invention, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the column of the effect of the invention Can be extracted as an invention.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an internal configuration of a digital camera main body cut away in order to show the configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows in detail about the electric circuit structure inside a digital camera. It is an external appearance top view of a digital camera. It is an external appearance front view of a digital camera. It is an external appearance side view of a digital camera. It is an external appearance rear view of a digital camera. It is a flowchart shown about the operation | movement in the scene mode of a digital camera. It is a flowchart shown about a scene mode setting process. It is a flowchart shown about the scene mode imaging | photography process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart shown about the continuous-shot image recording process in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure shown about imaging conditions for every scene mode. It is a conceptual diagram when an image file is recorded. It is a flowchart shown about the scene mode imaging | photography process in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera (camera), 100 ... Lens barrel, 101 ... Microcomputer for lens control (Lucom), 101a ... Communication connector, 102 ... Shooting optical system, 103 ... Lens drive mechanism, 104 ... Aperture, 105 ... Aperture drive Mechanism 200 ... Camera body 200a ... Shooting optical system mounting part 200b ... Circuit board 201 ... Body control microcomputer (Bucom) 202a ... Quick return mirror (main mirror) 202b ... Focusing screen 202c ... Penta prism , 202d ... eyepiece, 203 ... sub-mirror, 204 ... photometry circuit, 205 ... AF sensor unit, 206 ... AF sensor drive circuit, 207 ... mirror drive mechanism, 208 ... shutter part, 209 ... shutter charge mechanism, 210 ... shutter control circuit , 21 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Imaging unit, 212 ... Imaging element, 213 ... Dustproof filter, 214 ... Piezoelectric element, 215 ... Dustproof filter drive circuit, 216 ... Temperature measurement circuit, 217 ... Imaging interface circuit, 218 ... Image processing controller, 219 ... Buffer memory (SDRAM) ), 220 ... Flash ROM, 221 ... recording medium, 222 ... liquid crystal monitor, 223 ... nonvolatile memory (EEPROM), 224 ... power supply circuit, 225 ... battery, 226 ... operation display LCD, 227 ... camera operation switch (SW)

Claims (10)

In digital cameras that can set multiple shooting modes corresponding to multiple shooting scenes,
Imaging means for capturing a subject image and acquiring image data;
Continuous shooting means for performing a continuous shooting operation of recording the plurality of image data obtained by operating the image pickup means a plurality of times in response to one manual operation;
Comprising
The digital camera characterized in that the continuous shooting means adjusts the interval of the continuous shooting operation according to a set shooting mode.   The continuous shooting means is an image acquired at a time interval of a predetermined time or more from a plurality of image data obtained by operating the imaging means a plurality of times according to the set shooting mode. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the interval of the continuous shooting operation is adjusted by selecting a plurality of data.   2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the continuous shooting unit adjusts the interval of the continuous shooting operation by adjusting an operation interval of the imaging unit according to the set shooting mode. .   2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the interval between the continuous shooting operations is started in synchronization with the start of the operation of the imaging unit.   The plurality of shooting modes include at least a portrait mode and a sports mode, and the interval of continuous shooting operations in the portrait mode is longer than the interval of continuous shooting operations in the sports mode. The digital camera described in 1.   The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the interval between the continuous shooting operations is determined based on dynamic characteristics of a subject to be photographed. In a digital camera in which a plurality of shooting modes corresponding to a plurality of shooting scenes can be set and a continuous shooting operation is executed according to one manual operation,
A digital camera characterized in that the interval of the continuous shooting operation is adjusted in accordance with a set shooting mode. In digital cameras that can set multiple shooting modes corresponding to multiple shooting scenes,
Imaging means for capturing a subject image and acquiring image data;
Continuous shooting means for continuously operating the imaging means in response to one manual operation;
Temporary storage means for temporarily storing a plurality of image data acquired by continuously operating the imaging means by the continuous shooting means;
From a plurality of image data stored in the temporary storage means, a plurality of image data acquired with a time interval equal to or longer than a predetermined time set according to the shooting mode is selected and recorded on a recording medium. Recording means to
A digital camera comprising: In digital cameras that can set multiple shooting modes corresponding to multiple shooting scenes,
Imaging means for capturing a subject image and acquiring image data;
In response to one manual operation, continuous shooting means for operating the imaging means a plurality of times at a predetermined time set according to the shooting mode;
Recording means for recording a plurality of image data acquired as a result of operating the imaging means by the continuous shooting means on a recording medium;
A digital camera comprising:   The digital camera according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the photographing mode includes at least a portrait mode and a sports mode, and the predetermined time in the portrait mode is longer than the predetermined time in the sports mode. camera.

Images