JP2006311060A - Imaging device and digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device and a digital camera that can easily and speedily find a shot that a user desires from a series of images obtained by high-speed bracket continuous shooting. <P>SOLUTION: In this digital camera, light passed through a photography optical system 61 is photoelectrically converted by an imaging element 83 into an image signal to obtain an image. Further, a diaphragm 62 controls the stop of the photography optical element 61 and a shutter section 81 controls an exposure time of the imaging element 83. Then, a Bμcom 100 calculates a proper exposure quantity based upon a measured value of a photometric circuit 101 and photographing operation is continuously carried out with a plurality of combinations of stop values and shutter speeds in accordance with the proper exposure quantity. A plurality of images obtained through the continuous photographing operation are arrayed and displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 53 and a desired image is selected out of the displayed images with a cross key and an OK key. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera having a bracket photographing function capable of photographing a plurality of frames by changing a combination of shutter speed and aperture value.

Conventionally, various techniques related to bracket photography have been proposed. The most common technique is to continuously shoot a plurality of frames set to over exposure and under exposure centering on proper exposure. In addition, it is also known that there is bracket photography in which the exposure value is kept constant and the combination of the shutter speed and the aperture value is changed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
Published in JP2003-51982 Japanese Patent No. 3036225

  By the way, in the case of recent digital cameras, the speed has increased, and it has become possible to shoot several tens of frames per second. If bracket photography as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above is applied to such a digital camera, abundant photographic expression variations can be obtained within a short time.

  However, there is a problem that as the number of shooting frames increases, it becomes more difficult to select the best shot among them.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and a digital camera that can easily and quickly find a shot desired by a user from a series of images obtained by high-speed bracket continuous shooting. is there.

  That is, the invention described in claim 1 is an imaging unit that acquires light by converting light that has passed through the imaging optical system into an image signal by photoelectric conversion, an aperture control unit that controls the aperture of the imaging optical system, Shutter means for controlling the exposure time of the imaging means, photometry means for measuring subject luminance, exposure amount calculation means for determining an appropriate exposure amount based on a measurement value of the photometry means, and calculation of the exposure amount calculation means In accordance with the appropriate exposure amount, a control means for continuously performing a photographing operation with a combination of a plurality of aperture values and shutter speeds, and a plurality of images obtained by the continuous photographing operation are aligned and displayed on the same screen. The image processing apparatus includes: a display unit; and a selection unit that selects a desired image from the images displayed by the display unit.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the control means executes the continuous photographing operation in response to one release operation.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the control means executes the continuous photographing operation with all combinations of aperture values and shutter speeds for obtaining the appropriate exposure amount. It is characterized by doing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first and second aspects, the control means is under or over by a predetermined amount with respect to the appropriate exposure amount and the appropriate exposure amount. The continuous photographing operation is executed with all combinations of aperture values and shutter speeds for obtaining an exposure amount.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the first and fourth aspects, the control means performs the continuous photographing operation in the order of shortest shutter time among the plurality of combinations. It is characterized by executing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the display means first displays a plurality of images obtained by the continuous photographing operation, and is selected by the selection means. After that, only the selected image is displayed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the display means first arranges and displays images having the same exposure amount among the plurality of images obtained by the continuous photographing operation. After the selection by the selection means, over- and under-exposure images including the selected image are displayed in alignment.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a movable mirror capable of switching a photographing light beam from a subject to an observation optical system and a photographing optical system, and converting the photographing light beam into an image signal through photoelectric conversion through the photographing optical system. In a digital camera comprising an image pickup device for acquiring an image and a display means for displaying an image obtained by the image pickup device, aperture control means for controlling the stop of the photographing optical system, and exposure of the image pickup device Shutter means for controlling time, photometry means for measuring the luminance of the subject, exposure amount calculation means for determining an appropriate exposure amount based on a measurement value of the photometry means, and appropriate exposure calculated by the exposure amount calculation means Depending on the amount, shooting operations are continuously performed with a combination of a plurality of aperture values and shutter speeds, and a plurality of images obtained by the above-described continuous shooting operations are aligned and displayed on the same screen of the display means. And control means for, characterized by comprising a selection means for selecting a desired image from among the images displayed on the display means.

  A ninth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the eighth aspect of the invention, the control means executes the continuous photographing operation in response to one release operation.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, the control means executes the continuous photographing operation with all combinations of aperture values and shutter speeds for obtaining the appropriate exposure amount. It is characterized by doing.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the eighth and ninth aspects, the control means is under or over the proper exposure amount and the proper exposure amount by a predetermined amount. The continuous photographing operation is executed with all combinations of aperture values and shutter speeds for obtaining an exposure amount.

  In a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the eighth and eleventh aspects, the control means performs the continuous photographing operation in the order of shortest shutter time among the plurality of combinations. It is characterized by performing.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, the control means first arranges and displays a plurality of images obtained by the continuous photographing operation on the display means, and the selection means performs the display. After the selection is made, only the selected image is displayed on the display means.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, the control means first uses the display means to display an image having the same exposure amount among a plurality of images obtained by the continuous photographing operation. The images are displayed in alignment, and after the selection by the selection means, over and under exposure images including the selected image are displayed in alignment on the display means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device and a digital camera that can easily and quickly find a shot desired by a user from a series of images obtained by high-speed bracket continuous shooting. .

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are views where a lens barrel of the digital camera of FIG. 1 is removed. FIG. 2 is a top view, FIG. 3 is a side view, and FIG. 4 is a rear view. Here, as an example, the digital camera 1 in FIG. 1 is a single-lens reflex camera.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the camera 1 includes a lens barrel 10 and a camera body 20. The lens barrel can be detachably attached to the camera body 20 via a lens mount (not shown) provided on the front surface of the camera body 20.

  On the upper surface of the camera body 20, a power switch lever 21, a release button 22, a mode dial 23, a sub dial 24, a white balance (WB) button 25, an image quality mode button 27, and a flash mode button 28 are provided. An exposure correction button 29, an ISO button 30, a LIGHT button 31, and an operation display LCD 52 are provided.

  The power switch lever 21 is an operation member for turning on / off the power of the camera 1. By turning the power switch lever 21, the main power supply of the camera 1 is switched on / off.

  The release button 22 is a button for executing a shooting preparation operation and an exposure operation. The release button 22 is composed of a two-stage switch of a first release switch and a second release switch. When the release button 22 is pressed halfway, the first release switch is turned on to perform photometric processing or Shooting preparation operations such as distance measurement processing are executed. Further, when the release button 22 is fully pressed, the second release switch is turned on and the exposure operation is executed.

  The mode dial 23 is an operation member for setting a shooting mode at the time of shooting. When the mode dial 23 is rotated in a predetermined direction, a shooting mode at the time of shooting is set. In the example shown in FIG. 2, for example, five modes of program AE mode “P”, aperture priority AE mode “A”, shutter priority AE mode “S”, manual mode “M”, and scene mode “SCN” can be set. It is.

  Here, the program AE mode is a mode in which an exposure operation is performed in accordance with 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 23 set to “SCN”.

  The sub dial 24 is an operation member that is operated in a state where other operation members are pressed. By rotating the sub dial 24, 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 24 is performed, the operation state of the camera 1 at that time is displayed on the operation display LCD 52. The user can change the setting while viewing this display.

  The WB button 25 is a button for setting how white balance is performed. When the dial operation is performed while the WB button 25 is being 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. In the preset light source white balance, white balance correction is performed under preset conditions in accordance with various light sources such as sunlight in sunny weather, fluorescent lamps, and light bulbs.

  The image quality mode button 27 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 27 is pressed.

  The flash mode button 28 is a button for setting a 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 28 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 exposure correction button 29 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 29 is pressed, the value of the exposure correction value is changed. By setting the exposure correction value, for example, in the program AE mode or the like, even when the exposure amount automatically calculated by the camera 1 is not appropriate, it is possible to perform photographing while correcting this.

  The ISO button 30 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 30 is pressed, the setting of the image sensor sensitivity during the exposure operation is changed.

  The LIGHT button 31 is a button for turning on or off a backlight of an operation display LCD 52 described later.

  A one-touch white balance (WB) button 33 is provided on the front surface of the camera body 20. The one-touch WB button 33 is a button for registering white balance conditions that cannot be handled by auto white balance or preset white balance.

  An auto bracket (BKT) button 34, a photometry mode button 35, a DRIVE mode button 36, and a focus mode lever 38 are provided on the side surface of the camera body 20.

  The BKT button 34 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 34 is being pressed, the number of shots, exposure correction amount, and white balance gain are changed.

  The photometry mode button 35 is a button for setting a photometry mode at the time of photometry processing. When the dial operation is performed while the photometry mode button 35 is pressed, the photometry mode is changed in the order of, for example, the spot photometry mode, the center-weighted average photometry mode, and the evaluation photometry mode.

  The spot photometry mode is a mode in which photometry processing is performed based on the amount of light within an extremely narrow range on the screen. The center-weighted average metering mode is a mode in which average metering is performed with weighting applied to the center portion in the screen. Further, the evaluation photometry mode is a mode in which the final photometry result is obtained by dividing the inside of the screen into a plurality of areas and performing photometry processing and evaluating the result obtained for each divided area.

  The DRIVE mode button 36 is a button for setting the operation mode of the camera 1. By operating the dial while the DRIVE mode button 36 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 22 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 22, 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 38 is an operation member for setting an AF mode at the time of shooting. By switching the focus mode lever 38, the AF mode is changed, for example, in the order of single AF mode, continuous AF mode, and power focus (PF) mode.

  The single AF mode is a mode in which the focus state of the photographic optical system 61 is fixed until the half-press of the release button 22 is released after the focus control of the photographic optical system 61 described later is performed. The continuous AF mode is a mode in which focus control of the photographing optical system 61 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 61.

  Further, on the back of the camera body 20, a main dial 40, an AF frame button 41, an AE lock button 42, a playback mode button 43, an erase button 44, a protect button 45, an information display button 46, A menu button 48, a cross button 49, an OK button 50, and a liquid crystal monitor 53 are provided.

  The main dial 40 is an operation member having the same function as the sub dial 24. By rotating the main dial 40, it is possible to change the setting of the function related to the operation member currently pressed by the user.

  The AF frame button 41 is a button for selecting an AF method at the time of shooting. When the dial operation is performed while the AF frame button 41 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 42 is a button for fixing exposure conditions. While the AE lock button 42 is being pressed, the exposure amount calculated at that time is fixed.

  The playback mode button 43 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 in a flash ROM 94 or a recording medium 95 described later.

  The erase button 44 is a button for erasing the image data (JPEG file) from the Flash ROM 94 and the recording medium 95 during the playback mode.

  The protect button 45 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 46 is a button for displaying image information based on additional information (for example, Exif information) of image data.

  The menu button 48 is a button for displaying a menu screen on the liquid crystal monitor 53. 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 49 and can determine an item selected with the OK button 50. Here, the menu items include, for example, a setup menu for the Flash ROM 94 and the recording medium 95, a shooting menu capable of setting image data quality, image processing, scene mode, and the like, reproduction conditions during image reproduction, and image printing There are a playback menu that allows setting and the like, 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 with the mode dial 23 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 exposure conditions, flash emission conditions, photometry mode, AF method, and continuous shooting interval are set.

  The liquid crystal monitor 53 is a display unit for displaying a photographed subject image and various menu screens.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing in detail the electrical circuit configuration inside the camera 1.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the camera 1 includes the lens barrel 10 and the camera body 20.

  Control of each part of the lens barrel 10 is performed by a lens control microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as Lμcom) 65. On the other hand, each part of the camera body 20 is controlled by a body control microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as Bμcom) 100. Here, when the lens barrel 10 is attached to the camera body 20, the Lμcom 65 and the Bμcom 100 are communicably connected via the communication connector 55. In this case, the camera system is operated such that Lμcom 65 is subordinate to Bμcom100.

  The lens barrel 10 includes a photographing optical system 61, a diaphragm 62, a lens driving mechanism 63, a diaphragm driving mechanism 64, and an Lμcom 65. In FIG. 5, a plurality of optical lenses constituting the photographing optical system 61 are representatively illustrated as one optical lens.

  The photographing optical system 61 is driven in the optical axis direction by a DC motor (not shown) existing in the lens driving mechanism 63. A diaphragm 62 is provided behind the photographing optical system 61. The diaphragm 62 is driven to open and close by a stepping motor (not shown) existing in the diaphragm drive mechanism 64. By controlling the opening / closing of the diaphragm 64, the amount of light flux from the subject incident on the camera body 20 via the photographing optical system 61 is controlled.

  The control of the DC motor in the lens driving mechanism 63 and the control of the stepping motor in the aperture driving mechanism 64 are performed by the Lμcom 65 that receives the command of Bμcom100.

  On the other hand, a finder device including a main mirror 71, a focusing screen 72, a pentaprism 73, and an eyepiece lens 74 is provided inside the camera body 20. When the camera 1 is in the normal state, a part of the light beam from the subject incident through the photographing optical system 61 is reflected by the main mirror 71 as described above. As a result, an image for observation is formed via the focusing screen 72, the pentaprism 73, and the eyepiece lens 74.

  Here, a photometric circuit 101 is provided in the vicinity of the pentaprism 73. A part of the light beam that has passed through the pentaprism 73 enters a photosensor (not shown) in the photometric circuit 101. In the photometry circuit 101, 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 101 is transmitted to the Bμcom 100. In the Bμcom 100, the exposure amount at the time of photographing is calculated based on the result input from the photometry circuit 101. This result is transmitted from Bμcom100 to Lμcom65. In Lμcom 65, drive control of the diaphragm 62 is performed based on the exposure amount notified from Bμcom100.

  The central portion of the main mirror 71 is a half mirror, and a part of the light beam is transmitted when the main mirror 71 is down (position shown in the drawing). The transmitted light beam is reflected by a sub mirror 76 installed on the main mirror 71 and guided to an AF sensor unit 77 for performing automatic focus adjustment processing (AF processing). An AF sensor for performing, for example, phase difference type AF is provided inside the AF sensor unit 77. The light beam incident on the AF sensor is converted into an electrical signal. The output from the AF sensor of the AF sensor unit 77 is transmitted to the Bμcom 100 via the AF sensor driving circuit 79. Then, a distance measurement process is performed in the Bμcom 100, and the focus state of the photographing optical system 61 is calculated. This result is transmitted from Bμcom100 to Lμcom65. In Lμcom 65, drive control of the photographing optical system 61 is performed based on the focus state notified from Bμcom100.

  When the camera 1 is in the photographing operation state, the main mirror 71 is moved to a predetermined up position (not shown) that is retracted from the optical axis of the photographing optical system 61. Such driving of the main mirror 71 is performed by a mirror driving mechanism 78. Further, the mirror drive mechanism 78 is controlled by Bμcom100. When the main mirror 71 is moved to the up position, the sub mirror 76 is folded accordingly.

  When the main mirror 71 is moved to the up position, the light beam from the subject that has passed through the photographing optical system 61 is incident in the direction of the shutter unit 81. The spring force for driving the front curtain and the rear curtain constituting the focal plane type shutter unit 81 is charged by the shutter charge mechanism 87. The front curtain and the rear curtain are driven by a shutter control circuit 88. The shutter charge mechanism 87 and the shutter control circuit 88 are controlled by Bμcom100.

  The light beam that has passed through the shutter portion 81 is incident on the image sensor 83 inside the image pickup unit 82 that is disposed behind the shutter portion 81. The image pickup element 83 is protected by a dustproof filter 84 disposed between the image pickup element 83 and the photographing optical system 61. The dust filter 84 is made of a transparent member such as glass. In addition, a piezoelectric element 85 for vibrating the dust filter 84 at a predetermined vibration frequency is attached to the periphery of the dust filter 84. The piezoelectric element 85 has two electrodes and is driven by a dust filter driving circuit 89. The dust filter 84 is controlled by Bμcom100. The dust filter 84 is vibrated by vibrating the piezoelectric element 85 by the dust filter driving circuit 89. As a result, dust adhering to the surface of the dustproof filter 84 is removed.

  Here, the image sensor 83 and the piezoelectric element 85 are integrally stored in a case having the dust filter 84 as one surface. Thereby, adhesion of dust to the image sensor 83 can be reliably prevented.

  A temperature measurement circuit 102 is provided in the vicinity of the imaging unit 82. Usually, the temperature affects the elastic modulus of a glass material. In other words, the change in temperature becomes one of the factors that change the natural frequency of the dust filter 84, and therefore the ambient temperature is always measured when the dust filter 84 is vibrated. The temperature measurement point of the temperature measurement circuit 102 is preferably set in the vicinity of the vibration surface of the dust filter 84. In this way, by controlling the vibration of the dust filter 84 while considering the change in temperature, it is possible to always vibrate the dust filter 84 under optimum conditions.

  The electrical signal (image signal) obtained by the imaging element 83 is read out and digitized via the imaging interface circuit 91 at every predetermined timing. Image data obtained by digitization by the imaging interface circuit 91 is stored in a buffer memory 93 formed of SDRAM or the like via an image processing controller 92. Here, the buffer memory 93 is a memory for temporarily storing data such as image data, and is used as a work area or the like when various processes are performed on the image data.

  Further, when electronic viewfinder (EVF) display is performed, the image processing controller 92 reads out the image data read out via the imaging interface circuit 91 and stored in the buffer memory 93. The image data read by the image processing controller 92 is subjected to image processing such as white balance correction for EVF display and then stored in the buffer memory 93. Thereafter, the image data stored in the buffer memory 93 is read out in frame units by the image processing controller 92 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 53 as display means. The EVF display is performed when the main mirror 71 is in the up position.

  Further, after the photographing is finished, the image processing controller 92 reads out the image data read out through the imaging interface circuit 91 and stored in the buffer memory 93. The image data read by the image processing controller 92 is subjected to well-known image processing such as white balance correction, gradation correction, and color correction, and then stored in the buffer memory 93. Thereafter, the image data stored in the buffer memory 93 is read by the image processing controller 92, converted into a video signal, resized to a predetermined size for display, and then output and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53. The user can confirm the photographed image with the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53.

  At the time of image recording, the image data processed by the image processing controller 92 is compressed by a known compression method such as the JPEG method. JPEG data obtained by JPEG compression is stored in the buffer memory 93 and then recorded on the flash ROM 94 and the recording medium 95 as a JPEG file to which predetermined header information is added. Here, the Flash ROM 94 is assumed to be a memory built in the camera 1, and the recording medium 95 is assumed to be mounted outside the camera 1. As the recording medium 95, for example, a memory card or a hard disk drive that is detachably attached to the camera 1 or the like is used.

  When an image is reproduced from a JPEG file recorded on the Flash ROM 94 or the recording medium 95, the JPEG data recorded on the Flash ROM 94 or the recording medium 95 is read and expanded by the image processing controller 92. 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 53.

  Further, an operation display LCD 52, a nonvolatile memory 103, a camera operation switch (SW) 105, and a power supply circuit 106 are connected to the Bμcom 100.

  The operation display LCD 52 is for notifying the user of the operation state of the camera 1 by display output. The nonvolatile memory 103 stores predetermined control parameters required for camera control, and is connected to the Bμcom 100 so as to be accessible. The nonvolatile memory 103 is constituted by, for example, a rewritable EEPROM.

  Further, the camera operation switch 105 includes various switches for detecting operation states of various operation members of the camera 1. A battery 107 as a power source is connected to the power circuit 106. In the power supply circuit 106, the voltage of the battery 107 is converted into a voltage required by each part of the camera system and supplied to each part of the camera system.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the operation at the time of shooting of the camera 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. The process of the flowchart of FIG. 6 is started when the release button 22 is half-pressed by the user.

  First, in step S1, when the release button 22 is half-pressed by the user, the first release switch is turned on. In response to this, the photometric circuit 101 performs photometric processing. This result is transmitted to Bμcom100, and the exposure amount is calculated in Bμcom100. Next, in step S 2, the signal detected by the AF sensor unit 77 is transmitted to the Bμcom 100 via the AF sensor driving circuit 79. In response to this, distance measurement processing is performed in the Bμcom 100, and the focus state of the photographing optical system 61 is calculated. Then, the driving amount of the photographic optical system 61 necessary for focus adjustment is calculated by Lμcom 65 in accordance with the focus state. Further, the photographing optical system 61 is driven based on the driving amount calculated here.

  Thereafter, in step S3, 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 22 has been fully pressed. If the second release switch is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S4 to determine whether or not the first release switch remains on. If the first release switch remains on in step S4, the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the first release switch is turned off in step S4, the process exits from this routine and returns to the main process of the camera 1 (not shown).

  If the second release switch is turned on in step S3, the process proceeds to step S5, and the main mirror 71 is moved to the up position. Next, in step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the camera 1 is the bracket continuous shooting mode. If the operation mode is the bracket continuous shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S7. If not, the process proceeds to step S20.

  When the processing in the continuous shooting mode is started, first, in step S7, all combinations (for example, nine) that achieve proper exposure are calculated. Subsequently, in step S8, the number of combinations calculated in step S7 is set as “n”.

  In step S9, the aperture 62 is set based on the exposure amount calculated to achieve proper exposure. Next, in step S10, an imaging operation by the imaging device 83 is started. Thereafter, in step S11, the shutter unit 81 is opened and closed based on the exposure amount calculated in step S1. After the shutter portion 81 is closed, the image capturing operation of the image sensor 83 is stopped in step S12.

  Next, in step S13, EVF display is started based on the image signal obtained by the image sensor 83. Here, while the main mirror 71 is moved to the up position, the subject cannot be observed by the finder device. In the continuous shooting mode, a plurality of shootings are performed while the main mirror 71 is moved to the up position. Therefore, such an EVF can be used so that the subject can be observed even during continuous shooting. Display is done.

  Thereafter, image data based on the image signal obtained by the image sensor 83 is stored in the buffer memory 93 in step S14. The buffer memory 93 has a capacity sufficient to temporarily store a large number of image data taken by high-speed continuous shooting.

  Next, in step S15, it is determined whether or not shooting of the number “n” set in step S8 has been completed. If the number of shots has not yet reached n, the process proceeds to step S9 and the processes in steps S9 to S15 are repeated. On the other hand, if the number of shots reaches n in step S15, the process proceeds to step S16 and the continuous shooting is finished.

  That is, first, the EVF display is terminated in step S16. Next, in step S17, the diaphragm 62 is opened, and in step S18, the main mirror 71 is moved to the down position. In step S19, the image data stored in the buffer memory 93 is recorded in the flash ROM 94 or the recording medium 95 in the JPEG format, for example. Thereafter, the process exits from this routine and returns to the main process of the camera 1.

  On the other hand, when the operation mode of the camera 1 is not the bracket continuous shooting mode in step S6, processing in the single shooting mode is started. First, in step S20, an optimal combination is calculated based on a program diagram or the like. Next, in step S21, the aperture of the aperture 62 is set based on the exposure amount calculated in step S1. Further, in step S22, an imaging operation by the imaging element 83 is started. Thereafter, in step S23, the shutter 81 is opened and closed based on the exposure amount calculated in step S1. Then, after the shutter portion 81 is closed, the imaging operation of the imaging element 83 is stopped in step S24. Further, in step S25, the image data obtained from the image sensor 83 is recorded on the flash ROM 94 or the recording medium 95 in the JPEG format, for example.

  Next, in step S26, the diaphragm 62 is opened, and in the subsequent step S27, the main mirror 71 is moved to the down position. In step S28, it is determined whether or not the first release switch has been turned off by the user. The determination in step S28 is repeated until the first release switch is turned off. If the first release switch is turned off in step S28, the process exits from this routine and returns to the main processing of the camera 1.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of proper exposure in the bracket continuous shooting mode described above. In this case, it is indicated that nine frames of continuous shooting operation are executed in the order of short shutter time.

  Next, a process when image data recorded on the Flash ROM 94 or the recording medium 95 is reproduced in the bracket continuous shooting mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8 is performed by the Bμcom 100 and the image processing controller 92.

  When the user presses the playback mode button 43 and the operation mode of the camera 1 is switched to the playback mode, processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 8 is started. First, in step S31, the latest image to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53 is selected from a plurality of images recorded on the flash ROM 94 or the recording medium 95. In the subsequent step S32, it is determined whether the image is shot in the bracket continuous shooting mode or the image shot in the single shooting mode.

  Here, the latest image is the last image taken in the case of single shooting, but in the case of the last image in a series of images obtained by continuous shooting, The first image taken is displayed as the latest image. Accordingly, when it is determined in step S32 that the image is a bracket continuous shooting image, the process proceeds to step S33, and the first image of continuous shooting is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53 as the latest image. The detailed processing operation of the subroutine “continuous shot image display” in step S33 will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that single-shot shooting has been performed, the process proceeds to step S34, and the last shot image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53.

  After the latest image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53 in step S33 or S34, it is determined in step S35 whether or not to end the reproduction mode. Here, when the reproduction mode ends, the process proceeds to step S38, but when it does not end, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, it is determined whether or not the cross button 49 has been pressed. Here, when there is no operation of the cross button 49, it transfers to said step S35. On the other hand, if the operation of the cross button 49 is performed in step S36, an image corresponding to the operation of the cross button 49 is selected in subsequent step S37. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S32.

  Next, the operation of the subroutine “continuous shot image display” in step S33 of the flowchart of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When this subroutine is entered, first, in step S41, the multi-index display of the continuous shot image is performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), images 110a to 110i by combinations of appropriate exposures shown in FIG. Next, in step S42, among the images displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53, the upper left image 110a is first selected. Here, a frame (not shown) is attached so that the user can identify the image selected on the monitor screen.

  Next, in step S43, it is determined whether or not the cross button 49 has been operated. If the cross button 49 is operated, the process proceeds to step S44, and an image corresponding to the operation of the cross button 49 is selected. That is, the selected image is selected from the images 110a to 110i by the frame described above. If an image is selected in step S44, and if the cross button 49 is not operated in step S43, the state of the OK button 50 is determined in step S45. If the OK button 50 is on, the process proceeds to step S46, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S46, the image selected in step S42 or S44 is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53. For example, the image 111 shown in FIG. 10B shows an example in which the image 110c is enlarged and displayed among the multi-index images shown in FIG. 10A displayed in step S41. If the OK button 49 is turned on in step S47, the process exits from this subroutine and proceeds to step S35 in the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can easily and quickly make a desired image out of a series of images obtained by changing the combination of the aperture and the shutter speed at the appropriate exposure value. You can find the image of the piece.

  In the first embodiment described above, in order to increase the speed of continuous shooting, the main mirror is raised before continuous shooting is performed, and the main mirror is lowered when continuous shooting is completed. However, it is not limited to this. That is, for each exposure, an operation of opening → narrowing → opening →... May be performed to repeat the main mirror up and down.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the above-described first embodiment, only frames with a combination of appropriate exposure values are displayed as multi-index images. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, in addition to the frames based on the combination of the appropriate exposure values, ± 1 EV frames of the respective exposure values can be displayed as a multi-index image.

The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
The configuration and basic operation of the camera in the second embodiment are the same as the configuration and operation of the camera of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. Are denoted by the same reference numerals, illustration and description thereof are omitted, and only different portions will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of proper exposure in the bracket continuous shooting mode in the second embodiment. In this case, it is shown that a continuous shooting operation of 27 frames of an image with an appropriate exposure value and an over image and an under image of the same aperture is executed in order from the shortest shutter time.

  Next, processing when image data recorded on the Flash ROM 94 or the recording medium 95 is reproduced in the bracket continuous shooting mode according to the second embodiment will be described. The reproduction operation of the image data in the second embodiment is different only in the operation of the subroutine “continuous shot image display” in step S33 of the flowchart of FIG. Therefore, only the subroutine “continuous shot image display” will be described, and the other operations are the same as the processing operations of the flowchart shown in FIG. The description is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the second embodiment of the subroutine “continuous shot image display” in step S33 of the flowchart of FIG.
Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Therefore, it is a flowchart explaining the above.

  When this subroutine is entered, first, in step S51, only a properly exposed image is displayed as a multi-index in the continuous shot image. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, images 112 a to 112 i with exposures of ± 0 EV out of the appropriate exposure combinations shown in FIG. 11 are arranged in order of photographing from the upper left of the liquid crystal monitor 53. Is displayed. Next, in step S52, among the images displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53, the upper left image 112a is first selected. Here, a frame (not shown) is attached so that the user can identify the image selected on the monitor screen.

  Next, in step S53, it is determined whether or not the cross button 49 has been operated. If the cross button 49 is operated, the process proceeds to step S54, and an image corresponding to the operation of the cross button 49 is selected. That is, the selected image is selected from the images 112a to 112i by the frame described above. If an image is selected in step S54, and if the cross button 49 is not operated in step S53, the state of the OK button 50 is determined in step S55. If the OK button 50 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S56, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S56, the image confirmed (selected) by the OK button 50 and the over and under images with the same aperture as the image are displayed side by side on the liquid crystal monitor 53. For example, if the image 112c shown in FIG. 13 (a) is selected, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the underexposure 113a and the overimage are centered on the image 113b with an aperture value of F2.8 with an appropriate exposure value. Images 113c are displayed side by side.

  Next, in step S57, it is determined whether or not the cross button 49 has been operated. If the cross button 49 is operated, the process proceeds to step S58, and an image corresponding to the operation of the cross button 49 is selected. That is, the selected image is selected from the images 113a to 113c by the frame described above. On the other hand, when the cross button 49 is not operated, the image 113b having the appropriate exposure value is selected. If an image is selected in step S58, and if the cross button 49 is not operated in step S57, the state of the OK button 50 is determined in step S59. If the OK button 50 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S60, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step S57.

  In step S60, the image selected in step S52, S54 or S58 is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53. For example, the image 114 shown in FIG. 13C shows an example in which the image 113a is enlarged and displayed among the multi-index images shown in FIG. 13B displayed in step S56. When the OK button 49 is turned on in step S61, the process exits from this subroutine and proceeds to step S35 in the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the appropriate exposure value and the frame of ± 1 EV of the exposure value can be displayed as a multi-index image, so that it can be obtained by changing the combination of aperture and shutter time. In addition, it is possible to easily and quickly find an image of a frame desired by the user from a larger series of images.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, after a frame having a proper exposure value is displayed in a multi-index display, a frame having a proper exposure value and ± 1 EV of the exposure value can be displayed as a multi-index image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after a frame with an appropriate exposure value is displayed as a multi-index, the aperture value is different by one step for the appropriate exposure value and the ± 1 EV frame of the exposure value, and for the frame with the appropriate exposure value. The appropriate exposure value and the image of the frame of ± 1 EV of the exposure value may be displayed as a multi-index image.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of multi-index display according to a modification of the second embodiment. For example, assume that an image 112c is selected from the images 112a to 112i shown in FIG. Then, an aperture 116 Fe image 116e with an appropriate exposure value is displayed at the center of the liquid crystal monitor 53, and an under image 116d and an over image 116f are displayed side by side on the left and right sides thereof. Furthermore, an image 116b with an appropriate exposure value of an aperture F: 2 that is one step open from the aperture F: 2.8, an under image 116a and an over image 116c thereof, and an aperture F that is one step smaller than the aperture F: 2.8. The image 116h with the appropriate exposure value of 4, and the under image 116g and the over image 116i are displayed as a multi-index on the same screen of the liquid crystal monitor 53 as shown in FIG.

  When the user selects an image of a desired frame from the multi-index display image, the image is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor. For example, when the image 116g is selected from the multi-index images shown in FIG. 14B, the image 117 is enlarged and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 53 as shown in FIG. 14C.

  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.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the external appearance structure of the camera main body which removed the lens-barrel of the digital camera of FIG. It is a side view which shows the external appearance structure of the camera main body which removed the lens-barrel of the digital camera of FIG. It is a rear view which shows the external appearance structure of the camera main body which removed the lens-barrel of the digital camera of FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating in detail an electric circuit configuration inside the camera 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of shooting by the camera 1. It is the figure which showed an example of the combination of appropriate exposure in bracket continuous shooting mode. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing when image data recorded on the Flash ROM 94 or the recording medium 95 is reproduced in the bracket continuous shooting mode. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the subroutine "continuous shot image display" in step S33 of the flowchart of FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the multi-index display by 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the combination of the appropriate exposure in the bracket continuous shooting mode in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement in 2nd Embodiment of the subroutine "continuous shot image display" in step S33 of the flowchart of FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the multi-index display by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example of the multi-index display by the modification of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera (camera), 10 ... Lens barrel, 20 ... Camera body, 22 ... Release button, 43 ... Playback mode button, 48 ... Menu button, 49 ... Cross button, 50 ... OK button, 52 ... For operation display LCD, 53 ... Liquid crystal monitor, 55 ... Communication connector, 61 ... Imaging optical system, 62 ... Aperture, 63 ... Lens drive mechanism, 64 ... Lens drive mechanism, 65 ... Microcomputer for lens control (L [mu] com), 71 ... Main mirror, 72 ... Focusing screen, 73 ... Pentaprism, 74 ... Eyepiece, 76 ... Submirror, 77 ... AF sensor unit, 78 ... Mirror drive mechanism, 79 ... AF sensor drive circuit, 81 ... Shutter unit, 82 ... Imaging unit, 83 ... Image sensor 84 ... dustproof filter 85 ... piezoelectric element 87 ... shutter charge mechanism 88 ... shutter control circuit 8 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Dust-proof filter drive circuit, 91 ... Imaging interface circuit, 92 ... Image processing controller, 93 ... Buffer memory, 94 ... Flash ROM, 95 ... Recording medium, 100 ... Microcomputer for body control (B [mu] com), 101 ... Photometry circuit, 102 ... Temperature measurement circuit 103... Nonvolatile memory 105. Camera operation switch (SW) 106 106 Power supply circuit

Claims (14)

Imaging means for acquiring light by converting light passing through the imaging optical system into an image signal by photoelectric conversion;
A diaphragm control means for controlling the diaphragm of the photographing optical system;
Shutter means for controlling the exposure time of the imaging means;
Photometric means for measuring subject brightness;
Exposure amount calculating means for determining an appropriate exposure amount based on the measurement value of the photometric means;
Control means for continuously performing a photographing operation with a combination of a plurality of aperture values and shutter speeds according to the appropriate exposure amount calculated by the exposure amount calculation means;
Display means for arranging and displaying a plurality of images obtained by the continuous shooting operation on the same screen;
Selection means for selecting a desired image from the images displayed by the display means;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the continuous photographing operation in response to one release operation.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the continuous photographing operation with a combination of all aperture values and shutter times at which the appropriate exposure amount is obtained.   The control means executes the continuous shooting operation with a combination of all the aperture values and shutter times at which a predetermined amount of underexposure or overexposure is obtained with respect to the proper exposure and the proper exposure. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized in that   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the continuous shooting operation in the order of shortest shutter time among the plurality of combinations.   2. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit first displays a plurality of images obtained by the continuous shooting operation in an aligned manner, and displays only the selected image after the selection by the selection unit. The imaging device described.   The display means first displays an image having the same exposure amount among a plurality of images obtained by the continuous shooting operation, and after the selection by the selection means, the over and under images including the selected image are displayed. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein images of exposure amounts are displayed in alignment. A movable mirror capable of switching a photographing light beam from a subject to an observation optical system and a photographing optical system; an imaging element that acquires an image by converting the photographing light beam into an image signal by photoelectric conversion through the photographing optical system; In a digital camera comprising display means for displaying an image obtained by an image sensor,
A diaphragm control means for controlling the diaphragm of the photographing optical system;
Shutter means for controlling the exposure time of the image sensor;
Photometric means for measuring the luminance of the subject;
Exposure amount calculating means for determining an appropriate exposure amount based on the measurement value of the photometric means;
In accordance with the appropriate exposure amount calculated by the exposure amount calculation means, a photographing operation is continuously performed with a combination of a plurality of aperture values and shutter speeds, and a plurality of images obtained by the continuous photographing operation are displayed on the display means. Control means for arranging and displaying on the same screen,
Selecting means for selecting a desired image from the images displayed on the display means;
A digital camera comprising:   9. The digital camera according to claim 8, wherein the control means executes the continuous photographing operation in response to one release operation.   9. The digital camera according to claim 8, wherein the control means executes the continuous photographing operation with a combination of all aperture values and shutter times at which the appropriate exposure amount is obtained.   The control means executes the continuous shooting operation with a combination of all the aperture values and shutter times at which a predetermined amount of underexposure or overexposure is obtained with respect to the proper exposure and the proper exposure. The digital camera according to claim 8, wherein the digital camera is a digital camera.   The digital camera according to any one of claims 8 and 11, wherein the control means executes the continuous photographing operation in the order of shortest shutter time among the plurality of combinations.   The control means first arranges and displays a plurality of images obtained by the continuous shooting operation on the display means, and after the selection by the selection means, displays only the selected images on the display means. 9. The digital camera according to claim 8, wherein   The control means first displays an image of the same exposure amount among the plurality of images obtained by the continuous shooting operation on the display means, and includes the selected image after the selection by the selection means. 9. The digital camera according to claim 8, wherein images with over and under exposure amounts are aligned and displayed on the display means.

Images