JP2008096560A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means for checking the state of a field of a wider range than a photographing optical system while keeping an eye on an optical finder. <P>SOLUTION: A camera is provided with a first imaging part for photographing recording images, a finder optical system, a second imaging part, a display part, an operation part, and a control part. The finder optical system has an eyepiece for observing optical images of an object by a light flux from a photographing optical path of the first imaging part. The second imaging part photographs a view field checking image from an optical path different from the first imaging part. The display part presents the view field checking image on the eyepiece. The operation part receives display operation finding the display of the view field checking image from a user. The control part switches a first state presenting optical images on the eyepiece and a second state presenting the view field checking image on the eyepiece based on operation of the operation part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera having a viewfinder suitable for telephoto shooting and the like.

Conventionally, in a digital camera, it is possible to display an image being shot on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor and determine a shooting composition. In particular, in a video camera, a camera provided with an auxiliary photographing unit for photographing a wide-angle image for finder display is known in addition to a recording imaging unit. Patent Document 1 is shown as an example of the above camera.
JP-A-5-145818

  Incidentally, a conventional single-lens reflex camera has a TTL (Through The Lens) type optical viewfinder that observes an image of a subject with reflected light from a movable mirror arranged in a photographing optical path. Such an optical finder can confirm the state of the subject through the photographing optical system as it is, and the range of the field of view by the optical finder substantially coincides with the angle of view of the photographing optical system. Therefore, especially when the angle of view of the photographing optical system is narrow as in telephoto shooting, there is room for improvement in that the user easily loses sight of the moving subject and misses a photo opportunity.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a means for confirming a state of an object field in a wider range than a photographing optical system without taking an eye off an optical viewfinder.

  A camera according to a first aspect includes a first imaging unit that captures an image for recording, a finder optical system, a second imaging unit, a display unit, an operation unit, and a control unit. The viewfinder optical system has an eyepiece that can observe an optical image of a subject by a light beam from a photographing optical path of the first imaging unit. The second imaging unit captures a visual field confirmation image from an optical path different from that of the first imaging unit. The display unit presents a visual field confirmation image on the eyepiece unit. The operation unit receives a display operation for requesting display of the visual field confirmation image from the user. The control unit switches between a first state in which an optical image is presented to the eyepiece and a second state in which a visual field confirmation image is presented to the eyepiece based on the operation of the operation unit.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the control unit instructs the second imaging unit to start photographing after activating the display unit at the time of transition from the first state to the second state.
In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the camera further includes a release button for receiving an instruction regarding photographing from the user. Then, when in the second state, the control unit stops the photographing operation of the second imaging unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the release button was pressed.

In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the camera further includes a release button for receiving an instruction regarding photographing from the user. And a control part stops the display of a display part after predetermined time progress, after pressing a release button, in a 2nd state.
In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the camera further includes a release button for receiving an instruction regarding photographing from the user. Then, when the control unit is in the second state, the control unit shifts to the first state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the release button was pressed.

In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, the camera further includes a photographing setting unit. The shooting setting unit adjusts the shooting condition of the recording image based on the output of the second imaging unit when in the second state.
In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect, the camera further includes a photographing setting unit. When in the second state, the shooting setting unit drives the first imaging unit before shooting the recording image and adjusts the shooting condition of the recording image based on the output of the first imaging unit.

  Note that the camera of the present invention does not necessarily include an imaging unit that captures a field-of-view confirmation image. For example, a camera that captures a field-of-view confirmation image with an external camera unit and presents the field-of-view confirmation image received from the camera unit to the eyepiece, and a camera system that includes the camera and the camera unit described above are also specific examples of the present invention. Included in embodiments.

  According to the present invention, a user can confirm a field-of-view confirmation image photographed in an optical path different from the photographing optical path of the recording image in the eyepiece portion of the finder optical system.

(Description of the first embodiment)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the single-lens reflex electronic camera according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a photographing mechanism of the electronic camera in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the camera body in the first embodiment. The electronic camera according to the first embodiment includes a camera body 11 and a lens unit 12 that houses a photographing optical system.

  The camera body 11 and the lens unit 12 are provided with a pair of mounts 13 and 14 that form a male-female relationship. The lens unit 12 is exchangeably attached to the camera body 11 by coupling the lens side mount 14 to the camera side mount 13 by a bayonet mechanism or the like. The mounts 13 and 14 are each provided with an electrical contact (not shown). When the camera body 11 and the lens unit 12 are connected, electrical connection between the two is established by contact between the electrical contacts.

  First, the configuration of the lens unit 12 will be described. The lens unit 12 includes a zoom lens 15, a zoom encoder 15a, a focus lens 16, a lens driving unit 16a, a diaphragm 17, a diaphragm driving unit 17a, and a lens microcomputer 18. The zoom encoder 15a, the lens driving unit 16a, and the aperture driving unit 17a are each connected to the lens microcomputer 18.

The zoom lens 15 is a lens for adjusting the focal length, and is configured to be movable back and forth in the optical axis direction in accordance with an operation of a zoom ring (not shown). The zoom lens 15 is attached with a zoom encoder 15a for detecting the position of the lens in the optical axis direction.
The focus lens 16 is a lens for adjusting the in-focus position, and is configured to be movable back and forth in the optical axis direction. The lens driving unit 16 a drives the focus lens 16 by a motor (not shown) and outputs the position of the focus lens 16 in the optical axis direction to the lens microcomputer 18.

The diaphragm 17 adjusts the amount of light incident on the camera body 11 by opening and closing the diaphragm blades. The aperture drive unit 17a controls the aperture of the aperture 17 with a motor (not shown).
The lens microcomputer 18 communicates with the camera body 11 through the electrical contacts of the mount 14 and executes various controls in the lens unit 12. The lens microcomputer 18 transmits lens data and the like recorded in a ROM (not shown) to the camera body 11.

Incidentally, the lens unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example of a configuration of a general zoom lens unit. Therefore, in addition to the lens unit 12 described above, for example, a lens unit that does not include the lens microcomputer 18 or a single-focus lens unit can be attached to the camera body 11 of the first embodiment.
Next, the configuration of the photographing mechanism of the camera body 11 will be described. The camera body 11 includes a main mirror 21, a mechanical shutter 22, a first image sensor 23, a sub mirror 24, a focus detection unit 25, a finder optical system (32 to 35), a photometry unit 26, and a superimposition. Part (SI part) 27, finder monitor 28, interchangeable lens 29, and second image sensor 30.

  The main mirror 21, the mechanical shutter 22, and the first image sensor 23 are arranged along the optical axis of the photographing optical system. A sub mirror 24 is disposed behind the main mirror 21. In addition, a finder optical system, a photometry unit 26, an SI unit 27, a finder monitor 28, a lens 29, and a second image sensor 30 are arranged on the upper portion of the camera body 11. Further, a focus detection unit 25 is disposed in the lower region of the camera body 11. A hot shoe 31 for attaching a flash light emitting device or the like is provided on the upper portion of the camera body 11.

  The main mirror 21 is pivotally supported by a rotation shaft (not shown) and can be switched between an observation state and a retracted state. The main mirror 21 in the observation state is inclined and arranged in front of the mechanical shutter 22 and the first image sensor 23. The main mirror 21 in the observation state reflects the light beam that has passed through the photographing optical system upward and guides it to the finder optical system. The central portion of the main mirror 21 is a half mirror. A part of the light beam transmitted through the main mirror 21 is refracted downward by the sub mirror 24 and guided to the focus detection unit 25. The focus detection unit 25 detects an image shift amount of a subject image divided by a separator lens (not shown) for each AF area, and performs so-called phase difference detection type focus detection.

On the other hand, the retracted main mirror 21 is flipped upward together with the sub mirror 24 and is at a position off the photographing optical path. When the main mirror 21 is in the retracted state, the light beam that has passed through the photographing optical system is guided to the mechanical shutter 22 and the first image sensor 23.
The finder optical system has a diffusion screen (focus plate) 32, a condenser lens 33, a pentaprism 34, and an eyepiece lens 35. Of the optical elements of the finder optical system, the pentaprism 34 is housed in the position of the projecting portion 11 a of the camera body 11.

  The diffusing screen 32 is positioned above the main mirror 21, and the light beam reflected by the main mirror 21 in the observation state is once imaged. The light beam formed on the diffusing screen 32 passes through the condenser lens 33 and the pentaprism 34 and is guided to the exit surface having an angle of 90 ° with respect to the incident surface of the pentaprism 34. Then, the light beam from the exit surface of the pentaprism 34 reaches the eyes of the user via the eyepiece lens 35. The surface facing the exit surface of the pentaprism 34 is a half mirror.

The photometry unit 26 has a light receiving surface in which light receiving elements are two-dimensionally arranged. The photometric unit 26 can re-image a part of the light beam imaged on the diffusion screen 32 on the light receiving surface, and divide the photographing screen into a plurality of light beams by the light beam that has passed through the photographing optical system so that photometry can be performed. The photometry unit 26 is disposed in the vicinity of the pentaprism 34.
The SI unit 27 irradiates the diffusion screen 32 with illumination light, thereby performing superimpose display (SI display) in which the position of the AF area at the time of shooting is superimposed on the optical image of the finder optical system.

The in-viewfinder monitor 28 is disposed so as to be opposed to the half mirror surface (the surface facing the exit surface) of the pentaprism 34. A visual field confirmation image, which will be described later, is displayed on the finder monitor 28.
The lens 29 is exposed to the outside of the camera body 11 and is attached to the lens mounting portion 29a of the camera body 11 so as to be replaceable. The second image sensor 30 directly captures an image of the subject via the lens 29. The second image sensor 30 can photograph the subject from an optical path different from that of the first image sensor 23 that performs photographing with the light flux that has passed through the lens unit 12. Note that the angle of view of the lens 29 is set to be wider than the angle of view of the lens unit 12.

  Further, the lens 29 and the second image sensor 30 of the first embodiment are housed in the protruding portion 11 a of the camera body 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the projecting portion 11 a of the camera body 11 is formed in a shape projecting upward from the camera body 11 at a substantially middle position on the upper surface side of the camera body 11. That is, since the positions of the lens 29 and the second image sensor 30 are away from the position of the mount 13 of the camera body 11, there is less possibility that the luminous flux from the subject is blocked by the lens barrel of the lens unit 12 and vignetting occurs.

Here, in the first embodiment, the following description is given on the assumption that a lens 29 having an optical zoom function and an AF function is attached to the lens attachment portion 29a. Note that the zoom mechanism and AF mechanism in the lens 29 are basically the same as those in the lens unit 12, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 1, the lens 29 is shown as a single lens for simplicity.
Next, the circuit configuration of the electronic camera will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the camera body of the first embodiment. The camera main body 11 includes a first imaging unit 41, a second imaging unit 42, a memory 43, a recording I / F 44, a display, in addition to the focus detection unit 25, the photometry unit 26, the SI unit 27, and the in-finder monitor 28. An I / F 45, a main monitor 46, an external I / F 47, an operation unit 48, a power supply unit 49, a CPU 50 and a system bus 51 are included. Here, the first imaging unit 41, the memory 43, the recording I / F 44, the display I / F 45, the external I / F 47 and the CPU 50 are connected via a system bus 51. The CPU 50 is also connected to the electrical contact of the mount 13 and the electrical contact of the hot shoe 31 (the illustration thereof is omitted in FIG. 3).

The first imaging unit 41 includes a first imaging element 23, a first analog processing unit 41a, and a first digital processing unit 41b.
The first image sensor 23 is a sensor for generating a main image that is a recording image. The first image sensor 23 photoelectrically converts the light beam that has passed through the lens unit 12 at the time of release, and outputs an analog image signal of the main image. The output signal of the first image sensor 23 is input to the first analog processing unit 41a. Note that the first image sensor 23 can also output a through image by thinning out at predetermined intervals during shooting standby (non-release). For this reason, when the main mirror 21 is in the retracted position, the CPU 50 can determine the photographing condition based on the through image of the first image sensor 23.

  The first analog processing unit 41a is an analog front end circuit having a CDS circuit, a gain circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, and the like. The CDS circuit reduces the noise component of the output of the first image sensor 23 by correlated double sampling. The gain circuit amplifies the gain of the input signal and outputs it. In this gain circuit, the imaging sensitivity corresponding to the ISO sensitivity can be adjusted. The A / D conversion circuit performs A / D conversion of the output signal of the first image sensor 23. In FIG. 3, illustration of each circuit of the first analog processing unit 41a is omitted.

  The first digital processing unit 41b performs various kinds of image processing (defective pixel correction, color interpolation, gradation conversion processing, white balance adjustment, edge enhancement, etc.) on the output signal of the first analog processing unit 41a. Generate image data. The first digital processing unit 41a also executes compression / decompression processing of the data of the main image. The first digital processing unit 41 a is connected to the system bus 51.

The second imaging unit 42 includes a second imaging element 30, a second analog processing unit 42a, and a second digital processing unit 42b. Since the configuration of the second imaging unit 42 substantially corresponds to the configuration of the first imaging unit 41, a part of the description of the overlapping portion of both is omitted.
The second image sensor 30 captures a field-of-view confirmation image for the viewfinder. The second image sensor 30 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed through the lens 29 at predetermined intervals and outputs a through image (field-of-view confirmation image). The output signal of the second image sensor 30 is input to the second analog processing unit 42a.

The second analog processing unit 42a is an analog front end circuit having a CDS circuit, a gain circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, and the like. The second digital processing unit 42b executes a color interpolation process for the through image. The through image data output from the second digital processing unit 42 b is input to the CPU 50.
The memory 43 is a buffer memory for temporarily recording the data of the main image in the pre-process and post-process of the image processing by the first digital processing unit 41b.

  A connector for connecting the recording medium 52 is formed in the recording I / F 44. The recording I / F 44 executes writing / reading of captured image data with respect to the recording medium 52 connected to the connector. The recording medium 52 includes a hard disk, a memory card with a built-in semiconductor memory, or the like. In FIG. 3, a memory card is illustrated as an example of the recording medium 52.

  The display I / F 45 controls the display on the main monitor 46 based on an instruction from the CPU 50. The main monitor 46 is disposed, for example, on the back surface of the camera body 11. The main monitor 46 displays various images according to instructions from the CPU 50 and the display I / F 45. For example, the main monitor 46 can display a reproduction image of the main image, a menu screen that can be input in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) format, and the like (illustration of each image is omitted).

The external I / F 47 has a connection terminal of a serial communication standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). The external I / F 47 controls data transmission / reception with a computer or the like connected via the connection terminal in accordance with the communication standard.
The operation unit 48 includes a plurality of switches that accept user operations. For example, the operation unit 48 includes a release button 48a, a mode dial 48b, a wide preview button 48c, an aperture preview button 48d, and a zoom switch 48e.

  The release button 48a receives from the user an instruction input for starting an AF operation before photographing and an instruction input for starting an exposure operation during photographing. The mode dial 48b receives an input for switching the shooting mode from the user. The wide preview button 48c accepts a switching operation between a finder display of an optical image by the finder optical system and a display of a visual field confirmation image (wide preview display) by the finder monitor 28 from the user. The aperture preview button 48d accepts a confirmation input from the user for confirming the range of the depth of field. When the confirmation input is made, the diaphragm 17 is narrowed down, and the user can confirm the range of the depth of field with the finder optical system. The zoom switch 48e accepts an operation for optically or electronically enlarging / reducing the magnification of the visual field confirmation image from the user.

The power supply unit 49 supplies battery power (not shown) to each part of the camera body 11. The power supply unit 49 detects the remaining battery level based on the battery voltage.
The CPU 50 performs overall control of each part of the electronic camera. The CPU 50 functions as a sequence control unit 50a, a shooting setting unit 50b, a display processing unit 50c, and a face detection unit 50d by a program stored in a ROM (not shown).

  The sequence control unit 50a performs control of operations of the lens unit 12, the main mirror 21, the mechanical shutter 22, the first imaging unit 41, the second imaging unit 42, and the like. Further, the sequence control unit 50a executes control for switching between finder display by the finder optical system and wide preview display in accordance with the operation of the wide preview button 48c. The sequence control unit 50a also functions as a light emission control unit that performs light emission control of an external flash light emitting device (not shown).

The shooting setting unit 50b performs autofocus (AF), automatic exposure (AE) calculation, auto white balance (AWB) calculation, and the like, and various parameters (exposure time, aperture) of the first imaging unit 41 Value, imaging sensitivity, etc.). The shooting setting unit 50b also bears processing related to AF, AE, and AWB of the second imaging unit 42.
More specifically, the shooting setting unit 50b calculates the defocus amount (shift amount and shift direction from the in-focus position) of the focus lens 16 for each AF area based on the image shift amount of the focus detection unit 25. . In addition, the photographing setting unit 50 b performs AE calculation and AWB calculation based on the output of the photometry unit 26. Note that the shooting setting unit 50b can also execute each calculation of AF, AE, and AWB based on the through image data of the first image sensor 23 or the second image sensor 30.

The display processing unit 50c performs various types of image processing on the through image data of the second imaging unit 42. The visual field confirmation image output from the display processing unit 50c is displayed on the finder monitor 28.
The face detection unit 50d performs a known face detection process on the through image data of the second imaging unit 42 to detect the face area of the subject included in the visual field confirmation image. For example, the face detection unit 50d extracts a face area by a facial feature point extraction process described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-16573. Examples of the feature points include eyebrow, eye, nose, and lip end points, face contour points, head apexes, and chin lower end points. Alternatively, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-63597, the face detection unit 50d detects the face by extracting the outline of the skin color region based on the color information of the subject, and further matching with a template of face parts prepared in advance. May be.

Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic camera related to the wide preview display in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.
Step 101: When the CPU 50 accepts a half-press input of the release button 48a from the user while the camera body 11 is powered on, the CPU 50 shifts from the power saving state to the shooting preparation state. Specifically, the CPU 50 starts up a sequence program for shooting and supplies power to the circuits of the first imaging unit 41 and the second imaging unit 42.

At the stage of S101, the main mirror 21 is at the observation position. Therefore, the user can observe the subject image by the light flux that has passed through the lens unit 12 from the eyepiece lens 35. FIG. 6 shows a display state of an optical image of a subject in the finder optical system.
Step 102: The CPU 50 determines whether or not the wide preview button 48c is pressed. When the wide preview button 48c is pressed (YES side), the process proceeds to S103. On the other hand, when the wide preview button 48c is not pressed (NO side), the process proceeds to S124.

Step 103: The CPU 50 determines whether or not the SI unit 27 is performing SI display of the AF area when the wide preview button 48c is pressed. When SI display is being performed (YES side), the process proceeds to S104. On the other hand, when the SI display is not performed (NO side), the process proceeds to S105.
Step 104: The CPU 50 instructs the SI unit 27 to stop SI display. This is because in the wide preview display, an optical image by the finder optical system is not displayed and SI display is not necessary.

Step 105: The CPU 50 performs a shooting condition setting operation. Specifically, the CPU 50 executes AF based on the output of the focus detection unit 25. Further, the CPU 50 performs AE calculation and AWB calculation based on the output of the photometry unit 26. In S105, the SI display of the AF area by the SI unit 27 is not performed.
Step 106: The CPU 50 executes wide preview determination control to determine whether or not the wide preview display is prohibited.

Specifically, the CPU 50 displays a wide preview display when any of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) when the flash light emitting device emits light at the time of shooting, or (2) when the luminance of the object scene is equal to or less than the threshold value. Set the prohibited flag to on.
Step 107: The CPU 50 determines whether or not a flag for prohibiting wide preview display is set to ON in the wide preview determination control (S106). When the wide preview display is prohibited (YES side), the process proceeds to S124. On the other hand, if wide preview display is permitted (NO side), the process proceeds to S108.

Step 108: The CPU 50 starts supplying power to the in-finder monitor 28 before the second image sensor 30 starts photographing, and activates the in-finder monitor 28 in advance.
Step 109: The CPU 50 stops the operations of the focus detection unit 25 and the photometry unit 26 before starting the wide preview display. This is because during the wide preview display, the focus detection unit 25 and the photometry unit 26 cannot function due to a light shielding operation described later.

Step 110: The CPU 50 executes a light blocking operation for cutting incident light from the lens unit 12 to the finder optical system.
Specifically, the CPU 50 moves the main mirror 21 from the observation position to the retracted position, and cuts incident light to the finder optical system. If the luminance of the object scene is sufficiently low, the CPU 50 may cut the incident light to the finder optical system by narrowing the diaphragm 17.

Step 111: The CPU 50 acquires lens information (such as the lens positions of the zoom lens 15 and the focus lens 16) from the lens unit 12.
Step 112: The CPU 50 executes AF of the lens 29 based on the lens position of the focus lens 16 in the lens information of S111. If the lens 29 is pan focus and does not have an AF function, the step of S111 is omitted.

Step 113: The CPU 50 performs an initial setting of the AE and AWB of the second imaging unit 42 based on the shooting conditions acquired in S105. After the second imaging unit 42 starts imaging, the CPU 50 adjusts the AE and AWB parameters of the second imaging unit 42 based on the through image data of the second imaging unit 42.
Step 114: The CPU 50 captures the field-of-view confirmation image by the second image sensor 30 of the second imaging unit 42. Then, the second imaging unit 42 outputs the visual field confirmation image data to the CPU 50.

  Step 115: The display processing unit 50c of the CPU 50 displays the visual field confirmation image (S114) on the finder monitor 28. Since the angle of view of the lens 29 is wider than the angle of view of the lens unit 12, it is possible to display a wider range of subjects in the field-of-view confirmation image than in the optical image of the finder optical system. FIG. 7 shows an example of the display of the visual field confirmation image corresponding to the scene of FIG.

  Here, FIG. 8 shows a state of the camera body 11 when the wide preview is displayed. In the wide preview display, since the incident light from the lens unit 12 to the finder optical system is cut by the light shielding operation (S110), the user observes only the visual field confirmation image (S114) of the finder monitor 28 from the eyepiece 35. can do. Therefore, the user can observe the scene with a field-of-view confirmation image having a wider angle than the viewfinder optical system without taking his eyes off the eyepiece lens 35. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the main mirror 21 is moved to the retracted position during the light shielding operation so as to be in a light shielding state.

  In addition, the display processing unit 50c performs display processing that indicates the range of the angle of view of the first imaging unit 41 on the visual field confirmation image. For example, the display processing unit 50c calculates the range of the angle of view of the first imaging unit 41 in the visual field confirmation image based on the lens information (S111) and the zoom position data of the lens 29. Then, the display processing unit 50c superimposes and displays a frame indicating the range of the angle of view on the field-of-view confirmation image of the in-viewfinder monitor 28 with an on-screen function (see FIG. 7). In this case, the user can grasp the imaging range of the first imaging unit 41 from the visual field confirmation image.

Note that the CPU 50 in S115 can execute zooming of the lens 29 and electronic zooming of the visual field confirmation image by the display processing unit 50c in accordance with the user's operation of the zoom switch 48e.
Step 116: The CPU 50 determines whether or not the lens position of the zoom lens 15 of the lens unit 12 has changed (whether the lens unit 12 has been zoomed). If the lens position has changed due to the zooming of the lens unit 12 (YES side), the process proceeds to S117. On the other hand, when there is no change in the lens position (NO side), the process proceeds to S118.

Step 117: The CPU 50 re-acquires lens information regarding the lens position of the zoom lens 15 from the lens unit 12. Then, the CPU 50 returns to S114 and repeats the above operation. Thereby, in the display processing of S115, the display processing unit 50c can execute frame display reflecting the change in the angle of view due to zooming of the zoom lens 15.
Step 118: The CPU 50 determines whether or not there is a photographing instruction by pressing the release button 48a. If there is a shooting instruction (YES side), the process proceeds to S119. On the other hand, if there is no shooting instruction (NO side), the process proceeds to S120.

Step 119: The CPU 50 executes a main image photographing process, and photographs the main image by the first image sensor 23 of the first imaging unit 41. Thereafter, the first imaging unit 41 generates image data of the main image, and the CPU 50 records the image data of the main image on the recording medium 52.
Here, in the photographing process of the main image in S119, the CPU 50 once cancels the light blocking state by the wide preview display and the light blocking operation, and operates the focus detection unit 25 and the photometry unit 26 to reset the shooting conditions before shooting. . Then, the CPU 50 shoots the main image based on the shooting conditions reset immediately before shooting. In this case, the CPU 50 resumes the wide preview display after the photographing is completed.

Note that the CPU 50 may shoot the main image without canceling the state of the light shielding operation based on the shooting condition of S105. In this case, since the operation for resetting the photographing conditions can be omitted, the subject can be photographed more quickly.
Step 120: The CPU 50 determines whether or not the pressing of the wide preview button 48c is released. When the pressing of the wide preview button 48c is released (YES side), the process proceeds to S121. On the other hand, when the wide preview button 48c is pressed (NO side), the process returns to S114.

Step 121: On the other hand, when the pressing of the wide preview button 48c is released, the CPU 50 stops the shooting of the visual field confirmation image by the second imaging unit 42 and turns off the finder monitor 28.
Step 122: The CPU 50 cancels the light shielding state by the light shielding operation. As a result, the user can again observe the subject image by the light flux that has passed through the lens unit 12 from the eyepiece lens 35.

Step 123: The CPU 50 resumes the operations of the focus detection unit 25 and the photometry unit 26. In addition, the CPU 50 instructs the SI unit 27 to resume SI display.
Step 124: The CPU 50 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the release button 48a was half-pressed (half-press timer expired). If the half-press timer has expired (YES side), the flow proceeds to S125. On the other hand, if the half-press timer has not expired (NO side), the CPU 50 returns to S102 and repeats the above operation.

Step 125: The CPU 50 stops supplying power to the circuits of the first imaging unit 41 and the second imaging unit 42, returns to the power saving state, and ends the imaging operation. This is the end of the description of the operation according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.
The effects of the first embodiment will be described below. The electronic camera according to the first embodiment captures a field-of-view confirmation image from an optical path different from that of the first imaging unit 41 by the second imaging unit 42 in response to an operation of the wide preview button 48c. Then, the electronic camera displays the visual field confirmation image on the viewfinder monitor 28 so as to be observable from the eyepiece lens 35. Therefore, the user can selectively observe the optical image by the finder optical system and the visual field confirmation image by the second imaging unit 42 according to the situation without taking his eyes off the eyepiece lens 35.

  In particular, when a telephoto lens with a narrow angle of view is attached to the camera body 11, the field of view of the optical image by the finder optical system is narrowed. I can grasp. Therefore, for example, even in a situation where a moving subject is taken by telephoto shooting, for example, the user can track the subject relatively easily, and the possibility of missing a photo opportunity is reduced.

Further, the CPU 50 in the first embodiment activates the in-finder monitor 28 in advance before the second imaging element 30 starts photographing (S108). Therefore, the display start of the visual field confirmation image is not greatly delayed by the activation time of the in-viewfinder monitor 28, so that the responsiveness of the electronic camera when performing viewfinder display can be greatly improved.
Further, the CPU 50 in the first embodiment stops the photographing of the second imaging unit 42 and turns off the in-finder monitor 28 when the half-press timer expires. In addition, by stopping or limiting the power supply to the image sensor, it is possible to suppress power consumption when the half-press timer expires (power saving state), and to increase the number of frames taken with one battery charge. Can do.

(Description of Second Embodiment)
9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the operation of the electronic camera related to the wide preview display in the second embodiment. Here, since the basic configuration of the electronic camera of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the duplicate description is omitted. 9 and 10 correspond to S101 to S114 in the first embodiment, respectively. Similarly, S221 to S226 correspond to S120 to S125 of the first embodiment, respectively. Therefore, in the description of the second embodiment, only steps that are different from those in the case of the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of operations of substantially overlapping steps will be omitted.

Step 215: The shooting setting unit 50b of the CPU 50 performs AE and AWB calculations for main image shooting based on the through image data of the second imaging unit 42.
Step 216: The display processing unit 50c of the CPU 50 displays the visual field confirmation image (S214) on the finder monitor 28. This step corresponds to S115 described above.
Step 217: The CPU 50 determines whether or not the lens position of the zoom lens 15 of the lens unit 12 has changed (whether the lens unit 12 has been zoomed). If the lens position has changed due to the zooming of the lens unit 12 (YES side), the process proceeds to S218. On the other hand, when there is no change in the lens position (NO side), the process proceeds to S219.

Step 218: The CPU 50 reacquires lens information regarding the lens position of the zoom lens 15 from the lens unit 12. Then, the CPU 50 returns to S214 and repeats the above operation. This step corresponds to S117 described above.
Step 219: The CPU 50 determines whether or not there is a photographing instruction by pressing the release button 48a. If there is a shooting instruction (YES side), the process proceeds to S220. On the other hand, if there is no shooting instruction (NO side), the process proceeds to S221.

Step 220: The CPU 50 executes a main image photographing process, and photographs the main image by the first image sensor 23 of the first imaging unit 41. Thereafter, the first imaging unit 41 generates image data of the main image, and the CPU 50 records the image data of the main image on the recording medium 52.
Here, in the photographing process of the main image in S220, the CPU 50 performs photographing of the main image based on the AE and AWB calculation results in S215. In this case, the CPU 50 can capture the main image with the first imaging unit 41 while continuing the wide preview display.

  The effects of the second embodiment will be described below. In the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In the second embodiment, the CPU 50 calculates AE and AWB for actual image shooting based on the output of the second imaging unit 42 (S215). Therefore, a relatively clear main image can be obtained even when the main image is shot without releasing the light-shielding state during the wide preview display.

(Description of the third embodiment)
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the operation of the electronic camera related to the wide preview display in the third embodiment. Here, the basic configuration of the electronic camera of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore, a duplicate description is omitted. Further, S301 to S309 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 correspond to S101 to S109 of the first embodiment, respectively. Similarly, S321 to S326 correspond to S120 to S125 of the first embodiment, respectively. Therefore, in the description of the third embodiment, only steps that are different from those in the case of the first embodiment will be described, and description of operations of substantially overlapping steps will be omitted.

Step 310: The CPU 50 moves the main mirror 21 from the observation position to the retracted position, and cuts incident light from the lens unit 12 to the finder optical system (light shielding operation). Note that the CPU 50 in the third embodiment does not perform a light shielding operation by the diaphragm 17.
Step 311: The CPU 50 acquires lens information (such as the lens positions of the zoom lens 15 and the focus lens 16) from the lens unit 12.

Step 312: The CPU 50 executes AF of the lens 29 based on the lens position of the focus lens 16 in the lens information of S311. This step corresponds to S112 described above.
Step 313: The CPU 50 performs initial setting of the AE and AWB of the second imaging unit 42 based on the shooting conditions acquired in S305. This step corresponds to S113 described above.

Step 314: The CPU 50 drives the first image sensor 23 to capture a through image. Then, the shooting setting unit 50 b of the CPU 50 sets shooting conditions for the main image based on the through image data of the first imaging unit 42.
Here, the imaging setting unit 50b executes a known AF in the contrast detection method based on the above-described through image data. For example, the shooting setting unit 50b repeats focusing with the output of the first imaging unit 42 at the time of shooting, and performs continuous AF that performs AF lock by pressing the release button halfway. Further, the shooting setting unit 50b performs AE calculation and AWB calculation for the main image based on the through image data of the first imaging unit 42.

Step 315: The CPU 50 captures a field-of-view confirmation image by the second image sensor 30 of the second imaging unit 42. Then, the second imaging unit 42 outputs the visual field confirmation image data to the CPU 50.
Step 316: The display processing unit 50c of the CPU 50 displays a visual field confirmation image (S315) on the finder monitor 28. This step corresponds to S115 described above.

Step 317: The CPU 50 determines whether or not the lens position of the zoom lens 15 of the lens unit 12 has changed (whether the lens unit 12 has been zoomed). If the lens position has changed due to the zooming of the lens unit 12 (YES side), the process proceeds to S318. On the other hand, when there is no change in the lens position (NO side), the process proceeds to S319.
Step 318: The CPU 50 reacquires lens information regarding the lens position of the zoom lens 15 from the lens unit 12. Then, the CPU 50 returns to S314 and repeats the above operation. This step corresponds to S117 described above.

Step 319: The CPU 50 determines whether or not there is a photographing instruction by pressing the release button 48a. If there is a shooting instruction (YES side), the process proceeds to S320. On the other hand, if there is no shooting instruction (NO side), the process proceeds to S321.
Step 320: The CPU 50 executes a photographing process for the main image, and takes the main image by the first image pickup device 23 of the first image pickup unit 41. Thereafter, the first imaging unit 41 generates image data of the main image, and the CPU 50 records the image data of the main image on the recording medium 52.

Here, in the photographing process for the main image in S320, the CPU 50 performs the photographing for the main image based on the photographing conditions in S314. In this case, the CPU 50 can capture the main image with the first imaging unit 41 while continuing the wide preview display.
The effects of the third embodiment will be described below. The electronic camera of the third embodiment can obtain substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment. Further, in the electronic camera of the third embodiment, shooting conditions can be set based on the through image of the first imaging unit 42 (S314). Therefore, a relatively clear main image can be obtained even when the main image is shot without releasing the light-shielding state during the wide preview display.

(Explanation of Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the photographing mechanism of the electronic camera in the fourth embodiment. Here, in the description of the following embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components of the camera that are common to the first embodiment, and the duplicate description will be omitted.
The fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment and shows an example in which the second imaging unit 42 is attached to the movable member 54 that houses the light emitting unit 53 for flash photography. The base end side of the movable member 54 is pivotally supported on the camera body 11 by a rotation shaft (not shown). The movable member 54 can rotate with respect to the camera body 11 to switch between the first position and the second position.

When the movable member 54 is in the first position, the movable member 54 is accommodated in the camera body 11, and the movable member 54 constitutes a part of the surface of the camera body 11. On the other hand, when the movable member 54 is in the second position, the distal end side of the movable member 54 to which the second imaging unit 42 and the light emitting unit 53 are attached is in a state of protruding from the camera body 11 (see FIG. 14). Therefore, when the movable member 54 is at the second position, it is possible to irradiate the subject by the light emission of the light emitting unit 53 and to capture the visual field confirmation image by the second imaging unit 42. Here, the lens 29 and the light emitting unit 53 of the second imaging unit 42 are arranged side by side on the distal end side of the movable member 54.

  In the fourth embodiment, in addition to substantially the same effect as the first embodiment, the shooting position of the second imaging unit 42 can be greatly separated from the optical axis of the lens unit 12. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk of vignetting of the visual field confirmation image with the lens barrel of the lens unit 12 as compared with the case of the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, since the second imaging unit 42 can be stored in the camera body 11 when the movable member 54 is not used, the design and functionality of the camera body 11 can be improved.

(Description of Fifth Embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the photographing mechanism of the electronic camera system in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an electronic camera system in the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment shows an example in which a camera system 55 is configured by externally attaching a camera unit 55 that captures a field-of-view confirmation image to the camera body 11.

  The camera system of the fifth embodiment includes a camera body 11 and a camera unit 55. The camera body 11 according to the fifth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the camera body 11 according to the first embodiment except that the camera body 11 does not include the lens attachment portion 29a and the second imaging unit 42. The camera body 11 communicates with the camera unit 55 via the external I / F 47. In the fifth embodiment, the camera unit 55 is attached to the hot shoe 31 of the camera body 11.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, the camera unit 55 includes an attachment portion 56 that engages with the hot shoe 31, a lens 57 and a lens attachment portion 57 a, and a position adjustment portion 58. The lens 57 and the lens mounting portion 57a are attached to the main body portion 55a of the camera unit 55. The lens 57 can be attached to and detached from the lens attachment portion 57a, and various interchangeable lenses can be attached to the lens attachment portion 57a. The configurations of the lens 57 and the lens mounting portion 57a are substantially the same as the configurations of the lens 29 and the lens mounting portion 29a of the first embodiment.

  The position adjustment unit 58 is a pedestal-like member having a mounting portion 56 on the bottom surface, and supports the main body portion 55a of the camera unit 55 so as to be slidable in the height direction of the camera system (vertical direction in the figure). ing. The position adjustment unit 58 serves to adjust the distance from the optical axis of the lens 57 of the camera unit 55 to the attachment unit 56. Therefore, even if the camera unit 55 is attached to a camera body 11 of a different model, the parallax of the camera unit 55 is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the optical axis of the photographing optical system and the optical axis of the lens 57 by the position adjustment unit 58. Therefore, the compatibility of the camera unit 55 can be improved. Further, the user can prevent the vignetting of the visual field confirmation image by the lens barrel of the lens unit 12 by adjusting the optical axis position of the lens 57 by the position adjusting unit 58.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the camera unit 55 includes an imaging unit 59, a CPU 60, and a communication unit 61. The imaging unit 59 includes an imaging element 59a, an analog processing unit 59b, and a digital processing unit 59c. The image sensor 59a photoelectrically converts the subject image formed through the lens 57 at predetermined intervals and outputs a through image (field-of-view confirmation image). The output signal of the image sensor 59a is input to the analog processing unit 59b. The analog processing unit 59b is an analog front end circuit having a CDS circuit, a gain circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, and the like. The digital processing unit 59c executes color interpolation processing of the through image.

The CPU 60 controls each part of the camera unit 55 based on an instruction from the camera body 11.
The communication unit 61 is connected to the external I / F 47 via the cable 62. The communication unit 61 receives an instruction from the camera body 11 and transmits visual field confirmation image data to the camera body 11.

The operation of the wide preview display by the camera system of the fifth embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the camera unit 55 executes the operation of the second imaging unit 42, so that the details are detailed. Description is omitted.
Also by the camera system of the fifth embodiment, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Supplementary items of the embodiment)
In the above embodiment, an example relating to a single-lens reflex type electronic camera has been mainly described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a silver salt camera that takes a subject image with a film and captures the main image. In the above-described embodiment, the lenses 29 and 57 that capture the field-of-view confirmation image may be configured such that the camera body 11 or the camera unit 55 cannot be replaced.

  The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or the main features thereof. For this reason, the above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. The present invention is defined by the claims, and the present invention is not limited to the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

Explanatory drawing of the imaging mechanism of the electronic camera in 1st Embodiment Front view of the camera body in the first embodiment Block diagram of the camera body in the first embodiment Flowchart showing the operation of the electronic camera related to the wide preview display in the first embodiment Flowchart showing the operation of the electronic camera related to the wide preview display in the first embodiment The figure which shows the display state of the optical image of a to-be-photographed object in a finder optical system The figure which shows an example of the visual field confirmation image in a wide preview display The figure which shows the state of the camera body at the time of wide preview display Flowchart showing operation of electronic camera regarding wide preview display in second embodiment Flowchart showing operation of electronic camera regarding wide preview display in second embodiment Flowchart showing operation of electronic camera regarding wide preview display in third embodiment Flowchart showing operation of electronic camera regarding wide preview display in third embodiment Explanatory drawing of the imaging mechanism of the electronic camera in 4th Embodiment The perspective view which shows the state which has a movable member in a 2nd position. Explanatory drawing of the imaging mechanism of the electronic camera system in 5th Embodiment Block diagram of an electronic camera system in a fifth embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Camera body, 12 ... Lens unit, 23 ... 1st image sensor, 28 ... Monitor in finder, 29 ... Lens, 30 ... 2nd image sensor, 31 ... Hot shoe, 32 ... Diffusing screen (focus plate), 33 ... Condenser lens, 34... Pentaprism, 35.
... 1st imaging part, 42 ... 2nd imaging part, 47 ... External I / F, 48 ... Operation part, 48a ... Release button, 48c ... Wide preview button, 50 ... CPU, 50b ... Shooting setting part, 55 ... Camera unit 56 ... Mounting part, 57 ... Lens, 59 ... Imaging part, 61 ... Communication part

Claims (14)

A first imaging unit that captures an image for recording;
A finder optical system having an eyepiece capable of observing an optical image of a subject by a light beam from a photographing optical path of the first imaging unit;
A second imaging unit that captures a visual field confirmation image from an optical path different from that of the first imaging unit;
A display unit for presenting the visual field confirmation image on the eyepiece unit;
An operation unit that accepts a display operation for displaying the visual field confirmation image from a user;
A control unit that switches between a first state in which the optical image is presented to the eyepiece unit and a second state in which the visual field confirmation image is presented to the eyepiece unit based on an operation of the operation unit;
A camera comprising: The camera of claim 1,
The control unit instructs the second imaging unit to start photographing after activating the display unit at the time of transition from the first state to the second state. The camera of claim 1,
A release button for accepting an instruction regarding shooting from the user;
The control unit, when in the second state, stops the photographing operation of the second imaging unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the release button was pressed. The camera of claim 1,
A release button for accepting an instruction regarding shooting from the user;
The control unit, when in the second state, stops displaying on the display unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the release button was pressed. The camera of claim 1,
A release button for accepting an instruction regarding shooting from the user;
The control unit, when in the second state, shifts to the first state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the release button was pressed. The camera of claim 1,
The camera further comprising: a shooting setting unit that adjusts a shooting condition of the recording image based on an output of the second imaging unit when in the second state. The camera of claim 1,
A shooting setting unit that drives the first imaging unit before shooting the recording image and adjusts the shooting condition of the recording image based on the output of the first imaging unit when in the second state A camera, further comprising: A camera to which an external camera unit can be attached,
An attachment for connecting the camera unit;
An imaging unit for capturing images for recording;
A finder optical system having an eyepiece capable of observing an optical image of a subject by a light flux from a photographing optical path of the imaging unit;
A communication unit that receives, from the camera unit, a field-of-view confirmation image captured in a different optical path from the imaging unit;
A display unit for presenting the visual field confirmation image on the eyepiece unit;
An operation unit that accepts a display operation for displaying the visual field confirmation image from a user;
A control unit that switches between a first state in which the optical image is presented to the eyepiece unit and a second state in which the visual field confirmation image is presented to the eyepiece unit based on an operation of the operation unit;
A camera comprising: The camera according to claim 8, wherein
The control unit instructs the camera unit to start photographing after activating the display unit at the time of transition from the first state to the second state. The camera according to claim 8, wherein
A release button for accepting an instruction regarding shooting from the user;
The control unit, when in the second state, stops the photographing operation of the camera unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the release button was pressed. The camera according to claim 8, wherein
A release button for accepting an instruction regarding shooting from the user;
The control unit, when in the second state, stops displaying on the display unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the release button was pressed. The camera according to claim 8, wherein
A release button for accepting an instruction regarding shooting from the user;
The control unit, when in the second state, shifts to the first state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the release button was pressed. The camera according to claim 8, wherein
The camera further comprising: a shooting setting unit that adjusts a shooting condition of the recording image based on an output of the camera unit when in the second state. The camera according to claim 8, wherein
And a shooting setting unit configured to drive the imaging unit before shooting the recording image and adjust a shooting condition of the recording image based on an output of the imaging unit when in the second state. Camera characterized by.

Images