JP2009122340A - Camera system and camera body - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system capable of improving convenience in zoom operation without causing system failure when connecting an interchangeable lens unit which is equipped with a motor-driven zoom function and has a zoom operation lever to a camera body which has a zoom operation lever, and to provide the camera body. <P>SOLUTION: The camera system includes the interchangeable lens unit and the camera body. The camera body has the zoom operation lever, and the interchangeable lens unit copes with motor-driven zoom and has the zoom operation lever. A body microcomputer of the camera body makes the zoom operation lever on either the camera body side or the interchangeable lens unit side effective according to either a finder photographing mode or a monitor photographing mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera system capable of exchanging lenses and a camera body.

  In recent years, digital single-lens reflex cameras that can convert an optical image of a subject into an electrical image signal and output the signal are rapidly spreading. With this digital single-lens reflex camera, when observing a subject using a viewfinder by a user, the light path (that is, the subject image) is reflected by a reflecting mirror disposed on the photographing optical path after the lens, thereby changing the optical path. The object image through the lens can be viewed from the optical viewfinder by changing the image and introducing the image upright through a pentaprism or the like to the optical viewfinder. Therefore, normally, the position where the finder optical path is formed is the fixed position of the reflecting mirror.

  On the other hand, when the lens is used for shooting, the position of the reflecting mirror is instantly changed and retracted from the shooting optical path to switch the finder optical path to the shooting optical path. . This method is the same for both conventional silver salt cameras and digital cameras as long as they are single lens reflex systems.

  One of the features of digital cameras is that you can shoot while looking at a display device (for example, a liquid crystal monitor) at the time of shooting, and you can check the shot image immediately after shooting. If used, there is a problem that the liquid crystal monitor cannot be used during photographing. As described above, since it is impossible to shoot using the liquid crystal monitor, it is necessary to take a picture through the viewfinder, so that it is very difficult to use especially for beginners who are unfamiliar with digital camera shooting. In recent years, functions such as moving image shooting as well as still image shooting are desired. In a digital single-lens reflex camera equipped with a moving image shooting function, it is predicted that the digital single-lens reflex camera is roughly divided into those corresponding to moving images or those not corresponding to moving images. As an interchangeable lens corresponding to a moving image, for example, a lens is devised so that the sound is quiet when driving the focus and zoom, and the sound is not recorded in a microphone during moving image shooting. On the other hand, as an interchangeable lens that does not support moving images, for example, a lens that produces a loud sound when driving focus or zoom, and that sound is recorded in a microphone during moving image shooting. Further, among interchangeable lenses that support moving image shooting, those equipped with an electric zoom that drives a zoom lens system by a motor are conceivable.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an interchangeable lens type digital single-lens reflex camera can shoot while looking at a liquid crystal monitor.

Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration for displaying a moving image on a display unit in an interchangeable lens type digital single-lens reflex camera.
JP 2001-125173 A JP 2005-311695 A

  When an interchangeable lens equipped with an electric zoom function is mounted on an interchangeable lens single-lens reflex camera, it is common to perform a zoom operation with a zoom operation lever provided on the main body side. However, an interchangeable lens equipped with an electric zoom function may have a zoom operation lever on the interchangeable lens side. When such an interchangeable lens is connected to a camera body having a zoom operation lever, the zoom operation lever There is a problem of competing and system failure. In addition, there are two cases of digital single-lens reflex cameras when shooting while looking at the LCD monitor and when shooting while looking through the viewfinder, but there is another problem that it is necessary to perform zoom operations appropriate to each case. There is also.

  However, there is no disclosure of these problems in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and the system breaks down when an interchangeable lens unit equipped with an electric zoom function and having a zoom operation lever is connected to a camera body having a zoom operation lever. It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera system and a camera body that are free from problems. Another invention is a camera that is equipped with an electric zoom function and can improve the convenience of zoom operation when an interchangeable lens unit having a zoom operation lever is connected to a camera body having a zoom operation lever. An object is to provide a system and a camera body.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the camera body according to the first invention operates the optical zoom when a lens barrel that can be attached and detached and a lens barrel that can be electrically optically zoomed are mounted. A main body side zoom operation unit, and the attached lens barrel has information on whether or not electric optical zoom is possible and a lens side zoom operation unit for operating the optical zoom. Lens information including whether or not the lens is present is acquired from the lens barrel, and the attached lens barrel has a lens-side zoom operation unit that is capable of electric optical zooming and that operates the optical zoom. In this case, a control unit that causes either one of the main body side zoom operation unit and the lens side zoom operation unit to function as a zoom operation unit for optical zoom is provided.

  As a result, even when both the camera body and the attached lens barrel are equipped with a zoom operation unit that operates optical zoom, only one of the zoom operation units functions, so system conflicts can be avoided and zoom operation can be avoided. Convenience can be improved.

  A camera body according to a second invention is the camera body according to the first invention, further comprising a finder and a monitor, a finder photographing mode for taking an image while taking an eye on the finder, and a monitor for taking an image without taking an eye on the finder When shooting in the finder shooting mode, the control unit causes the lens side zoom operation unit to function as a zoom operation unit for optical zoom, and when shooting in the monitor shooting mode, The operation unit functions as a zoom operation unit for optical zoom.

  Accordingly, it is possible to perform a zoom operation suitable for the user's photographing posture by making the camera body easy to hold and the zoom operation easy.

  A camera body according to a third aspect of the invention is the camera body according to the second aspect of the invention, further comprising a photographing mode selection unit for selecting one of a finder photographing mode and a monitor photographing mode.

  Thus, the user can easily select the shooting mode according to the shooting situation.

  A camera body according to a fourth invention is the camera body according to the second invention, further comprising an eyepiece detection unit in the vicinity of the viewfinder, and selecting a shooting mode according to a detection result of the eyepiece detection unit.

  This eliminates the need for the user to manually select the shooting mode, so that quick switching is possible even when shooting in the monitor shooting mode and suddenly switching to the viewfinder shooting mode.

  A camera system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes the camera body according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention and a lens barrel.

  Accordingly, even when both the camera body and the attached lens barrel are equipped with a zoom operation unit for operating the optical zoom, it is possible to provide a camera system that can avoid system conflicts and improve the convenience of zoom operation.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a camera system and a camera body that do not break down when an interchangeable lens unit having an electric zoom function and having a zoom operation lever is connected to the camera body having a zoom operation lever. be able to. According to another invention, the convenience of zoom operation can be improved when an interchangeable lens unit having an electric zoom function and having a zoom operation lever is connected to a camera body having a zoom operation lever. A camera system and a camera body can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<1: Overall configuration of camera system>
The overall configuration of the camera system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the camera system 1. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the camera body 3. FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the camera body 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the camera system 1 is an interchangeable lens type digital single-lens reflex camera system. The camera system 1 mainly includes a camera body 3 having the main functions of the camera system 1 and is detachably attached to the camera body 3. And an interchangeable lens unit (lens barrel) 2. The interchangeable lens unit 2 is attached to a body mount 4 provided on the front surface of the camera body 3 via a lens mount 79.

(1.1: Camera body)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera body 3 mainly includes an imaging unit 71 that images a subject, and a body microcomputer (control unit) 10 as a body control unit that controls the operation of each unit such as the imaging unit 71. The image display unit 72 displays captured images and various information, the image storage unit 73 stores image data, and the viewfinder optical system 22 that visually recognizes a subject image.

  The imaging unit 71 mainly includes a quick return mirror 23 that guides incident light to the finder optical system 22 and the focus detection unit 5, an imaging sensor 11 such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that performs photoelectric conversion, and an exposure state of the imaging sensor 11. A shutter unit 33 that adjusts the image, a shutter control unit 31 that controls driving of the shutter unit 33 based on a control signal from the body microcomputer 10, an image sensor drive control unit 12 that controls the operation of the image sensor 11, and a focus ( And a focus detection unit 5 for detecting the in-focus state of the subject image. The focus detection unit 5 performs focus detection by, for example, a general phase difference detection method. As for the focus detection method, either the phase difference detection method using the focus detection unit 5 described above or the contrast detection method based on the image signal output from the imaging sensor 11 is used depending on the use status of the camera system 1. Used. In the case of the contrast detection method, the body microcomputer 10 obtains a contrast value and detects the focus. That is, it can be said that the body microcomputer 10 includes a contrast detection unit. The focus detection result is transmitted to a lens microcomputer 40 described later, and is used for driving a second lens group (hereinafter also referred to as “focus lens group”) L2.

  The imaging sensor 11 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor that converts an optical image formed by the imaging optical system L into an electrical signal. The image sensor 11 is driven and controlled by a timing signal generated by the image sensor drive control unit 12. The imaging sensor 11 may be a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor.

  The body microcomputer 10 is a control device that controls the center of the camera body 3 and controls various sequences. Specifically, the body microcomputer 10 is equipped with a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and the body microcomputer 10 can realize various functions by reading a program stored in the ROM into the CPU. For example, the body microcomputer 10 acquires information essential for controlling the camera system 1 such as a function of detecting that the interchangeable lens unit 2 is attached to the camera body 3 or focal length information from the interchangeable lens unit 2. A function for controlling the operation of the interchangeable lens unit 2 is provided. Further, the body microcomputer 10 indicates whether or not the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with electric zoom, and if the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with electric zoom, information on whether or not the interchangeable lens unit 2 has a zoom operation lever. It has a function to acquire from the interchangeable lens unit 2. Furthermore, a function for determining whether or not the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with moving image shooting, and a function for setting the operation of the image sensor 11 to the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode via the image sensor drive control unit 12. You may have. As shown in FIG. 1, the body microcomputer 10 is connected to each part provided in the camera body 3.

  The body microcomputer 10 also includes a power switch 25, a release button 30, a zoom operation lever (B) (main body side zoom operation unit) 39, a mode switching dial 26, a cross operation key 27, a MENU setting button 28, and a SET shown in FIG. Signals of the button 29, the viewfinder switching button (shooting mode selection unit) 34, and the moving image shooting operation button 35 can be received. The body microcomputer 10 is an example of a main body control unit.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the memory 38 in the body microcomputer 10 stores various information (body information) related to the camera body 3. The body information includes, for example, the name of the camera body 3 manufacturer, the date of manufacture, the model number, the version of software installed in the body microcomputer 10, and information for identifying the camera body 3 such as information relating to firmware upgrade. Information on the model (camera specific information) is included. Note that the memory 38 can store information transmitted from the lens microcomputer 40.

  The body microcomputer 10 controls the entire camera system such as the image sensor 11 in accordance with the operation of the release button 30 or the like. The body microcomputer 10 transmits a vertical synchronization signal to the timing generator. In parallel with this, the body microcomputer 10 generates an exposure synchronization signal based on the vertical synchronization signal. The body microcomputer 10 periodically and repeatedly transmits the generated exposure synchronization signal to the lens microcomputer 40 via the body mount 4 and the lens mount 79.

  The body microcomputer 10 transmits a zoom operation signal based on the operation of the zoom operation lever (B) 39 to the lens microcomputer 40 via the body mount 4 and the lens mount 79, and the zoom microcomputer driving control unit 61 from the lens microcomputer 40. To move the first lens group (hereinafter also referred to as “zoom lens group”) L1 of the interchangeable lens unit 2 to the telephoto side or the wide-angle side.

  The body mount 4 can be mechanically and electrically connected to the lens mount 79 of the interchangeable lens unit 2. The body mount 4 can transmit and receive data to and from the interchangeable lens unit 2 via the lens mount 79. For example, the body mount 4 transmits the exposure synchronization signal received from the body microcomputer 10 to the lens microcomputer 40 via the lens mount 79. The body mount 4 transmits other control signals received from the body microcomputer 10 to the lens microcomputer 40 via the lens mount 79. The body mount 4 transmits a signal received from the lens microcomputer 40 via the lens mount 79 to the body microcomputer 10. The body mount 4 supplies power supplied from a power supply unit (not shown) to the entire interchangeable lens unit 2 via the lens mount 79.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 3a of the camera body 3 is supported by the user when photographing a subject. On the rear surface of the housing 3a, a display unit 20, a power switch 25, a mode switching dial 26, a cross operation key 27, a MENU setting button 28, a SET button 29, a finder switching button 34, and a video shooting operation are displayed. Button 35 is provided.

  The power switch 25 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the camera system 1 or the camera body 3. When the power is turned on by the power switch 25, power is supplied to each part of the camera body 3 and the interchangeable lens unit 2. The mode switching dial 26 is a dial for switching between a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, and a reproduction mode, and the user can switch the mode by rotating the mode switching dial 26. When the still image shooting mode is selected with the mode switching dial 26, the shooting mode can be switched to the still image shooting mode. When the moving image shooting mode is selected with the mode switching dial 26, the shooting mode is switched to the moving image shooting mode. be able to. In the movie shooting mode, movie shooting is basically possible. Further, when the playback mode is selected by the mode switching dial 26, the mode can be switched to the playback mode, and the captured image can be displayed on the display unit 20.

  The MENU setting button 28 is a button for setting various operations of the camera system 1. The cross operation key 27 is an operation member for the user to select a desired menu from various menu screens displayed on the display unit 20 by pressing the upper, lower, left, and right parts. The SET button 29 is a button for confirming execution of various menus. The finder switching button 34 is a button for switching between a finder photographing mode and a monitor photographing mode. The moving image shooting operation button 35 is a button for instructing start and stop of moving image shooting. Even when the shooting mode set in the mode switching dial 26 is the still image shooting mode or the playback mode, the moving image shooting operation button 35 is pressed. By pushing, the moving image shooting mode is forcibly started regardless of the setting contents in the mode switching dial 26. Further, when the moving image shooting operation button 35 is pressed in the moving image shooting mode, the moving image shooting is ended, and the mode is shifted to the still image shooting mode or the reproduction mode.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, a release button 30 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 3a. When the release button 30 is operated, a timing signal is output to the body microcomputer 10. The release button 30 is a two-stage switch that can be pressed halfway and fully. When the user presses the release button 30 halfway, photometric processing and distance measurement processing are started. Further, by this half-pressing operation, power is supplied to each part including the body microcomputer 10 and the lens microcomputer 40. Subsequently, when the user fully presses the release button 30, a timing signal is output to the body microcomputer 10. The shutter control unit 31 drives the shutter drive motor 32 and operates the shutter unit 33 according to the control signal output from the body microcomputer 10 that has received the timing signal.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, a zoom operation lever (B) 39 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 3a. When the zoom operation lever (B) 39 is operated in the right direction ("T" direction in FIG. 3A), the body microcomputer 10 sends the zoom operation signal to the body based on the operation of the zoom operation lever (B) 39. The data is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 40 via the mount 4 and the lens mount 79. The lens microcomputer 40 that has received the zoom operation signal sends a command to the zoom lens drive control unit 61 to move the zoom lens group L1 of the interchangeable lens unit 2 to the telephoto side. On the other hand, when the zoom operation lever (B) 39 is operated in the left direction (the “W” direction in FIG. 3A), the body microcomputer 10 performs a zoom operation signal based on the operation of the zoom operation lever (B) 39. Is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 40 via the body mount 4 and the lens mount 79. The lens microcomputer 40 that has received the zoom operation signal sends a command to the zoom lens drive control unit 61 to move the zoom lens group L1 of the interchangeable lens unit 2 to the wide angle side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the still image shooting mode, the body microcomputer 10 that has received the timing signal by operating the release button 30 outputs a control signal to the strobe controller 47. Then, the strobe controller 47 causes the strobe 48 composed of LEDs or the like to emit light based on the control signal. The strobe 48 is controlled according to the amount of light received by the image sensor 11. That is, the strobe control unit 47 automatically emits light in conjunction with the shutter operation when the output of the image signal from the imaging sensor 11 is a predetermined value or less. On the other hand, when the output of the image signal is equal to or greater than a certain value, the strobe control unit 47 performs control so that the strobe 48 does not emit light.

  The strobe switch 49 is an operation unit for setting the operation of the strobe 48 regardless of the output of the imaging sensor 11 described above. That is, the strobe controller 47 causes the strobe 48 to emit light when the strobe switch 49 is “ON”, and does not cause the strobe 48 to emit light when it is “OFF”.

  Further, in the moving image shooting mode, the strobe 48 constituted by an LED or the like functions as a video light by operating the release button 30 or the moving image shooting operation button 35, and the light is directed toward the subject during moving image shooting. Irradiate.

  The image signal (still image or moving image) output from the image sensor 11 is sequentially transferred from the analog signal processing unit 13 to the A / D conversion unit 14, the digital signal processing unit 15, the buffer memory 16, and the image compression unit 17. Sent and processed. The analog signal processing unit 13 performs analog signal processing such as gamma processing on the image signal output from the imaging sensor 11. The A / D conversion unit 14 converts the analog signal output from the analog signal processing unit 13 into a digital signal. The digital signal processing unit 15 performs digital signal processing such as noise removal and edge enhancement on the image signal converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 14. The buffer memory 16 is a RAM and temporarily stores an image signal.

  The image signals stored in the buffer memory 16 are sequentially sent from the image compression unit 17 to the image recording unit 18 for processing. The image signal stored in the buffer memory 16 is read by a command from the image recording control unit 19 and transmitted to the image compression unit 17. The image signal data transmitted to the image compression unit 17 is compressed in accordance with a command from the image recording control unit 19. The image signal has a smaller data size than the original data by this compression processing. As a compression method, in the case of a still image, for example, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method is used. In the case of moving images, for example, a moving picture experts group (MPEG) method is used. The compressed image signal is recorded in the image recording unit 18 by the image recording control unit 19.

  The image recording unit 18 is, for example, an internal memory and / or a removable memory that records an image signal in association with predetermined information to be recorded based on a command from the image recording control unit 19. Note that the predetermined information to be recorded together with the image signal includes date and time when the image was captured, focal length information, shutter speed information, aperture value information, shooting mode information, and the like. The format of these information is, for example, a format similar to the Exif (registered trademark) format or the Exif (registered trademark) format.

  The display unit 20 is a liquid crystal monitor, for example, and displays an image signal recorded in the image recording unit 18 or the buffer memory 16 as a visible image based on a command from the image display control unit 21. Here, the display form of the display unit 20 includes a display form in which only an image signal is displayed as a visible image, and a display form in which the image signal and information at the time of shooting are displayed as a visible image. The display unit 20 may be a variable angle monitor that can freely change the angle with respect to the housing 3 a of the camera body 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the quick return mirror 23 includes a main mirror 23a that can reflect and transmit incident light, and a sub mirror 23b that is provided on the back side of the main mirror 23a and reflects transmitted light from the main mirror 23a. The quick return mirror control unit 36 can be flipped up outside the optical axis AZ. The incident light is divided into two light beams by the main mirror 23 a, and the reflected light beam is guided to the finder optical system 22. On the other hand, the transmitted light beam is reflected by the sub mirror 23 b and used as the AF light beam of the focus detection unit 5. During normal shooting, the quick return mirror control unit 36 causes the quick return mirror 23 to jump up outside the optical axis AZ, and the shutter unit 33 is opened to form a subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging sensor 11. . When not photographing, the quick return mirror 23 is disposed on the optical axis AZ as shown in FIG. 1, and the shutter unit 33 is closed.

  The finder optical system 22 includes a finder screen 6 on which a subject image is formed, a pentaprism 7 that converts the subject image into an erect image, an eyepiece lens 8 that guides the erect image of the subject to the finder eyepiece window 9, and the user It is composed of a finder eyepiece window 9 for observing an image.

(1.2: Interchangeable lens unit)
As shown in FIG. 1, the interchangeable lens unit 2 mainly includes an imaging optical system L for connecting a subject image to the imaging sensor 11 in the camera system 1, a zoom lens drive control unit 61 that changes the imaging magnification, and focusing. And a lens microcomputer 40 as a lens control unit that controls the operation of the interchangeable lens unit 2.

  The zoom lens drive control unit 61 drives and controls the first lens unit L1 that adjusts the photographing magnification to the telephoto side or the wide angle side. The focus lens group drive control unit 41 mainly drives and controls a later-described second lens group L2 that adjusts the focus. The aperture drive control unit 42 controls the drive of the aperture unit 43 that mainly adjusts the aperture or opening.

  The lens microcomputer 40 is a control device that controls the center of the interchangeable lens unit 2, and is connected to each part mounted on the interchangeable lens unit 2. Specifically, the lens microcomputer 40 is equipped with a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and various functions can be realized by reading a program stored in the ROM into the CPU. In addition, the body microcomputer 10 and the lens microcomputer 40 are electrically connected via an electrical section (not shown) provided in the lens mount 79, so that information can be transmitted and received between them.

  Further, the interchangeable lens unit 2 includes a zoom operation lever (A) (lens side zoom operation unit) 64 and a zoom operation lever (A) detection unit 65. As will be described later, the zoom operation lever (A) 64 is a lever for adjusting the photographing magnification to the telephoto side or the wide angle side by operating the lever. When the zoom operation lever (A) 64 is operated, it is detected that the zoom operation lever (A) detection unit 65 is operated to the telephoto side or the wide angle side, and the operation information is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 40. When the lens microcomputer 40 determines from the operation information that the zoom operation lever (A) 64 is operated to the telephoto side, the lens microcomputer 40 controls the movement of the zoom lens group L1 to the telephoto side via the zoom lens drive control unit 61. Let On the other hand, when the lens microcomputer 40 determines from the operation information that the zoom operation lever (A) 64 is operated to the wide angle side, the lens microcomputer 40 moves the zoom lens group L1 to the wide angle side via the zoom lens drive control unit 61. Move control.

  The memory 44 in the lens microcomputer 40 stores various information (lens information) related to the interchangeable lens unit 2. Specific contents of the various information will be described later. The various information stored in the memory 44 is sent to the camera body 3 side when the interchangeable lens unit 2 is attached to the camera body 3 for use during shooting.

(1.3: Information on interchangeable lens units)
Here, information regarding the interchangeable lens unit 2 will be described. Various information (lens information) about the interchangeable lens unit 2 is stored in the memory 44 in the lens microcomputer 40. Specifically, focal length information indicating the maximum value and minimum value (focal length variable range) of the interchangeable lens unit 2, object point distance information, or the like is stored in the memory 44.

  Further, the memory 44 stores information regarding whether or not the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with the above-described moving image shooting. This information is recorded at a predetermined address in the memory 44 (for example, a spare address that is not normally used).

  Whether the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with moving image shooting may be determined, for example, based on whether or not the second lens group L2 as the focus lens group is capable of wobbling (micro reciprocating vibration). If the second lens unit L2 is supported by a guide pole and the second lens unit L2 is directly driven by an ultrasonic actuator or the like, it can be determined that wobbling is possible. Therefore, the driving method of the second lens unit L2 may be used as information regarding whether or not the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with moving image shooting.

  Furthermore, when the focus lens group is wobbled, a configuration in which the magnification change amount of the image on the image sensor 11 is equal to or less than a predetermined value may be used as a criterion for determining whether or not the movie shooting is supported.

  In addition, being able to handle moving image shooting means that the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with a contrast detection method. Therefore, information regarding whether or not the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with moving image shooting may be information regarding whether or not the contrast detection method can be used.

  Further, information regarding whether or not the electronic zoom is supported and information regarding whether or not the zoom operation lever is provided are also stored in the memory 44. The case corresponding to the electric zoom is a case where the zoom lens group L1 is configured to be moved and controlled by the zoom lens drive control unit 61. The zoom lens group L1 is driven by a stepping motor, a DC motor, an electromagnetic linear motor, an ultrasonic motor, or the like. The zoom lens drive control unit 61 includes these actuators and a circuit that supplies power to the actuators to control speed or position. The zoom operation lever is a lever that can detect the operation state of the zoom operation lever and electrically control the movement of the zoom lens group L1 using the actuator as described above.

  When these pieces of information are stored in the interchangeable lens unit 2, when the camera is attached to the camera body 3, the body microcomputer 10 on the camera body 3 side determines whether or not movie shooting is possible. Further, it is determined whether or not the electronic zoom is supported and whether or not the zoom operation lever is provided. Further, the focus speed, the minimum resolution, and the like may be individually stored according to the performance of the focus lens group driving actuator such as an ultrasonic actuator, and the optimum focus performance may be set in combination with the camera body 3. For example, the camera system 1 automatically sets the frame rate (30 fps, 60 fps, etc.) at the time of moving image shooting, the number of recording pixels, etc. according to the focus performance.

  These pieces of information are transmitted from the lens microcomputer 40 to the body microcomputer 10 when the interchangeable lens unit 2 is attached to the camera body 3. Thereby, the body microcomputer 10 can grasp various information of the interchangeable lens unit 2.

<2: Operation of the camera system>
Hereinafter, the photographing operation of the camera system 1 configured as described above will be described.

  4 and 5 are conceptual diagrams at the time of imaging in the camera system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the finder photographing mode, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the monitor photographing mode.

(2.1: State before imaging)
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, light from a subject (not shown) passes through the interchangeable lens unit 2 and enters a main mirror 23a that is a semi-transmissive mirror. A part of the light incident on the main mirror 23a is reflected and incident on the finder screen 6, and the remaining light is transmitted and incident on the sub mirror 23b. The light incident on the finder screen 6 is formed as a subject image. This subject image is converted into an erect image by the pentaprism 7 and enters the eyepiece 8. As a result, the user can observe an erect image of the subject through the viewfinder eyepiece window 9. Further, the light incident on the sub mirror 23 b is reflected and enters the focus detection unit 5.

(2.2: Viewfinder shooting mode and monitor shooting mode)
The camera system 1 has two shooting modes, that is, a finder shooting mode and a monitor shooting mode. The viewfinder shooting mode is a mode in which the user takes a picture while observing the viewfinder eyepiece window 9, and is a normal shooting mode in a conventional single-lens reflex camera. The monitor shooting mode is a mode in which the user shoots while observing the display unit 20 such as a liquid crystal monitor.

  In the finder photographing mode, as shown in FIG. 4, the quick return mirror 23 is disposed at a predetermined position in the optical axis AZ, and the subject light is guided to the finder optical system 22, so that the user can view the finder eyepiece. A subject image can be observed from the window 9. During actual photographing, the quick return mirror 23 is flipped up outside the optical axis AZ, and the shutter unit 33 is opened to form a subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging sensor 11.

  On the other hand, in the monitor photographing mode, the quick return mirror 23 is retracted from the optical axis AZ as shown in FIG. As a result, an image of the subject, a so-called through image, is displayed on the display unit 20 via the imaging sensor 11.

(2.3: Operation in viewfinder shooting mode)
The shooting operation of the camera system 1 will be described. A driving sequence in the finder photographing mode in which the user shoots through the finder eyepiece window 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When shooting in the finder shooting mode, the user operates the finder switching button 34 provided on the back surface of the housing 3a to select the finder shooting mode as the shooting mode.

  When the user presses the release button 30 halfway, power is supplied to the body microcomputer 10 and various units in the camera system 1. The body microcomputer 10 in the camera system 1 that is activated by power supply receives various lens data from the lens microcomputer 40 in the interchangeable lens unit 2 that is also activated by power supply via the lens mount 79 and the body mount 4, and is built in. Is stored in the memory 38. Next, the body microcomputer 10 acquires a defocus amount (hereinafter referred to as “Df amount”) from the focus detection unit 5 and instructs the lens microcomputer 40 to drive the focus lens group L2 by the Df amount. . The lens microcomputer 40 controls the focus lens group drive control unit 41 to operate the second lens group L2 by the amount of Df. As described above, while the focus detection and the driving of the second lens group L2 are repeated, the Df amount becomes small, and when it becomes equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the body microcomputer 10 determines that it is in focus, and the second lens group L2 is driven. Is stopped.

  Thereafter, when the release button 30 is fully pressed by the user, the body microcomputer 10 sets the aperture value to the lens microcomputer 40 based on the output from the photometric sensor (not shown). Instruct. Then, the lens microcomputer 40 controls the aperture drive control unit 42 to narrow the aperture to the instructed aperture value. Simultaneously with the aperture value instruction, the body microcomputer 10 causes the quick return mirror controller 36 to retract the quick return mirror 23 from the optical axis AZ. After the retraction of the quick return mirror 23 is completed, the imaging sensor drive control unit 12 instructs to drive the imaging sensor 11 and instructs the operation of the shutter unit 33. Note that the image sensor drive control unit 12 exposes the image sensor 11 for the time of the shutter speed calculated based on the output from the photometric sensor.

  After the exposure is completed, the image data read from the image sensor 11 by the image sensor drive control unit 12 is displayed as a captured image on the display unit 20 after executing predetermined image processing. Further, the image data read from the image sensor 11 and subjected to predetermined image processing is written as image data in a storage medium via the image recording unit 18. Further, after the exposure is completed, the quick return mirror 23 and the shutter unit 33 are reset to the initial positions. The body microcomputer 10 instructs the lens microcomputer 40 to reset the aperture to the open position, and the lens microcomputer 40 issues a reset command to each unit. After the reset is completed, the lens microcomputer 40 notifies the reset to the body microcomputer 10. The body microcomputer 10 waits for the reset completion information from the lens microcomputer 40 and the completion of the series of processes after exposure, and then confirms that the state of the release button 30 is not depressed and ends the photographing sequence. .

(2.4: Monitor shooting mode operation)
Next, a drive sequence in the monitor photographing mode in which the user photographs using the display unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When shooting using the display unit 20, the user operates the finder switching button 34 to select the monitor shooting mode. When the monitor photographing mode is set, the body microcomputer 10 retracts the quick return mirror 23 from the optical axis AZ. Thereby, light from the subject reaches the image sensor 11. The imaging sensor 11 can convert light from a subject imaged on the imaging sensor 11 into image data, obtain it as image data, and output it. Image data read from the image sensor 11 by the image sensor drive control unit 12 is displayed as a captured image on the display unit 20 after predetermined image processing is executed. In this way, by displaying the captured image on the display unit 20, the user can follow the subject without looking through the viewfinder eyepiece window 9.

  As for the monitor photographing mode, when the moving image photographing mode is selected by the mode switching dial 26, the monitor photographing mode is automatically shifted to the monitor photographing mode. Further, when the moving image shooting operation button 35 is pressed, the monitor shooting mode is automatically entered. Further, in a camera such as an LCD monitor in which the display unit 20 is openable / closable, when the user opens the display unit 20, the monitor photographing mode may be automatically shifted.

  In this monitor photographing mode, as a focusing method, contrast-type autofocus is used based on image data generated by the image sensor 11 instead of the phase difference detection method using the focus detection unit 5. By using a contrast method as a method of autofocus operation in the monitor photographing mode using the display unit 20, a highly accurate focus operation can be realized as a camera system. In this monitor photographing mode, since image data is constantly generated by the image sensor 11, it is easier to perform a contrast-type autofocus operation using the image data than in the conventional phase difference detection method. is there.

  Here, the autofocus operation using the contrast method will be described.

  When performing the contrast autofocus operation, the body microcomputer 10 requests the lens microcomputer 40 for data for contrast AF. The contrast AF data is data necessary for the contrast type autofocus operation, and includes, for example, a focus drive speed, a focus shift amount, an image magnification, and contrast AF availability information.

  The body microcomputer 10 periodically generates a vertical synchronization signal. In parallel with this, the body microcomputer 10 generates an exposure synchronization signal based on the vertical synchronization signal. This is because the body microcomputer 10 knows in advance the exposure start timing and the exposure end timing on the basis of the vertical synchronization signal, so that the exposure synchronization signal can be generated. The body microcomputer 10 outputs a vertical synchronization signal to a timing generator (not shown) and outputs an exposure synchronization signal to the lens microcomputer 40. The lens microcomputer 40 acquires position information of the second lens group L2 in synchronization with the exposure synchronization signal.

  The image sensor drive control unit 12 periodically generates a readout signal and an electronic shutter drive signal from the image sensor 11 based on the vertical synchronization signal. The image sensor drive control unit 12 drives the image sensor 11 based on the readout signal and the electronic shutter drive signal. That is, the imaging sensor 11 reads out pixel data generated by a large number of photoelectric conversion elements (not shown) in the imaging sensor 11 to a vertical transfer unit (not shown) in accordance with the readout signal.

  In the still image shooting mode, the body microcomputer 10 of the camera system 1 is moved from the lens microcomputer 40 in the interchangeable lens unit 2 via the lens mount 79 and the body mount 4 by the user's half-pressing operation of the release button 30. Various lens data are received and stored in the built-in memory 38. The body microcomputer 10 transmits an autofocus start command to the lens microcomputer 40. When the release button 30 is pressed halfway, the autofocus start command is a command indicating that the contrast type autofocus operation is started. Based on this command, the lens microcomputer 40 drives and controls the second lens group L2 in the direction along the optical axis AZ. The body microcomputer 10 calculates an evaluation value for autofocus operation (hereinafter referred to as “AF evaluation value”) based on the received image data. Specifically, a luminance signal is obtained from the image data generated by the image sensor 11, and high-frequency components in the screen of the luminance signal are integrated to obtain an AF evaluation value. The calculated AF evaluation value is an exposure synchronization signal. Are stored in a DRAM (not shown) in a state of being associated with each other. The lens position information acquired from the lens microcomputer 40 is also associated with the exposure synchronization signal. Therefore, the body microcomputer 10 can store the AF evaluation value in association with the lens position information.

  Next, the body microcomputer 10 obtains a contrast peak based on the AF evaluation value stored in the DRAM and monitors whether or not the in-focus point has been extracted. Specifically, the position of the second lens unit L2 at which the AF evaluation value is a maximum value is extracted as the focal point. A hill-climbing method is generally used as this lens driving method.

  In this state, the camera system 1 displays the image indicated by the image data generated by the imaging sensor 11 on the display unit 20 as a through image. Since the through image is displayed as a moving image on the display unit 20, the user can determine a composition for capturing a still image while viewing the display unit 20.

  Thereafter, when the release button 30 is fully pressed by the user, the body microcomputer 10 instructs the lens microcomputer 40 to set the aperture value to the aperture value calculated based on the output from the photometric sensor (not shown). To do. Then, the lens microcomputer 40 controls the aperture drive control unit 42 to narrow the aperture to the instructed aperture value. The imaging sensor drive control unit 12 instructs driving of the imaging sensor 11 and instructs the operation of the shutter unit 33. Note that the imaging sensor drive control unit 12 exposes the imaging sensor 11 for a predetermined shutter speed time calculated from the output of the imaging sensor 11.

  After the exposure is completed, the image data read from the image sensor 11 by the image sensor drive control unit 12 is displayed as a captured image on the display unit 20 after executing predetermined image processing. The image data read from the image sensor 11 and subjected to predetermined image processing is written as image data in a storage medium via the image recording unit 18. Further, after the exposure is completed, the quick return mirror 23 is in a state of being retracted from the optical axis AZ, so that the user can continuously view the subject as a captured image on the display unit 20 in the monitor imaging mode. it can.

  Similarly, in the moving image shooting mode, moving image recording can be performed by the user's full pressing operation of the release button 30. In any mode, the moving image recording operation button 35 can be pressed to record a moving image. Furthermore, when the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with moving image shooting, when the interchangeable lens unit 2 is attached to the camera body 3, it may be automatically shifted to the moving image shooting mode.

  Further, when canceling the monitor photographing mode, the user operates the finder switching button 34 to shift to the finder photographing mode in which the photographing is performed while looking through the finder eyepiece window 9. When the mode is switched to the finder photographing mode, the quick return mirror 23 is returned to a predetermined position in the optical axis AZ. Also, when the power source of the camera system 1 is turned off, the quick return mirror 23 is returned to a predetermined position in the optical axis AZ.

(2.5: Zoom operation lever selection operation)
The camera body 3 determines whether to select the zoom operation lever (A) 64 mounted on the interchangeable lens unit 2 or the zoom operation lever (B) 39 mounted on the camera body 3 in the camera body 3. Processing in the microcomputer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows the selection of either the zoom operation lever (A) 64 mounted on the interchangeable lens unit 2 of the camera system 1 according to the first embodiment or the zoom operation lever (B) 39 mounted on the camera body 3. It is a flowchart which shows the specific operation | movement flow about the process of making it do.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the user first operates the finder switching button 34 provided on the back surface of the housing 3a to shoot as a finder shooting mode (hereinafter also referred to as “EVF mode”), or the monitor A case of shooting as a shooting mode (hereinafter also referred to as “LCD mode”) is selected (step S1). If the EVF mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if the LCD mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S4.

  When the EVF mode is selected, the zoom operation lever (A) mounted on the interchangeable lens unit 2 is validated (step S2). Next, the fact that the zoom operation lever (A) is effective is displayed on the display unit 20, for example (step S3), and the process is terminated. When the LCD mode is selected, the zoom operation lever (B) mounted on the camera body 3 is validated (step S4). Next, the fact that the zoom operation lever (B) is valid is displayed on, for example, the display unit 20 (step S5), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, when the zoom operation lever is attached to both the interchangeable lens unit 2 and the camera body 3, the camera body 3 performs the zoom operation on the interchangeable lens unit 2 side depending on whether the shooting mode is the EVF mode or the LCD mode. A determination process is performed as to whether to select the lever (A) or the zoom operation lever (B) on the camera body 3 side.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the zoom operation lever (A) mounted on the interchangeable lens unit 2 side is selected under the condition that the user takes an image while observing the eyepiece window 9 as in the EVF mode. To set the zoom operation. In the EVF mode, for example, the camera body 3 is supported with the right hand and the interchangeable lens unit 2 is supported with the left hand, so the zoom operation lever (A on the interchangeable lens unit 2 side in a stable state while supporting the interchangeable lens unit 2 with the left hand). ) 64 can be operated to perform a zoom operation. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the zoom operation lever (B) mounted on the camera body side is selected under the condition of taking an image while looking away from the camera body 3 and viewing the display unit 20 as in the LCD mode. Set to zoom. In the LCD mode, since the camera body 3 is taken away from the camera, the left and right hands do not hang on the interchangeable lens unit 2, and the camera body 3 is held with both hands, so the camera body 3 is supported with the right hand. The zoom operation can be performed by operating the zoom operation lever (B) 39 on the camera body 3 side in a stable state.

  In the above description, the user operates the finder switching button 34 provided on the back surface of the housing 3a to select the EVF mode or the LCD mode. It is not limited. For example, an eyepiece detection unit (not shown) that detects whether or not the user has touched the eyepiece eyepiece 9 near the finder eyepiece window 9 may be provided, and the photographing mode may be switched based on information from the eyepiece detection unit. . This eliminates the need for the user to manually select the shooting mode, so that quick switching is possible even when shooting in the LCD mode and suddenly switching to the EVF mode.

(2.6: Zoom operation and focus operation)
Next, the operation of the interchangeable lens unit 2 when the user performs a zoom operation and a focus operation will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the zoom operation lever (A) 64 is operated by the user, the zoom operation lever (A) detector 65 has operated the zoom operation lever (A) 64 to the telephoto side (64T). It is detected whether the zoom operation has been performed to the wide angle side (64 W). When the lens microcomputer 40 is zoomed to the telephoto side (64T) based on the detection result, the lens microcomputer 40 moves and controls the zoom lens group L1 to the telephoto side via the zoom lens drive control unit 61, and to the wide angle side (64W). When the zoom operation is performed, the zoom lens group L1 is moved and controlled to the wide angle side via the zoom lens drive control unit 61.

  When the focus ring 67 is rotated by the user, the second rotation angle detection unit 68 detects the rotation angle of the focus ring 67 and outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle. The lens microcomputer 40 transmits a drive signal for driving the focus lens group L2 to the focus lens group drive control unit 41 based on the focus ring rotation angle signal. When the second rotation angle detection unit 68 detects that the rotation direction of the focus ring 67 has been rotated to infinity, the lens microcomputer 40 passes the focus lens group drive control unit 41 based on the detection result. The focus lens group L2 is moved and controlled to the infinity side. When the second rotation angle detection unit 68 detects that the rotation direction of the focus ring 67 has been rotated to the closest side, the lens microcomputer 40 passes the focus lens group drive control unit 41 based on the detection result. The focus lens group L2 is moved and controlled to the closest side.

  The lens side operation unit for zoom operation may be a zoom ring 69 having a rotational structure similar to the focus ring 67 as shown in FIG. The operation of the zoom ring 69 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system equipped with an interchangeable lens unit in which the zoom ring 69 is mounted as a lens side operation unit. In this case, the rotation direction and rotation angle of the zoom ring 69 are detected by the zoom ring rotation angle detector 70. The lens microcomputer 40 controls the movement of the zoom lens group L1 via the zoom lens drive control unit 61 based on the detection result. As shown in FIG. 8, when the zoom ring 69 is operated by the user, the zoom ring rotation angle detector 70 detects the rotation direction and rotation angle of whether the zoom ring 69 has rotated to the telephoto side or to the wide angle side. The lens microcomputer 40 controls the movement of the zoom lens group L1 to the telephoto side via the zoom lens drive control unit 61 when rotated to the telephoto side based on this detection result, and when rotated to the wide angle side via the zoom lens drive control unit 61. The zoom lens group L1 is controlled to move to the wide-angle side via the zoom lens drive control unit 61. 8 and FIG. 9 are the same as those in FIG. 7 and FIG. 1, respectively, and the corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

(2.7: Focusing operation)
Next, the focus operation of the camera system 1 will be described. The camera system 1 has two focus modes, an autofocus shooting mode and a manual shooting mode.

  The user sets a predetermined shooting mode using an auto shooting mode or manual shooting mode setting button (not shown) provided in the interchangeable lens unit 2 or the camera body 3.

  In the auto shooting mode, the lens microcomputer 40 transmits a control signal to the focus lens group drive control unit 41 in response to the half-pressing operation of the release button 30 or the operation of the moving image shooting operation button 35, and the focus lens group L2. Move. The body microcomputer 10 transmits a command to the digital signal processing unit 15. The digital signal processing unit 15 transmits an image signal to the body microcomputer 10 at a predetermined timing based on the received command. Based on the received image signal and the focal length information received from the zoom operation lever (A) detector 65 or the zoom ring rotation angle detector 70 in advance, the body microcomputer 10 brings the imaging optical system L into focus. The amount of movement of the second lens unit L2 in the direction along the optical axis AZ is calculated. The body microcomputer 10 generates a control signal based on the calculation result. The body microcomputer 10 transmits a control signal to the focus lens group drive control unit 41.

  The focus lens group drive control unit 41 automatically moves the focus lens group L2 in the Z-axis direction based on a control signal from the body microcomputer 10.

  As described above, focusing in the autofocus shooting mode of the camera body 3 or the interchangeable lens unit 2 is performed. The above operation is executed instantaneously after the user half-presses the release button 30 or the moving image shooting operation button 35. When the user fully presses the release button 30 or operates the moving image shooting operation button 35, the body microcomputer 10 executes a shooting process and transmits a control signal to the image recording control unit 19 when shooting is completed. The image recording unit 18 records the image signal in the internal memory and / or the removable memory based on a command from the image recording control unit 19. Based on a command from the image recording control unit 19, the image recording unit 18 records information indicating that the shooting mode is the autofocus shooting mode together with the image signal in the internal memory and / or the removable memory.

  On the other hand, in the manual focus shooting mode, the lens microcomputer 40 requests the rotation angle information of the focus ring unit 66 from the focus lens group drive control unit 41. The lens microcomputer 40 generates a control signal for moving the second lens group L <b> 2 based on the detection value detected from the rotation angle of the focus ring 67. The lens microcomputer 40 transmits the generated control signal to the focus lens group drive control unit 41.

  The focus lens group drive control unit 41 moves the focus lens group L2 in the Z-axis direction based on a control signal from the lens microcomputer 40 in accordance with the rotation angle and rotation direction of the focus ring 67.

  As described above, focusing in the manual focus mode of the camera system 1 is performed. When the user fully presses the release button 30 or operates the moving image shooting operation button 35 in the manual focus mode, shooting is performed in that state.

  The body microcomputer 10 transmits a control signal to the image recording control unit 19 when photographing is completed. The image recording unit 18 records the image signal in the internal memory and / or the removable memory based on a command from the image recording control unit 19. Based on a command from the image recording control unit 19, the image recording unit 18 records information indicating that the shooting mode is the manual focus mode together with the image signal in the internal memory and / or the removable memory.

<3: Camera system features>
As described above, in this camera system 1, when an interchangeable lens having an electric zoom function and having a zoom operation lever is connected to a camera body having a zoom operation lever, the main body side zoom operation unit and the above-mentioned Since either one of the lens-side zoom operation units functions as a zoom operation member for optical zoom, the convenience of zoom operation can be improved without competing between the interchangeable lens and the zoom operation lever of the camera body to break down the system. Can do. That is, the convenience of the camera system 1 can be improved.

  Furthermore, the lens side zoom operation unit functions as a zoom operation member for optical zoom when taking a picture with the eyepiece in the viewfinder, and the main body side zoom operation part is used for the optical zoom when taking a picture without eyepiece in the viewfinder. Since it functions as a zoom operation member, it is possible to perform a zoom operation suitable for the shooting posture of the user by making both the ease of holding the camera body and the ease of zoom operation compatible.

  In this embodiment, the lens side zoom operation unit functions as a zoom operation member of the optical zoom when shooting with the eyepiece attached to the viewfinder, and the body side zoom operation is performed when shooting without the eyepiece attached to the viewfinder. The unit is made to function as a zoom operation member of the optical zoom, but it suffices to function so as to operate one of them.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a quick return mirror 23 is employed. However, the quick return mirror 23 can be omitted when focusing is possible by the contrast detection method. A camera system 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera system 1A. Components having substantially the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

<1: Overall configuration of camera system>
In FIG. 10, a camera system 1A is an interchangeable lens type digital single-lens reflex camera system. The camera system 1A mainly includes a camera body 3A having the main functions of the camera system 1A, and an exchange mounted removably on the camera body 3A. It consists of a lens unit 2. The interchangeable lens unit 2 is attached to a body mount 4 provided on the front surface of the camera body 3A via a lens mount 79 provided at the rearmost part.

  Compared with the camera body 3 shown in FIG. 1, the camera body 3 </ b> A shown in FIG. 10 omits the quick return mirror 23 that guides incident light from the imaging unit 71 to the finder optical system 22 and the focus detection unit 5. Instead, an electronic finder unit 95 such as a liquid crystal finder is provided. Similar to the display unit 20, the electronic viewfinder unit 95 can display the image signal recorded in the image recording unit 18 or the buffer memory 16 as a visible image based on a command from the image display control unit 21. . Thereby, even if the quick return mirror 23 is not mounted, the optical image of the subject formed by the imaging optical system L can be observed through the finder eyepiece window 9.

  In this case, the camera body 3A can be thinned in the optical axis AZ direction of the camera body 3A by omitting the finder optical system 22 and the quick return mirror 23. Furthermore, since the distance (lens back) from the lens at the rearmost part of the interchangeable lens unit 2 to the image sensor 11 can be shortened, the interchangeable lens unit 2 can be downsized.

  When the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with moving image shooting, the camera body 3A in FIG. 10 always uses a contrast method based on image data generated by the image sensor 11 as the focus detection method. it can. Thereby, an accurate focus operation can be realized. Furthermore, since the opening / closing operation of the quick return mirror 23 is not necessary, the focus operation can be speeded up and silenced, and it is possible to easily handle not only still image shooting but also movie shooting. It becomes.

  The interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with electric zoom. The zoom lens drive control unit 61 is configured to control the movement of the zoom lens group L1. The zoom lens group L1 is driven by a stepping motor, a DC motor, an electromagnetic linear motor, an ultrasonic motor, or the like. The zoom lens drive control unit 61 includes these actuators and a circuit that supplies power to the actuators to control speed or position. The interchangeable lens unit 2 includes a zoom operation lever (A) 64 and a zoom operation lever (A) detection unit. As described above, the zoom operation lever (A) 64 is a lever for adjusting the photographing magnification to the telephoto side or the wide angle side by operating the lever. By operating the zoom operation lever (A) 64, it is detected that the zoom operation lever (A) is operated to the telephoto side or the wide angle side, and the operation information is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 40. When the lens microcomputer 40 detects that the operation information is operated to the telephoto side, the lens microcomputer 40 moves and controls the zoom lens group L1 to the telephoto side via the zoom lens drive control unit 61. On the other hand, when the lens microcomputer 40 detects that the operation information is operated on the wide angle side, the zoom lens group L1 is moved and controlled to the wide angle side via the zoom lens drive control unit 61.

<2: Features of the camera system>
As described above, similarly to the camera system 1, the camera system 1A can select the finder shooting mode and the monitor shooting mode according to the operation flow of FIG.

  When an interchangeable lens equipped with an electric zoom function and having a zoom operation lever is connected to a camera body having a zoom operation lever, either the main body side zoom operation unit or the lens side zoom operation unit is optically zoomed. It can function as a zoom operation member. Therefore, the convenience of the zoom operation can be improved without causing the zoom operation lever to compete and causing the system to fail. That is, the convenience of the camera system 1A can be improved.

  Furthermore, as with the camera system 1, the lens side zoom operation unit functions as a zoom operation member of the optical zoom when taking an image with an eye on the finder, and the body side when taking an image without making an eye on the finder. The zoom operation unit can function as a zoom operation member for optical zoom. Therefore, it is possible to perform a zoom operation suitable for the user's photographing posture by making the camera body easy to hold and the zoom operation easy.

[Other Embodiments]
(1)
In the present embodiment, various setting menus for moving image shooting may be set using the display unit based on the information on whether or not the moving image shooting of the interchangeable lens unit 2 is possible.

(2)
An image blur correction unit may be provided in either or both of the interchangeable lens unit 2 and the camera body 3. In this case, a camera system that can select any one of the image blur correction units may be used.

(3)
In this embodiment, the exposure time to the image sensor is controlled by operating the shutter. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the exposure time of the image sensor may be controlled by an electronic shutter or the like.

(4)
In the present embodiment, the lens information includes information indicating whether or not movie shooting is supported. However, whether or not it supports moving image shooting may be determined based on whether or not the focus lens group drive method or the focus lens group drive control unit 41 is compatible with a contrast detection method.

(5)
In the present embodiment, the interchangeable lens unit 2 is compatible with moving image shooting. However, as described above, the interchangeable lens unit may not support moving image shooting.

  The camera main body and the camera system using the same according to the present invention are suitable for a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a mobile phone equipped with a camera unit, a PDA, and the like that require a moving image shooting function.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention (when an interchangeable lens unit is equipped with a zoom operation lever). Block diagram showing the configuration of the camera body Schematic configuration diagram of the camera body The figure explaining the finder shooting mode of the camera system The figure explaining the monitor photography mode of the camera system Flow chart for selecting the finder shooting mode and monitor shooting mode of the interchangeable lens unit of the camera system Schematic perspective view of the camera system (when the interchangeable lens unit is equipped with a zoom control lever) Schematic perspective view of the camera system (when the interchangeable lens unit is equipped with a zoom ring) Block diagram showing the configuration of the camera system (when the interchangeable lens unit is equipped with a zoom ring) The block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Camera system 2 Interchangeable lens unit (lens barrel)
3 Camera body 3a Case 4 Body mount 10 Body microcomputer (control unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Image sensor 12 Image sensor drive control part 20 Display part 21 Image display control part 23 Quick return mirror 25 Power switch 26 Mode switch dial 27 Cross operation key 28 MENU setting button 29 SET button 30 Release button 31 Shutter control part 33 Shutter unit 34 Viewfinder switching button (shooting mode selection section)
35 Movie shooting operation buttons 39 Zoom operation lever (B) (zoom operation section on the main unit)
40 lens microcomputer 41 focus lens group drive control unit 61 zoom lens drive control unit 64 zoom operation lever (A) (lens side zoom operation unit)
65 Zoom Operation Lever (A) Detection Unit 69 Zoom Ring 71 Imaging Unit 72 Image Display Unit 79 Lens Mount 95 Electronic Viewfinder L Imaging Optical System L1 First Lens Group (Zoom Lens Group)
L2 Second lens group (focus lens group)

Claims (5)

A mount that allows the lens barrel to be attached and detached;
When a lens barrel capable of electric optical zoom is attached, a camera main body including a main body side zoom operation unit for operating the optical zoom,
The lens barrel includes lens information including information on whether or not the mounted lens barrel has an electric optical zoom and information on whether or not it has a lens-side zoom operation unit for operating the optical zoom. Get from
When the mounted lens barrel has a lens-side zoom operation unit that can be optically zoomed electrically and operates the optical zoom, the main-unit zoom operation unit and the lens-side zoom operation unit A control unit that causes either one to function as a zoom operation unit of the optical zoom;
A camera body characterized by comprising: A finder and a monitor
A viewfinder shooting mode for taking a picture with the eyepiece on the viewfinder;
A monitor shooting mode for shooting without eyepiece on the viewfinder,
The controller is
When shooting in the viewfinder shooting mode, the lens side zoom operation unit functions as a zoom operation unit of the optical zoom,
2. The camera body according to claim 1, wherein when photographing in the monitor photographing mode, the body-side zoom operation unit functions as a zoom operation unit of the optical zoom. The camera body according to claim 2, further comprising a shooting mode selection unit that selects one of the finder shooting mode and the monitor shooting mode. The camera body according to claim 2, further comprising an eyepiece detection unit in the vicinity of the viewfinder, and selecting the photographing mode according to a detection result of the eyepiece detection unit. A camera system comprising the camera body according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a lens barrel.

Images