JP2009200552A - Imaging apparatus, and display method of imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user-friendly imaging apparatus while suppressing power consumption, and to provide a display method of the imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus has: an image capturing lens 11; an imaging element 21 for converting a subject image formed through the image capturing lens 11 into image data; a liquid crystal display element 23 for displaying an image indicating the image data converted using the imaging element 21; a focal distance detecting section 53 for detecting a focal distance of the image capturing lens 11; optical finders different from the image capturing lens 11 and used to observe a subject; an electronic finder sharing an eye lens 34 of the optical finder and used to observe the image displayed on the liquid crystal display element 23; and a shutter 31 for controlling the passing or interruption of a subject light guided to the eyes of an observer via the optical finder. If the focal distance is out of a predetermined range, the shutter 31 is controlled to interrupt the subject light, thereby guiding an image of the subject displayed on the liquid crystal display element 23 to an eye of the observer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging method, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus having an optical finder and an electronic finder, and a display method for the imaging apparatus.

  In recent years, in an imaging apparatus such as a camera, either an optical finder or an electronic finder is used as a finder for observing a subject image. The optical viewfinder is a method for observing a subject image through a photographing lens or a lens dedicated to the viewfinder, and the electronic viewfinder obtains image data from the subject image formed by the photographing lens or the like by an imaging device, and based on this image data. In this method, a subject image is observed with a display device.

Each of the optical viewfinder and the electronic viewfinder has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a finder that is provided with both finders and can be switched to either an optical finder or an electronic finder according to a photographer's preference.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-292067

  The electronic viewfinder displays the subject image based on the image data acquired by the image sensor with the subject image formed by the photographing lens, so that it is easy to observe the subject image even when the photographing lens is set to a long focal length. There is an advantage. However, power consumption is large and it cannot be used for a long time. On the other hand, the optical viewfinder can observe a clear image compared to the electronic viewfinder, but if the focal length of the photographing lens is increased, the photographing range becomes narrow and it is difficult to recognize the subject image in the photographing range. . The finder disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not consider such a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging device that is easy to use and a display method for the imaging device while suppressing power consumption.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a photographic lens, an imaging unit that converts a subject image formed through the photographic lens into image data, and the image converted by the imaging unit. A display unit for displaying an image representing data or a field frame representing a photographing range of the photographing lens, a focal length detecting unit for detecting a focal length of the photographing lens, and the photographing for observing the subject via an optical lens A first finder different from the lens and an eyepiece lens of the first finder are shared, a second finder for observing an image displayed on the display unit, and the eyes of the observer through the first finder. A shutter for controlling the passage or blocking of the subject light guided to the light source and when the focal length is longer than the first value, the shutter is controlled to block the subject light. , And a shutter control unit for guiding the viewer's eye the image displayed on the display unit.

In the image pickup apparatus according to a second invention, in the first invention, the shutter control unit further controls the shutter to pass the subject light flux when the focal length is equal to or less than the first value. Thus, the image of the subject by the first finder and the image of the field frame by the second finder are simultaneously guided to the eyes of the observer.
In the image pickup apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the shutter control unit further includes the shutter when the focal length is less than the first value and longer than the second value. And the subject light is allowed to pass through so that an image of the subject by the first finder and an image of the field frame by the second finder are simultaneously guided to the eyes of the observer, and the focal length is the second focal length. When the value is less than the value, the image displayed on the display unit is guided to the eyes of the observer by controlling the shutter to block the subject light.

Furthermore, in the image pickup apparatus according to the fourth invention, in the first invention, when an instruction to prepare for shooting is given when the focal length is longer than the first value, the first viewfinder Switch to the display by the second finder.
Furthermore, an imaging apparatus according to a fifth invention is the imaging device according to the first invention, wherein a half mirror is arranged in the optical path of the first finder, and the field frame by the display unit is formed by the first finder. Superimpose on the subject image.

Furthermore, an image pickup apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the first finder is configured by a real image type optical finder, and the display unit is disposed in the vicinity of the image forming position of the first finder.
Furthermore, an image pickup apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the above-described sixth aspect, wherein the illumination element for illumination of the display unit is disposed on the camera body side of the shutter.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display method for an image pickup apparatus that detects a focal length of a photographic lens and, when the focal length is within a predetermined range, causes a subject light beam to enter a finder optical system and optically capture a subject image. Switch to the optical viewfinder to be observed, and if the focal length is outside the predetermined range, the image data obtained by the image sensor with the subject image formed by the photographing lens is displayed on the display unit, and the subject displayed on the display unit The electronic viewfinder is switched to allow the image to be observed through the optical path of the optical viewfinder.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display method for an image pickup apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein the electronic device is configured such that when the focal length is within a predetermined range and an instruction to prepare for photographing is given during display on the optical viewfinder. Switch to the viewfinder.

  An imaging apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention displays an imaging lens, an imaging unit that converts a subject image formed through the imaging lens into image data, and an image that represents the image data converted by the imaging unit. And a first finder different from the photographing lens for observing a subject through an optical lens, and an eyepiece included in the first finder, and observing an image displayed on the display unit A second finder, an operation member for instructing a photographing preparation state, and when the photographing preparation state is instructed by operation of the operation member, the object light is blocked from entering the first finder, and the display A control unit that guides the image displayed on the unit to the eyes of an observer.

  An image pickup apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the tenth aspect, further comprising a focal length detection unit that detects a focal length of the photographing lens, and the control unit has the focal length outside a predetermined range. If it is determined, the subject light is blocked from entering the first viewfinder, and the image displayed on the display unit is guided to the eyes of the observer.

  The display method of the image pickup apparatus according to the twelfth invention determines whether or not the shooting preparation state is instructed. If the shooting preparation state is not instructed, the subject luminous flux is incident on the finder optical system and the subject image is displayed. When switching to the optical viewfinder to be optically observed and the above-mentioned shooting preparation state is instructed, the image data obtained by the image sensor of the subject image formed by the shooting lens is displayed on the display unit and displayed on this display unit. The subject image thus obtained is switched to an electronic viewfinder that allows the subject image to be observed through the optical path of the optical viewfinder.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that is easy to use and a display method for the imaging device while suppressing power consumption.

  A preferred embodiment will be described below using an imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. The image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a so-called compact type digital camera. This digital camera photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by a photographing lens by an image pickup device, and an image based on the photoelectric conversion signal. Data can be recorded on a recording medium. Further, a finder optical system is provided separately from the photographing lens, and the subject image can be observed by this finder optical system. Furthermore, an image based on the image data acquired by the image sensor can be observed in the viewfinder.

  Hereinafter, the digital camera according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a part of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This digital camera includes a lens barrel 10 and a camera body 20. In the lens barrel 10, a photographing lens 11 constituted by a variable power lens (zoom lens) is disposed.

  The taking lens 11 is an optical system for forming an image of a subject, and the lens barrel 10 for holding the taking lens 11 is replaceable and detachable from the camera body 20. In the present embodiment, the lens barrel 10 is an interchangeable lens type zoom lens, but may be a fixed focus interchangeable lens or a zoom lens integrally formed with the camera body 20. The focal length information of the taking lens 11 is transmitted to the camera body 20.

  An image sensor 21 is disposed in the camera body 20 on the optical path of the photographing lens 11 at a position where a subject image is formed by the photographing lens 11. As the image pickup element 21, a two-dimensional photoelectric conversion element such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device (CCD) is used. The image photoelectrically converted by the imaging element 21 is displayed on a liquid crystal display element 23 described later, and the image data acquired in response to the release operation is recorded on a recording medium.

  A finder shutter 31 slidable between a position that covers the finder window (position (A) in FIG. 1) and a retracted position (position (B)) is disposed on the front side of the camera body 20. Yes. The shutter 31 is slidably driven by a motor or the like (not shown). A finder objective lens 32 is disposed in the camera body 20 in the vicinity of the finder window. In addition, an eyepiece lens 34 is disposed on the eyepiece on the back side of the camera body 20.

  The objective lens 32 and the eyepiece lens 34 constitute a so-called Arbata finder optical system. Of course, as the finder optical system, a real image finder optical system may be adopted in addition to a finder for observing a virtual image such as the Arbata type. When the viewfinder optical system is viewed from the position of the photographer's eye E behind the eyepiece 34, the subject image can be observed.

  A polarizing half mirror 33 is disposed between the objective lens 32 and the eyepiece lens 34 so as to form an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the finder optical path. The polarization half mirror 33 allows the subject light flux that has passed through the objective lens 32 to pass, and reflects an image of a liquid crystal display element 23 described later to the eyepiece 34 side.

  A lens 35 is disposed on the optical path orthogonal to the finder optical path by the objective lens 32. On the optical path of this lens 35 and behind it, a liquid crystal display element 23 is arranged. The liquid crystal display element 23 displays an image acquired by the imaging element 21 described above. Although not shown, an illumination backlight is disposed on the back surface of the liquid crystal display element 23.

  The subject image by the liquid crystal display element 23 is collected by the lens 35, reflected by the polarization half mirror 33, passes through the eyepiece lens 34, and can be observed by the photographer's eyes E. The liquid crystal display element 23 is provided with a polarizing filter. If the polarizing direction of the polarizing filter and the polarizing direction of the polarizing half mirror 33 are matched, there is no loss of light quantity. Instead of the polarization half mirror 33, a normal half mirror may be arranged.

  Next, the display of the finder in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 shows a viewfinder display 40 viewed from the photographer's eye E. FIG. 2A is an optical viewfinder when the focal length of the photographing lens 11 (hereinafter, the “focal length” is expressed in terms of 35 mm film) is 28 mm. (B) shows the display of the optical finder when the focal length is 50 mm, (c) shows the display on the optical finder when the focal length is 200 mm, and (d) shows the focal length of 200 mm. (E) shows the display on the optical viewfinder when the focal length is 18 mm, and (f) shows the display on the electronic viewfinder when the focal length is 18 mm.

  First, in the range of a predetermined focal length, the finder shutter 31 is in a position retracted from the finder window (the position (A) in FIG. 1), and the subject luminous flux is the objective lens 32, the polarization half mirror 33, and the eyepiece 34. The photographer can observe the subject image. In this case, since the optical finder system in this embodiment has a fixed focus, even if the focal length of the photographic lens 11 changes, the image formed by the finder optical system does not change in conjunction with this change.

  Accordingly, the liquid crystal display element 23 forms an image of the image frame 41 in accordance with the focal length of the photographing lens 11, and the image frame 41 is superimposed on the subject image in the polarization half mirror 33, and FIGS. Display as shown in. The inside of the image frame 41 is a shooting range, and when the focal length is changed to the long focal length side, the image frame 41 becomes smaller as shown in FIG.

  When the focal length of the photographic lens 11 is changed to a long focal side of about 200 mm, for example, the image frame 41 becomes very small as shown in FIG. 2C, and the details of the photographed image can be observed. Disappear. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2D, the optical viewfinder is automatically switched to the electronic viewfinder.

  To switch to the electronic viewfinder, first, the viewfinder shutter 31 is moved to a position covering the viewfinder window (position (A) in FIG. 1) to block the subject luminous flux from entering the viewfinder optical system. The image pickup device 21 is driven, and an image of the subject acquired thereby is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 23. The subject image is reflected by the polarization half mirror 33 and emitted through the eyepiece 33. This is convenient because the subject image can be magnified and observed with respect to the optical viewfinder.

  When the focal length of the photographic lens 11 changes to the short focus side, it exceeds the short focus side of the finder optical system by the objective lens 32 and the eyepiece lens 34, so that the entire range cannot be shown as shown in FIG. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2F, switching from the optical viewfinder to the electronic viewfinder is automatically performed in the same manner as in the case of long focus. As a result, the entire photographing range can be observed, which is convenient.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the photographic lens 11 observes the subject image with the optical finder in the range of the predetermined focal length. It switches automatically to observe the image. For this reason, it is possible to provide an imaging device that is easy to use while suppressing power consumption. In other words, on the long focus side and short focus side, which are difficult to observe with the optical viewfinder, it is possible to observe the image as taken with the electronic viewfinder. In other cases, the power consumption can be reduced by observing with the optical viewfinder. It is done.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a partially transparent plan view of a digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same members as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The viewfinder shutter 31A slides between the position covering the viewfinder window (position (A) in FIG. 3) and the retracted position (position (A)), as in the first embodiment. is there. A white EL (Electroluminescence) element for illumination is provided on the back surface of the shutter 31A, that is, on the objective lens 32 side. Of course, a light emitting element other than the white EL may be used as long as it can be used for illumination.

  A zooming optical system 36 is disposed on the optical path behind the objective lens 32 so that the subject image scaled according to zooming of the photographing lens 11 is displayed when the subject image is observed by the optical finder. However, the zooming range by the zooming optical system 36 is not necessarily compatible with the focal lengths of all the lens barrels 10.

  Prisms 37 and 38 are arranged behind the variable magnification optical system 36, and the optical path by the objective lens 32 is bent. The liquid crystal display element 25 is disposed between the prisms 37 and 38. The subject luminous flux reflected by the prism 38 is emitted to the photographer's eye E through the eyepiece lens 34.

  The finder optical system in the present embodiment is a real image type, and the liquid crystal display element 25 is disposed in the vicinity of the imaging position of the finder optical system. For this reason, as in the first embodiment, when the image frame 41 is displayed on the liquid crystal display element 25, the image frame 41 is displayed superimposed on the subject image that has passed through the objective lens 32. The image frame 41 is determined in consideration of the focal length of the photographing lens 11 and the variable magnification optical system 36.

  When the photographing lens 11 is set to a position other than the predetermined focal length, as in the first embodiment, the shutter 31A moves to a position covering the viewfinder window, and the optical viewfinder is switched to the electronic viewfinder. The

  Next, the electrical configuration in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The lens barrel 10 is provided with an operation unit 51 for instructing zooming, and the operation amount of the operation unit 51 is transmitted to the lens CPU 52. The lens CPU 52 performs overall control of the lens barrel 10 based on instructions from the camera CPU 61 in the camera body 20.

  The lens driving state detection unit 53 drives the photographing lens 11 under the instruction of the lens CPU 52, detects information such as the focal length and photographing distance of the photographing lens 11, and transmits the information to the lens CPU 52. The lens CPU 52 transmits information such as the focal length to the camera CPU 61.

  The imaging unit 65 in the camera body 20 includes the imaging device 21, reads out a photoelectric conversion signal of the subject image from the imaging device 21 under the control of the camera CPU 61, and outputs it to the image processing unit 66. The image processing unit 66 performs various image processing such as γ correction, white balance, and color correction on the read photoelectric conversion signal. An AF detection unit 67 is provided in the image processing unit 66. The AF detection unit 67 extracts a high-frequency component of the photoelectric conversion signal and controls the photographing lens 11 so that the high-frequency component becomes a peak. Focus detection is performed by contrast AF.

  The display unit 68 is connected to the output of the image processing unit 66 and includes the liquid crystal display element 25. As described above, the liquid crystal display element 25 displays an image based on the photoelectric conversion signal acquired by the imaging element 21. The memory card 69 is also connected to the output of the image processing unit 66 and records the image data compressed by the image processing unit 66 in accordance with the operation of the release button. The memory card 69 is composed of an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory.

  The operation unit 71 is an operation member operated by the photographer, such as a release button or a shooting mode dial. The finder shutter drive unit 72 is a drive unit for sliding the shutter 31A, and includes a motor or the like.

  The camera CPU 61 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is connected to the lens CPU 52, the imaging unit 65, the image processing unit 66, the display unit 68, the memory card 69, the operation unit 71, and the finder shutter driving unit 72 described above. Then, information is input from these, and these controls are performed.

  The camera CPU 61 functions as a lens state detection unit and a lens driving unit 62. The lens state detection unit detects the state of the photographing lens 11 based on focal length information, photographing distance information, and the like transmitted from the lens CPU 52. . The lens driving unit performs lens driving control such as driving the photographing lens 11 to the in-focus position based on the outputs of the AF detection unit 67 and the lens driving state detection unit 53.

  The lens CPU 61 also functions as the display control unit 63. That is, based on the focal length information of the photographic lens 11 transmitted from the lens CPU 52, the shutter 31A is opened and the image frame 41 is displayed on the display unit 68 when it is within the predetermined focal length range. If it is out of the predetermined focal length range, the shutter 31A is closed and the image acquired by the imaging unit 65 is displayed on the display unit 68.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. When the power switch of the camera body 20 is turned on, the flow shown in FIG. 5 starts. First, power is supplied to each electric circuit from a power supply battery (not shown), and a reset operation is performed (S1).

  Subsequently, the focal length of the photographing lens 11 detected by the lens driving state detection unit 53 is stored as f1 (S3). Next, it is determined whether or not the focal length f1 is a focal length between the short focal side predetermined focal length x and the long focal side predetermined focal length y (S5). Here, the predetermined focal lengths x and y are focal lengths for switching from the optical viewfinder to the electronic viewfinder, and are determined in advance as design matters.

  If the result of determination in step S5 is that the focal length f1 is within the predetermined range, the viewfinder shutter 31A is opened to observe the subject image with the optical viewfinder, and the subject luminous flux is passed through the objective lens 32 to the viewfinder optical system. Guide (S31). Subsequently, the image frame 41 is displayed on the liquid crystal display element 25 in accordance with the focal length f1 of the photographing lens 11 (S33). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the image frame 41 is displayed in the viewfinder so as to be superimposed on the subject image, and the photographer can recognize the imaging range.

  When the image frame 41 is displayed, it is next determined whether or not a switch S1 (hereinafter abbreviated as S1) that is turned on in response to a half-press of the release button is turned on (S35). If the result of determination in step S35 is OFF, the focal length of the taking lens 11 is detected and it is determined whether or not it has changed (S51). If the result of determination in step S51 is that there is no change, processing returns to step S35. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S51 has changed, the focal length f3 is stored, and this focal length f3 is the focal length between the short focal side predetermined focal length x and the long focal side predetermined focal length y. Is determined (S53).

  If the result of determination in step S53 is that it is within the predetermined range, processing returns to step S33, and the image frame 41 is displayed in accordance with the new focal length f3. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S53 is that it is outside the predetermined range, driving of the image sensor 21 is started (S55). That is, preparation for subject image display by the electronic viewfinder is performed. When driving of the image sensor 21 is started, the process jumps to step S9.

  As a result of the determination in step S35, when the release button is half-pressed, that is, when S1 is turned on, the driving of the image sensor 21 is started as in step S55 (S37). Subsequently, display of the captured image is started on the liquid crystal display element 25 (S39), and the shutter 31A is closed (S41). As a result, the subject luminous flux incident from the objective lens 32 is blocked, and the captured image displayed on the liquid crystal display element 25 can be observed through the eyepiece lens 34.

  Subsequently, AF operation is started and focus drive is performed (S43). In this step, automatic focus adjustment is performed based on the detection output of the AF detection unit 67 so that the photographic lens 11 is in the in-focus position. When the in-focus state is achieved, it is next determined whether or not a switch S2 (hereinafter abbreviated as S2) that is turned on in response to the full depression of the release button is turned on (S45).

  If S2 is off as a result of the determination in step S45, it is determined whether or not S1 is off (S57). If S1 is on, the process returns to step S45, and if S1 is off, imaging is performed. The driving of the element 21 is stopped (S59), and the process returns to step S31. When S1 is turned off, the electronic viewfinder is switched to the optical viewfinder.

  If the result of determination in step S45 is that S2 is on, a shooting operation and a recording operation are performed (S47). In this step, the subject image formed by the photographing lens 11 is photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device 21 of the image pickup unit 65 to obtain an image signal. The image signal obtained here is image-processed by the image processing unit 66 and then recorded on the memory card 69.

  When the photographing / recording operation is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a next photographing based on whether the power switch is not turned off (S49). As a result of the determination, if there is the next shooting, the process jumps to step S51. On the other hand, if there is no next shooting, the process jumps to step S21 to turn off the power, and then the flow ends.

  As a result of the determination in step S5, when the focal length f1 of the photographic lens 11 is not between the short focal side predetermined focal length x and the long focal side predetermined focal length y, that is, outside the predetermined range, The subject image is displayed not by the optical viewfinder but by the electronic viewfinder.

  In order to perform display by the electronic viewfinder, driving of the image sensor 21 is started (S7), and display of the captured image acquired by the image sensor 21 on the liquid crystal display element 25 is started (S9). If the shutter 31A is opened in step S9, the shutter 31A is driven to close. As a result, the subject luminous flux incident from the objective lens 32 is blocked, and the captured image displayed on the liquid crystal display element 25 can be observed through the eyepiece lens 34.

  When the subject image is displayed on the electronic viewfinder, it is subsequently determined whether or not S1 is on (S11). If the result of determination in step S11 is OFF, the focal length of the taking lens 11 is detected and it is determined whether or not it has changed (S23). If the result of determination in step S23 is that there is no change, processing returns to step S11. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S23 has changed, the focal length f2 is stored, and this focal length f2 is the focal length between the short focal side predetermined focal length x and the long focal side predetermined focal length y. It is determined whether or not (S25).

  If the result of determination in step S25 is outside the predetermined range, processing returns to step S11. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S25 is within the predetermined range, driving of the image sensor 21 is stopped (S27). That is, the subject image display by the electronic viewfinder is stopped, and preparation for display by the optical viewfinder is performed. When the driving of the image sensor 21 is stopped, the process jumps to step S31.

  As a result of the determination in step S11, when S1 is turned on, an AF start / focus operation is performed as in step S43 (S13). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the release button is fully pressed, that is, whether or not S2 is turned on (S15). If the result of determination in step S15 is OFF, the process jumps to step S23, while if S2 is ON, shooting and recording operations are performed as in step S47 (S17).

  When the photographing / recording operation is finished, it is determined whether there is a next photographing (S19). If the result of determination in step S19 is that there is next shooting, the routine jumps to step S23, while if there is no next shooting, the power is turned off (S21), and this flow is ended.

  In the description of the flow of the present embodiment, the change in the focal length of the zoom lens 36 is not mentioned. However, in the range where the zoom lens 36 is interlocked with the photographing lens 11, the image frame 41 is not displayed, and the interlock range. The frame position of the image frame 41 may be determined in consideration of the focal length of the photographic lens 11 and the focal length of the zoom lens 36 outside and displayed on the liquid crystal display element 25.

  Thus, according to each embodiment of the present invention, if the focal length of the photographic lens is within a predetermined range (S5 → S31 in the second embodiment), the subject image is displayed by the optical finder (second). On the other hand, if the focal length is out of the predetermined range (S5 → S7 in the second embodiment), the image sensor 21 does not introduce the subject light flux into the optical viewfinder by the electronic viewfinder. The acquired subject image is displayed by the liquid crystal display element 25. For this reason, it is possible to provide an imaging device that is easy to use while suppressing power consumption.

  When the shooting preparation state is entered in response to half-pressing of the release button (S35 → S37), the electronic viewfinder is switched to the electronic viewfinder even when the subject image is displayed on the optical viewfinder. In other words, the electronic viewfinder is not affected by parallax and has a high field of view, which is convenient when performing framing for shooting. Further, since recent image sensors have a high readout speed according to the VGA standard, they can sufficiently follow even when the subject is moving. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the power from being consumed as compared with the case where the display is performed by the electronic viewfinder before the release button is half-pressed.

  Note that steps S39 and S41 for displaying the subject image by the electronic viewfinder can be omitted. That is, when the focal length is within the predetermined range, even when the release button is half-pressed, the display by the optical viewfinder may be continued without switching to the electronic viewfinder.

  In addition, regardless of the focal length, the subject image may be displayed using the optical viewfinder, and the camera may be switched to the electronic viewfinder when the camera is in a shooting preparation state such as a half-press operation of the release button. Even in this case, it is possible to provide a user-friendly imaging device that prevents power consumption.

  In other words, the electronic viewfinder displays the subject image formed by the imaging lens based on the image data acquired by the imaging device, so that the influence of the parallax is exerted even when the photographing lens is in focus at a short distance. It has the advantage of not receiving it and having a high field of view. However, power consumption is large and it cannot be used for a long time. On the other hand, the optical viewfinder can observe a clear image as compared with the electronic viewfinder, but has a drawback that it is affected by the parallax when the photographing lens is at a short distance and has a low field of view. Although the finder disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not consider such a problem, this embodiment can solve this problem.

  Further, in each embodiment of the present invention, the shutters 31 and 31A are arranged to slide on the front surface of the camera body 20, but in the optical path of the finder optical system, the polarization half mirror 33 in FIG. In the position closer to the objective lens 32 than the liquid crystal display element 25 in FIG. 3, the finder light may be blocked by sliding or rotating, or a liquid crystal shutter or the like capable of controlling the transmittance may be disposed. Good.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera has been described. However, other than a digital camera, an imaging device built in a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA Personal Digital Assist) may of course be used.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

It is the top view which saw through the digital camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention partially. The finder display in the digital camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is the case where the focal distance of a taking lens is 28 mm, (b) is the case where a focal distance is 50 mm, (c) is the focal distance being 200 mm. (D) shows the display on the electronic viewfinder when the focal length is 200 mm, (e) shows the display on the optical viewfinder when the focal length is 18 mm, (f) Indicates display on an electronic viewfinder at a focal length of 18 mm. It is the top view which partially saw through the digital camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the digital camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Lens barrel, 11 ... Shooting lens, 20 ... Camera body, 21 ... Imaging element, 23 ... Liquid crystal display element, 25 ... Liquid crystal display element, 31 ... Shutter 31A ... Shutter, 32 ... Objective lens, 33 ... Polarization half mirror, 34 ... Eyepiece, 35 ... Lens, 36 ... Variable magnification optical system, 37 ... Prism, 38 ... Prism, 40 ... Viewfinder display, 41 ... Image frame, 51 ... Operation unit, 52 ... Lens CPU, 53 ... Lens drive state detection unit, 61 ... Camera CPU 62... Lens state detection unit / lens drive unit, 63... Display control unit, 71... Operation unit, 72.

Claims (12)

A taking lens,
An imaging unit that converts a subject image formed through the photographing lens into image data;
A display unit for displaying an image representing the image data converted by the imaging unit or a field frame representing a photographing range of the photographing lens;
A focal length detection unit for detecting a focal length of the photographing lens;
A first finder different from the photographing lens for observing a subject through an optical lens;
A second finder for observing an image displayed on the display unit, sharing the eyepiece lens of the first finder;
A shutter for controlling passage or blocking of the subject light guided to the eyes of the observer through the first finder;
A shutter control unit for guiding the image displayed on the display unit to the eyes of an observer by controlling the shutter and blocking the subject light when the focal length is longer than a first value; ,
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The shutter control unit further controls the shutter to pass the subject luminous flux when the focal length is equal to or less than a first value, thereby allowing the subject image and the second finder to be captured by the first finder. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image of the field frame is guided simultaneously to the eyes of an observer.   The shutter controller further controls the shutter to allow the subject light to pass therethrough when the focal length is equal to or shorter than the first value and longer than the second value. The subject image and the image of the field frame by the second finder are simultaneously guided to the eyes of the observer, and when the focal length is equal to or less than the second value, the shutter is controlled to block the subject light. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image displayed on the display unit is guided to an observer's eyes.   2. The display according to claim 1, wherein when the preparation for photographing is instructed when the focal length is longer than the first value, the display is switched from the first finder to the second finder. Imaging device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a half mirror is disposed in an optical path of the first finder, and the field frame by the display unit is superimposed on a subject image formed by the first finder.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first finder is configured by a real image type optical finder, and the display unit is disposed in the vicinity of an imaging position of the first finder.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an illumination element for illumination of the display unit is disposed on the camera body side of the shutter. Detect the focal length of the taking lens,
When the focal length is within a predetermined range, the subject luminous flux is incident on the finder optical system, and the optical viewfinder is switched to optically observe the subject image.
When the focal length is out of a predetermined range, image data obtained by the imaging element of the subject image formed by the photographing lens is displayed on the display unit, and the subject image displayed on the display unit is displayed on the optical path of the optical viewfinder. Switch to the electronic viewfinder to be observed through
A display method for an image pickup apparatus.   9. The display method for an imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the focal length is within a predetermined range, when an instruction to prepare for photographing is given during display on the optical viewfinder, the display is switched to the electronic viewfinder. A taking lens,
An imaging unit that converts a subject image formed through the photographing lens into image data;
A display unit for displaying an image representing the image data converted by the imaging unit;
A first finder different from the photographing lens for observing a subject through an optical lens;
A second finder for observing an image displayed on the display unit, sharing the eyepiece lens of the first finder;
An operation member for instructing a shooting preparation state;
A control unit that blocks the incident light from entering the first viewfinder and guides the image displayed on the display unit to the eyes of an observer when the photographing preparation state is instructed by operation of the operation member; ,
An imaging apparatus comprising:   A focal length detection unit configured to detect a focal length of the photographing lens; and when the control unit determines that the focal length is out of a predetermined range, the subject light is transmitted to the first finder. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein incidence is blocked and the image displayed on the display unit is guided to an observer's eyes. Determine whether the shooting preparation status is instructed,
If the shooting preparation state is not instructed, subject light flux is incident on the finder optical system, and the optical viewfinder is switched to optically observe the subject image.
When the shooting preparation state is instructed, the image data obtained by the imaging element of the subject image formed by the photographing lens is displayed on the display unit, and the subject image displayed on the display unit is displayed on the optical path of the optical viewfinder. Switch to the electronic viewfinder to be observed through
A display method for an image pickup apparatus.