JP2009303122A - Imaging apparatus and imaging control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform image processing upon a photographed image, without deteriorating image quality, while avoiding recording capacity of a recording medium from being suppressed by RAW data. <P>SOLUTION: On a recording medium 14, a RAW file recording area and a JPEG file recording area are secured. When there is enough free capacity in both the areas, a RAW file and a JPEG file are generated from an imaging signal, the RAW file is recorded in the RAW file recording area and the JPEG file is recorded in the JPEG file recording area in association with each other. When the free capacity in the RAW file recording area becomes below predetermined capacity, the oldest RAW file is erased, to ensure free capacity in the RAW file recording area. When the JPEG file is reproduced and displayed and there is no RAW file recorded in association with the JPEG file, a simple retouch menu is displayed; but when the RAW file recorded in association with the JPEG file is present, an image quality adjustment menu that needs the RAW file is displayed together with the simple retouch menu. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup control method, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup capable of performing re-image processing on a captured image without degrading the image quality while avoiding compression of the recording capacity of the recording medium due to RAW data. It relates to a control method.

  Generally, a high-end class digital camera has a function of recording RAW data that is an original image. For example, in addition to the normal image recording mode, a digital camera equipped with a RAW data recording mode for recording RAW data is known. In such a digital camera, when the RAW data recording mode is set, only RAW data can be recorded, or RAW data can be recorded together with normal image data. By recording the RAW data in this way, the RAW data can be used as data that can be reproduced, edited, and transmitted by the user. For example, an image can be captured with respect to a captured image without image deterioration. Processing can be performed.

  On the other hand, in a digital camera centering on middle-end or low-end AUTO shooting, the RAW data recording function is omitted. Users who use such a camera are considered to have fewer opportunities to perform image processing after shooting, so by recording RAW data with a large file size compared to the advantage of being able to perform image processing after shooting. This is because the disadvantage is that the recording capacity of the recording medium is pressed.

  However, even such a user may feel that the captured image is different from the intended image, and may want to perform correction by performing image processing. In such a situation, even if RAW data is not recorded, it is possible to perform image processing on a captured image, but color processing, white balance, and gamma processing are performed on a recorded image such as JPEG. When this is applied, there is a problem that the image is severely deteriorated.

In order to deal with such a problem, the cited document 1 discloses that an input image is subjected to image processing in a plurality of stages, and an image processing unit that obtains an image in each stage and an image after a plurality of stages of image processing, and a processed image A device including a history adding unit that obtains a plurality of history information for returning an image to a plurality of intermediate images, adds a plurality of history information to a processed image, and generates an image file that can be restored is described. ing. According to the apparatus of the cited document 1, when image processing is added to the restored image later, it is possible to avoid excessive image quality degradation due to duplication of image processing and obtain an image with good image quality.
JP 2007-60153 A

  However, the apparatus of the cited document 1 has a problem that the file size becomes large as in the case of recording RAW data.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an imaging apparatus capable of performing re-image processing on a captured image without degrading the image quality while avoiding compression of the recording capacity of the recording medium due to RAW data. And an imaging control method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 is an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data indicating a subject image in an imaging device that does not have a RAW data recording mode. Imaging means for acquiring RAW data, which is image data of processing, signal processing means for performing signal processing including development processing for visualization on the RAW data, and generating processed data from the RAW data; and the processing Recording means for recording completed data and RAW data on a recording medium, wherein the recording means records the RAW data in association with processed data generated from the RAW data on the recording medium, and records the processed data If the recording capacity for recording the data cannot be secured, the recorded RAW data is discarded and the processed data is recorded.

  According to this, RAW data and processed data generated from the RAW data are recorded in association on the recording medium, and when the recording capacity for recording the processed data cannot be secured, the recorded RAW data is discarded and processed. Since the recorded data is recorded, it is possible to perform the image processing without degrading the image quality by using the RAW data when there is a margin in the recording capacity while avoiding the compression of the recording capacity of the recording medium by the RAW data. It becomes possible.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the recording unit records only processed data when a recording capacity for recording the RAW data cannot be secured.

  Thereby, compression of the recording capacity of the recording medium by RAW data can be avoided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect, the image capturing apparatus further includes area securing means for securing a RAW data recording area having a predetermined capacity in the recording area of the recording medium, If the recording capacity for recording the RAW data in the area cannot be secured, the recorded RAW data is discarded and the RAW data is recorded.

  Thereby, the RAW data of the latest photographed image can always be recorded.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the third aspect, the discarded RAW data is the oldest RAW data or RAW data that has passed a predetermined time.

  Thereby, new RAW data can always be recorded.

  As shown in claim 5, in the imaging device according to claim 3 or 4, the recording medium includes an internal recording medium built in the imaging device and an external recording medium detachable from the imaging device, The RAW data recording area is the internal recording medium.

  Thereby, RAW data can be recorded without making a user aware.

  6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recording unit records only the processed data on the internal recording medium when the external recording medium is not attached. Features.

  Thereby, processed data can be appropriately recorded.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect, when the external recording medium is attached, the recording means stores processed data recorded in the internal recording medium in the external recording medium. It is characterized by moving.

  Thereby, even when processed data is recorded on the internal recording medium, a RAW data recording area can be secured.

  The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display device reproduces and displays the processed data on a display medium, and the processed data that has been reproduced and displayed is image-processed. Display means for displaying a first image processing menu to be displayed on the display medium, and the display means, when there is RAW data recorded in association with the reproduced and displayed processed data, A second image processing menu that requires data is displayed on the display medium.

  Thus, when there is RAW data recorded in association with processed data, image processing can be performed without degrading image quality.

  The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the first image processing menu is selected, the signal processing unit performs signal processing corresponding to the selected menu on the processed data. When the second image processing menu is selected, signal processing corresponding to the selected menu is performed on the RAW data recorded in association with the processed data.

  As a result, when there is RAW data recorded in association with processed data, image processing can be performed without degrading the image quality.

  The imaging apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first image processing menu includes at least one of trimming, resizing, and character insertion, and the second image processing menu. Includes at least one of color temperature change, hue change, saturation change, contrast change, brightness change, sharpness change, and noise reduction.

  This makes it possible to perform appropriate image processing after shooting.

  The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising means for allowing a user to select whether or not correction by image processing is necessary for the reproduced and processed data. When it is selected that there is no need for image processing, the RAW data recorded in association with the processed data is discarded.

  Thereby, it is possible to avoid compression of the recording capacity of the recording means due to unnecessary unprocessed data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the imaging control method according to claim 12 is an imaging control method of an imaging apparatus that does not have a RAW data recording mode, in which an imaging process is performed for capturing an image of a subject and obtaining image data indicating a subject image. An imaging process for acquiring RAW data that is unprocessed image data, and signal processing that performs signal processing including development processing for visualization on the RAW data and generates processed data from the RAW data And a recording step of recording the processed data and RAW data on a recording medium, wherein the recording step records the RAW data and the processed data generated from the RAW data in association with each other on the recording medium. When the recording capacity for recording the processed data cannot be secured, the recorded RAW data is discarded and the processed data is recorded. To.

  Accordingly, when the image processing is performed while avoiding the compression of the recording capacity of the recording medium due to the RAW data, the RAW data can be used without degrading the image quality.

  According to the present invention, RAW data and processed data generated from the RAW data are recorded in association with each other on the recording medium, and when the recording capacity for recording the processed data cannot be secured, the recorded RAW data is discarded. Since the processed data is recorded, the RAW data is used to perform image processing without degrading the image quality when there is a margin in the recording capacity while avoiding the compression of the recording capacity of the recording medium by the RAW data. Is possible.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 1.

  As shown in the figure, the digital camera 1 includes an imaging unit 11, a camera control unit 12, a display medium 13, a recording medium 14, a memory 15, and the like. Each unit operates under the control of the camera control means 12.

  The camera control unit 12 includes an imaging control unit 21, an image processing unit 22, a RAW file generation unit 23, a compression / decompression unit 24, a recording medium control unit 25, a display unit 26, and the like. The camera control means 12 controls each part of the digital camera 1 by executing a predetermined control program based on an input from an operation means (not shown).

  The imaging means 11 includes a photographing lens including a focus lens and a zoom lens (not shown), a diaphragm, and a CCD. The imaging control means 21 controls focusing, zooming, and aperture of the taking lens.

  A CCD (not shown) of the image pickup means 11 is arranged at the rear stage of the photographing lens, receives the subject light transmitted through the photographing lens, and converts the received subject light into an electrical signal by each light receiving element. This electric signal is output to the imaging control means 21 as a serial image signal of the charges accumulated in each pixel line by line in synchronization with the vertical transfer clock and horizontal transfer clock supplied from the imaging control means 21.

  The image signal output from the CCD is an analog signal, and noise is removed from the analog image signal by a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) (not shown) of the imaging control means 21, and an automatic gain control circuit (AGC) (not shown). Is amplified with a predetermined gain. Further, the analog image signal is converted into a digital image signal having a gradation width of a predetermined bit by an A / D converter (not shown) and stored in the memory 15. This image signal is so-called RAW data, and has a gradation value indicating the density of R, G, and B for each pixel. The RAW data may be stored in the memory 15 after processing such as CCD flaw correction.

  The RAW file generation means 23 stores RAW data stored in the memory 15, photographing conditions such as exposure conditions and focal length of the photographing lens, photographing information such as aberration information of the photographing lens and CCD size information, and the like. A RAW file is generated as one file.

  The recording medium 14 has a RAW file recording area having a predetermined capacity for recording a RAW file. The area other than the RAW file recording area is used as a JPEG file recording area for recording a JPEG file. The recording medium control unit 25 is a unit that controls reading / writing of data with respect to the recording medium 14, and records the RAW file generated by the RAW file generation unit 23 in the RAW file recording area of the recording medium 14.

  The image processing means 22 includes a white balance gain calculation circuit, a gain correction circuit, a gradation correction circuit, an RGB interpolation calculation circuit, an RGB / YC conversion circuit, a noise filter, an edge enhancement circuit, and the like (not shown).

  The white balance gain calculation circuit calculates a gain value for white balance adjustment. The gain correction circuit performs white balance adjustment using the gain value calculated by the white balance gain calculation circuit. The gradation correction circuit performs a predetermined gradation conversion process (so-called gamma correction) on the image signal subjected to white balance adjustment.

  The RGB interpolation arithmetic circuit interpolates R, G, and B color signals subjected to gradation conversion processing to obtain R, G, and B3 color signals at each pixel position. For example, in a pixel that outputs R, the degree of the G and B color signals at this pixel position is obtained by interpolation from the G and B signals of surrounding pixels. The RGB / YC conversion circuit generates a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cr and Cb from the R, G, and B signals after the RGB interpolation calculation.

  The noise filter performs processing for reducing noise from the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cr and Cb. The contour enhancement circuit performs contour enhancement processing on the luminance signal Y after noise reduction.

  In this way, the image processing means 22 performs predetermined signal processing on the image signals of R, G, and B colors, and an image signal (Y / C signal) composed of the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cr and Cb. Is generated. This Y / C signal is stored in the memory 15.

  The compression / decompression means 24 performs JPEG compression processing on the Y / C signal fetched from the memory 15 to generate a JPEG file. The recording medium control means 25 records this JPEG file in the JPEG file recording area of the recording medium 14. Further, the compression / decompression unit 24 can generate uncompressed image data by performing a predetermined format decompression process on the input JPEG file.

  Under the control of the display means 26, the display medium 13 can display a moving image (through image) and use it as an electronic viewfinder in the shooting mode, and can display a pre-recorded image (preview image). In the playback mode, a playback image read from the recording medium 14 can be displayed.

  Next, photographing, image processing, and recording operations of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The digital camera 1 includes the RAW file generation unit 23 as described above, and the recording medium 14 includes a RAW file recording area. However, the digital camera 1 does not have an operation mode for recording RAW data intentionally by the user, such as the RAW data recording mode. Therefore, the user does not recognize that the RAW data is recorded, and uses the digital camera 1 as a camera that does not record the RAW data. Since the user does not recognize the presence of the RAW data, the user cannot designate the RAW data and perform transmission of the data after the photographing.

  The digital camera 1 first determines whether or not there is a RAW file recording area for recording a RAW file on the recording medium 14 (step S1). If there is a RAW file recording area, it is next determined whether or not there is a predetermined free space in the RAW file recording area (step S2). If there is no predetermined free space, the oldest RAW file recorded in the RAW file recording area is deleted until the predetermined free space can be secured (step S3). Note that the RAW file to be deleted may be a RAW file for which a certain time has elapsed.

  If it is determined in step S1 that there is no RAW file recording area, it is determined whether or not a RAW file recording area having a predetermined capacity can be secured on the recording medium 14 (step S4). If it is determined that it is possible, a RAW file recording area having a predetermined capacity is secured on the recording medium 14 (step S5).

  If it is determined that the RAW file recording area cannot be secured, it is determined whether or not the recording medium 14 has a free space (step S10). If there is no free space in the recording medium 14, there is no area for storing the photographed image, so the processing ends.

  If there is free space in the recording medium 14, the digital camera 1 operates in the JPEG shooting mode (step S11). The JPEG shooting mode is a mode in which a shot image is recorded on the recording medium 14 only as a JPEG file. In the JPEG shooting mode, when a shutter button (not shown) of the digital camera 1 is operated and actual shooting is performed, the image processing unit 22 and the compression / expansion unit 24 convert the JPEG file from the image signal input from the CCD of the imaging unit 11. Is generated. The recording medium control means 25 records this JPEG file on the recording medium 14 (step S12).

  As described above, when the RAW file recording area cannot be secured due to insufficient free space of the recording medium 14, the JPEG shooting mode is operated, and the shot image is recorded as a JPEG file.

  On the other hand, if there is a predetermined free capacity in the RAW file recording area in step S2, if the RAW file is discarded in step S3 and a predetermined free capacity is secured in the RAW file recording area, and if the RAW file is in step S5 If the recording area is secured, it is determined whether or not there is free space in the JPEG file recording area (step S6).

  If there is no free space in the JEPG file recording area, all the RAW files recorded in the RAW file recording area are deleted and the RAW file recording area is released (step S9). This released area is secured as a JPEG file recording area, and the digital camera 1 operates in the JPEG recording mode (step S11).

  If there is free space in the JPEG file recording area, the RAW + JPEG recording mode is set (step S7). The RAW + JPEG shooting mode is a mode in which captured images are recorded on the recording medium 14 in association with each other as two files of a RAW file and a JPEG file. In the RAW + JPEG shooting mode, when a real shooting is performed by operating a shutter button (not shown) of the digital camera 1, a RAW file is generated by the RAW file generation unit 23 from an image signal input from the CCD of the imaging unit 11. The recording medium control means 25 records this RAW file on the recording medium 14 (step S8).

  Further, a JPEG file is generated from the same image signal by the image processing unit 22 and the compression / decompression unit 24. The recording medium control means 25 records this JPEG file on the recording medium 14 in association with the RAW file recorded in step S8 (step S12). In order to record in association with each other, the same file name is used and only the extension is recorded as a different file. For example, a file name such as “gazou1.raw” is assigned to a RAW file, and “gazou1.jpg” is assigned to a JPEG file.

  As described above, when the RAW file recording area and the JPEG file recording area can be secured, the digital camera 1 operates in the RAW + JPEG shooting mode, and records the captured images in association with each other as the RAW file and the JPEG file.

  Next, the operation of the digital camera 1 when playing back a captured image will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, the digital camera 1 can display the reproduction image read from the recording medium 14 on the display medium 13 in the reproduction mode. The user sets the digital camera 1 to a playback mode using an operation unit (not shown) and selects an image to be played back (step S21). The image to be reproduced is selected by selecting a JPEG file recorded on the recording medium 14. The recording medium control means 25 reads the JPEG file of the selected image from the JPEG file recording area of the recording medium 14 and expands it in the memory 15. The compression / decompression means 24 converts the JPEG file expanded in the memory 15 into a predetermined format. Are converted into YC data. The display means 26 reproduces and displays the image selected using this YC data on the display medium 13 (step S22).

  Here, it is determined whether or not there is a RAW file recorded in association with the selected JPEG file in the RAW file recording area of the recording medium 14 (step S23).

  If the RAW file does not exist, then, when the user operates a menu key (not shown), a simple retouch menu 101 such as trimming, resizing, text entry, etc., as shown in FIG. Overlapping display.

  When the user selects any item of the retouch menu 101 using an operation unit (not shown) (step S25), the image processing means 22 performs processing on the YC data expanded in the memory 15 according to the operation (step S25). The processed YC data is compressed again into a JPEG file by the compression / expansion means 24, and the compressed JPEG file is recorded in the JPEG file recording area of the recording medium 14 by the recording medium control means 25 (step S27). ).

  As described above, for an image having no RAW file, a simple retouch menu 101 is displayed, and the JPEG file is processed according to the selected item in the retouch menu 101.

  If there is an associated RAW file in step S23, then, when the user operates a menu key (not shown), a simple retouch menu 101 such as trimming, resizing, text entry, etc., as shown in FIG. At the same time, an image quality adjustment menu 102 such as color temperature, hue, and saturation is displayed so as to be superimposed on the selected image. The image quality adjustment menu 102 may display gradation, contrast, sharpness, noise reduction, and the like.

  When the user selects any item of the image quality adjustment menu 102 using an operation unit (not shown) (step S32), the recording medium control unit 25 is recorded in association with the JPEG file selected from the recording medium 14. The RAW file is read and expanded in the memory 15. The image processing means 22 performs processing on the RAW data in accordance with the user's operation (step S33). The processed RAW data is compressed into a JPEG file by the compression / expansion means 24, and the compressed JPEG file is Recording is performed in the JPEG file recording area of the recording medium 14 by the recording medium control means 25 (step S34). An existing JPEG file may be overwritten and recorded, or may be recorded in association with a different file name.

  As described above, for an image in which a RAW file exists, the image quality adjustment menu 102 is displayed together with the simple retouch menu 101, and image processing is performed on the RAW data in accordance with the selected item in the image quality adjustment menu 102. Compress and record into a JPEG file.

  If any item of the retouch menu 101 is selected (step S35), the image processing means 22 performs a process according to the selected item on the YC data expanded in the memory 15 (step S35). In step S37, the processed YC data is compressed again into a JPEG file by the compression / expansion means 24, and the compressed JPEG file is recorded in the JPEG file recording area of the recording medium 14 by the recording medium control means 25 (step S37). ).

  As described above, even if an image includes a RAW file, if a simple retouch menu is selected, the JPEG file is processed. Note that when a simple retouch menu is selected, image processing may be performed on the RAW file, and it may be compressed into a JPEG file and recorded.

  When the selected image is reproduced and displayed, if there is a RAW file recorded in association with the selected JPEG file, it may be notified that image quality adjustment is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, an image quality adjustable notification 103 and a selection menu 104 are displayed.

  When the user selects the item “No” (no image adjustment) from the selection menu 104, the RAW file recorded in association with it is deleted. The RAW file is recorded for image adjustment. When image adjustment is not performed, the RAW file is deleted to avoid compression of the recording capacity of the recording medium 14.

  When the user selects the item “Yes” (image adjustment) from the selection menu 104, the image quality adjustment menu is displayed together with a simple retouch menu, as shown in FIG.

  When the user selects the “hold” item from the selection menu 104, the RAW file is left without being deleted, and only the reproduction display on the display medium 13 is performed. Thereafter, when the RAW file remains when it is selected as an image to be reproduced and displayed again, the image quality adjustment menu 102 is displayed together with the simple retouch menu 101 as shown in FIG. When the image is selected again as an image to be reproduced and displayed, the image quality adjustable notification 103 and the selection menu 104 may be notified again as shown in FIG.

  With this configuration, the user can concentrate on shooting at the time of shooting. After a series of shooting, the user can adjust the image quality without degrading the image quality due to differences from images, shooting failures, setting errors, etc. Recovery is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the RAW file and the JPEG file are recorded on the recording medium 14, but the recording data format is not limited to these. For example, RAW data instead of a RAW file may be recorded as unprocessed image data, or another compressed file may be used as processed image data instead of a JPEG file. It may also be an uncompressed file.

  Further, since the unprocessed image data and the processed image data are recorded in association with each other, when the processed image data is deleted by the user, the unprocessed image data is automatically deleted. The user is not aware that unprocessed image data is recorded, and the user does not intentionally erase the unprocessed image data.

  When notifying the user of the number of images that can be shot using the display medium 13 or the like, the number of images obtained from the remaining capacity of the recording medium 14 and the average capacity of the JPEG file may be notified regardless of the RAW file recording status. . When the user does not recognize that the RAW file is recorded and the JPEG file recording area is full, the RAW file recording area is released, and the released area is set as the JPEG file recording area. This is because only the JPEG file is finally recorded on the recording medium 14 in order to ensure it.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. 1 is different from the block diagram shown in FIG. 1 in that an internal recording medium 16 and an external recording medium 17 are provided instead of the recording medium 14.

  The internal recording medium 16 is a NAND-flash memory built in the digital camera 1, and the external recording medium 17 is a memory card configured to be detachable from the digital camera 1. The recording medium control means 25 can record the RAW file expanded in the memory 15 in association with the internal recording medium 16 and the JPEG file compressed by the compression / expansion means in association with the external recording medium 17.

  Next, photographing, image processing, and recording operations of the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the digital camera 1 of the second embodiment, there is no operation mode for recording RAW data intentionally by the user, such as the RAW data recording mode, and the user records RAW data. I do not recognize that.

  The digital camera 1 first determines whether or not the external recording medium 17 is loaded (step S41). If the external recording medium 17 is not loaded, all RAW files recorded on the internal recording medium 16 are deleted (step S51). Further, it is determined whether or not free space exists in the internal recording medium 16 (step S52). If there is no free space in the internal recording medium 16, there is no area for storing the photographed image, so the processing ends.

  If there is free space in the internal recording medium 16, the digital camera 1 is set to the JPEG shooting mode (step S53). The JPEG shooting mode is a mode in which a shot image is recorded on the internal recording medium 16 only as a JPEG file. In the JPEG shooting mode, when a shutter button (not shown) of the digital camera 1 is operated and actual shooting is performed, the image processing unit 22 and the compression / expansion unit 24 convert the JPEG file from the image signal input from the CCD of the imaging unit 11. Is generated. The recording medium control means 25 records this JPEG file on the internal recording medium 16 (step S48).

  As described above, when the external recording medium 17 is not attached to the digital camera 1, the digital camera 1 is set to the JPEG photographing mode, and the photographed image is recorded on the internal recording medium 16 as a JPEG file.

  If it is determined in step S41 that the external recording medium 17 is loaded, it is next determined whether or not a JPEG file exists on the internal recording medium 16 (step S42). If a JPEG file exists in the internal recording medium 16, it is determined whether or not the JPEG file can be moved to the external recording medium 17 (step S45). If the file cannot be moved due to insufficient free space on the external recording medium 17, it is determined whether or not there is free space on the internal recording medium 16 (step S52). As described above, if there is no free space in the internal recording medium 16, the process is terminated, and if there is free space, the JPEG shooting mode is set (step S53).

  As described above, even when the external recording medium 17 having insufficient free space is loaded, the digital camera 1 is set to the JPEG photographing mode, and the photographed image is recorded on the internal recording medium 16 as a JPEG file.

  If it is determined in step S42 that no JPEG file exists in the internal recording medium 16, it is determined whether or not a predetermined free space exists in the internal recording medium 16 (step S43). If the JPEG file does not exist and the predetermined free space does not exist, it is determined that the RAW file is recorded, and the oldest RAW file is deleted until the predetermined free space can be secured (step S44).

  When the RAW file is erased in step S44 and a predetermined free space is secured in the internal recording medium 16, the predetermined free space exists in the internal recording medium 16 in step S43, and the internal recording medium 16 is recorded in step S45. When the JPEG file thus transferred is moved to the external recording medium 17 and a predetermined free space is secured in the internal recording medium 16, the digital camera 1 is set to the RAW + JPEG recording mode (step S46). The RAW + JPEG shooting mode is a mode in which a RAW file is recorded in association with the internal recording medium 16 and a JPEG file is recorded in association with the external recording medium 17 with respect to the captured image. In the RAW + JPEG shooting mode, when a real shooting is performed by operating a shutter button (not shown) of the digital camera 1, a RAW file is generated by the RAW file generation unit 23 from an image signal input from the CCD of the imaging unit 11. The recording medium control means 25 records this RAW file on the internal recording medium 16 (step S47).

  Further, a JPEG file is generated from the same image signal by the image processing unit 22 and the compression / decompression unit 24. The recording medium control means 25 records this JPEG file on the external recording medium 17 in association with the RAW file recorded in step S47 (step S48).

  As described above, when a recording area can be secured in the internal recording medium 16 and the external recording medium 17, the RAW + JPEG shooting mode is operated. , Record in association.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 1 of the second embodiment, since the RAW file is not recorded on the external recording medium 17, the user is not aware that the RAW data is recorded. The compression of the capacity of the external recording medium 17 due to the RAW file can be avoided. Furthermore, since RAW data is recorded on the internal recording medium 16, the user can perform image processing without deteriorating the image quality by going back a predetermined number.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital camera 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing photographing, image processing, and recording operations of the digital camera 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 1 during playback of a captured image. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the display medium 13 displaying a menu superimposed on a selected image. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating photographing, image processing, and recording operations of the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Imaging means, 12 ... Camera control means, 13 ... Display medium, 14 ... Recording medium, 15 ... Memory, 16 ... Internal recording medium, 17 ... External recording medium, 21 ... Imaging control means, 22 ... Image processing means 23 ... RAW file generation means 24 ... compression / decompression means 25 ... recording medium control means 26 ... display means 101 ... retouch menu 102 ... image quality adjustment menu 103 ... image quality adjustment possible notification 104 ... Selection menu

Claims (12)

In an imaging device that does not have a RAW data recording mode,
An imaging unit that captures image data indicating a subject image by capturing a subject, and that acquires RAW data that is unprocessed image data;
Signal processing means for performing signal processing including development processing for visualization on the RAW data, and generating processed data from the RAW data;
Recording means for recording the processed data and RAW data on a recording medium,
The recording means records the RAW data and the processed data generated from the RAW data in association with each other on the recording medium, and if the recording capacity for recording the processed data cannot be secured, the recorded RAW data is recorded. An image pickup apparatus for discarding and recording processed data.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records only processed data when a recording capacity for recording the RAW data cannot be secured. An area securing means for securing a RAW data recording area of a predetermined capacity in the recording area of the recording medium;
2. The imaging according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit discards the recorded RAW data and records the RAW data when a recording capacity for recording the RAW data cannot be secured in the RAW data recording area. apparatus.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the discarded RAW data is the oldest RAW data or RAW data that has passed a predetermined time. The recording medium consists of an internal recording medium built in the imaging device and an external recording medium detachable from the imaging device,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the RAW data recording area is the internal recording medium.   6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recording unit records only the processed data on the internal recording medium when the external recording medium is not attached.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the external recording medium is loaded, the recording unit moves processed data recorded on the internal recording medium to the external recording medium. Display means for reproducing and displaying the processed data on a display medium, comprising display means for displaying on the display medium a first image processing menu for image processing of the reproduced and processed data;
The display means displays, on the display medium, a second image processing menu that requires the RAW data when there is RAW data recorded in association with the reproduced and displayed processed data. An imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   The signal processing means performs signal processing on the processed data according to the selected menu when the first image processing menu is selected, and is selected when the second image processing menu is selected. 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein signal processing corresponding to a menu is performed on RAW data recorded in association with the processed data.   The first image processing menu includes at least one of trimming, resizing, and character insertion, and the second image processing menu includes color temperature change, hue change, saturation change, contrast change, and brightness change. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising at least one of a sharpness change and a noise reduction. Means for allowing the user to select whether or not correction by image processing is necessary for the reproduced and displayed processed data;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when it is selected that there is no need for the image processing, the RAW data recorded in association with the processed data is discarded. In an imaging control method of an imaging apparatus that does not have a RAW data recording mode,
An imaging step of capturing an image of a subject and acquiring image data indicating a subject image, and acquiring RAW data that is unprocessed image data;
A signal processing step of performing signal processing including development processing for visualization on the RAW data, and generating processed data from the RAW data;
A recording step of recording the processed data and RAW data on a recording medium,
In the recording step, the RAW data and the processed data generated from the RAW data are recorded in association with the recording medium, and when the recording capacity for recording the processed data cannot be secured, the recorded RAW data is recorded. An imaging control method characterized by discarding and recording processed data.

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