JP2011059187A - Imaging apparatus, control method thereof and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus or the like having quick photographing property by which a photographer takes a photograph under an appropriate photographing condition when coming across a scene to be photographed immediately against an intention until then, during countdown of a timer in a self-timer photography mode. <P>SOLUTION: In a case where a first switch of a release button 3 is turned on during the countdown of the timer in the self-timer photography mode, and time taken until a second switch is turned on continuously is longer than prescribed time, the photograph is taken on the photographing condition based on the detected results by AE processing and AF processing performed by depressing operation of the first switch during the countdown of the timer. With such constitution, an appropriate photographed result is obtained immediately when the photographing condition must be changed because of a change of composition or the like when a photograph is taken at a certain moment in a period from starting till finishing the countdown of the self-timer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and the like, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus and the like that perform imaging without releasing the mode setting while setting a self-timer imaging mode.

  In general, an imaging device can be set to a normal shooting mode in which shooting is performed under conditions automatically set by AE (automatic exposure) processing or AF (autofocus) processing, and an aperture and exposure time can be arbitrarily set by simply pressing a release button. There is a manual shooting mode that can be set and shot. In addition to these shooting modes, there are many imaging devices that can set a self-timer shooting mode. In particular, regarding photography in the self-timer photography mode, many proposals related to this have been made. In the imaging apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a release button is pressed during the timer countdown of the self-timer, a method is described in which the timer countdown is interrupted and shooting is performed immediately.

JP 58-11924 A

  However, in the imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1, even if the composition changes after interrupting the timer countdown, the imaging is performed according to the imaging conditions before the timer countdown starts. For this reason, shooting is not always performed under shooting conditions based on appropriate exposure and focus position corresponding to the changed composition.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention has a rapid shooting property in which shooting is performed under appropriate shooting conditions even in the case of encountering a scene that wants to be shot immediately, contrary to the intention during the timer countdown in the self-timer shooting mode. An object is to provide an imaging device and the like.

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention can set a self-timer shooting mode in which shooting is automatically performed after the countdown of the self-timer has elapsed, and instructs a shooting preparation operation for setting shooting conditions according to the first operation. An imaging device capable of taking a picture during a countdown in the self-timer shooting mode in response to an operation on a release button that instructs a shooting operation in response to a second operation, wherein the self-timer shooting mode is counted down Shooting preparation means for performing the shooting preparation operation in response to the first operation of the release button made in the inside, and the self-timer from the first operation of the release button made during the countdown of the self-timer shooting mode. Until the second operation of the release button made during the countdown of the shooting mode Measuring means for measuring the interval, comparing means for comparing the measurement time measured by the measuring means with a predetermined time, and the release button made during the countdown based on the comparison result of the comparing means Shooting control means for determining whether or not shooting according to the second operation is performed under shooting conditions based on the shooting preparation operation in the shooting preparation means.

  According to the present invention, when shooting is performed during the countdown in the self-timer shooting mode, it is possible to immediately perform shooting under appropriate shooting conditions desired by the photographer.

It is the perspective view which looked at the digital camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the front side. It is the perspective view which looked at the digital camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the back side. It is the figure which showed the mode dial of the digital camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control system of the digital camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a shooting operation of the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera as seen from the back side. Note that the camera according to the present embodiment is an image pickup apparatus that can generate image information by photoelectrically converting a subject image using an image pickup device such as a CCD or CMOS, and picks up an image on an electronic recording medium such as an arbitrary memory. It is an imaging device capable of recording image information generated by an element. With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the external appearance structure of the camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  Reference numeral 1 denotes a camera body, and 2 denotes a photographing lens that can be attached to and detached from the camera body 1. 3 is composed of a two-stage switch for instructing the start of AE processing (automatic exposure processing) and AF processing (autofocus processing: automatic focus adjustment processing), which are photographing preparation operations, and for instructing photographing. Release button. When the camera body 1 is in the normal shooting mode described later, the release button 3 is lightly pressed down to the first step (first operation), and the state in which the first switch is turned on is referred to as “half-press” (SW1). In this state, AE processing and AF processing are performed, and shooting conditions are set. The state where the release button 3 is pressed halfway down to the second stage (second operation) and the second switch is turned on is referred to as “full press” (SW2). In this state, the shutter is driven, Shooting is performed.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a mode dial for switching various shooting modes of the camera. Reference numeral 5 denotes a focus adjustment mode switch for switching the focus adjustment mode of the taking lens 2 in the camera to an AF mode or an MF (manual focus adjustment) mode. Reference numeral 6 denotes a lens driving ring for adjusting the focus of the photographing lens 2.

  On the back surface of the camera body 1 (FIG. 2), 7 is an image display unit used for confirmation and selection of a photographed image and selection / setting of a menu function, and 8 is a drive mode selection button. The drive mode selection button 8 can be used to set whether to perform shooting in single shooting mode or continuous shooting mode by pressing the release button 3 or whether to perform shooting in self-timer shooting mode. To do. The setting status set by the drive mode selection button 8 is displayed on the image display unit 7. The self-timer shooting mode is a shooting mode in which shooting is automatically performed after the self-timer countdown has elapsed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the mode dial 4 installed in the camera body 1. Next, functions that can be set by the mode dial 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The mode dial 4 is formed in a disc shape and is rotatably installed on the upper surface side of the housing of the camera body 1. Various mode marks are drawn on the upper surface of the mode dial 4 along the circumferential direction, and the photographer rotates and matches the drawn mode marks to the index 40 provided on the camera body 1 side. Various shooting modes can be set. Hereinafter, various shooting modes (functions) will be described.

  Reference numeral 41 denotes a fully automatic mode mark, and the fully automatic mode (normal photographing mode) is set by rotating the mode dial 4 so that the fully automatic mark 41 is aligned with the index 40 on the camera body 1 side. In the fully automatic mode, the camera can automatically set shooting conditions such as an optimum AF frame, shutter speed, and aperture value. For this reason, the photographer can easily take a good picture simply by pressing the release button 3.

  Reference numeral 42 denotes an image zone. In this image zone 42, various mode marks for setting various shooting modes are drawn. That is, 43 is a mode mark for setting a portrait mode, and 44 is a mode mark for setting a landscape mode. Reference numeral 45 is a mode mark for setting the close-up mode, and 46 is a mode mark for setting the sport mode. Reference numeral 47 denotes a mode mark for setting the night scene mode, and reference numeral 48 denotes a mode mark for setting the strobe emission prohibition mode. When the mode dial 4 is rotated so that one of the mode marks drawn in the image zone 42 matches the index 40 on the camera body 1 side, the shooting mode corresponding to the mode mark is set.

  Reference numeral 49 denotes a creative zone. Various mode marks for setting various shooting modes are also drawn in the creative zone 49. That is, “P” is a mode mark for setting the program AE shooting mode, and “Tv” is a mode mark for setting the shutter speed priority AE shooting mode. Further, “Av” is a mode mark for setting the aperture priority AE mode, and “M” is a mode mark for setting the manual exposure mode. “A-DEP” is a mode mark for setting the auto depth mode. When the mode dial 4 is rotated so that one of the mode marks drawn in the creative zone 49 matches the index 40 on the camera body 1 side, the shooting mode corresponding to the mode mark is set.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the camera according to the present embodiment. Each element constituting the control system of the camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the thing similar to what was shown in FIG. 1, it shall show using the same code | symbol and shall abbreviate | omit description.

  In FIG. 4, 2 is a taking lens. In the photographic lens 2, reference numeral 9 denotes an optical lens composed of a plurality of lenses, and reference numeral 10 denotes a focus driving unit that drives a part of the optical lens 9 by the lens driving ring 6 based on the result of the AF processing and performs a focusing operation. is there. Reference numeral 11 denotes an aperture, and reference numeral 12 denotes a shutter. The aperture 11 and the shutter 12 are adjusted or driven based on the result of the AE process.

  Reference numeral 13 denotes an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS that converts an image into an electrical signal, and reference numeral 14 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog image signal from the image sensor 13 into digital image data. A timing generation circuit 15 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 13 and the A / D converter 14 and is controlled by the memory controller 16 and the system controller 17.

  An image processing unit 18 performs predetermined image processing such as pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the image data from the A / D conversion unit 14 or the memory control unit 16. In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 18 performs a predetermined arithmetic process using the captured image data, thereby performing a part of TTL (through-the-lens) AF process and AE process. In other words, the system control unit 17 uses the calculation results (grip point data and exposure value data) detected from the image data by the image processing unit 18 by a predetermined calculation process, and the system control unit 17 uses the shutter control unit 24, the aperture control unit 25, and the distance measurement control unit. 26 is controlled. Thereby, automatic exposure adjustment and automatic focus adjustment are performed by AF processing and AE processing. The image processing unit 18 performs predetermined calculation processing using the image data output from the A / D conversion unit 14, and based on the obtained calculation result, a TTL (through the lens) type AWB (auto white) (Balance) control processing is also performed.

  A memory control unit 16 controls the A / D conversion unit 14, the timing generation circuit 15, the image processing unit 18, the image display memory 19, the display control unit 20, the memory 21, and the compression / decompression unit 22. Data output from the A / D conversion unit 14 is written to the image display memory 19 or the memory 21 via the image processing unit 18, the memory control unit 16, or directly via the memory control unit 16. Reference numeral 21 denotes a memory for storing captured images, which has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of images.

  A compression / decompression unit 22 compresses / decompresses image data read from the memory 21 according to a predetermined image compression method (for example, applied discrete cosine transform). Specifically, the compression / decompression unit 22 reads image data stored in the memory 21, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and writes the processed image data in the memory 21. The image data written in the memory 21 by the compression / decompression unit 22 is then recorded on a removable recording medium 23. Note that the recording medium 23 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. The memory 21 can also be used as a work area for the system control unit 17. Further, the memory 21 is also used when image data recorded on the recording medium 23 is displayed on the image display unit 7 by the display control unit 20. In this case, the image data from the recording medium 23 is written into the memory 21 and the image data is written into the image display memory 19 via the image processing unit 18 and the memory control unit 16 from here.

  A shutter control unit 24 controls the shutter 12, and a diaphragm control unit 25 controls the aperture 11. Reference numeral 26 denotes a distance measuring control unit that controls the focus adjustment of the photographing lens 2, 27 denotes a strobe, and 28 denotes a strobe control unit that controls the light emission of the strobe 27.

  As described above, the camera according to the present embodiment can perform TTL (through-the-lens) AF processing and AE processing. When performing the AE process, the shutter control unit 24 and the aperture control unit 25 are controlled by the system control unit 17, and a command corresponding to the exposure value data detected from the image data by the image processing unit 18 by a predetermined calculation process is issued to the shutter 12. And output to the aperture 11. When performing AF processing, the distance measurement control unit 26 is controlled by the system control unit 17, and a command corresponding to the palm point data detected from the image data by the image processing unit 18 through predetermined calculation processing is given to the focus driving unit 10. Output for.

  A system control unit 17 controls the entire camera. The system control unit 17 is composed of a microcomputer unit including a CPU, and executes a program stored in the memory 29 to control each unit of the camera. Reference numeral 29 denotes a memory for storing constants, variables, programs and the like for operation of the system control unit 17. The memory 29 stores various programs such as a program for performing an imaging process, a program for performing an image process, a program for recording the created image file data on a recording medium, and a program for reading the image file data from the recording medium. Furthermore, various programs such as an OS that realizes and executes the multitask configuration of the program are also recorded.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a measuring unit, which is a time from when the first switch is turned on by the pressing operation of the release button 3 performed again during the self-timer countdown until the second switch is turned on after the self-timer countdown is started. It is a measurement part which measures.

  When the self-timer shooting mode is set by the drive mode selection button 8, the shooting condition is set automatically or manually when the first switch of the release button 3 is turned on, and then the self-timer of the self-timer is turned on when the second switch is turned on. Countdown starts. The measuring unit 30 measures the time from when the first switch is turned on by pressing the release button 3 again performed during the countdown of the self-timer until the second switch is turned on. Here, in the camera according to the present embodiment, when the first switch is turned on by pressing the release button 3 while the self-timer is counting down, the AE process and the AF process are performed. ing.

  Reference numeral 31 denotes a comparison unit that compares the measurement time measured by the measurement unit 30 with a predetermined time set in advance, and sets (determines) the imaging condition based on the comparison result. Specifically, when the measurement time is longer than the predetermined time, shooting conditions are set based on the results of AE processing and AF processing performed during the timer countdown. On the other hand, when the measurement time is shorter than the predetermined time, shooting conditions based on the exposure and focus results set by the pressing operation of the first switch before the start of the timer countdown are set. In other words, the camera according to the present embodiment is configured so that when the first switch is turned on by the pressing operation of the release button 3 during the countdown of the self-timer and the second switch is turned on, the shooting condition is changed according to the situation. Select. By performing such shooting control, the camera according to the present embodiment is designed so that shooting can be performed immediately under appropriate shooting conditions according to the photographer's intention.

  Reference numeral 32 denotes a power supply control unit, which includes a power supply detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching circuit blocks for supplying power, and the like. Etc. More specifically, the power supply control unit 32 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control unit 17, and supplies the necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium for a necessary period.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a photographing operation executed under the control of the system control unit 17 of the camera according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a photographing operation executed by the camera according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In FIG. 5, when the operation of the camera is started in step S <b> 100 (abbreviated as S in the figure), in step S <b> 101, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the first switch (SW <b> 1) is turned on by pressing the release button 3. Is determined. When the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is turned on (ON), the process proceeds to step S102, and when the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is not turned on (ON) in step S101. Repeat this step.

  In step S102, the system control unit 17 determines whether the shooting mode of the camera is the manual shooting mode. Here, for example, if it is a fully automatic shooting mode, a program AE shooting mode, a shutter speed priority AE shooting mode, an aperture priority AE mode or the like (collectively referred to as an AE mode), the process proceeds to step S103, and the shooting mode is a manual shooting mode. In this case, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S103, the system control unit 17 starts a photometric operation (photometric operation (1)) by AE processing, ends the photometric operation (photometric operation (1)) in step S104, and proceeds to step S105.

  Next, in step S105, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the focus adjustment mode of the camera is the AF mode. If the camera focus adjustment mode is the AF mode, the process proceeds to step S106. If the camera focus adjustment mode is the MF (manual focus adjustment) mode, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S106, the system control unit 17 starts a ranging operation (ranging operation (1)) by AF processing, ends the ranging operation (ranging operation (1)) in step S107, and proceeds to step S108. move on. The photometry operation (1) in step S103 and the distance measurement operation (1) in step S106 may be performed simultaneously.

  Next, in step S108, the system control unit 17 sets the photographing condition (1) based on the above-described exposure and palm point setting or detection result, and proceeds to step S109. Specifically, in step S102, shooting conditions based on exposure value data detected by AE control in the case of the AE mode, and manually set exposure values in the case of the manual shooting mode are set. In step S105, when the AF mode is set, the shooting point data detected by the AF control is set, and when the MF mode is set, the photographing condition based on the manually set point is set.

  In step S109, the system control unit 17 determines whether the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is off (OFF), that is, whether the half-pressed state is released. If the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is not turned off (OFF), the process proceeds to step S110. If the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is turned off (OFF), the process proceeds to step S110. Return to S101.

  In step S110, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the second switch (SW2) is turned on by pressing the release button 3. If the second switch (SW2) of the release button 3 is turned on (ON), the process proceeds to step S111. If the second switch (SW2) of the release button 3 is not turned on (ON), the process proceeds to step S111. Return to S109.

  In step S111, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the camera shooting mode is the self-timer shooting mode. If the camera shooting mode is the self-timer shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S112. The system control unit 17 starts counting down the self-timer, and then proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, if the camera shooting mode is other than the self-timer shooting mode in step S111, the process proceeds to step S116, shooting is performed under the shooting condition (1) set in step S108, the process proceeds to step S200, and the shooting operation is terminated.

  In step S113, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the first switch (SW1) is turned on by pressing the release button 3. If the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is not turned on (YES), the process proceeds to step S114, and the system control unit 17 determines whether the remaining time of the self timer is zero. If the remaining time of the self-timer is zero in step S114, the system control unit 17 proceeds to step S115 and ends the self-timer countdown. In step S116, the system control unit 17 performs shooting under the shooting condition (1) set in step S108, proceeds to step S200, and ends shooting.

  On the other hand, if the remaining time of the self-timer is not zero in step S114, the system control unit 17 returns to step S113 and continues to monitor the pressing operation of the release button 3 while the self-timer is counting down.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given of the control of the shooting operation when the release button 3 is operated during the timer countdown after the start of the self-timer countdown in step S112 in the self-timer shooting mode set by the drive mode selection button 8.

  That is, when the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is turned on in step S113, the system control unit 17 proceeds to step S117.

  In step S117, the system control unit 17 stops the countdown of the self-timer and proceeds to step S118.

  In step S118, the system control unit 17 starts measuring the time after the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is turned on in step S113 in the measurement unit 30, and proceeds to step S119.

  In step S119, the system control unit 17 starts photometry operation (photometry operation (2)) by AE processing, and proceeds to step S120. Subsequently, in step S120, distance measurement operation by AF processing (distance measurement operation (2)). The process proceeds to step S121. Since the camera according to the present embodiment performs TTL AE processing and AF processing, the photometric operation here is performed by the image processing unit 18 extracting a luminance signal from the image data. This is done by the image processor 18 extracting a specific frequency component of the image data. Note that steps S119 and S120 correspond to a processing example of the photographing preparation means in the present invention.

  Note that the photometric operation performed in step S119 executes the same photometric operation as in the fully automatic mode when the camera's shooting mode is the manual shooting mode, and is set in the case other than the manual shooting mode. Execute metering operation according to Further, the distance measuring operation performed in step S120 is executed even when the focus adjustment mode of the camera is the MF (manual focus adjustment) mode. Further, the photometry operation in step S119 and the distance measurement operation in step S120 may be executed simultaneously.

  Next, in step S121, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is turned off. If the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is not turned off (OFF), the process proceeds to step S122, and if the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is turned off (OFF). Advances to step S200 to end the photographing operation.

  In step S122, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the second switch (SW2) is turned on by pressing the release button 3. If the second switch (SW2) of the release button 3 is turned on (ON), the process proceeds to step S123, and if the second switch (SW2) of the release button 3 is not turned on (ON). Returns to step S121.

  In step S123, the system control unit 17 ends the measurement of the half-press time of the release button 3 by the measurement unit 30. That is, the measurement of the time from when the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is turned on in step S113 until the second switch (SW2) of the release button 3 is turned on in step S122 is completed. Then, the process proceeds to step S124. Note that the process of starting the half-press time measurement in step S118 and ending the measurement in step S123 corresponds to one process example of the measurement means in the present invention.

  In step S124, the system control unit 17 determines whether the measurement time measured in step S123 is shorter than the predetermined time set in the camera in advance in the comparison unit 31 (whether it is less than the predetermined time). Determine. That is, the measurement time from when the first switch (SW1) of the release button 3 is turned on to when the second switch (SW2) is turned on (ON) is compared with a predetermined time set in the camera in advance. Determine whether it is short. If the measurement time is longer than the predetermined time in step S124, the system control unit 17 proceeds to step S125.

  In step S125, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the photometric operation (photometric operation (2)) started in step S119 has ended. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S126. If the photometric operation (photometric operation (2)) has not been completed, this step is repeated. Subsequently, in step S126, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the ranging operation (ranging operation (2)) started in step S120 has ended. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S127. If the photometry operation (ranging operation (2)) has not been completed, this step is repeated.

  In step S127, the system control unit 17 sets the shooting condition (2) based on the detection result of the exposure value data obtained by the AE process of the camera and the palm point data obtained by the AF process as the shooting condition. Thereafter, the system control unit 17 proceeds to step S116 to perform photographing, proceeds to step S200, and ends the photographing operation.

  On the other hand, if the measurement time is shorter than the predetermined time in step S124, the system control unit 17 proceeds to step S128, and continuously sets the shooting condition (1) set in step S108 as the shooting condition. Thereafter, the system control unit 17 proceeds to step S116 to perform photographing, proceeds to step S200, and ends the photographing operation. Note that the processing in step S124 corresponds to one processing example of the comparison means in the present invention, and the processing in steps S125 to S128 corresponds to one processing example in the photographing control means in the present invention.

  As described above, the camera according to the present embodiment has been described. However, in the case where it is desired to shoot at a certain moment from the start to the end of the countdown of the self-timer, it is possible to shoot under the shooting conditions desired by the photographer. Yes, and an appropriate photographing result can be obtained immediately.

  That is, in the camera according to the present embodiment, if the time until the first switch of the release button 3 is turned on during the timer countdown and then the second switch is turned on is longer than the predetermined time, the timer countdown Shooting is performed under shooting conditions based on the detection results of the AE process and AF process executed by pressing the first switch. With such a configuration, in the camera according to the present embodiment, when it is desired to shoot at a certain moment from the start to the end of the countdown of the self-timer, in a case where the shooting conditions must be changed due to a change in composition or the like, Appropriate shooting results can be obtained immediately.

  Further, in the camera according to the present embodiment, when the time until the first switch of the release button 3 is turned on during the timer countdown and the second switch is subsequently turned on is shorter than a predetermined time, the timer countdown Shoot under the shooting conditions set before the start. Specifically, the photographing is performed under photographing conditions based on the exposure and the joint point set automatically or manually before the timer countdown. With such a configuration, when the composition and shooting conditions are determined in advance, and it is desired to take a picture immediately at a certain moment from the start to the end of the countdown of the self-timer, an appropriate shooting result can be obtained immediately.

  In the camera according to the present embodiment, the shooting conditions described above are switched according to the time until the first switch of the release button 3 is turned on during the timer countdown and then the second switch is turned on. I am doing so. With such a configuration, when it is desired to take a picture at a certain moment from the start to the end of the countdown of the self-timer, the photographer consciously operates the release button 3 to select which shooting condition to take. This is possible, and appropriate shooting results can be obtained immediately.

  Further, it is assumed that the photographer can arbitrarily set the length of the predetermined time set in advance in the camera according to the present embodiment described in step S124 in FIG. As an example of the setting method, a photographer may arbitrarily select from a plurality of predetermined time lengths prepared in the camera setting menu. As a result, when performing a shooting operation during the timer countdown, set the desired state or operation conditions of the photographer according to the user's preference for whether to use the shooting conditions during the timer countdown or before the timer countdown starts. Is possible.

  Further, for the predetermined time set in advance in the camera according to the present embodiment described in step S124 in FIG. 5, the driving range of the lens driving ring 6 which is the focus adjusting means (driving means) of the photographing lens 2 is wide. You may make it change according to. When the predetermined time can be changed as described above, the predetermined time is preferably set shorter than when the driving range of the lens driving ring 6 is wider than the driving range. In the case of the photographing lens 2 in which the driving range of the lens driving ring 6 is narrow, the driving time of the lens driving ring 6 by the focus driving unit 10 as a result of the AF processing is short, and the time until focusing is often short. . Therefore, it is possible to increase the rate at which shooting is performed under shooting conditions during timer countdown, which is a high rate desired by the photographer, and it is possible to change the predetermined time according to the driving range of the lens driving ring 6. The camera settings are convenient for the photographer. As a mode for changing the predetermined time, for example, if the taking lens 2 is a detachable lens, information on the driving range of the lens driving ring 6 is stored, and the system control unit 17 reads the information and automatically The mode etc. which are made to change by can be considered. Alternatively, information of an appropriate predetermined time corresponding to the driving range of the lens driving ring 6 is recorded in advance, and whether or not to change the predetermined time according to the driving range is displayed on the image display unit 7. Alternatively, the photographer may be allowed to select.

  Further, for the predetermined time set in advance in the camera according to the present embodiment described in step S124 in FIG. 5, the driving speed of the lens driving ring 6 that is the focus adjusting means (driving means) of the photographing lens 2 is high. You may make it change according to. When the predetermined time can be changed as described above, the predetermined time is preferably set shorter when the driving speed is high than when the driving speed is low. In the case of the photographic lens 2 in which the motor performance of the focus driving unit 10 is high and the driving speed of the lens driving ring 6 is fast, it is often short in focus. Therefore, it is possible to increase the rate at which shooting is performed under the shooting conditions during the timer countdown, which is a high rate desired by the photographer, and it is possible to change the predetermined time according to the driving speed of the lens driving ring 6. The camera settings are convenient for the photographer. As a mode for changing the predetermined time, for example, if the taking lens 2 is a detachable lens, information on the driving speed of the focus driving unit 10 is stored in the lens, and the system control unit 17 stores the information. For example, a mode in which the data is read and automatically changed can be considered. Alternatively, information of an appropriate predetermined time corresponding to the driving speed of the lens driving ring 6 is recorded in advance, and whether or not the predetermined time corresponding to the driving speed is changed is displayed on the image display unit 7. Alternatively, the photographer may be allowed to select.

  In the above-described embodiments of the present invention, a single-lens reflex digital camera has been described. However, the present invention is applicable to other compact digital cameras, single-lens reflex cameras using a film, and lens shutter cameras. It is obvious that is effective.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the AE process and the AF process in which the image processing unit 18 detects exposure value data and joint point data based on the image data from the A / D conversion unit 14 by the TTL method have been described. A configuration in which a photometric sensor, a focus detection CCD sensor, or the like is separately used may be used.

  In order to realize the present invention, a storage medium in which a program code (computer program) of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments may be used. In this case, the object of the present invention is achieved by supplying the storage medium to the system or apparatus and reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used. Needless to say, the OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. Furthermore, the program code read from the storage medium may be written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. In this case, based on the instruction of the written program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform part or all of the actual processing.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera body, 2 Shooting lens, 3 Release button, 4 Mode dial, 5 Focus adjustment mode switch, 6 Lens drive ring, 8 Drive mode selection button, 9 Optical lens, 10 Focus drive part, 11 Aperture, 12 shutter, 13 Imaging Element, 14 A / D conversion unit, 17 control unit, 18 image processing unit, 24 shutter control unit, 25 aperture control unit, 26 distance measurement control unit, 29 memory, 30 measurement unit, 31 comparison unit.

Claims (12)

It is possible to set the self-timer shooting mode that automatically shoots after the self-timer countdown has elapsed, instructing the shooting preparation operation to set the shooting conditions according to the first operation, and according to the second operation An imaging device capable of shooting during a countdown in the self-timer shooting mode in response to an operation on a release button for instructing a shooting operation.
Photographing preparation means for performing the photographing preparation operation in response to a first operation of the release button performed during the countdown of the self-timer photographing mode;
Measuring means for measuring the time from the first operation of the release button made during the countdown of the self-timer shooting mode to the second operation of the release button made during the countdown of the self-timer shooting mode;
A comparison means for comparing the measurement time measured by the measurement means with a predetermined time;
Based on the comparison result of the comparison unit, it is determined whether or not to perform shooting according to the second operation of the release button performed during the countdown under shooting conditions based on the shooting preparation operation in the shooting preparation unit. And an imaging control means for performing imaging.   When the comparison unit determines that the measurement time is longer than the predetermined time, the imaging control unit determines to perform imaging under imaging conditions based on the imaging preparation operation in the imaging preparation unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   If the comparison unit determines that the measurement time is shorter than the predetermined time, the imaging control unit determines to perform imaging under the imaging conditions set before the countdown in the self-timer imaging mode. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized.   The shooting conditions set before the countdown in the self-timer shooting mode are shooting conditions based on the shooting preparation operation performed according to the first operation of the release button before the countdown, and the subsequent release The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the countdown is started in response to a second operation of the button.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time can be arbitrarily set.   6. The photographing preparation operation according to claim 1, wherein at least one of detection of exposure value data in automatic exposure processing and detection of joint point data in automatic focus adjustment processing is included. The imaging device according to item.   The automatic focus adjustment processing includes control of driving means for driving the lens based on the detected palm point data, and the predetermined time is changed according to the driving range of the driving means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined time is set shorter than when the driving range of the driving unit is wider than the driving range.   The automatic focus adjustment process includes control of driving means for driving the lens based on the detected palm point data, and the predetermined time is changed according to the driving speed of the driving means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined time is set shorter than when the driving speed of the driving unit is slower than the driving speed. It is possible to set the self-timer shooting mode that automatically shoots after the self-timer countdown has elapsed, instructing the shooting preparation operation to set the shooting conditions according to the first operation, and according to the second operation A control method of an imaging apparatus capable of performing shooting in a countdown of the self-timer shooting mode in response to an operation on a release button that instructs a shooting operation.
A shooting preparation step for performing the shooting preparation operation in response to a first operation of the release button performed during the countdown of the self-timer shooting mode;
A measurement step of measuring a time from a first operation of the release button made during the countdown of the self-timer shooting mode to a second operation of the release button made during the countdown of the self-timer shooting mode;
A comparison step for comparing the measurement time measured in the measurement step with a predetermined time,
Based on the comparison result of the comparison step, it is determined whether or not shooting according to the second operation of the release button performed during the countdown is performed under shooting conditions based on the shooting preparation operation in the shooting preparation step. An imaging control step for controlling the imaging apparatus. It is possible to set the self-timer shooting mode that automatically shoots after the self-timer countdown has elapsed, instructing the shooting preparation operation to set the shooting conditions according to the first operation, and according to the second operation A program for causing a computer to execute control of an imaging apparatus capable of performing imaging during a countdown in the self-timer imaging mode in response to an operation on a release button that instructs an imaging operation.
A shooting preparation step for performing the shooting preparation operation in response to a first operation of the release button performed during the countdown of the self-timer shooting mode;
A measuring step of measuring a time from a first operation of the release button made during the countdown of the self-timer shooting mode to a second operation of the release button made during the countdown of the self-timer shooting mode;
A comparison step for comparing the measurement time measured in the measurement step with a predetermined time,
Based on the comparison result of the comparison step, it is determined whether or not shooting according to the second operation of the release button performed during the countdown is performed under shooting conditions based on the shooting preparation operation in the shooting preparation step. And a photographing control step for causing the computer to execute.

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