JP2013251729A - Imaging device and reproduction device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device capable of generating images with proper exposure when performing addition operation every time image data is output at a specific timing during photographing to generate an addition image, and a reproduction device capable of changing image expression depending on user's preference when performing reproduction of an image file recorded by the imaging device.SOLUTION: An imaging device includes an imaging unit 291 that converts a subject image into image data, a filing unit 259 that makes the image data into a file, and an addition operation unit 294 that performs addition operation of the image data. Every time image data is output from the imaging unit 291 at a specific timing during execution of photographing (#125Y), the filing unit 259 performs filing (#132), and the addition operation unit 294 performs addition operation to past image data (#133).

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device and a playback device, and more specifically, an imaging device that performs an addition operation every time image data is output at a specific timing during shooting and generates an added image, and the image recording device recorded with this imaging device The present invention relates to a playback apparatus that plays back an image file.

  In general, bulb photography is often used when photographing subjects such as the starry sky, fireworks, and night views. However, bulb exposure varies in the appropriate exposure time (time from shutter opening to shutter closing) depending on the object to be photographed and ambient conditions, and the photographer can determine the exposure time without looking at the finished image at his own discretion. Had to decide. Therefore, there is a problem that if the judgment is wrong, the exposure becomes insufficient and the exposure becomes excessive.

  Therefore, when a photographed image can be observed in accordance with exposure during bulb photographing or the like, the exposure level can be observed in real time, and the exposure time can be easily determined. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging apparatus that takes out pixel signals from an imaging element at a predetermined time interval (for example, 1/10 second) during an imaging operation and displays sequentially added images on a liquid crystal monitor. Yes.

JP 2005-117395 A

  According to the image pickup apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to check the progress of exposure by reading out image data at a specific timing and performing an addition operation, so that a major failure can be prevented even in bulb shooting. . However, since the result of the addition operation is compression-processed, there is a possibility that inadequate image processing cannot be performed when the exposure is not appropriate. In addition, when the added image is reproduced, the image expression cannot be changed according to the user's preference.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when an addition operation is performed each time image data is output at a specific timing during shooting to generate an added image, an image with an appropriate exposure is obtained. An imaging device capable of generating It is another object of the present invention to provide a playback device that can change the image representation according to user preferences when playing back an image file recorded by the imaging device.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to a first invention includes an imaging unit that converts a subject image into image data, a filing unit that converts the image data into a file, and an addition operation that performs an addition operation of the image data. Each time the image data is output from the imaging unit at a specific timing during shooting, the filing unit executes filing, and the addition unit operation adds the past image data. And a control unit that executes calculation.

  In the imaging device according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the filing unit converts the added image into a file at the end of the photographing.

  An imaging apparatus according to a third invention is the imaging apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the imaging apparatus further includes a clock unit that outputs clock information, and the control unit outputs image data output at the specific timing. Is recorded together with the time information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a playback device that stores a plurality of image files that are obtained at a specific timing from the start to the end of shooting and record time information together with image data, and the storage unit A reproduction control unit that performs reproduction control of an image using the time information included in the image file stored in the image file, and a display unit that displays the image controlled by the reproduction control unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device capable of generating an image with appropriate exposure when performing addition calculation every time image data is output at a specific timing during shooting and generating an added image. it can. Also, it is possible to provide a playback device that can change the image representation according to the user's preference when playing back an image file recorded by the imaging device.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the digital single-lens reflex camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention from the back. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an electric system of a digital single-lens reflex camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an extracted configuration related to imaging and display such as a bulb mode in the digital single-lens reflex camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the power-on reset in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the update time input in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography operation | movement in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the exposure operation | movement in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display at the time of bulb mode imaging | photography in 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) to (g) shows the display which changes with progress of update time. It is a figure which shows the imaging | photography information display of the digital single-lens reflex camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the update display of the digital single-lens reflex camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) to (e) shows the display of a respectively different update time. It is a flowchart which shows the exposure operation | movement in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the exposure operation | movement in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the exposure operation | movement in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the exposure operation | movement in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the file structure of the RAW data in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the reproduction | regeneration display in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the reproduction | regeneration display in 1st Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment using a digital single-lens reflex camera to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the digital single-lens reflex camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back.

  This digital single-lens reflex camera is composed of a camera body 200 and an interchangeable lens 100. On the upper surface of the camera body 200, a release button 21, a shooting mode dial 22, an information setting dial 24, a strobe 50, and the like are arranged. The release button 21 has a first release switch that is turned on when the photographer is half-pressed and a second release switch that is turned on when the photographer is fully pressed. When the first release switch (hereinafter referred to as 1R) is turned on, the camera performs photographing preparation operations such as focus detection, focusing of the photographing lens, and photometry of the subject brightness, and the second release switch (hereinafter referred to as 2R). When the camera is turned on, the camera executes a photographing operation for capturing image data of the subject image based on the output of the image sensor 221 (see FIG. 2).

  The shooting mode dial 22 is an operation member configured to be rotatable. By matching a picture display or a symbol representing the shooting mode provided on the shooting mode dial 22 with an index, the program shooting mode (P) and aperture priority are set. Each shooting mode such as shooting mode (A), shutter shooting priority mode (S), manual shooting mode (M), bulb mode (B), etc. can be selected.

  The information setting dial 24 is an operation member configured to be rotatable, and a desired setting value, mode, or the like can be selected by rotating the information setting dial 24 on an information display screen or the like. When the bulb mode is set, the update time of the image display during exposure can be set. The strobe 50 is a pop-up type auxiliary lighting device. By operating an operation button (not shown), the strobe 50 pops up and can irradiate the subject.

  On the rear surface of the camera body 200, there are a liquid crystal monitor 26, a continuous / single shooting button 27, an AE lock button 28, an up cross button 30U, a down cross button 30D, a right cross button 30R, and a left cross button 30L (these buttons). The cross buttons 30U, 30D, 30R, and 30L are collectively referred to as a cross button 30), an OK button 31, a live view display button 33, an enlarge button 34, a menu button 37, and a playback button 38. . The liquid crystal monitor 26 is a display device that performs live view display, reproduces and displays a captured subject image, and displays shooting information and menus. At the time of bulb photographing, an image is displayed based on an image signal acquired by the image sensor 221 during the exposure operation. Any liquid crystal display can be used as long as it can perform these displays.

  The continuous shooting / single shooting button 27 is a continuous shooting mode in which continuous shooting is performed while the release button 21 is fully pressed, and a single shooting mode in which one frame is shot when the release button 21 is fully pressed. This is an operation member for switching. The AE lock button 28 is an operation member for fixing the photometric value. Thus, when the luminance of the object to be photographed is measured and then the AE lock button 28 is operated, the photometric value is retained even if the composition is changed, and photographing can be performed without changing the exposure level.

  The cross button 30 is an operation member for instructing the movement of the cursor in the two-dimensional direction of the X direction and the Y direction on the liquid crystal monitor 26. In addition, when reproducing and displaying the subject image recorded on the recording medium 277, It is also used to select a subject image. In addition to providing four buttons for up, down, left, and right, it is possible to replace with an operation member that can be operated in two dimensions, such as a switch that can detect the operation direction in two dimensions, such as a touch switch. It is. The OK button 31 is an operation member for confirming various items selected by the cross button 30, the control dial 24, or the like.

  The live view display button 33 is an operation button for switching from a display screen for information display or the like to a live view display, or from a live view display to a display screen for information display or the like. The live view display is a mode in which the subject image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 for observation based on the output of the image sensor 221 for recording the subject image, and the information display is set to display shooting information of the digital single lens reflex camera. Therefore, this mode is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26. The enlargement button 34 is an operation member for enlarging and displaying a part of the subject image on the liquid crystal monitor 26, and the enlargement position can be changed by operating the cross button 30 described above.

  The menu button 37 is an operation member for switching to a menu mode for setting various modes of the digital single-lens reflex camera. When the menu mode is selected by operating the menu button 37, a menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26. Is done. The menu screen has a plurality of hierarchical structures. Various items are selected with the cross-shaped button 30, and selection is determined by operating the OK button 31. The playback button 38 is an operation button for instructing the liquid crystal monitor 26 to display a subject image recorded after shooting. The image data of the subject stored in a later-described SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 267 and recording medium 277 in a compression mode such as JPEG is expanded and displayed.

  A bulb display LED (Light Emitting Diode) 41 is disposed on the rear surface of the camera body 200 and adjacent to the eyepiece window. This bulb display LED 41 emits light during execution of bulb photography, and displays to the user that bulb photography is being performed. A recording medium storage lid 40 is attached to the side surface of the camera body 200 so as to be freely opened and closed. When the recording medium storage lid 40 is opened, a loading slot for the recording medium 277 is provided therein, and the recording medium 277 can be detachably loaded into the camera body 200.

  Next, the overall configuration of the digital single-lens reflex camera mainly including the electric system will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 are configured separately and are electrically connected by the communication contact 300, but the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 can also be configured integrally. . The circuit block of the built-in strobe 50 is omitted in FIG.

  Inside the interchangeable lens 100, a photographing optical system 101 for focus adjustment and focal length adjustment, and a diaphragm 103 for adjusting the aperture amount are arranged. The photographing optical system 101 is driven by a lens driving mechanism 107, and the diaphragm 103 is connected to be driven by a diaphragm driving mechanism 109.

  The lens driving mechanism 107 and the aperture driving mechanism 109 are each connected to a lens CPU 111, and the lens CPU 111 is connected to a communication circuit 273 of the camera body 200 via a communication contact 300. The lens CPU 111 controls the inside of the interchangeable lens 100. The lens CPU 111 controls the lens driving mechanism 107 to perform focusing and zoom driving, and also controls the aperture driving mechanism 109 to perform aperture value control. Further, the lens CPU 111 transmits lens-specific information such as an open aperture value and focal length information of the interchangeable lens 100, and focal length and focal position information detected by an optical system position detection mechanism (not shown) to the camera body 200. To do.

  In the camera body 200, a position tilted by 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis of the lens (the lowered position, the subject image observation position) in order to reflect the subject image to the observation optical system, and a subject image to be guided to the image sensor 221. A movable mirror 201 that can be rotated between the jumped up position (the raised position and the retracted position) is provided. Above the movable mirror 201, a focusing screen 205 for forming a subject image is disposed, and above this focusing screen 205, a pentaprism 207 for horizontally reversing the subject image is disposed.

  An eyepiece lens (not shown) for observing the subject image is arranged on the emission side (right side in FIG. 2) of the pentaprism 207, and the photometric sensor 211 is arranged on the side of the pentaprism 207 so as not to disturb the observation of the subject image. Has been. The photometric sensor 211 is connected to a photometric processing circuit 241, and the output of the photometric sensor 211 is subjected to processing such as amplification and analog-digital conversion by the photometric processing circuit 241.

  Near the center of the movable mirror 201 described above is a half mirror, and on the back surface of the movable mirror 201, a sub mirror 203 for reflecting subject light transmitted through the half mirror portion to the lower part of the camera body 200 is provided. ing. The sub mirror 203 is rotatable with respect to the movable mirror 201. When the movable mirror 201 is flipped up (the position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2), the sub mirror 203 is rotated to a position that covers the half mirror portion. When in the observation position (lowering position), it is in an open position with respect to the movable mirror 201 as shown.

  This movable mirror 201 is driven by a movable mirror drive mechanism 239. A focus detection sensor 243 is disposed below the sub mirror 203, and an output of the focus detection sensor 243 is connected to a focus detection processing circuit 245. The focus detection sensor 243 is a known phase difference AF that separates the peripheral light beam of the photographic optical system 101 into two light beams in order to measure the defocus amount of the subject image formed by the photographic optical system 101. It consists of an optical system and a pair of sensors.

A focal plane type shutter 213 for controlling the exposure time is disposed behind the movable mirror 201, and this shutter 213 is driven and controlled by a shutter drive mechanism 237. An imaging element 221 is disposed behind the shutter 213 and photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the photographing optical system 101 into an electrical signal. The imaging element 211 may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) or a CMOS (Complementary).
Needless to say, a two-dimensional image sensor such as Metal Oxide Semiconductor can be used.

  Between the shutter 213 and the image sensor 221, an infrared cut filter / low pass filter 217, which is an optical filter for removing an infrared light component and a high frequency component from a subject light beam, is disposed.

  The image sensor 221 is connected to the image sensor drive circuit 223, and the image sensor drive circuit 223 reads an image signal from the image sensor 221. The image sensor driving circuit 223 is connected to an ADC (Analogue Digital Converter) circuit 225 that performs analog-digital conversion of an image signal. The output of the ADC circuit 225 is connected to the dark current removal circuit 227. The dark current removal circuit 227 is a circuit for removing dark current generated in the image sensor 221 and corrects image data representing the subject image using the dark current generated in the light-shielding region around the image sensor 221. To do.

  The dark current removal circuit 227 is connected to a data bus 252 in an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 250. The data bus 252 includes a sequence controller (hereinafter referred to as “body CPU”) 251, an image processing circuit 257, a filing unit 259, a video signal output circuit 261, an SDRAM control circuit 265, an input / output circuit 271, and a communication circuit 273. A recording medium control circuit 275, a flash memory control circuit 279, a switch detection circuit 283, a display LED 41, a clock unit 287, and a temperature measuring circuit 289 are connected.

  The body CPU 251 connected to the data bus 252 controls the operation of this digital single lens reflex camera. An image processing circuit 257 connected to the data bus 252 inputs RAW data output from the image sensor 221 and processed by the ADC circuit 225 and the like, and performs digital amplification (digital gain adjustment processing), color correction, and gamma (γ). Correction, contrast correction, image quality correction, and the like are performed, and various image processing such as live view display image generation is performed.

  The file conversion unit 259 converts the raw data stored in the SDRAM 267 into a file for recording on the recording medium 277. The filing unit 259 includes an image compression processing circuit, a RAW data file generation circuit, and the like. The image compression circuit is a circuit for compressing by a compression method such as JPEG or TIFF, and for expanding compressed image data. Note that image compression is not limited to JPEG or TIFF, and other compression methods can be applied. The compressed image data is processed by EXIF. The RAW data file generation circuit generates a RAW data file based on RAW data, thumbnail image data, shooting information, and the like. Examples of the shooting information include time information at the time of shooting output from the clock unit 287, temperature information output from the temperature measuring circuit 289, and the like.

  The video signal output circuit 261 is connected to the liquid crystal monitor 26 via the liquid crystal monitor drive circuit 263. The video signal output circuit 261 is a circuit for converting the image data stored in the SDRAM 267 and the recording medium 277 into a video signal for display on the liquid crystal monitor 26. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal monitor 26 is disposed on the back surface of the camera body 200. However, the liquid crystal monitor 26 is not limited to the back surface as long as the photographer can observe the image. . A liquid crystal monitor backlight 26 a that illuminates the liquid crystal monitor 26 is disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal monitor 26, and is driven and controlled by a liquid crystal monitor drive circuit 263.

  The SDRAM 267 is connected to the data bus 252 via the SDRAM control circuit 265, and the SDRAM 267 temporarily stores the image data processed by the image processing circuit 257 or the image file generated by the filing unit 259. This is a buffer memory.

  The input / output circuit 271 connected to the image sensor driving circuit 223, the shutter driving mechanism 237, the movable mirror driving mechanism 239, the photometry processing circuit 241, and the focus detection processing circuit 245 is connected to each of the body CPU 251 and the like via the data bus 252. Controls circuit and data input / output.

  The communication circuit 273 connected to the lens CPU 111 via the communication contact 300 is connected to the data bus 252 and exchanges data and communicates control commands with the body CPU 251 and the like. A recording medium control circuit 275 connected to the data bus 252 is connected to the recording medium 277 and controls recording of an image file and the like on the recording medium 277 and reading of the image file and the like.

  The recording medium 277 can be loaded with any rewritable recording medium such as an xD picture card (registered trademark), a compact flash (registered trademark), an SD memory card (registered trademark), or a memory stick (registered trademark). And is detachable from the camera body 200. In addition, the hard disk may be configured to be connectable via a communication contact.

  The flash memory control circuit 279 is connected to a flash memory 281, and the flash memory 281 stores a program for controlling the operation of the digital single lens reflex camera, and the body CPU 251 stores the program in the flash memory 281. The digital single lens reflex camera is controlled according to the stored program. Note that the flash memory 281 is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory.

  1R switch that detects the first stroke (half press) of the release button 21, 2R switch that detects the second stroke (full press), power switch, menu switch linked to the menu button 37, and linked to the shooting mode dial 22 Various switches 285 including a dial switch, a dial switch interlocked with the information setting dial 24, and various switches interlocked with other operation members are connected to the data bus 252 via the switch detection circuit 283. Further, the display LED 41 connected to the data bus 252 emits light according to the lighting instruction of the body CPU 251 and turns off according to the lighting instruction.

  The clock unit 287 has a timekeeping function and outputs time information such as date and time. This time information is also recorded when an image file is generated using image data or the like. The temperature measurement circuit 289 is a circuit that measures the ambient temperature around the image sensor 221 and the like in the camera body 200, and temperature measurement information is also recorded when the image file is generated.

  Next, the structure of the RAW data file generated by the filing unit 259 when generating the image file will be described with reference to FIG. Since the structure of this RAW data file is generally known, only the outline will be described here.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the RAW data file is a file for recording RAW data in a format compliant with EXIF. A header is provided in the same manner as EXIF, and various types of data are assigned by IFD (Image File Directory).

  In the RAW data file, information necessary for reproducing the main image data (main image data IFD0) and information at the time of shooting the main image data (shooting information IFD1) are recorded in the field F1 at the head of the file.

  In the RAW data file, thumbnail image data compressed with JPEG data generated by the filing unit 259 is assigned to the subsequent field F2, and information (originally defined by the manufacturer of the camera body 200) is assigned to the subsequent field F3. Plaintext maker note IFD) is recorded. Since the first three fields F1 to F3 are created in the EXIF format, the RAW data file is formed so that the RAW data assigned to the main image data can be reproduced by various applications that can process the EXIF file. The

  Subsequently, shooting information DS0 at the time of shooting the main image data is assigned to the RAW data file. Specifically, the aperture setting (settings such as 0 EV and -1 EV) of the interchangeable lens 100 at the time of shooting the RAW data DR, the shutter speed, the shooting mode, and the like are recorded in the field F4. In the subsequent field F5, parameters necessary for image processing for reproducing the time of shooting are recorded. For example, the aperture is recorded as 0 EV, for example, in the field F4 on the head side, and a specific aperture value 5.6 or the like is recorded in the image processing information DS0A in the subsequent field F5.

  In the RAW data file, various segmentation reference information DS0B is set in the subsequent field F6. Specifically, focus position information at the time of shooting, background position information at the time of shooting, and the like are recorded. Here, the shooting time information (Tst−Tfn) is recorded based on the time information output from the clock unit 287 at the time of shooting. In addition, as described later, the pre-addition image flag performs addition processing in which image data is read from the image sensor 221 each time the update time elapses, and RAW data is recorded. This pre-addition image flag indicates that the image data is before the addition operation. Similarly, the post-addition image flag indicates that the image data has been subjected to the addition operation.

  The user display update flag recorded in the field F6 is a flag indicating that such an operation is performed when the user displays the progress of exposure at an arbitrary time in bulb photography or the like. It is. The vibration presence / absence information is information indicating the presence / absence of vibration applied to the camera body 200 by a shake detection unit (not shown). The disturbance crossing information is information indicating the presence or absence of a disturbance image that crosses the screen. The image sensor temperature information is temperature information detected by the temperature measuring circuit 289. In the RAW data file, other various parameters are sequentially assigned to form shooting information DS0 when shooting the main image data.

  In the RAW data file, shooting information DS1, DS2,. The shooting information DS1, DS2,... In the editing process is shooting information set in the editing process, and is set corresponding to the image processing information DS0A that reproduces the shooting time assigned to the shooting information DS0 at the time of shooting. The shooting information DS1, DS2,... Is obtained by adding history information to shooting information such as aperture setting, shutter speed, shooting mode, etc. assigned to the field F4 of the shooting information DS0 at the time of shooting. Is formed. In the subsequent field F8, specific image processing information corresponding to the shooting information assigned to the immediately preceding field F7 is recorded.

  In the RAW data file, information necessary for reproduction of the thumbnail image data DT is assigned to the shooting information DS1, DC2,... In the editing process, and thumbnail image data DT is assigned to the subsequent field. Subsequently, RAW data DR, which is main image data, is assigned. The RAW data file is information corresponding to the cutout reference information (field F6) assigned to the shooting information DS0 at the time of shooting following the main image data, and the cutout reference information set during the editing process can be added. Formed. In the above description, each image data is managed. However, a plurality of images may be managed collectively. For example, a plurality of image data as described in FIG. 6 of JP 2012-15967 A may be managed as one file. Also in this case, the concept of specifying the characteristics of each image with tags is the same as in the above-described example, and thus detailed description is omitted here.

  Next, a configuration related to image display during exposure in bulb photography will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 297 includes a body CPU 251 that controls the entire digital single lens reflex camera. The imaging unit 291 includes the above-described imaging element 221, imaging element drive circuit 223, ADC circuit 225, dark current removal circuit 227, and the like, and outputs image data based on the image signal. The output of the imaging unit 291 is connected to the addition operation unit 294.

  The addition operation unit 294 performs addition operation on images acquired every predetermined time during bulb photographing to generate addition image data. Temporary storage unit 293 is configured by a temporary storage device such as SDRAM 267, temporarily stores the added image data calculated in addition operation unit 294, and stores the added image data already stored in accordance with a control command from control unit 297. The data is supplied to the addition calculation unit 294 and newly added image data is stored again. The addition calculation unit 294 includes a body CPU 251 and an image processing circuit 257, and performs addition calculation between the addition image data already stored in the temporary storage unit 293 and the latest image data in accordance with a control command from the control unit 297. .

  The addition image recording unit 295 is configured by a recording medium such as the recording medium 277 described above, and the final addition image data obtained by the addition operation by the addition operation unit 294 is transferred from the temporary storage unit 293 according to the control command of the control unit 297. Read and store. Note that image data before addition output at a specific timing (for example, an update time interval) is converted into an image file (RAW image file) by the filing unit 259, and the converted image file is converted into an image recording unit. Stored in 295. The image display unit 296 is configured by the liquid crystal monitor 26, the liquid crystal monitor drive circuit 263, and the like, and is controlled by the control unit 297 every time the added image data added by the addition calculating unit 294 is updated and stored in the temporary storage unit 293. According to the instruction, it is read from the temporary storage unit 293 and displayed.

  The display illumination unit 298 includes a liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a, a liquid crystal monitor drive circuit 263, and the like, and illuminates the image display unit 296 so that a photographer can easily see the image display unit 296 even in a dark place. The notification unit 299 is configured by the display LED 41 and the like, lights up during execution of bulb photography, and notifies the photographer. Note that the notification unit 299 is not limited to an LED, and may be another display element such as a light bulb.

  Since it is configured in this way, the image data acquired by the imaging unit 291 is sequentially added by the addition operation unit 294 for each set update time, and this added image is displayed on the image display unit 296. As described above, the control unit 297 performs control. As the display on the liquid crystal monitor 26 at the time of bulb photography, first, the notification information 310a is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 at the start of bulb exposure (FIG. 8A), and the notification unit 299 is turned on.

  In addition, image data is cumulatively added from the start of exposure, and an added image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 every time the update time elapses, as shown in FIGS. In the stage of FIG. 8 (b), the exposure time is not sufficient, so the image is dark. However, when the images are cumulatively added over and over again, the image gradually changes to a bright image, as shown in FIG. 8 (g). In addition, an overexposed image is displayed.

  Further, when the update time elapses, the display illumination unit 298 illuminates the image display unit 296 for a predetermined time from the update time, and the added image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 can be easily observed. When the predetermined time elapses, the illumination by the display illumination unit 298 is turned off. Thereafter, when the update time elapses again, the illumination by the display illumination unit 298 is resumed. In this way, the display illumination unit 298 is not constantly illuminated, and can prevent waste of power. Further, since the notification unit 299 is always in display during bulb photographing, the photographer can easily confirm that bulb photographing is being performed.

  Next, details of the operation of the digital single-lens reflex camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. This flowchart is executed by the body CPU 251 in accordance with a program stored in the flash memory 281. FIG. 4 shows a power-on reset operation by the body CPU 251 on the camera body 200 side. When a battery is loaded in the camera body 200, this flow starts, and it is determined whether the power switch of the camera body 200 is on (# 1).

  If the result of the determination is that the power switch is off, it enters a sleep state that is a state of low power consumption (# 3). In this sleep state, interrupt processing is performed only when the power switch is turned on, and processing for turning on the power switch is performed in step # 5 and subsequent steps. Until the power switch is turned on, operations other than power switch interrupt processing are stopped to prevent the power battery from being consumed. In step # 1, if the power switch is on, or if the sleep state is canceled in step # 3, power supply is started (# 5).

  Next, if there is information such as the shooting mode set by the shooting mode dial 22, the ISO sensitivity set by the information setting dial 24, the manually set shutter speed or aperture value, those shooting conditions, and lens information Reading is performed (# 7). The lens information is read from the lens CPU 111 via the communication circuit 273 such as lens-specific information such as the full aperture value and focal length information of the interchangeable lens 100. In this step, if the valve mode is set, this information is read.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the valve mode is set (# 9). Since the shooting mode is read in step # 7, it is determined whether or not the bulb mode is set as the read shooting mode. As a result of the determination, if the bulb mode is not set, photometry / exposure amount calculation is performed (# 11). In this step, the subject brightness is measured by the photometric sensor 211, an exposure amount is calculated, and exposure control values such as a shutter speed and an aperture value are calculated according to the shooting mode and shooting conditions using the exposure amount.

  If the valve mode is set as a result of the determination in step # 9, an update time (cycle for repeatedly outputting image data) is input (# 31). The input of the update time will be described later with reference to FIG. When the input of the update time is finished, the process jumps to step # 13. In the bulb mode, since the shutter 213 is opened and closed by a user operation regardless of photometry, the photometry / exposure amount calculation in step # 11 is not executed.

  Next, shooting information is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 (# 13). The shooting information includes the shooting mode and shooting conditions read in step # 7, and the shutter speed and aperture value exposure control values calculated in step # 11. When the bulb mode is set as the shooting mode, as shown in FIG. 9, a valve mode display 301 and an update time display 302 are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 together with other shooting information.

  Once the shooting information is displayed, it is next determined whether or not the playback switch linked to the playback button 38 is on (# 17). The reproduction mode is a mode in which image data recorded on the recording medium 277 is read and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 when the reproduction button 38 is operated. If the result of determination is that the regeneration switch is on, regeneration operation is executed (# 33). In the reproduction operation, the image file recorded on the recording medium 277 is read, and the rear liquid crystal monitor 26 reproduces and displays the image. When a bulb image or the like is reproduced and displayed, the image is reproduced using time information recorded in the image file. This reproduction display will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  If the result of determination in step # 17 is that the playback switch is not on, it is determined whether or not the menu switch linked to the menu button 37 is on (# 19). In this step, it is determined whether the menu button 37 is operated and the menu mode is set. If the result of determination is that the menu switch is on, a menu is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 and menu setting operation is performed (# 35). Various setting operations such as AF mode, white balance, ISO sensitivity setting, and drive mode setting can be performed by the menu setting operation.

  If the result of determination in step # 19 is that the menu switch is not on, it is determined whether or not the release button 21 has been half-pressed, that is, whether or not the 1R switch is on (# 21). If the result of determination is that the 1R switch is on, a shooting operation subroutine for shooting preparation and shooting is executed (# 37). Details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the result of determination in step # 21 is that the 1R switch is not on, it is determined whether or not the power switch is on as in step # 1 (# 23). If the result of determination is that the power switch is on, processing returns to step # 7 and the above operation is repeated. On the other hand, if the power switch is not on, the power supply is stopped (# 25), the process returns to step # 3, and the above-described sleep state is entered.

  Next, the update time input operation in step # 31 will be described with reference to FIG. When this subroutine is entered, it is first determined whether or not the information setting dial 24 has been operated in order to input the update time (# 45). If the result of determination is that the information setting dial 24 has not been operated, processing returns to the original routine. On the other hand, if the information setting dial 24 has been operated, the switch detection circuit 283 detects the rotation direction (# 47).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the detected rotation direction is a direction for reducing the update time (# 49). As a result of the determination, if the rotation direction decreases the update time, it is determined whether or not the previous update time has reached the lower limit value (# 51). The lower limit value may be set as appropriate, but may be about 0.1 seconds, for example. If the result of determination is that the lower limit has not been reached, the update time is shortened in a predetermined step in order from the current setting state (# 53).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the update time is displayed as the update display 302 in the shooting information on the liquid crystal monitor 26. Each time the information setting dial 24 is rotated to shorten the update time, for example, If the current setting state is the initial value of 30 seconds, it gradually decreases in a predetermined step from FIG. 10 (c) toward the lower limit value in FIG. 10 (a). This step may be appropriately determined in consideration of usability. When the update time is shortened, the original routine is restored.

  If the result of determination in step # 49 is not decreasing, it is determined whether or not the previous update time has reached the upper limit (# 55). The upper limit value may be set as appropriate. For example, the upper limit value may be 9 minutes as a time period that is not affected by the dark current. If the result of determination is that the upper limit has not been reached, the update time is extended in a predetermined step (# 57). Each time the information setting dial 24 is rotated in a direction to increase the update time, the information setting dial 24 gradually increases in a predetermined step from the current state toward the upper limit value in FIG. When the update time extension ends, the process returns to the original routine. This update time interval is an example and can be changed as appropriate.

  Next, the photographing operation in step # 37 will be described with reference to FIG. This subroutine starts when the 1R switch is turned on. First, the photographing information displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 is turned off (# 61). Subsequently, a subroutine for phase difference AF control is executed (# 63). In this subroutine, the focus shift direction and the focus shift amount of the photographing optical system 101 are detected by a known phase difference AF, and the drive control of the optical system drive mechanism 107 is performed based on the focus shift direction and the focus shift amount. The system 101 is focused.

  When the phase difference AF is completed, it is determined whether or not the valve mode is set as in step # 9 (# 65). If the bulb mode is not set as a result of the determination, photometry / exposure amount calculation is performed to determine exposure control values such as shutter speed and aperture value (# 67). On the other hand, if the valve mode is set as a result of the determination, step # 67 is skipped and the process proceeds to step # 69. In the bulb mode, as described above, the opening / closing time of the shutter 213 is determined by the photographer, and photometry and exposure amount calculation are unnecessary.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the shutter button 21 has been fully pressed, that is, whether the 2R switch is on (# 69). If the result of determination is that the 2R switch is not on, it is determined whether or not the 1R switch is on (# 89). If the result of determination is that the 1R switch is not on, the shooting operation is terminated and processing returns to the original routine. On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the 1R switch is on, processing returns to step # 69 and enters a standby state for detecting the state of the 1R switch and 2R switch.

  If the result of determination in step # 69 is that the 2R switch is turned on, the routine proceeds to step for shooting. First, the movable mirror 201 is retracted (moved to the raised position) (# 71). As a result, the subject light flux by the photographing optical system 101 is guided in the direction of the image sensor 221. Subsequently, the lens CPU 111 is instructed to perform a narrowing operation, and the narrowing operation of the diaphragm 103 is executed (# 73).

  Now that the preparation for entering the normal photographing operation or the bulb photographing operation is completed, the exposure operation is started (# 75). In the exposure, the traveling of the front curtain of the shutter 213 is started and the charge accumulation of the image sensor 221 is started. When the time corresponding to the shutter speed obtained in step # 67 or the shutter speed manually set by the photographer has elapsed, the running of the rear curtain of the shutter 213 is started and the charge accumulation of the image sensor 221 is ended.

  Here, when the bulb mode is set, the shutter 213 is opened while the release button 21 is fully pressed, and during this time, the image sensor 221 repeatedly acquires image data at update time intervals. The added image based on the image data is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 while being updated. Details of this exposure operation will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the exposure operation ends, an instruction to open the diaphragm 103 is output to the lens CPU 111, the diaphragm 103 is opened (# 77), and the movable mirror 201 is returned to the lowered position (# 79). Subsequently, an image signal is read from the image sensor 221 and image processing is performed in the image processing circuit 257 or the like (# 81), and the image processed image data is recorded in the recording medium 277 (# 83). In recording the image data, the file forming unit 259 generates an image file using the image data of the added image, and records the image file. At this time, thumbnail image data is also generated and recorded.

  Once image recording has been performed, the backlight is then turned off (# 85). During the exposure operation subroutine in step # 75, since the illumination by the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is performed, this illumination is turned off. Subsequently, the display of the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 is stopped (# 87). When the image display is stopped, the original routine is restored.

  Next, the exposure operation in step # 75 will be described with reference to FIG. When this subroutine is entered, first, as in step # 9, it is determined whether or not the valve mode is set (# 101). If the valve mode is not set as a result of the determination, a normal shooting mode such as a program shooting mode is executed.

  As a normal shooting mode, first, a timer for measuring the exposure time is started (# 103), and when the shutter 213 is opened, the image sensor 221 starts imaging (# 105). That is, photoelectric conversion of the subject image formed on the image sensor 221 is performed, and signal charge accumulation is started. It is determined whether the exposure time (set time) corresponding to the shutter speed calculated in step # 67 or manually set has elapsed (# 107). As a result of the determination, when the exposure time has elapsed, the shutter 213 is closed and the image pickup by the image pickup device 221 is stopped (# 109).

  Subsequently, the image signal is read from the image sensor 221 (# 111), and the read image signal is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 267 (# 113). Based on the temporarily stored image signal, the captured image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 (# 115). Further, when displaying the captured image, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on to illuminate the liquid crystal monitor 26 (# 116). When the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on, the process returns to the original routine.

  If the valve mode is set as a result of the determination in step # 101, first, the added image storage area prepared in the temporary storage unit 293 is cleared (# 118), and the manual input is performed in step # 31. An update time is set (# 119). Subsequently, a timer for updating the display update time is started (# 119), and as in step # 105, the shutter 213 is opened and imaging is started (# 121).

  Next, the bulb display LED 41 is turned on to indicate that bulb photography has started (# 122). The bulb display LED 41 remains on at all times until it is turned off in step # 173, which will be described later, that is, during bulb photography.

  Subsequently, the display of the bulb shooting notification information 310a as shown in FIG. 8A is started (# 123). That is, when the bulb exposure is started, if the screen is black and nothing is displayed, the photographer becomes anxious about whether or not exposure by bulb photography has started. Therefore, in this embodiment, the photographer can recognize that the exposure operation has started by displaying the notification information 310a. Next, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on (# 124), and the liquid crystal monitor 26 is illuminated so that the photographer can easily observe the added image and the like.

  When the backlight is turned on, next, the timer for update time measurement determines whether or not the update time set in step # 119 has passed (# 125). As a result of the determination, if the update time has not elapsed, it is determined whether or not the release button 21 has been fully pressed, that is, whether or not the 2R switch has been turned off (# 151). If the 2R switch is not turned off as a result of the determination, it is determined whether or not 10 seconds have elapsed since the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a started to turn on (# 155). In the present embodiment, a timer is provided for starting the time measuring operation in synchronization with the lighting of the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a. In this step, the determination is made based on the measurement time of this timer.

  As a result of determination in step # 151, if 10 seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to step # 125, and enters a standby state in which step # 125, step # 151, and step # 155 are repeatedly determined. On the other hand, if 10 seconds have passed as a result of the determination in step # 151, it is determined whether or not the update time set in step # 119 is 30 seconds or more (# 157). As a result of the determination, if it is less than 30 seconds, the process returns to step # 125 to execute the above-described operation.

  On the other hand, if the setting update time is 30 seconds or more as a result of the determination, the illumination by the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned off (# 159). In the present embodiment, when the setting update time is 30 seconds or more, every time the added image is updated, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on for 10 seconds to illuminate the liquid crystal monitor 26. . When 10 seconds have elapsed, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned off. When the setting update time is less than 30 seconds, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a remains lit.

  In step # 157, it is determined whether or not to turn off the backlight according to the setting update time. If the backlight lighting time is 10 seconds, the setting update time exceeds 10 seconds, 30 If the time is less than 2 seconds, the backlight repeatedly turns on and off in a short time, the illumination flickers, and the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 26 becomes difficult to see. Note that the set time in step # 157 (30 seconds) and the set time in step # 155 (10 seconds) are merely examples, and may be changed as appropriate in consideration of power consumption prevention and display visibility. good.

  As a result of the determination in step # 125, when the update time has elapsed, similarly to step # 109 and step # 111, the imaging of the image sensor 221 is stopped while the shutter 213 is open, and the image signal is read (# 127, # 129). Subsequently, the timer for measuring the update time is restarted (# 130), and the image sensor 221 is started to image (# 131).

  Next, the image data before addition read in step # 129 is stored (# 132). Here, an image file of RAW data is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 267 by the filing unit 259. Therefore, each time step # 132 is executed, an image file is generated and stored using the read RAW data. In generating the image file, the time information output from the clock unit 287 is also used.

  Subsequently, the added image data is read from the storage area stored immediately before in the temporary storage unit 293, and the addition operation of this image data and the image data read in step # 129 is performed (# 133). The image data of the added image obtained here is stored in the storage area of the temporary storage unit 293 for storing the added image (# 135), and the image after the addition is saved (# 136). In step # 135, the added image is temporarily stored for display of the added image in step # 137, whereas in step # 136, the added image is stored as a file on the recording medium 277 for recording. In the filing, an image file is generated from the image data of the added image by the filing unit 259, and the generated image file is stored. Since the image file generated in step # 136 is also generated in step # 83, it may be finally discarded.

  Subsequently, the added image added in step # 135 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 (# 137), the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on, and the liquid crystal monitor 26 is illuminated. When the backlight is turned on, the process returns to step # 125 to execute the above-described operation. By executing step # 125 to step # 139 a plurality of times, the luminance level of the added image is improved as shown in FIGS.

  The photographer releases the full press of the release button 21 when the added image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 reaches an appropriate level or a level intended by the photographer. That is, as a result of the determination in step # 151, if it is determined that the 2R switch is turned off, similarly to step # 127, the shutter 213 is closed and the imaging is stopped, and the exposure operation is ended (# 161).

  When the imaging is stopped, next, the image signal is read from the image sensor 221 as in step # 129 (# 163), and the image read this time is added to the previous added image as in step # 133 ( # 165). Thereafter, similarly to step # 135, the added image is temporarily stored (# 167), and the added image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 (# 169).

  In the present embodiment, when the release button 21 is released and the bulb photography is finished, the image signal stored in the image sensor 221 is read, and this image signal is added to the previous added image, and the added image Is displayed. When the added image is displayed, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is then turned on, the liquid crystal monitor 26 is illuminated (# 171), and the bulb display LED 41 is extinguished because bulb photography is complete (# 173). ).

  Next, the reproduction operation in step # 33 (see FIG. 4) will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, in the playback operation in step # 33, the JPEG or RAW data format file designated by the user from the thumbnail is not only played back as a still image on the rear LCD monitor (display unit) 26 of the camera. The user may be able to select various playback modes.

  When taking bulb photography as shown in the present embodiment as an example, a long second exposure image as shown in FIG. 17A is displayed with long second exposure (assuming about 15 minutes here). Alternatively, a display mode may be selected in which image files (pre-addition image files generated in # 132) obtained at regular intervals during long-time shooting are displayed while sequentially being combined. In the present embodiment, imaging data can be saved as a separate file at a specific timing where exposure intervals are finely cut. In this case, if, for example, files obtained every 5 minutes are displayed while being synthesized from each file (image file before addition), as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, exposure is performed. And an animated display that expresses the movement of the moon according to the revolution trajectory of the moon. It is also possible to re-synthesize and display a still image as shown in FIG. 16C from each pre-addition image file.

  It is only necessary that the switching of the expression can be selected according to the user's preference. When the display of FIG. 17A is performed, for example, a mode selection icon is displayed on the display unit, and the “celestial movement animation playback” is displayed. "Mode" and "celestial movement expression still image playback" mode may be selected. In such image representation, for example, if the color and brightness of the moon are different, there is a lack of continuity and naturalness, so pre-addition image files that are taken at regular intervals and have similar exposure amounts under the conditions. Search, compose and display. In this way, display in various expressions is possible using image files freely.

  Also, during long exposures, various disturbances and happenings may occur, and even if you take a photo on a tripod, there will be something that will hit it, or it will be shaken by a vehicle that passes nearby, or a car that runs nearby Or a headlight of a bicycle or an umbrella or hat of a passerby crosses, and disturbances may be reflected as shown in FIG. If there is an exposure file (pre-addition image file) at an intermediate timing in one exposure in this image file format, re-synthesize without using only the pre-addition image file containing the disturbance, FIG. 17 ( It is possible to correct the image as shown in b) to the image as shown in FIG. This is because each pre-addition image file stores camera vibration and sudden changes in the image during shooting (disturbance timing information in the post-addition image file), and without using the pre-disturbance timing image file. What is necessary is just to display the result obtained by adding and synthesizing the image data of the previous image file. In order to perform such processing, each pre-addition image file may have information indicating that it is part of a series of added images (vibration presence / absence information and disturbance crossing information shown in FIG. 15). .

  In this case, when a display as shown in FIG. 17B is performed, a menu operation is performed, and when a mode selection such as “disturbance removal display” is performed, an image display as shown in FIG. Anyway. In addition, when thumbnails of up to pre-addition image files are displayed as thumbnails, a large number of similar images are displayed, so these files are played back only when there are special settings, designations, or operations, and thumbnail images are displayed. It may be a specification file that does not have. Alternatively, a flag that does not require thumbnail display may be provided so that it is not displayed on the playback device.

  Further, in the long exposure time, since the energized state of the image sensor 221 is maintained, there is a case where the temperature of the image sensor is increased and the accompanying noise is generated. Therefore, temperature information about the image sensor at that time may be recorded in each pre-addition image file, and optimal noise reduction image processing may be performed according to the temperature. In particular, when performing continuous expression of each imaging timing as shown in FIG. 16 (c), by performing such processing, unnaturalness that makes noise noticeable only in an image at the time of temperature rise is conspicuous. It is possible to produce a continuity without any problems.

  As described above, in this embodiment, every time image data is output from the imaging unit 291 at a specific timing (in this embodiment, an update time interval) during execution of shooting (# 125 → Y), the filing unit 259 converts the image data into a file (# 132), and the addition calculation unit 294 performs addition calculation with the past image data (# 133).

  Further, in this embodiment, every time the update time set in step # 119 elapses (# 125 → Y), imaging with the image sensor 221 is stopped, and image data is output. An addition operation with the immediately preceding addition image stored in the storage area of the storage unit 293 is performed, and the result is stored. As shown in FIG. 8, the addition image stored in each storage area is updated and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 every time the update time elapses, and the exposure state in bulb photography can be observed in real time.

  In this embodiment, when the update time has elapsed and the image is updated, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 10 seconds). The liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a for illuminating the liquid crystal monitor 26 does not always remain lit during bulb photography, so that power consumption can be suppressed. Further, since the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on when the image is updated, the photographer can observe with interest.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the set update time is less than the predetermined time (in this embodiment, 30 seconds), the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is continuously turned on. For this reason, the backlight does not repeatedly turn on and off at short intervals, so that it is not unsightly. Further, the bulb display LED 41 is turned on when bulb photography is started, and the bulb display LED 41 is turned off when bulb photography is completed. For this reason, it is possible to easily check whether or not bulb photographing is being executed, which is very convenient.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, when the added image is updated, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on for a predetermined time (10 seconds), and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned off. In the second embodiment, a backlight button is provided, and the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on when the backlight button is operated.

  The configuration of the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 15, and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are also the same, as shown in FIG. 8. The same applies to the display during bulb mode imaging, the imaging information display shown in FIG. 9, and the update display shown in FIG. Since the difference is that the flowchart showing the exposure operation shown in FIG. 7 is replaced with the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, this difference will be mainly described. Of the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the exposure operation flow is entered, it is first determined whether or not the valve mode is set (# 101). If the bulb mode is not set, the program shooting is performed as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. A normal shooting mode such as a mode is executed. On the other hand, if the valve mode is set, steps # 118 to # 124 are executed as in the first embodiment. During this period, the bulb display LED 41 and the liquid crystal monitor backlight 41 are also turned on in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Once the backlight is turned on, it is next determined whether or not the update time has elapsed (# 125). As a result of the determination, if the update time has not elapsed, in the same way as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the 2R switch is OFF in step # 151. If the 2R switch is turned off as a result of the determination, the steps after step # 161 are executed as in the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, if the 2R switch is not OFF, it is determined whether or not the backlight button is ON (# 152). As the backlight button, a dedicated button may be provided on the back surface of the camera body 200 or the like, but in this embodiment, the OK button 31 is also used. That is, in this step, it is determined whether or not the OK button 31 has been operated. As a result of the determination, if the backlight button is on, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on (# 153).

  When the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on in step # 153, the added image is not updated. If the next image update time elapses within 10 seconds after the backlight is turned on, the added image is also updated. If the backlight is turned on, or if the backlight button is not on in step # 152, step # 155 and subsequent steps are executed as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the backlight button is provided, and when the backlight button is operated, the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on. For this reason, even after the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on and turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed, the liquid crystal monitor 26 is illuminated by operating the backlight button, and the added image can be easily confirmed.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the addition image is only updated at the set update time interval, and the progress of bulb photographing cannot be confirmed during the update time. In the third embodiment, an update button is provided, and when the update button is operated, the image is updated and the backlight is turned on.

  The configuration of the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are also the same, and the valve mode shown in FIG. The same applies to the display at the time of shooting, the shooting information display shown in FIG. 9, and the update display shown in FIG. Since the difference is that the flowchart showing the exposure operation shown in FIG. 7 is replaced with the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, this difference will be mainly described. Of the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the flowchart of the exposure operation, as in the first embodiment, in step # 125, it is determined whether or not the update time has elapsed. If the update time has elapsed as a result of the determination, step # 127 and subsequent steps are executed as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the update time has not elapsed, it is determined whether or not the 2R switch is off (# 151). If the result of determination is that the 2R switch is off, step # 161 and subsequent steps are executed as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the 2R switch is not OFF, it is determined whether or not the update button is ON (# 154).

  As the update button, a dedicated button may be provided on the back surface of the camera body 200 or the like, but in this embodiment, the OK button 31 is also used. That is, in this step, it is determined whether or not the OK button 31 has been operated. If the result of determination is that the update button is not on, step # 155 and subsequent steps are executed as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the update button is on, the process jumps to step # 127, reads the image in the same way as when the update time has elapsed, generates an added image, displays the added image updated in step # 137, and displays the liquid crystal. The monitor backlight 26a is turned on (# 139).

  As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, an update button is provided, and when this update button is operated, the addition image is updated by setting the same state as when the update time has elapsed in a pseudo manner. The liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a is turned on. For this reason, when the bulb exposure is in progress, the progress can be confirmed at any timing other than the image update timing.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 13 and FIG. In the first to third embodiments, the update time of the added image cannot be changed during bulb shooting. In the fourth embodiment, the update time can be changed during the exposure operation for bulb photography.

  The configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are also the same, and the valve mode shown in FIG. The same applies to the display at the time of shooting, the shooting information display shown in FIG. 9, and the update display shown in FIG. The difference is that the flowchart showing the exposure operation shown in FIG. 7 is replaced with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, and this difference will be mainly described. Of the steps in the flowchart shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the flowchart of the exposure operation, as in the first embodiment, in step # 125, it is determined whether or not the update time has elapsed. If the update time has elapsed as a result of the determination, step # 127 and subsequent steps are executed as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the update time has not elapsed, it is determined whether or not the 2R switch is off (# 151). If the result of determination is that the 2R switch is off, step # 161 and subsequent steps are executed as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the 2R switch is not OFF, it is determined whether or not the information setting dial 24 has been operated (# 184).

  If the result of determination in step # 184 is that the information setting dial 24 has not been operated, step # 155 and subsequent steps are executed as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the information setting dial 24 has been operated, the update time input subroutine described with reference to FIG. 5 is executed (# 183). In this update time input subroutine, the operation state of the information setting dial 24 can be determined and the update time can be changed.

  When the input of the update time is completed, the shooting information is displayed (# 185) as in step # 13 (FIG. 4). The update time changed in step # 183 is displayed. Subsequently, similarly to step # 119, the manually input update time is set (# 187). When the setting of the update time is completed, the process jumps to step # 127. Thereafter, whether or not the update time in step # 125 has elapsed is determined based on the update time changed in this step.

  Thus, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the information setting dial 24 is operated during execution of bulb photography, the update time is changed according to the operation state, and thereafter, the changed update time is changed. Based on the above, the update interval of the added image is changed. Therefore, when the bulb exposure is in progress, if the update time is too short or too long, the image update time can be changed.

  As described above, in each embodiment of the present invention, each time image data is output from the imaging unit 291 at a specific timing during execution of shooting, the filing unit 259 performs file conversion, An addition operation unit 294 performs an addition operation with past image data. For this reason, since an image file indicating the progress of shooting is generated, even if a part of the image is saturated, it can be removed. In addition, since the time information is generated in the image file, it is possible to easily correct even if the impression of the image changes during shooting and during viewing. Even if it is corrected too much during shooting, it can be easily restored during playback. In particular, by recording a subtle difference in exposure amount, it can be used to change the image expression. Further, the image file may be JPEG, but by generating it as a RAW file, it becomes possible to process after the photographing is completed.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, live bulb shooting has been described as an example. However, even in normal shooting, an image file is generated using RAW data obtained during shooting. Of course it doesn't matter. Further, although the addition operation is performed on the image data read at a specific timing, the calculation process is not limited to the addition calculation, and may be another calculation process.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal monitor 26 as the display unit is illuminated by the liquid crystal monitor backlight 26a. However, the display illumination unit illuminates so that the display on the display unit can be easily confirmed. If it is a thing, it is not restricted to a backlight. What is necessary is just to select suitably according to the member used as a display part.

  Further, in each embodiment of the present invention, when the valve mode is set, an addition image is generated.However, when performing exposure for a long time, for example, when performing exposure for long seconds, An added image may be generated and displayed.

  Further, in each embodiment of the present invention, when the valve mode is set, the release button 21 is fully pressed, and the shutter is opened until the full press is released, that is, only while the 2R switch is on. The imaging operation was performed. However, other than this method, for example, the imaging operation is started when the release button 21 is fully pressed (first release operation), and the imaging operation is continued even when the release button 21 is fully released, and again. The imaging operation may be stopped when the release button 21 is fully pressed (second release operation performed after the first release operation).

  Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, the update time is set manually in step # 31. However, the update time is not limited to this. For example, the update time is updated when the brightness is high. Of course, the time may be set automatically, for example, if the time is short and the brightness is low, the update time is lengthened.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, when the exposure operation is terminated, in step # 153 (FIGS. 7 and 9), when imaging is stopped, an image signal is read from the image sensor 221 and an added image is generated. . However, it is of course possible to return to the original routine without generating such an added image.

  Further, in each embodiment of the present invention, in order to indicate that bulb photography has been started, a notification display of bulb photography has been displayed at the start of bulb photography, but the display is continued during execution of bulb photography. In this case, the elapsed time after the start of bulb photography may be displayed. In addition, although “bulb exposure” and “BULB” are displayed as a notification display for bulb photography, the present invention is not limited to this, and other displays such as symbols and pictograms may be used.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, an example in which a single-lens reflex type is applied as a digital camera has been described. However, the present invention may be a compact type other than a single-lens reflex type, a digital camera such as a single-lens camera (mirrorless camera), Of course, a camera built in a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) may be used. The present invention can be applied to any imaging apparatus capable of photographing at a long time such as a bulb mode.

  In addition, regarding the operation flow in the claims, the specification, and the drawings, even if it is described using words expressing the order such as “first”, “next”, etc. It does not mean that it is essential to implement in this order.

  As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements 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.

21 ... Release button, 22 ... Shooting mode dial, 24 ... Information setting dial, 26 ... LCD monitor, 26a ... LCD monitor backlight, 27 ... Continuous / single-shot button, 28 ... AE lock button, 30 ... Cross button, 30U ... Cross button for up, 30D ... Cross button for down, 30R ... Cross button for right, 30L ... Cross button for left, 31 ... OK button, 33 ... Live view display button, 34 ... Enlarge button, 37 ... Menu button, 38 ... Playback button, 40 ... Media loading lid, 41 ... Valve LED for display, 50... Strobe, 100... Interchangeable lens, 101... Imaging optical system, 103... Aperture, 107 ... Optical system drive mechanism, 109. ..Lens CPU, 200... Camera body, 201 ..Movable mirror, 203 ... sub-mirror, 205 ... focusing screen, 207 ... penta prism, 211 ... photometric sensor, 213 ... focal plane shutter, 217 ... infrared cut filter / low pass Filters, 221... Image sensor, 223... Image sensor drive circuit, 225... ADC circuit, 227... Dark current removal circuit, 237. 241 ... photometry processing circuit, 243 ... focus detection sensor, 245 ... focus detection processing circuit, 250 ... ASIC, 251 ... sequence controller (body CPU), 252 ... data bus, 257 ... Image processing circuit, 259 ... File conversion unit, 261 ... Video signal output circuit, 263 ... Crystal monitor drive circuit, 265... SDRAM detection circuit, 267... SDRAM, 271... I / O circuit, 273 .. communication circuit, 275... Recording medium control circuit, 277. 279 ... Flash memory control circuit, 281 ... Flash memory, 283 ... Switch detection circuit, 285 ... Various switches, 287 ... Clock unit, 289 ... Temperature measuring circuit, 291 ... Imaging unit, 293 ... Temporary storage unit, 294 ... Addition calculation unit, 295 ... Image recording unit, 296 ... Image display unit, 297 ... Control unit, 298 ... Display illumination unit, 299: Notification unit, 300: Communication contact, 301: Valve mode display, 302: Update time display, 310a: Notification information

Claims (4)

An imaging unit for converting a subject image into image data;
A filing unit for filing the image data;
An addition operation unit for performing the addition operation of the image data;
Each time the image data is output from the imaging unit at a specific timing during shooting, the filing unit executes filing, and the addition unit calculation unit performs addition calculation with past image data. A control unit to be executed;
An imaging device comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filing unit converts the added image into a file at the end of the shooting. The imaging apparatus further includes a clock unit that outputs clock information,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit records the time information together when the image data output at the specific timing is filed. A storage unit for storing a plurality of image files obtained at a specific timing between the start of shooting and the end of recording, in which time information is recorded together with image data;
A playback control unit that controls playback of an image using the time information of the image file stored in the storage unit;
A display unit for displaying the image controlled by the reproduction control unit;
A playback apparatus comprising: