JP2015192335A - imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device capable of performing photography using a pre-capture function through a touch operation.SOLUTION: An imaging device includes: an imaging element 6 which images subject light; a display part 12 which displays a through image on the basis of an imaging signal from the imaging element; a storage part 8 which sequentially stores a plurality of frame images based upon the imaging signal from the imaging element; a touch panel 14 which detects a touch operation on the display part; and a control part 4 which makes the storage part start storing the frame images on detecting a first touch operation to select an arbitrary area on the touch panel, and records a recording image in a recording medium using the stored frame images stored in the storage part on the basis of a photography condition determined for a subject in the area selected through a first touch operation on detecting a second touch operation on the touch panel after the first touch operation is detected.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  An imaging device that focuses on a subject based on a touch operation on a touch panel is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this imaging apparatus, a focus block where a touch operation is detected is focused, and when a shutter button is pressed, a still image is taken.

JP 2001-159730 A

  By the way, in an imaging apparatus that performs a touch operation, a pre-capture function that stores a plurality of frame images continuously shot before the shutter button is pressed and a plurality of frame images continuously shot after the shutter button is pressed in the storage unit. In some cases, the shooting used is required. However, in the photographing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above, photographing using the pre-capture function has not been considered.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can perform shooting using a pre-capture function by a touch operation.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention sequentially stores an imaging element that captures subject light, a display unit that displays a through image based on an imaging signal from the imaging element, and a plurality of frame images based on the imaging signal from the imaging element. The storage unit, a touch panel for detecting a touch operation on the display unit, and a first touch operation for selecting an arbitrary area on the touch panel to start storing the frame image in the storage unit, Based on the imaging condition determined for the subject in the area selected by the first touch operation based on the detection of the second touch operation on the touch panel after the first touch operation is detected. And a control unit that records a recording image on a recording medium using the frame image stored in the storage unit.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, shooting using the pre-capture function can be performed by a touch operation.

It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the electronic camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the frame rate at the time of buffer memory storage at the time of imaging | photography of the slow motion moving image which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the frame rate at the time of recording medium recording. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography process of the slow motion moving image which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography process of the slow motion moving image which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography process of the best shot image which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography process of the slow view imaging | photography concerning 4th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an electronic camera as an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 2 is configured by a microprocessor or the like, and includes a control unit 4 that comprehensively controls each unit of the electronic camera 2. The control unit 4 includes a video signal processing circuit 5, and the video signal processing circuit 5 generates a through image generation unit 5 a that generates through image data to be displayed on a display unit 12 described later, and a moving image that generates moving image data. It has a generation unit 5b and a still image generation unit 5c that generates still image data. In addition, an image sensor 6, a buffer memory 8, a recording medium 10, a display unit 12, and a touch panel 14 are connected to the control unit 4.

  The image sensor 6 is constituted by a CCD or CMOS, and images light from a subject through a photographing lens (not shown). The buffer memory 8 is output from the image sensor 6 and passes through an A / D converter (not shown). Thus, the image data based on the imaging signal converted from the analog signal to the digital signal is temporarily stored.

  In addition, the buffer memory 8 starts from the image sensor 6 when the electronic camera 2 is set to a slow motion moving image capturing mode for capturing, for example, a slow motion moving image (hereinafter referred to as a slow moving image) described later. A plurality of image data based on imaging signals output in synchronization with a moving image cycle (60 fps (frame / second) or the like), that is, a plurality of frame images constituting a slow moving image are sequentially stored. In this embodiment, the buffer memory 8 stores a frame image having the number of pixels of the full high definition (Full High Definition: 1920 × 1080 pixels), that is, a high-resolution frame image in a FIFO (first in first out) system. Are sequentially stored.

Specifically, when the buffer memory 8 has a storage area that can store, for example, n (n is a natural number) frame images, as shown in FIG. The first acquired frame image F ₁ , the second acquired frame image F ₂ ... The nth acquired frame image F _n, and the buffer memory 8 are sequentially stored. Then, after the n frame images F _{1 to} F _n are stored, when the next frame image F _{n + 1} is output, the oldest frame image F ₁ is deleted from the buffer memory 8 and the latest frame image F _{1 + 1} is output. The image F _{n + 1} is stored, and each time the next frame image is output, the process of deleting the oldest frame image and storing the latest frame image is repeated.

In other words, the buffer memory 8 has n addresses (storage areas for sequentially storing frame images), and the first frame image F ₁ is stored in the address of the address number (n−1) 2 The nth frame image F ₂ is sequentially stored in the address of the address number (n−2),... The nth frame image F _n is sequentially stored in the address of the address number 0. Then, when frame images F _{1 to} F _n are stored in all n addresses and the next frame image F _{n + 1} is output, the frame image within the address of the address number (n−1) (that is, the oldest frame image). frame image) F ₁ is deleted, and each of the frame images F ₂ to F _n, moves from the address number (n-2) ~0 in the address address number (n-1) in to 1 address, The (n + 1) th frame image (that is, the latest frame image) F _{n + 1} is stored in the address of the address number (0). Therefore, the latest frame image is always stored in the address of the address number (0). As the address number increases, the old frame image is sequentially stored in the address, and the address of the address number 0 is always the latest. Are stored.

  The recording medium 10 is a portable recording medium that is detachably mounted in a card slot (not shown) provided in the electronic camera 2, and for example, a CF card, an SD card, smart media, or the like is used. In the recording medium 10, each frame image stored in the buffer memory 8 is resized to a moving image resolution (from a large resolution to a small resolution) by the moving image generation unit 5 b in the control unit 4. Moving image data and slow motion moving image data created by performing image processing for video and compression processing for video are recorded. Further, the recording medium 10 is created by subjecting the frame image stored in the buffer memory 8 to image processing for still images and compression processing for still images by the still image generating unit 5c in the control unit 4. Still image data, information related to shooting, and the like are recorded.

  The display unit 12 is configured by a monitor or EVF configured by an LCD or the like disposed on the back side of the electronic camera 2, and a through image generated by the through image generation unit 5 a and a moving image recorded on the recording medium 10. A moving image based on the image data, a slow moving image based on the slow motion moving image data (hereinafter referred to as slow moving image data), a still image based on the still image data, information related to photographing, and the like are displayed.

  The touch panel 14 is arranged on the display unit 12 with the same size as the display unit 12 and detects that an operator's finger touches the screen of the display unit 12. Using this touch panel 14, setting of shooting modes such as a moving image shooting mode for shooting moving images and a slow motion moving image shooting mode for shooting slow moving images, an instruction to start shooting of moving images and still images, and the recording medium 10 A playback instruction for displaying the moving image data and still image data recorded on the display unit 12 is performed.

  In the electronic camera 2 according to this embodiment, the slow video that is output from the image sensor 6 and reproduced at a second frame rate that is smaller than the first frame rate indicating the number of frame images that are stored in the buffer memory 8 per unit time. Still image data is generated and still image data based on at least one frame image of a plurality of frame images forming the slow moving image data is generated, and the generated slow moving image data and still image data are recorded in association with each other. Recording on the medium 10.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, processing when the slow motion image and the still image are captured by the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, a plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 between the time when a frame image serving as still image data is stored in the buffer memory 8 and before the first predetermined time, and Slow moving image data is generated based on a plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 after a frame image serving as still image data is stored in the buffer memory 8 and after a second predetermined time. That is, slow moving image data is generated based on a plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 during a predetermined time (first predetermined time + second predetermined time), and at the end of the first predetermined time (second predetermined time). Still image data is generated based on the frame image stored in the buffer memory 8 at the time start). The predetermined time (for example, 1 second), the first predetermined time (for example, 0.6 second), and the second predetermined time (for example, 0.4 second) are set in advance and stored in a memory (not shown). It is configured to be changeable.

  When the slow motion moving image shooting mode is set by the user operating the touch panel 14, the control unit 4 shifts to the slow motion moving image mode for shooting the slow moving image and the still image (step S1). As a result, the display unit 12 starts displaying a through image based on the through image data generated by the through image generation unit 5a.

  When the first touch operation (first touch) by the user is detected on the touch panel 14 (step S2), the control unit 4 determines that an instruction to generate a slow moving image has been issued, and detects a main subject in the through image. In step S3, a focus lens (not shown) is driven so as to focus on the main subject. Here, as the first touch operation, for example, the control unit 4 detects a touch operation for designating a subject intended by the user, such as an operation surrounding the subject intended by the user on the touch panel 14. When an operation for designating a subject intended by the user is performed, the control unit 4 detects the subject designated by the user in the through image as a main subject and focuses on the main subject (not shown). Drive the focus lens.

  Then, the control unit 4 starts buffering to the buffer memory 8, that is, capture of a frame image (pre-capture) in a state where the main subject is in focus (step S4).

Specifically, as described above, a plurality of frame images F ₁ ... F _n (see FIG. 2) based on the imaging signal output from the imaging device 6 in synchronization with the moving image cycle are predetermined in the buffer memory 8. Start storing to address.

  Next, when the second touch operation (2nd touch) by the user is detected on the touch panel 14 after the first predetermined time has elapsed and while the frame image is being stored in the buffer memory 8 repeatedly. (Step S5), the control unit 4 determines that a still image shooting instruction for instructing generation of still image data has been input, and starts measuring the second predetermined time. Here, there is no restriction | limiting in particular as the 2nd touch operation, for example, the control part 4 detects as a touch operation by the user in any place of the touch panel 14 touch operation.

When the second predetermined time elapses, the control unit 4 ends the buffering to the buffer memory 8 (step S6). At this time, as shown in FIG. 2A, the buffer memory 8 has (n−p) sheets (p is a natural number, n> p) from the time TS when the still image capturing instruction is input to the first predetermined time before. frame image F ₂ to F ₅ ..., and p frame images ... F _n between the input time TS of the still image shooting instruction until after the second predetermined time, F n _{+ 1} is stored. These n frame images F _{2 to} F _{n + 1} are used for generating slow moving image data, which will be described later.

  Next, the control unit 4 executes a slow moving image data generation process and a still image data generation process based on a plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 (step S7).

First, the process of generating slow moving image data will be described. The control unit 4 reads the frame image from the buffer memory 8 at a second frame rate lower than the first frame rate (for example, 24 frames / second which is 1 / 2.5 of the first frame rate). That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, the frame image F ₂ stored in the buffer memory 8 at the time T ₁ (for example, 1/60 seconds) is changed to the time T ₁ as shown in FIG. ₂ (for example, 1/24 second) is read from the buffer memory 8. Then, the read frame images F _{2 to} F _{n + 1} are resized (including moving image compression processing) to the resolution for moving images by the moving image generation unit 5 b in the video signal processing circuit 5. To generate slow moving image data. In addition to the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time described above, the value of the second frame rate is set in advance and stored in a memory (not shown) or the like, and can be changed.

  In addition, when the second touch operation is detected, the control unit 4 generates still image data based on the frame image based on the imaging signal output from the imaging element 6. Specifically, when a second touch operation is detected, the frame image stored in the buffer memory 8 is read from the buffer memory 8, and the still image generation unit 5c in the control unit 4 is read from the read frame image. Thus, still image data is generated by performing image processing for still images (including still image compression processing).

  The control unit 4 records the slow moving image data generated by the moving image generation unit 5b and the still image data generated by the still image generation unit 5c in association with each other on the recording medium 10 (step S8).

  In the above-described embodiment, after the first touch operation is detected and before the second touch operation is detected, the user performs the first operation such as an operation surrounding an arbitrary area on the touch panel 14. When the same operation as the touch operation is performed, the control unit 4 may stop storing the frame image in the buffer memory 8. At this time, the control unit 4 erases the frame image stored in the buffer memory 8.

  Further, at this time, the control unit 4 may determine that the user has designated a new subject when the same operation as the first touch operation is detected. Here, examples of the touch operation include tap, double tap, long press, slide, swipe, and operation of surrounding a subject by drawing a circle or a square with a finger on the touch panel 14. For example, when an operation surrounding the new subject intended by the user is detected as the same operation as the first touch operation, the control unit 4 detects the new subject designated by the user in the through image as the main subject. Then, a focus lens (not shown) or the like is driven so as to focus on the main subject. Thereafter, the control unit 4 starts capturing a frame image in the same manner as the process in step S4, and performs the processes shown in steps S5 to S8.

  Next, an electronic camera as an imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the electronic camera 2 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted and the same configuration is the same. Explanation will be made using reference numerals.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, processing when a slow moving image and a still image are captured in the electronic camera 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, slow moving image data and still image data similar to those in the first embodiment described above are generated.

  When a through image based on the through image data generated by the through image generation unit 5a is displayed on the display unit 12, a predetermined operation is detected as the first touch operation (first touch) by the user on the touch panel 14. In the case (step S11), the control unit 4 sets the slow motion moving image shooting mode, and shifts to the slow motion moving image mode for shooting the slow moving image and the still image (step S12). At this time, the control unit 4 detects a subject designated by the user through a specific operation in the through image as a main subject (step S13). Further, the control unit 4 drives a focus lens (not shown) or the like so as to focus on the detected main subject.

  Here, the predetermined operation is, for example, a specific operation for designating a subject such as an operation of surrounding the subject intended by the user on the touch panel 14, an operation of long pressing on the subject, or an operation of double-tapping on the subject.

  Then, the control unit 4 starts buffering to the buffer memory 8, that is, capture of a frame image (pre-capture) in a state where the main subject is in focus (step S14). The capturing of the frame image in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, when the second touch operation (2nd touch) by the user is detected on the touch panel 14 after the first predetermined time has elapsed and while the frame image is being stored in the buffer memory 8 repeatedly. (Step S15), the control unit 4 determines that a still image shooting instruction for instructing generation of still image data has been input, and starts measuring the second predetermined time. Further, when the second predetermined time elapses, the control unit 4 ends the buffering to the buffer memory 8 (step S16). Then, the control unit 4 performs the slow moving image data generation process and the still image data generation process based on the plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 (step S17). Since the processing in these steps S15 to S17 is the same as the processing in steps S5 to S7 shown in FIG. 3, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Then, the control unit 4 records the slow moving image data generated by the moving image generation unit 5b and the still image data generated by the still image generation unit 5c in association with each other on the recording medium 10 (step S18).

  Next, an electronic camera as an imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The electronic camera 2 according to the third embodiment is obtained by changing the slow moving image shooting mode set in the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment to the best shot image shooting mode. Therefore, a detailed description of the same configuration as that of the above-described electronic camera 2 is omitted, and only different portions will be described in detail. Further, the same components as those of the above-described electronic camera 2 will be described with the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 2 includes a control unit 4, and the control unit 4 includes a video signal processing circuit 5. The video signal processing circuit 5 includes a through image generation unit 5a, a moving image generation unit 5b, and a still image generation unit 5c. In addition, an image sensor 6, a buffer memory 8, a recording medium 10, a display unit 12, and a touch panel 14 are connected to the control unit 4.

  The touch panel 14 has a shooting mode such as a moving image shooting mode for shooting a moving image or a best shot image shooting mode for selecting at least one (for example, one or five) frame images from a plurality of frame images as a best shot image. A setting, an instruction to start capturing moving images and still images, a reproduction instruction to display moving image data and still image data recorded on the recording medium 10 on the display unit 12, and the like are performed.

  In the third embodiment, a plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 between the time when the second touch operation is detected and the first predetermined time before, and the second touch operation are performed. At least one still image data is generated based on a plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 after the detection until the second predetermined time. That is, at least one frame image is evaluated by using a predetermined evaluation value from a plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 during a predetermined time (first predetermined time + second predetermined time). Is selected, and still image data is generated based on the selected frame image. The predetermined time (for example, 1 second), the first predetermined time (for example, 0.6 second), and the second predetermined time (for example, 0.4 second) are set in advance and stored in a memory (not shown). It is configured to be changeable.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, processing when a still image is captured in the electronic camera 2 according to the third embodiment will be described.

  When the best shot image shooting mode is set by the user operating the touch panel 14, the control unit 4 shifts to the best shot image shooting mode (step S21). As a result, the display unit 12 starts displaying a through image based on the through image data generated by the through image generation unit 5a.

  When the first touch operation (1st touch) by the user is detected on the touch panel 14 (step S22), the control unit 4 determines that the best shot image generation instruction has been issued. Here, as the first touch operation, for example, the control unit 4 detects a touch operation for designating a subject intended by the user, such as an operation surrounding the subject intended by the user on the touch panel 14. When an operation for designating a subject intended by the user is performed, the control unit 4 detects the subject designated by the user in the through image as a main subject (step S23), and focuses on the main subject. In addition, a focus lens (not shown) is driven.

  Then, the control unit 4 starts buffering to the buffer memory 8, that is, capture of a frame image (pre-capture) in a state where the main subject is focused (step S24). The capturing of the frame image in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, when the second touch operation (2nd touch) by the user is detected on the touch panel 14 after the first predetermined time has elapsed and while the frame image is being stored in the buffer memory 8 repeatedly. (Step S25), the control unit 4 determines that a still image shooting instruction for instructing generation of still image data has been input, and starts measuring the second predetermined time. In addition, when the second predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 4 ends the buffering to the buffer memory 8 (step S26). Since the processes in steps S25 and S26 are the same as the processes in steps S5 and S6 shown in FIG. 3, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  Next, the control unit 4 executes a process of generating still image data as a best shot image based on the plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 (step S27).

  The still image data generation processing as the best shot image may be performed by using a known best shot image selection processing method. Therefore, detailed description is omitted, but each of the plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 is processed. The evaluation value is calculated so that an image that is generally evaluated as good is automatically selected. For example, an evaluation value of an image with a large amount of camera shake or an image in which a person closes his / her eyes is calculated with a low evaluation value and is difficult to be selected as a best shot image. The control unit 4 selects a predetermined number of images as a best shot image from a plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 in order of a higher evaluation value calculated for selecting the best shot image. Further, still image data is generated by performing still image processing (including still image compression processing) on the selected frame image by the still image generating unit 5c in the control unit 4.

  The control unit 4 records the still image data generated by the still image generation unit 5c on the recording medium 10 (step S28).

  Next, an electronic camera as an imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The electronic camera 2 according to the fourth embodiment is obtained by changing the slow moving image shooting mode set in the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment to slow view shooting. Therefore, a detailed description of the same configuration as that of the above-described electronic camera 2 is omitted, and only different portions will be described in detail. Further, the same components as those of the above-described electronic camera 2 will be described with the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 2 includes a control unit 4, and the control unit 4 includes a video signal processing circuit 5. The video signal processing circuit 5 includes a through image generation unit 5a, a moving image generation unit 5b, and a still image generation unit 5c. In addition, an image sensor 6, a buffer memory 8, a recording medium 10, a display unit 12, and a touch panel 14 are connected to the control unit 4.

  The touch panel 14 sets shooting modes such as a moving image shooting mode and a slow view shooting mode for shooting a moving image, an instruction to start shooting a moving image and a still image, and moving image data and still image data recorded on the recording medium 10. Is displayed on the display unit 12.

  In the fourth embodiment, in the slow view shooting mode, based on a plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 after the first touch operation is detected and after the third predetermined time. Thus, the slow moving image data is generated, and the slow moving image is repeatedly displayed on the display unit 12 until the second touch operation is detected. Then, still image data is generated based on the frame image displayed on the display unit 12 when the second touch operation is detected. The third predetermined time (for example, 1.3 seconds or 1 second) is set in advance and stored in a memory (not shown) or the like, and can be changed. Slow moving image data can be generated in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, a process when a still image is taken with the electronic camera 2 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

  When the slow view shooting mode is set by the user operating the touch panel 14, the control unit 4 shifts to the slow view shooting mode (step S31). As a result, the display unit 12 starts displaying a through image based on the through image data generated by the through image generation unit 5a.

  When the first touch operation (first touch) by the user is detected on the touch panel 14 (step S32), the control unit 4 determines that an instruction to start slow view shooting has been issued. Here, as the first touch operation, for example, the control unit 4 detects a touch operation for designating a subject intended by the user, such as an operation surrounding the subject intended by the user on the touch panel 14. When an operation for designating a subject intended by the user is performed, the control unit 4 detects the subject designated by the user in the through image as a main subject (step S33), and focuses on the main subject. In addition, a focus lens (not shown) is driven.

  Then, the control unit 4 starts buffering to the buffer memory 8, that is, capture of a frame image (pre-capture) in a state where the main subject is in focus (step S34), and starts measuring the third predetermined time. . Note that the control unit 4 captures the frame image while focusing on the main subject, that is, following the main subject while capturing the frame image.

Specifically, as described above, a plurality of frame images F ₁ ... F _n (see FIG. 2) based on the imaging signal output from the imaging device 6 in synchronization with the moving image cycle are predetermined in the buffer memory 8. Start storing to address.

  Next, when the third predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 4 ends the buffering to the buffer memory 8 (step S35). And the control part 4 performs the production | generation process of slow moving image data based on the some frame image memorize | stored in the buffer memory 8 (step S36). The slow moving image data generation process is the same as the process in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When the slow moving image data is generated, the control unit 4 reproduces the slow moving image on the display unit 12 until the second touch operation (2nd touch) by the user is detected on the touch panel 14 (step S37). Here, when the second touch operation is not detected until the slow moving image is reproduced, the control unit 4 repeats the reproduction of the slow moving image until the second touch operation is detected.

  When the second touch operation (2nd touch) by the user is detected on the touch panel 14 (step S38), the control unit 4 determines that a still image generation instruction for instructing generation of still image data is input, and the second time Still image data based on the frame image displayed on the display unit 12 when the touch operation is detected is generated (step S39). Here, as the second touch operation, the control unit 4 detects any touch on the touch panel 14 as a touch operation by the user.

  Still image data generation processing is performed by using the still image generation unit 5c in the control unit 4 to generate a still image image for the frame image displayed on the display unit 12 when the second touch operation is detected. This is performed by performing processing (including still image compression processing).

  The control unit 4 records the still image data generated by the still image generation unit 5c on the recording medium 10 (step S40).

  According to the electronic camera according to each of the above-described embodiments, shooting using the pre-capture function can be performed by a touch operation. In addition, since the main subject can be selected by a touch operation, the subject intended by the user can be designated as the main subject intuitively and quickly without any mistake.

  In the case of an electronic camera that does not have a pre-capture function when it is determined that a still image shooting instruction has been input when a touch operation such as a tap by the user on the touch panel is detected, the touch operation is detected. There may be a time lag until capturing a frame image for generating still image data. That is, such a time lag may occur because a touch operation in which the user's finger stays within a range of several pixels and is separated within a predetermined time is determined as a still image shooting instruction. Accordingly, there are cases where still image shooting is performed at a timing not intended by the user. Since the electronic camera according to each embodiment described above has a pre-capture function, it is possible to prevent such a time lag from occurring.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the slow motion moving image shooting mode, the best shot image shooting mode, and the slow view shooting mode are set by touch operation. However, the electronic camera 2 sets these shooting modes. In the case where a mode dial is provided, the shooting mode may be set by the mode dial.

  In the third and fourth embodiments described above, the frame image buffering is started by the first touch operation of the touch panel after setting the mode for creating a predetermined recording image. The first touch operation may set a mode for creating a predetermined recording image and start buffering of the frame image.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Electronic camera, 4 ... Control part, 5 ... Video signal processing circuit, 5a ... Through image generation part, 5b ... Moving image generation part, 5c ... Still image generation part, 6 ... Imaging device, 8 ... Buffer memory, 10 ... Recording medium, 12 ... display unit, 14 ... touch panel

Claims (8)

An image sensor for imaging subject light;
A display unit that displays a through image based on an imaging signal from the imaging element;
A storage unit for sequentially storing a plurality of frame images based on imaging signals from the imaging element;
A touch panel for detecting a touch operation on the display unit;
Based on detection of a first touch operation for selecting an arbitrary area on the touch panel, the storage unit starts storing the frame image, and a second touch on the touch panel after the first touch operation is detected. Based on the detection of the touch operation, the recording image is recorded using the frame image stored in the storage unit based on the shooting condition determined for the subject in the area selected by the first touch operation. An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that records on a medium.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first touch operation is an operation after setting a mode in which a predetermined recording image is recorded on the recording medium.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first touch operation is a specific operation for setting a mode in which a predetermined recording image is recorded on the recording medium. Based on the plurality of frame images stored in the storage unit, a slow motion video that is played back at a second frame rate less than a first frame rate indicating the number of frame images stored in the storage unit per unit time A moving image generation unit for generating an image;
A still image generation unit that generates at least one still image corresponding to at least one frame image of the plurality of frame images stored in the storage unit;
The control unit records the slow motion moving image generated by the moving image generation unit and the still image generated by the still image generation unit on the recording medium as the recording images in association with each other. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a feature. A still image generation unit that selects at least one frame image from the plurality of frame images stored in the storage unit using a predetermined evaluation value and generates at least one still image based on the selected frame image With
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the recording medium to record the still image generated by the still image generation unit as the recording image. Based on the plurality of frame images stored in the storage unit, the image is reproduced on the display unit at a second frame rate that is less than a first frame rate indicating the number of the frame images stored in the storage unit per unit time. A still image generation unit that generates a still image corresponding to the frame image displayed on the display unit when the second touch operation is detected;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the recording medium to record the still image generated by the still image generation unit as the recording image.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays that the frame image is stored in the storage unit.   When the same touch operation as the first touch operation on the touch panel is detected after the first touch operation is detected, the storage of the frame image in the storage unit is stopped. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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