JP3119260B2 - Electronic still camera - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic still camera, and more particularly, to a portable electronic still camera that stores image data captured in a removable storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A technique for recording image information (image data) on a removable storage medium in the field of an electronic still camera is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,138,459. This allows an image captured by an electronic still camera to be read by a personal computer (PC) via a recording medium.

US Pat. No. 5,138,459 discloses a method of registering a digital image as a file readable by a PC in a storage medium detachable from an electronic still camera. Various parameters are required for conversion to a digital image file. The parameters include a file format and a conversion formula for color conversion. In this conventional example, the selection of a file format including the compression format and the number of colors is mentioned, and a camera switch operated by a user is cited as a means for performing the setting.

In this conventional example, a floppy disk is used as a recording medium. As setting items, three levels of image resolution, selection of color or black and white, and PICT, GIF, and the like are described as file formats. As an application of the image captured by the electronic still camera, it is assumed that the image is used for a word processor or DTP on a PC.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 3-268583 discloses an electronic still camera which performs operation control based on program data stored in a recording medium. In this conventional example, not only a digital image but also program data for controlling functions of an electronic still camera is recorded on a recording medium. Therefore, when the electronic still camera reads and writes an image, a predetermined function is realized by registering the program data in the electronic still camera. In this conventional example, for example, an example in which the function of an operation button is changed is given.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION US Pat. No. 5,13
In the technique described in Japanese Patent No. 8,459, there is a problem that as the setting items of the digital image become more diverse, the number of switches on the input device increases and the device configuration becomes complicated.

[0007] In addition, even if the setting items are changed due to the improvement of the function or the change of the use environment, the role of the switch must be changed to cope with the change.

In the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-268583, a program data format is used as a means for realizing a predetermined function. Software and hardware are required. In addition, if the program data is not registered in the recording device in advance, there is a disadvantage that the function of the camera cannot be realized even if the recording device is mounted on the electronic still camera.

[0009] This is because, in a case where it is conceivable to use an environment such as an electronic still camera which is separated from other devices as a portable device and exists alone, a commercially available recording device is procured locally and used. This is particularly problematic because there may be cases where Further, the program itself for performing the internal control generally increases in capacity with the increase in functions, occupies the recording device, and may limit the role of the recording device, which is originally intended for recording image data. There is a problem.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to improve the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular, to facilitate the setting of data conversion and storage of a captured image without impairing operability such as reducing delays in photographing timing. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic still camera that can be performed in a digital camera.

[0011]

Therefore, according to the present invention, as first means, an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting external light and temporarily storing the picked-up image data, and an image picked up by the image pickup means. File converting means for converting image data based on predetermined setting information, a storage medium detachably mounted on the file converting means for storing the file, and controlling operation of the file converting means based on predetermined setting information And a power supply linked to the shutter.

In addition, the control means includes a setting reading section for reading a setting file stored in the storage medium in advance, and the contents of the setting file read by the setting reading section are stored in a predetermined data for the setting file. There is provided a setting analysis unit for analyzing based on the structure, and a setting information output unit for outputting setting information to the file conversion unit based on the setting contents analyzed by the setting analysis unit.

In the first means, first, a storage medium is mounted on the file conversion means. Further, the power is turned on by pressing a shutter button or the like, and immediately after that, an imaging operation is performed by pressing a shutter, and the imaging unit photoelectrically converts external light to generate image data. This image data is temporarily stored in the imaging unit. When a still image is captured, the control unit activates the setting reading unit after the operation of the imaging unit is completed by the conversion start control function. Then, the setting reading unit reads the setting file from the storage medium, and further,
The setting analysis unit analyzes setting contents of the setting file. The setting contents include a compression method and a compression ratio, data for hue conversion, a count value for determining a file name, and the like.

The setting information output section outputs the setting contents analyzed by the setting analysis section to the file conversion means as setting information. Then, the file conversion means converts the image data stored in the imaging means according to the contents of the setting information. Further, the file conversion means stores the converted image data in a recording medium.

As described above, in the first means, the conversion of the image data taken in accordance with the contents of the setting file read from the recording medium is performed, and the conversion is started after the portion requiring the real-time processing called the imaging operation. Therefore, data conversion based on the setting file is performed without impairing the operability of the camera.

The second means photoelectrically converts extraneous light and temporarily stores the taken image data, and converts the image data taken by the imaging means based on predetermined setting information. File conversion means;
A storage medium detachably mounted on the file conversion means and storing the file, and control means for controlling the operation of the file conversion means based on predetermined setting information, wherein the control means is stored in advance in the storage medium A setting reading unit for reading the setting file read by the setting reading unit; a setting analyzing unit for analyzing the contents of the setting file read by the setting reading unit based on a predetermined data structure for the setting file; A setting information output unit that outputs setting information to the file conversion unit based on the setting contents analyzed by the control unit, and the control unit includes a conversion start control function,
The setting reading unit is started after the operation of the imaging unit is completed. The setting reading unit further has a specific name file reading function of reading a text file having a predetermined name in the recording medium as a setting file. The predetermined name is, for example, “acc
out. dat ".

Further, the setting analysis section has an item-specific setting analysis function for analyzing various setting information for each item in the text file read by the specific name file reading function.

In the second means, the setting reading section reads out a file having a predetermined specific name from a plurality of files on the recording medium. Further, the setting analysis unit uses the item-specific setting function to grasp the setting contents based on the character string parameters that follow for each item corresponding to various functions. Therefore, the content of processing such as data conversion is changed only by correcting the text file by a PC word processor or the like.

In the third means, in addition to the items specifying the second means, the setting analysis unit determines the file name of the image data converted by the file converting means based on the count value read from the setting file. A file name determining function, and a count value updating function of, when a file name is given by the file name determining function, increasing a count value and updating the set content in the recording medium with the increased count value. .

In the fourth means, in addition to the matter specifying the third means, the file name determination function includes an extension determination for determining an extension of a file name according to the type of the file format specified by the setting file. A function was added.

In the fifth means, in addition to the items specifying the second means, a setting memory for storing the setting file read by the setting reading section is provided in the setting reading section,
The setting reading unit has a function of reading the setting file from the setting memory when the setting file with the specific name does not exist in the PC card.

In a sixth means, an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting extraneous light and temporarily storing the picked-up image data, and converts the image data picked up by the image pickup means based on predetermined setting information. File conversion means;
A storage medium detachably mounted on the file conversion means and storing the file, and control means for controlling the operation of the file conversion means based on predetermined setting information, wherein the control means is stored in advance in the storage medium A setting reading unit for reading the setting file read by the setting reading unit; a setting analyzing unit for analyzing the contents of the setting file read by the setting reading unit based on a predetermined data structure for the setting file; A setting information output unit that outputs setting information to the file conversion unit based on the setting contents analyzed by the control unit, and the control unit includes a conversion start control function,
The setting reading unit is started after the operation of the imaging unit is completed, and the file conversion unit further includes a color conversion function of performing color conversion of image data based on the setting information.

In the seventh means, in addition to the matter specifying the first or second means, the file conversion means has a data compression function of compressing image data based on the setting information.

In an eighth means, an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting extraneous light and temporarily storing the picked-up image data, and converts the image data picked up by the image pickup means based on predetermined setting information. File conversion means;
A storage medium detachably mounted on the file conversion means and storing the file, and control means for controlling the operation of the file conversion means based on predetermined setting information, wherein the control means is stored in advance in the storage medium A setting reading unit for reading the setting file read by the setting reading unit; a setting analyzing unit for analyzing the contents of the setting file read by the setting reading unit based on a predetermined data structure for the setting file; A setting information output unit that outputs setting information to the file conversion unit based on the setting contents analyzed by the control unit, and the control unit includes a conversion start control function,
After the operation of the imaging unit is completed, the setting reading unit is started. Further, when the directory selected in the storage medium has a higher-level directory, the control unit further sets an image in the setting file of the selected directory. An upper file reading function is provided for reading a setting file of a higher directory in the recording medium when an item necessary for an operation or a file conversion operation is not described.

[0025]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic still camera according to the present embodiment. Electronic still cameras
An imaging unit 10 for photoelectrically converting the external light and temporarily storing the captured image data; a file conversion unit 12 for converting the image data captured by the imaging unit 10 based on predetermined setting information; The storage device includes a storage medium (PC card) 14 which is detachably attached to the file conversion means 12 and stores the file, and a control means 16 which controls the operation of the imaging means based on the setting information.

In addition, the control means 16 controls the PC card 14
A setting reading unit 20 for reading a setting file 14a stored in advance in the storage unit, and a setting analysis for analyzing the contents of the setting file read by the setting reading unit 20 based on a predetermined data structure for the setting file. Part 22
And a setting information output unit 24 that outputs setting information to the file conversion unit 12 based on the setting contents analyzed by the setting analyzing unit 22.

Further, the control means 16 has a conversion start control function 26 for activating the setting reading section after the operation of the imaging means is completed.

This will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hardware resources of the electronic still camera having the configuration shown in FIG.

The imaging means 10 includes a lens 9, a CCD sensor (charge coupled device) 11 for photoelectrically converting external light incident through the lens 9, and an electric signal output from the CCD sensor 11 into digital data. An A / D converter 13 for converting the image data into image data. In the present embodiment, the image data converted into digital data by the A / D converter 13 is temporarily stored in the internal memory 18 without being converted immediately.

The control means 16 and the file conversion means 12 are provided with a CPU 17 operating according to a predetermined program.
Has been realized. When the PC card 14 is attached to the electronic still camera, the PC card 14
17 and bus connection.

Here, the setting file previously stored in the PC card 14 is stored in the CPU
Then, the setting analysis unit 22 analyzes various setting information for each item in the text file by the item-specific setting analysis function. Further, the CPU converts the image data output from the A / D converter and temporarily stored in the internal memory 18 in accordance with the set contents, and
It is stored in the card 14.

From the CCD sensor 11, the CCD sensor 1
Since the voltage corresponding to the electric charge stored in the element of the CCD sensor 11 is output according to the clock supplied to 1, the processing required for the operation of the electronic still camera includes the analog output from the CCD sensor 11 in real time. Must be A / D converted and stored in the internal memory 18 of the camera.

Further, as a feature of the camera whose purpose is to capture the moment, it is necessary to minimize the delay of the photographing timing.
The taking operation from the CD sensor 11 needs to be started immediately.

On the other hand, processing such as applying various color conversions to the stored data or storing the data in a PC card is not necessarily performed in real time.

For this reason, the control means 16 controls the imaging means 10
Is provided with a conversion start control function 26 for activating the setting reading unit 20 after the operation of the above is completed. This conversion start control function 2
According to 6, it is possible to set the operation of the camera in detail without affecting the operability by giving priority to the imaging operation by pressing the shutter. In an electronic still camera in which a shutter and a power supply are linked, the shutter can be released immediately after the power is turned on, and the operability is not deteriorated by reading the setting file from the PC card immediately after the power is turned on.

Next, a process for determining the name of a file that has been subjected to image processing by the data conversion means will be described.

When displaying a captured image file on a PC image, a name unique to the file (for example, s
hot0068. jpg) must be given to the file, and it is desirable that the name can also be set.

Here, the control means 16 determines the file name of the image data converted by the file conversion means 12 based on the count value read from the text file having the specific name, and the file name determination function. When a file name is given by the function, a count value updating function is provided for increasing the count value and updating the setting contents in the PC card with the increased count value.

An extension determining function for determining an extension of a file name in accordance with the type of a file format specified by a text file having a specific name is provided in addition to the file name determining function.

In the present embodiment, the setting reading unit 20 reads a text file having a specific name in a PC card by using a specific name file reading function. Here, "acco
unt. Read out a text file named "dat".

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting file named "account.dat". Although this setting file also includes data for designating a file format and converting hue, first, a part necessary for the name determination processing will be described.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, in this example, as a rule for assigning a name unique to the file, first, an item "Prefix" indicating a prefix is "shot".
Is defined, followed by the item "Counte
r is set to “68”. In addition, JPE
The item "Image" indicating that the file is in the G format
“JPEG” is given as “File Format”.

The control means 16 uses these pieces of information to
The name of the file is determined as “shot0068.jpg”. Here, the count value of 68 is rewritten by the still camera body to another value (for example, a value of 69 which is counted up once) when recording the next file.

This counter value is "account.da
Since the data is fed back to the item “counter” inside “t” and stored, even if processing such as turning off the power of the camera or removing the PC card occurs, the used “account.dat” is used. This avoids the inconvenience of rewriting data in the same PC card with the same name.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the file whose name has been determined in this way is displayed on a personal computer.

As the PC card 14 which is distributed in the market, there is a card using a flash memory or a hard disk. A standard called PCMCIA is currently established as an interface protocol of the PC card 14 (same as JEIDA standard in Japan), and data exchange with a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as PC) is possible.

By setting the file format of the PC card 14 to a format recognizable by a personal computer, for example, when a program called a file manager attached to an operating system (hereinafter abbreviated as OS) called Windows 3.1 is used, FIG.
It is possible to confirm a file existing in the PC card (an image file is recognized by a file name shot0068.jpg) in the format shown in FIG.

Here, if the file format of the digital image is set to a format that can be read by a software program which is usually distributed, the contents of the image file can be displayed / changed without the dedicated software for the electronic still camera. Combined with the portability of the storage medium itself, the PC card 14, the distribution of information becomes very easy.

Next, the relationship between the conversion of the image data captured by the image capturing means 10 and the setting file 14a will be described.

The format of the image file stored in the PC card is not limited to the JPEG described above, and various formats such as TIFF, BMP, PICT, etc.
The compression ratio can be set even in the same JPEG format, and it is desirable to change the setting of the compression ratio depending on the environment in which the image is used. Further, it is desirable that the color characteristics of the image can be changed according to the imaging environment. As described above, there are generally very various setting items.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, "account.
dat ”is provided. This file is stored in the same directory where the captured image file is stored. This "account.da
The timing at which “t” is read as a camera is the time at which the process of reading into the memory in real time as described above is completed.

Here, the file conversion means 12 has a color conversion function of performing color conversion of image data based on setting information and a data compression function of compressing image data based on setting information.

The "Color Covers" shown in FIG.
The data following “ion” is a matrix for converting the hue. In electronic still cameras, images are captured using a CCD sensor instead of film, so if images are taken normally, such as from a fluorescent light indoors or backlit outdoors, the hue differs from that of film. May be. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the hue of the captured image data is converted based on the data for color conversion read from the PC card.

Since this color conversion is performed based on the data stored in advance on the PC card, the text data can be edited on the PC without changing the settings of the electronic still camera at all. Imaging can be performed.

Further, depending on the purpose of the captured image, for example, whether it is a screen display on a PC or a purpose of printing out after color separation,
The format of the file needs to be changed. Further, it is desired to make the compression ratio variable for image compression according to each file format. The format change and the variable control of the compression ratio are normally performed,
In the case of an electronic still camera, how to set it becomes a problem.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
By describing the compression format in the item “mageFile Format”, the file format of the captured image is determined,
When the ratio is described in an item (not shown) for designating a compression ratio, the setting analysis unit 22 generates setting information based on the description and outputs it to the file conversion unit 12. Therefore, if the item names that can be controlled by the electronic still camera are defined by text, complicated combinations can be set by a simple method of creating a text file, and the setting contents can be confirmed. .

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the processing steps of the electronic still camera.

The image pickup means 10 starts the image taking process by the shutter pressing operation (S1).
The output from the sensor 11 is A / D converted and stored in the internal memory 18 of the camera. The operation block S2 at this time is CC
This is a part that requires real-time processing according to the output from the D sensor 11.

After the data is captured in real time, the processing shifts to image data conversion processing (S3). Since the block S3 does not always need to perform processing in real time, especially if the operating system of the electronic still camera enables multitask processing, the priority of this part S3 is set lower than that of the real time processing. The operability of the camera is improved.

In the camera, a block S for realizing functions corresponding to each item of the setting file in software
After finding an item on the setting file as a keyword (S4), the contents following the keyword are read and the software operation is executed according to the keyword.

In this example, a block S for performing color conversion on image data taken in from the CCD sensor 11
5, a block S6 for determining a file conversion format and executing the work, and a block S7 for determining a name to be given to the file and recording it on the PC card 2 with the name.

Next, the P in which the setting file is not stored
A configuration corresponding to the C card 14 will be described. Here, the setting reading unit 20 is provided with a setting memory 18A for storing a text file having a specific name read by the setting reading unit 20. In addition, the setting reading unit 20
When a setting file with a specific name does not exist in the C card 14, a function of reading the setting file from the setting memory 18A is provided.

The setting memory 18A is reserved in advance in the internal memory 18 shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic still camera having the setting memory 18A. A default value of the setting file is prepared in advance in the internal storage 7 of the digital camera in case a PC card having no setting file is loaded. On the other hand, after the PC card having the setting file is loaded, the default value of the setting file registered in the internal storage of the digital camera is changed with this content, and when the PC card with no settings is loaded, Using the setting file stored in the camera, a directory is created on the PC card and the setting file is registered.

Next, a description will be given of a configuration in which one PC card is used to capture an image using one of a plurality of setting files.

As shown in the configuration diagram in the file of FIG. 8, a unique setting file is defined for each of a plurality of directories, so that the attributes of digital image files stored for each directory are changed, and a plurality of attributes are provided. The digital image file group can be configured on one PC card. As the camera body, for example, if there are two switches for moving the directory up and down, it is possible to select among these plural attribute groups.

The control means 16 has an upper file reading function for reading a setting file of a higher directory in the recording medium when an item necessary for an imaging operation or a file conversion operation is not described in the setting file. ing.

This is because when a setting file does not exist in a directory, a digital image file is created by referring to a setting file in a directory immediately above the directory, thereby creating a digital image file having a common attribute over a plurality of directories. It is also possible to form a file group.

[0071]

According to the present invention, the control means activates the setting reading section after the operation of the imaging means is completed, and the setting file stored in the storage medium is provided. Since data conversion and storage are performed based on the camera, by prioritizing the imaging operation by pressing the shutter, the operation of the camera can be set in detail without affecting the operability. With an electronic still camera linked with, the shutter can be released immediately after the power is turned on, and by reading the setting file from the PC card immediately after the power is turned on, the operability is not deteriorated, and a digital image file is created. The file format used to set various parameters when reading is in a text format that can be read and written by a personal computer. Then, it is easy to confirm the file on the personal computer.In addition, by adopting the text format in particular, the content can be confirmed with a simple text editor program on the personal computer. No special program needs to be used for addition.

In addition, since the setting file is read after the part that requires real-time processing, various settings can be made without causing the operability problem of camera response. No good electronic still camera can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, since only the setting parameters are prepared as the setting file, the file size does not become so large and the area of the storage medium is not pressed.

Also, as in the present invention, the contents of the setting file are stored in the internal storage of the apparatus main body, and the setting file stored in the apparatus is used for a removable storage medium having no setting file. By registering the settings, you can use the storage medium only when you carry the device outdoors and use it by purchasing a new storage medium at the site, even if you do not carry a personal computer. There is also an effect that the work environment can be continued. This is particularly useful when several products are available on the market in a standard format such as a PC card.

According to the present invention, it is possible to form several attribute digital image file groups by making a desired setting file exist in each of a plurality of directories. In order to capture images that reflect the photographer's intentions at the time of shooting by preparing several hues in advance and selecting from among those hues when shooting with a camera There is also an effect that it becomes possible.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an unprecedented excellent electronic still camera capable of easily performing settings for imaging and data conversion without impairing operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing hardware resources having the configuration shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting file stored in advance in the PC card shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a PC card storing an image captured by the electronic still camera shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a PC and files are displayed on a screen.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example when a setting file is not stored in the PC card shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a file configuration in a PC card when a plurality of setting files shown in FIG. 4 are provided.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 imaging means 12 file conversion means 14 PC card 16 control means 20 setting reading section 22 setting analyzing section 24 setting information output section

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03B 19/02 H04N 5/232 H04N 5/781 H04N 5/907 H04N 5/91-5/956

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image pickup means for photoelectrically converting extraneous light and temporarily storing the taken image data, and a file converting means for converting the image data picked up by the image pickup means based on predetermined setting information. A storage medium detachably attached to the file conversion means for storing the file, a control means for controlling the operation of the file conversion means based on the setting information, and a power supply linked to an instruction for an imaging operation. An electronic still camera comprising: a setting reading unit that reads a setting file stored in advance in the storage medium; and a content of the setting file read by the setting reading unit. A setting analysis unit that analyzes based on a determined data structure, and the setting analysis unit based on the setting content analyzed by the setting analysis unit. A setting information output unit that outputs setting information to a file conversion unit, wherein the control unit performs an imaging operation immediately after power-on linked with an instruction for an imaging operation, and reads the setting after the operation of the imaging unit is completed. An electronic still camera comprising a conversion start control function for activating a unit. 2. An image pickup means for photoelectrically converting extraneous light and temporarily storing the taken image data, and a file converting means for converting the image data picked up by the image pickup means based on predetermined setting information. An electronic still camera comprising: a storage medium detachably mounted on the file conversion means for storing the file; and control means for controlling the operation of the file conversion means based on the setting information. A setting reading unit for reading a setting file previously stored in the storage medium, and a setting for analyzing the contents of the setting file read by the setting reading unit based on a predetermined data structure for the setting file. An analysis unit, and outputs setting information to the file conversion unit based on the setting contents analyzed by the setting analysis unit. A setting information output unit, and a conversion start control function for activating the setting reading unit after the operation of the imaging unit is completed, wherein the setting reading unit is a text file having a name predetermined as the setting file. A specific name file reading function for reading out from the storage medium, and the setting analysis unit includes an item-specific setting analyzing function for analyzing various setting information for each item in the text file read by the specific name file reading function. An electronic still camera. 3. A file name determining function in which the control means determines a file name of image data converted by the file converting means based on a count value read from the setting file, and a file name is determined by the file name determining function. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising a count value updating function for increasing the count value when a name is given and updating a setting content in the recording medium with the increased count value. Still camera. 4. An extension determining function for determining an extension of the file name according to a type of a file format specified by the setting file, in addition to the file name determining function. An electronic still camera as described. 5. A setting memory for storing a setting file read by the setting reading unit in the setting reading unit, wherein the setting reading unit sets the setting file when the setting file does not exist in the storage medium. 3. The electronic still camera according to claim 2, further comprising a function of reading a setting file from a setting memory. 6. Image capturing means for photoelectrically converting external light and temporarily storing the captured image data, and file converting means for converting image data captured by the image capturing means based on predetermined setting information. An electronic still camera comprising: a storage medium detachably mounted on the file conversion means for storing the file; and control means for controlling the operation of the file conversion means based on the setting information. A setting reading unit for reading a setting file previously stored in the storage medium, and a setting for analyzing the contents of the setting file read by the setting reading unit based on a predetermined data structure for the setting file. An analysis unit, and outputs setting information to the file conversion unit based on the setting contents analyzed by the setting analysis unit. And a conversion start control function for activating the setting reading unit after the operation of the imaging unit is completed. The file conversion unit performs color conversion of the image data based on the setting information. An electronic still camera comprising a color conversion function for performing a color conversion. 7. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the file conversion unit has a data compression function of compressing the image data based on the setting information. 8. An image capturing means for photoelectrically converting extraneous light and temporarily storing the captured image data, and a file converting means for converting the image data captured by the image capturing means based on predetermined setting information. An electronic still camera comprising: a storage medium detachably mounted on the file conversion means for storing the file; and control means for controlling the operation of the file conversion means based on the setting information. A setting reading unit for reading a setting file previously stored in the storage medium, and a setting for analyzing the contents of the setting file read by the setting reading unit based on a predetermined data structure for the setting file. An analysis unit, and outputs setting information to the file conversion unit based on the setting content analyzed by the setting analysis unit. And a conversion start control function for activating the setting reading unit after the operation of the imaging unit is completed, and the control unit stores a higher-level directory in a directory selected in the storage medium. Upper file reading function for reading a setting file of a higher directory in the recording medium when an item necessary for an imaging operation or a file conversion operation is not described in the setting file of the selected directory. An electronic still camera comprising: