JP4857037B2 - Imaging apparatus and imaging method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method having an ISO sensitivity changing mechanism for reducing camera shake.

  When a subject is photographed using a camera, there may be a case where a camera shake occurs due to an external impact or a photographer's error, and the image is shaken without being focused. As a method for preventing such image shake due to camera shake, an apparatus has been proposed in which a sensor is separately attached to the camera, and the vibration sensor detects the occurrence of camera shake, thereby moving the screen up, down, left and right.

  In Patent Document 1, a camera-shake prevention device in a camera has a release switch that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the start of an imaging operation, and the shutter drive speed according to the ambient conditions of a subject to be measured according to the operation of the release switch. After the calculation, a comparison is made between the calculated shutter drive speed and a set speed, which is a shutter speed that may affect shooting due to the occurrence of camera shake, and if the calculated shutter drive speed is equal to or less than the set speed, Proposed is an apparatus and method for preventing camera shake in a camera having a photographing control means for outputting a delayed shutter driving signal after delaying and a shutter driving means for photographing in accordance with a shutter driving signal output from the photographing control means. Yes.

In Patent Document 2, an exposure start time delay unit that can delay the exposure start time by a predetermined time from the exposure start time in the normal mode is provided, and the imaging mode of the camera can be selected between the normal mode and the exposure start time delay mode. In the camera configured as described above, when shooting a subject with a high motion speed under natural light, or when shooting is mainly aimed at preventing camera shake shooting, the delay mode selection means switches to the normal mode. If you want to perform self-timer shooting that starts exposure after a certain period of time has elapsed after shutter release operation, set the exposure start time delay mode using the delay mode selection means. However, there has been proposed a camera that takes a picture under exposure adjustment with priority on the aperture with an emphasis on the depth of field.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-113948 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-251229

  However, the above invention has the following problems.

  The camera shake prevention apparatus and method for a camera described in Patent Document 1 calculate a shutter drive speed according to the peripheral condition of a subject to be measured according to the operation of a release switch, and then shoot with the calculated shutter drive speed and the occurrence of camera shake. If the calculated shutter drive speed is less than or equal to the set speed, the shutter drive signal is delayed for a certain period of time and then output. Although image shake due to occurrence is prevented, it is necessary to set in advance a mode for preventing camera shake, and there is a risk that the shutter will always be delayed when taking a picture in a dark place and a photo opportunity will be missed.

  The camera described in Patent Document 2 is set to the normal mode by the delay mode selection means when shooting a subject having a high motion speed under natural light or when shooting with a focus on preventing camera shake shooting is desired. If you want to perform self-timer shooting that starts exposure after a certain period of time has elapsed after shutter release operation, set the exposure start time delay mode using the delay mode selection means. However, by taking a picture under exposure adjustment with priority on the aperture with emphasis on the depth of field, even a novice user who is unfamiliar with camera handling can use various shooting modes according to the shooting purpose. However, the shutter drive cannot be delayed when the shutter speed becomes slow in the normal mode.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus having a first switch that is a trigger for starting shooting preparation, a second switch that is a trigger for starting shooting, and an ISO sensitivity changing unit that changes the ISO sensitivity of the imaging element, and the imaging apparatus In the imaging method, the time from when the first switch is turned on to when the second switch is turned on is measured. If the measured time is longer than the predetermined time, the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor is adjusted by the ISO sensitivity changing means. It is an object of the present invention to propose an imaging apparatus and an imaging method thereof that can prevent image deterioration due to camera shake by changing.

The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, a first switch that is a start trigger for shooting preparation, a second switch that is a start trigger for shooting, an ISO sensitivity changing unit that changes an ISO sensitivity of the imaging device, and the first switch. Measuring means for measuring a time from when one switch is turned on to when the second switch is turned on, and when the time measured by the measuring means is longer than a predetermined time, the ISO sensitivity changing means Is to change the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor and change the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing means, and perform shooting several times while changing the ISO sensitivity. When changing, the ISO sensitivity changing means determines whether or not it is the first shooting, and in the case of the first shooting, the ISO sensitivity is changed to the highest ISO sensitivity and the second and subsequent times. If a shooting, and changing the ISO sensitivity down one of ISO sensitivity that is currently set.

The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, a first switch serving as a shooting start trigger, a second switch serving as a shooting start trigger, an ISO sensitivity changing unit that changes an ISO sensitivity of the imaging device, and the first switch. Measuring means for measuring a time from when one switch is turned on to when the second switch is turned on, and when the time measured by the measuring means is longer than a predetermined time, the ISO sensitivity changing means Is to change the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor and change the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing means, and perform shooting several times while changing the ISO sensitivity. When changing, the ISO sensitivity changing means changes to an ISO sensitivity one higher than the currently set ISO sensitivity.

The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, a first switch serving as a shooting start trigger, a second switch serving as a shooting start trigger, an ISO sensitivity changing unit that changes an ISO sensitivity of the imaging device, and the first switch. Measuring means for measuring the time from when the first switch is turned on until the second switch is turned on, and selecting means for selecting a mode giving priority to sensitivity or a mode giving priority to image quality, When the time measured by the measuring means is longer than a predetermined time, the ISO sensitivity changing means changes the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor, and the ISO sensitivity changing means is configured to change the ISO sensitivity according to the mode selected by the selecting means. changing the change pattern of sensitivity, the ISO sensitivity change means, when priority is given to sensitivity mode is selected by the selecting means, it is determined whether the first shooting, In the case of the second shooting, the ISO sensitivity is changed to the highest ISO sensitivity. In the case of the second and subsequent shootings, the ISO sensitivity is changed to one lower than the currently set ISO sensitivity. When a mode giving priority to image quality is selected, the ISO sensitivity is changed to one higher than the currently set ISO sensitivity.

The imaging method according to claim 4, comprising: a first switch that is a start trigger for shooting preparation; a second switch that is a start trigger for shooting; and an ISO sensitivity changing unit that changes the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor. In the imaging method of the apparatus, when the measurement step of measuring the time from when the first switch is turned on until the second switch is turned on, and when the time measured by the measurement step is longer than a predetermined time, A step of changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing means, and when shooting by changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing means, shooting is performed a plurality of times while changing the ISO sensitivity. performed, when changing the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device, the ISO sensitivity change means includes the steps of determining whether a first shooting, field first photographing Includes a step of changing the ISO sensitivity to the highest ISO sensitivity, and a step of changing to an ISO sensitivity that is one lower than the currently set ISO sensitivity in the case of the second and subsequent shootings. To do.

The imaging method according to claim 5, comprising: a first switch that is a start trigger for shooting preparation; a second switch that is a start trigger for shooting; and an ISO sensitivity changing unit that changes the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor. In the imaging method of the apparatus, when the measurement step of measuring the time from when the first switch is turned on until the second switch is turned on, and when the time measured by the measurement step is longer than a predetermined time, A step of changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing means, and when shooting by changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing means, shooting is performed a plurality of times while changing the ISO sensitivity. performed, when changing the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device, the ISO sensitivity change means changes the ISO sensitivity on one of the ISO sensitivity is currently set It characterized by having a degree.

The imaging method according to claim 6, comprising: a first switch serving as a shooting preparation start trigger; a second switch serving as a shooting start trigger; and ISO sensitivity changing means for changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor. In the imaging method of the apparatus, when the measurement step of measuring the time from when the first switch is turned on until the second switch is turned on, and when the time measured by the measurement step is longer than a predetermined time, The step of changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing unit, the selection step of selecting a mode giving priority to sensitivity or a mode giving priority to image quality, and the ISO sensitivity changing unit selected by the selection step a step of changing the change pattern of the ISO sensitivity in accordance with the mode, the ISO sensitivity change means, priority mode is selected sensitivity by selection process When the first shooting, the ISO sensitivity is changed to the highest ISO sensitivity, and the second and subsequent shootings are currently set. A step of changing to an ISO sensitivity that is one lower than the existing ISO sensitivity, and a step of changing to an ISO sensitivity that is one higher than the currently set ISO sensitivity when a mode that prioritizes image quality is selected in the selection step; It is characterized by having.

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having a first switch serving as a shooting preparation start trigger, a second switch serving as a shooting start trigger, and ISO sensitivity changing means for changing the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device, and an imaging method therefor , The time from when the first switch is turned on to when the second switch is turned on is measured. If the measured time is longer than the predetermined time, the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor is changed by the ISO sensitivity changing means. Thus, it is possible to prevent image deterioration due to camera shake.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a control unit (CPU) 10, a photometric sensor 11, a distance measuring sensor 12, a display unit 13, a shutter drive unit 14, a focus drive unit 15, a storage unit 16, a first release SW 17, a second release unit. A release SW 18 and an image processor 19 are included.

  The control means 10 has a control function for controlling all the operations of the camera, and includes an arithmetic means 10a for making various judgments and calculations, and a time counting means (timer) means 10b for counting time. Etc.

  The photometric sensor 11 is a sensor for detecting the brightness of the subject, is driven by the control from the control means 10, detects the brightness of the subject, and inputs detection data to the control means 10. Thereafter, it is converted into subject luminance information in the control means 10.

  The distance measuring sensor 12 is a sensor for detecting various data for focusing such as the distance between the subject and the camera or the distance from the current focus position to the focused focus position. The various data are input to the control means 10. Thereafter, it is used as data for focusing in the control means 10.

  In the present embodiment, the display means 13 is a high-luminance type red LED, and lighting / extinguishing is controlled by the control means 10.

  The shutter driving means 14 is a driving means for performing an operation for passing light to or blocking light from the imaging surface by opening and closing the shutter of the camera, and opening and closing is controlled by the control means 10 and is necessary. In response, the open / close status is input to the control means 10.

  The focus driving unit 15 is a module that drives the lens to adjust the focus of the lens. The control unit 10 controls the movement back and forth on the optical axis, and inputs the lens position to the control unit 10 as necessary.

  The storage means 16 is an internal or external storage device for storing imaging result data, and the imaging result is stored after imaging. In addition, when the shooting data is reproduced, the stored shooting result data is read by the control means 10.

  The first release SW 17 is a SW serving as a shooting preparation trigger that is turned on when the release SW is half-pressed. The second release SW 18 is a SW serving as a shooting trigger, and is turned ON when the release SW is fully pressed (pressed). In FIG. 1, the first release SW 17 and the second release SW 18 are described as separate SWs. However, in the embodiment, the operation is performed on the same SW.

  The image processor 19 is a processor that performs image-related processing, and can perform sensitivity setting (ISO sensitivity setting) of the image sensor in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 10.

  Next, an operation performed when the release SW is half-pressed and the first release SW 17 is turned on will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the release SW is pressed halfway and the first release SW17 is turned on, first, the time counting means (timer) 10b for measuring the time from when the first release SW17 is turned on until the second release SW18 is turned on is counted by the timer. Is started (step S101).

  When measurement by the time counting means 10b is started, the control means 10 controls the photometric sensor 11 to perform a photometric operation and detects the brightness of the subject (step S102). At the same time, although not shown because it is not the essence of this patent, the shutter speed is calculated by the calculation means 10a in consideration of various conditions.

  Next, the control means 10 controls the distance sensor 12 to perform a distance measuring operation, and detects data related to the focus, such as the distance to the subject or the amount of movement to the best focus position (step S103).

  When the brightness of the subject and the distance to the subject or the moving distance to the best focus position are detected (steps S102 and S103), a focus driving operation is performed based on the detected data (step S104). A method of detecting information on the subject contrast and sharpness at the current position in step S102 and searching for the best focus position while performing focus driving may be used.

  When the focus driving operation is completed, the process waits until the second release SW 18 is turned on (step S105). Note that if the first release SW 17 is turned off before the second release SW 18 is turned on, shooting is stopped, but this is not shown because it is not directly related to the present invention. When the second release SW 18 is turned on (step S105 / YES), the count value measured by the time counting means 10b is read, and whether or not the count value is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (for example, 0.50 s). Is determined (step S106).

  When the count value is shorter than the predetermined time (step S106 / NO), it is inferred that the first release SW17 and the second release SW18 are pushed at once in consideration of the time required for focusing executed in steps S102 to S104. it can. Therefore, in this case, priority is given to the shutter speed, and shooting is immediately started as usual (step S114). That is, the shutter is opened and closed at a predetermined shutter speed, the photographing result is saved, and the photographing is finished.

  On the other hand, when the count value is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S106 / YES), it is determined whether or not the shutter speed calculated by the calculation unit 10a in step S102 is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (for example, 1/30 s) (step S106 / YES). Step S107). When the calculated shutter speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (for example, 1/30 s) (step S107 / NO), a flag for changing the ISO sensitivity (hereinafter referred to as an ISO sensitivity change flag) is set (step S107). S108). If the calculated shutter speed is faster than the predetermined speed (step S107 / YES), the shutter speed is prioritized and shooting is immediately started (step S114).

  When the ISO sensitivity change flag is set for the photographing operation to be executed, an operation for changing the ISO sensitivity is executed (step S109). Here, the specific operation | movement which changes ISO sensitivity is demonstrated using FIG. 3 and 4. FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the setting is changed from the currently set ISO sensitivity to a higher ISO sensitivity (step S301). For example, in an imaging apparatus in which the normal ISO sensitivity is ISO sensitivity 64 and the ISO sensitivity series includes 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600, the first shooting is performed at the ISO sensitivity 100 of one level, and 2 The second shooting is performed at an ISO sensitivity 200 that is one step further.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 4, it is confirmed whether or not the current photographing operation is the first photographing operation after the second release SW 18 is confirmed to be pressed in step S105 (step S401). If it is the first shooting operation (step S401 / YES), the ISO sensitivity is set to the highest ISO sensitivity that can be set in the imaging apparatus (step S402). On the other hand, if it is the second or subsequent shooting operation (step S401 / NO), the ISO sensitivity is changed from the currently set ISO sensitivity to a lower ISO sensitivity (step S403). For example, in an imaging apparatus in which the normal ISO sensitivity is ISO sensitivity 64 and the ISO sensitivity series includes 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600, the first shooting is performed at the highest ISO sensitivity 1600 and the second and subsequent times. The photographing is performed at a lower ISO sensitivity (for example, ISO sensitivity 800) step by step. According to this configuration, it is possible to realize shooting that allows noise generation and reduces blurring due to camera shake. In addition, since shooting is performed at the highest ISO sensitivity of the imaging device, shooting that makes full use of the capability of the imaging device can be performed, and subsequent regret can be prevented. Further, when the surroundings are dark, it is a very practical mechanism if used when the subject is surely photographed and placed.

  Depending on the situation and the shooting mode, the first shooting may be performed with ISO sensitivity 64, and the second and subsequent shootings may be performed with ISO sensitivity 100 and 400. When three or more shooting operations are performed, the first shooting is ISO sensitivity 64 (normal ISO sensitivity), the second shooting is ISO sensitivity 1600 (highest ISO sensitivity), and the third shooting is ISO sensitivity 400. (Intermediate ISO sensitivity) may be combined for shooting.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which image | photographs by ISO sensitivity recommended in each imaging device from the conditions, such as a subject brightness at the time of imaging | photography, without image | photographing several times. Furthermore, when the imaging device has a flash, a configuration in which ON / OFF of a flash mounted on the imaging device is combined with a change in ISO sensitivity may be employed. For example, the first shooting may have a normal ISO sensitivity + flash ON, and the second shooting may have a ISO sensitivity 400 + flash OFF.

  When the ISO sensitivity changing operation is completed (step S109), the shutter is opened and closed to execute a photographing operation (step S110). Next, it is confirmed whether or not all shootings with different ISO sensitivities have been performed (step S111). When the photographing operation with a different ISO sensitivity is performed again (step S111 / NO), the process returns to step S109, and the ISO sensitivity is newly set again. On the other hand, when all shootings with different ISO sensitivities have been performed (step S111 / YES), all the shot image data are stored in the storage unit 16 (step S112). Finally, the ISO sensitivity change flag is reset (step S113), and all operations are completed.

  According to the above configuration, when the release SW is pressed down from the first release SW 17 to the second release SW 18 at once, shooting can be performed with the conventional release time lag, and the release SW is pressed down step by step. In addition, in the case of subject shooting with a slow shutter speed in which occurrence of camera shake or subject blurring is predicted, it is possible to automatically perform shooting of a plurality of images having different ISO sensitivities without setting a prior mode. .

  Since shooting is performed with higher ISO sensitivity than usual, the probability of failed shooting is reduced. In addition, since a plurality of image data having different ISO sensitivities are stored in the storage means, it is possible to select good image data suitable for the user's image from the plurality of image data after shooting.

  Further, it is possible to cope with camera shake and subject blur by changing the ISO sensitivity without providing a complicated and expensive camera shake detection sensor or a camera shake correction mechanism. In addition to changing the ISO sensitivity, by combining ON / OFF of the strobe, it is possible to photograph a subject farther than in the conventional case (low sensitivity + strobe).

  Furthermore, since the ISO sensitivity is gradually increased from the normal ISO sensitivity, image data with ISO sensitivity close to the normal setting can be acquired, so that noise generated by setting the high ISO sensitivity can be obtained. It is possible to select the optimal image data that can minimize the influence and has a different balance between blur and image quality (noise increases as sensitivity increases). Regarding the number of shots, a configuration that is determined in advance is also preferable, and a configuration in which more options are provided by adding shots with normal ISO sensitivity or increasing the number of shots may be used.

  Further, after the second release SW 18 is turned on in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 (step S105 / YES), the time until the shooting operation is started before the shutter is opened and the shooting operation (step S110 or step S114) is started. 1 and 2 is added to the configuration and processing of the imaging apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera holding becomes unstable due to the pressing of the release SW, and camera shake occurs. Time can be avoided. According to this configuration, since it is not necessary to add a new camera shake prevention mechanism to the image pickup apparatus, it is possible to realize more practical camera shake reduction shooting without an increase in cost. The timer may also be used as a timer such as a self-timer provided in a normal imaging device.

  Next, the configuration and operation of an imaging apparatus according to another embodiment will be described.

  A configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is different in that it includes a shooting number setting unit 20 and a shooting mode setting unit 21 in addition to the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the previous embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the imaging apparatus according to the previous embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The number of shots setting unit 20 is an input unit that allows the user to arbitrarily set the number of shooting operations with different ISO sensitivities. The shooting mode setting unit 21 is an input unit that can select a mode that prioritizes sensitivity or a mode that prioritizes image quality in the performed shooting operation. The control unit 10 repeats the shooting operation with different ISO sensitivities based on the number of shots set by the shot number setting unit 20, and the ISO sensitivity selection pattern for performing the shooting operation according to the mode set by the shooting mode setting unit 21. To decide.

  Next, an operation for setting the number of times of repeating the photographing operation with the ISO sensitivity changed will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment, as described above, by inputting a desired number of times of photographing from the number-of-photographing number setting unit 20, it is possible to set the number of times of repeated photographing operations with different ISO sensitivities. When the user inputs a desired number of shots from the shot number setting means 20 (step S601 / YES), it is checked whether or not the input number of shots is larger than a preset maximum value (step S602). If the input number of shots is greater than the preset maximum value (step S602 / YES), the initial value is set as the number of shots (step S603). On the other hand, when the input number of shots is equal to or less than the preset maximum value (step S602 / NO), the input number of shots is set as the number of shots (step S604). Through the above processing, the user can set an arbitrary number of shots in the imaging apparatus.

  Next, an operation for setting an ISO sensitivity selection pattern (sensitivity priority mode or image quality priority mode) to be selected when an imaging operation with different ISO sensitivity is repeated will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, as described above, the sensitivity priority mode or the image quality priority mode can be switched by selecting a desired mode in the shooting mode setting unit 21. When the user requests mode switching from the shooting mode setting means 21 (step S701 / YES), it is confirmed whether or not the currently set mode is the image quality priority mode (step S702). If the currently set mode is the image quality priority mode (step S702 / YES), the setting is switched to the sensitivity priority mode (step S703). On the other hand, if the currently set mode is not the image quality priority mode (step S702 / NO), the setting is switched to the image quality priority mode (step S704). Through the above processing, the user can set an arbitrary mode in the imaging apparatus. In this embodiment, the sensitivity priority mode and the image quality priority mode are used as selectable modes. However, two or more modes may be set.

  Next, an imaging operation executed based on the number of shots set by the shooting number setting process shown in FIG. 6 and the mode set by the shooting mode setting process shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. To do.

  When the release SW is pressed halfway and the first release SW17 is turned on, first, the time counting means (timer) 10b for measuring the time from when the first release SW17 is turned on until the second release SW18 is turned on is counted by the timer. Is started (step S801).

  When the measurement by the time counting unit 10b is started, the control unit 10 controls the photometric sensor 11 to perform a photometric operation, and detects the brightness of the subject (step S802). At the same time, although not shown because it is not the essence of this patent, the shutter speed is calculated by the calculation means 10a in consideration of various conditions.

  Next, the control means 10 controls the distance sensor 12 to perform a distance measuring operation, and detects data related to the focus, such as the distance to the subject or the amount of movement to the best focus position (step S803).

  When the brightness of the subject and the distance to the subject or the moving distance to the best focus position are detected (steps S802 and S803), a focus driving operation is performed based on the detected data (step S804). In step S802, a method of detecting information on the subject contrast and sharpness at the current position and searching for the best focus position while performing focus driving may be used.

  When the focus driving operation is completed, the process waits for the second release SW 18 to be turned on (step S805). Note that if the first release SW 17 is turned off before the second release SW 18 is turned on, shooting is stopped, but this is not shown because it is not directly related to the present invention. When the second release SW 18 is turned on (step S805 / YES), the count value measured by the time counting means 10b is read, and whether or not the count value is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (for example, 0.50 s). Is determined (step S806).

  When the count value is shorter than the predetermined time (step S806 / NO), it is inferred that the first release SW 17 and the second release SW 18 are pushed at once in consideration of the time required for focusing executed in steps S802 to S804. it can. Therefore, in this case, priority is given to the shutter speed, and imaging is immediately started as usual (step S814). That is, the shutter is opened and closed at a predetermined shutter speed, the photographing result is saved, and the photographing is finished.

  On the other hand, when the count value is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S806 / YES), it is determined whether or not the shutter speed calculated by the calculation unit 10a in step S802 is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (for example, 1/30 s) ( Step S807). When the calculated shutter speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (for example, 1/30 s) (step S807 / NO), a flag for changing the ISO sensitivity (hereinafter referred to as an ISO sensitivity change flag) is set (step 1). S808). If the calculated shutter speed is higher than the predetermined speed (step S807 / YES), the shutter speed is prioritized and shooting is immediately started (step S814).

  When the ISO sensitivity change flag is set for the photographing operation to be executed, an operation for changing the ISO sensitivity is executed (step S809). Here, the specific operation | movement which changes ISO sensitivity is demonstrated using FIG.

  When the ISO sensitivity changing operation is started, first, it is confirmed whether or not the currently set mode is the image quality priority mode (step S901). If the set mode is the image quality priority mode (step S901 / YES), the setting is changed from the currently set ISO sensitivity to a higher ISO sensitivity (step S902). For example, in an imaging apparatus in which the normal ISO sensitivity is ISO sensitivity 64 and the ISO sensitivity series includes 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600, the first shooting is performed at the ISO sensitivity 100 of one level, and 2 The second shooting is performed at an ISO sensitivity 200 that is one step further.

  On the other hand, if the set mode is not the image quality priority mode (step S901 / NO), whether or not the current shooting operation is the first shooting operation after the second release SW 18 is confirmed to be pressed in step S105. (Step S903). If it is the first shooting operation (step S903 / YES), the ISO sensitivity is set to the highest ISO sensitivity that can be set in the imaging apparatus (step S904). On the other hand, if it is the second and subsequent shooting operations (step S903 / NO), the ISO sensitivity is changed from the currently set ISO sensitivity to a lower ISO sensitivity (step S905). For example, in an imaging apparatus in which the normal ISO sensitivity is ISO sensitivity 64 and the ISO sensitivity series includes 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600, the first shooting is performed at the highest ISO sensitivity 1600 and the second and subsequent times. The photographing is performed at a lower ISO sensitivity (for example, ISO sensitivity 800) step by step.

  According to this configuration, since an appropriate ISO sensitivity is selected according to the mode set based on the processing shown in FIG. 7, the user can set a desired mode in advance without being aware of the ISO sensitivity directly. It is possible to execute an imaging process in accordance with a desired condition simply by keeping it.

  When the ISO sensitivity changing operation is completed (step S809), the shutter is opened and closed to execute a photographing operation (step S810). Next, based on the number of times of shooting set by the number-of-shots setting unit 20, it is confirmed whether or not all shootings with different ISO sensitivities have been performed (step S811). When the photographing operation with a different ISO sensitivity is performed again (step S811 / NO), the process returns to step S109, and the ISO sensitivity is newly set again. On the other hand, when all shootings with different ISO sensitivities have been performed (step S811 / YES), all the shot image data are stored in the storage unit 16 (step S812). Finally, the ISO sensitivity change flag is reset (step S813), and all operations are completed.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on this embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of an imaging operation of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process which changes ISO sensitivity. It is a flowchart of the process which changes ISO sensitivity. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on other embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which sets the imaging | photography number of sheets. It is a flowchart which shows the process which sets imaging | photography mode. It is a flowchart of the imaging operation of the imaging device which concerns on other embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process which changes ISO sensitivity.

Explanation of symbols

10 control means 10a calculation means 10b time counting means (timer)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Photometry sensor 12 Distance sensor 13 Display means 14 Shutter drive means 15 Focus drive means 16 Memory | storage means 17 1st release SW
18 Second release SW
19 Image processor

Claims (6)

A first switch serving as a start trigger for shooting preparation;
A second switch serving as a start trigger for shooting;
ISO sensitivity changing means for changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor;
Measuring means for measuring a time from when the first switch is turned on to when the second switch is turned on,
When the time measured by the measuring unit is longer than a predetermined time, the ISO sensitivity changing unit changes the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor,
When shooting by changing the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device by the ISO sensitivity changing means, shooting is performed a plurality of times while changing the ISO sensitivity,
When changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor, the ISO sensitivity changing means includes:
Determine whether this is the first shooting,
In the case of the first shooting, change the ISO sensitivity to the highest ISO sensitivity,
If a second or subsequent imaging, imaging apparatus you and changing the ISO sensitivity down one of ISO sensitivity that is currently set. A first switch serving as a start trigger for shooting preparation;
A second switch serving as a start trigger for shooting;
ISO sensitivity changing means for changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor;
Measuring means for measuring a time from when the first switch is turned on to when the second switch is turned on,
When the time measured by the measuring unit is longer than a predetermined time, the ISO sensitivity changing unit changes the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor,
When shooting by changing the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device by the ISO sensitivity changing means, shooting is performed a plurality of times while changing the ISO sensitivity,
When changing the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device, the ISO sensitivity change means, the imaging apparatus you and changing the ISO sensitivity on one of the ISO sensitivity that is currently set. A first switch serving as a start trigger for shooting preparation;
A second switch serving as a start trigger for shooting;
ISO sensitivity changing means for changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor;
Measuring means for measuring a time from when the first switch is turned on to when the second switch is turned on;
Selection means for selecting a mode that prioritizes sensitivity or a mode that prioritizes image quality,
When the time measured by the measuring unit is longer than a predetermined time, the ISO sensitivity changing unit changes the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor,
The ISO sensitivity changing means changes the ISO sensitivity change pattern according to the mode selected by the selecting means,
The ISO sensitivity changing means includes:
When a mode giving priority to sensitivity is selected by the selection unit, it is determined whether or not the first shooting is performed. In the case of the first shooting, the ISO sensitivity is changed to the highest ISO sensitivity and the second and subsequent shootings are performed. If shooting, change the ISO sensitivity to one lower than the currently set ISO sensitivity,
When said priority image quality mode is selected by the selecting means, the image pickup apparatus you and changing the ISO sensitivity on one of the ISO sensitivity that is currently set. In an imaging method for an imaging apparatus, the imaging device includes: a first switch serving as a shooting preparation start trigger; a second switch serving as a shooting start trigger; and an ISO sensitivity changing unit that changes the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device.
A measuring step of measuring a time from when the first switch is turned on until the second switch is turned on;
A step of changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing means when the time measured by the measuring step is longer than a predetermined time;
When shooting by changing the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device by the ISO sensitivity changing means, shooting is performed a plurality of times while changing the ISO sensitivity,
When changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor, the ISO sensitivity changing means includes:
Determining whether or not it is the first shooting;
In the case of the first shooting, a step of changing the ISO sensitivity to the highest ISO sensitivity;
If a second or subsequent photographing, imaging how to; and a step of changing the ISO sensitivity down one of ISO sensitivity that is currently set. In an imaging method for an imaging apparatus, the imaging device includes: a first switch serving as a shooting preparation start trigger; a second switch serving as a shooting start trigger; and an ISO sensitivity changing unit that changes the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device.
A measuring step of measuring a time from when the first switch is turned on until the second switch is turned on;
A step of changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing means when the time measured by the measuring step is longer than a predetermined time;
When shooting by changing the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device by the ISO sensitivity changing means, shooting is performed a plurality of times while changing the ISO sensitivity,
When changing the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device, the ISO sensitivity change means, imaging how to further comprising a step of changing the ISO sensitivity on one of the ISO sensitivity that is currently set. In an imaging method for an imaging apparatus, the imaging device includes: a first switch serving as a shooting preparation start trigger; a second switch serving as a shooting start trigger; and an ISO sensitivity changing unit that changes the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device.
A measuring step of measuring a time from when the first switch is turned on until the second switch is turned on;
When the time measured by the measuring step is longer than a predetermined time, the step of changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor by the ISO sensitivity changing means;
A selection step for selecting a mode giving priority to sensitivity or a mode giving priority to image quality;
The ISO sensitivity changing means changes the ISO sensitivity change pattern according to the mode selected in the selection step;
The ISO sensitivity changing means includes:
When a mode giving priority to sensitivity is selected in the selection process, it is determined whether or not the first shooting is performed. In the case of the first shooting, the ISO sensitivity is changed to the highest ISO sensitivity and the second and subsequent shootings are performed. In the case of shooting, a step of changing to an ISO sensitivity that is one lower than the currently set ISO sensitivity;
When said priority image quality mode is selected by the selection step, the imaging how to; and a step of changing the ISO sensitivity on one of the ISO sensitivity that is currently set.

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