JP5586215B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly, to a camera that includes an autofocus (AF) and that can cooperate with this AF and an operation member provided on a lens barrel.

  In recent years, a camera that can switch and shoot an autofocus function that automatically focuses on a subject and a manual focus function that allows a photographer to manually focus is commercially available.

  In a camera having a manual focus function, the focus of the photographic lens is generally adjusted by rotating a focus ring provided in the photographic lens barrel. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lens focusing device that adjusts the focus in accordance with the rotation of the focus ring and varies the amount of focus adjustment when the focus ring is rotated depending on the focus state. Has been. In this lens focusing device, the closer the photographic lens is to the in-focus position, the smaller the driving amount of the photographic lens with respect to the rotation amount of the focus ring, and the focusing operation near the focal point is facilitated.

  In addition, in a camera having an autofocus function, the camera automatically focuses even if the photographer does not manually perform the focusing operation. At this time, if the camera is a single target autofocus function, the subject at that position is focused. However, in the case of the multi-target autofocus function, the camera automatically recognizes an appropriate subject from a plurality of distance measurement areas and performs focusing there. However, when you enjoy the bokeh with a shallow depth of field, there may be differences in the distance of the subject even within the focused target area, and the subject intended by the photographer may not be in focus. is there.

  Thus, even with a camera having an autofocus function, there are cases where the photographer wants to manually adjust the focus after autofocus. Therefore, a camera that combines an autofocus function and a manual focus function has been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 2, when there are a large number of subjects in the autofocus frame, when focusing is performed manually after focusing, the focus evaluation value at that position is captured as the maximum focus evaluation value. There is disclosed a camera that is made to stand by in a state where a focus sequence is completed.

JP 7-84173 A JP-A-8-20665

  As described above, even if the camera has an autofocus function, if there are a large number of subjects, the subject may not be selected properly, so the photographer manually focuses. Various cameras have been proposed. However, depending on the photographer, it may be difficult to focus manually. Even if the camera cannot properly select the subject, it is convenient if the focus can be adjusted by autofocus by resetting the distance measurement area.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a camera in which a photographer can easily change a subject to be focused using an operation unit provided in a lens barrel. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a photographic lens, an operation unit provided in a lens barrel having the photographic lens, a release button provided in the camera body, and the photographic lens. An imaging unit that converts a formed subject image into image data, a contrast detection unit that detects a contrast value corresponding to a distance measurement area from the image data, and the contrast value when a half-press operation of the release button is detected A control unit that performs focusing on the photographic lens based on the image data and generates an image file from the image data and records it in a recording unit when a full-pressing operation of the release button is detected, and the control unit during half-press operation of the release button, when detecting the operation of the operation unit divides the distance measurement area, in response to this operation, focusing Change the divided distance measuring area for, the focusing of the photographing lens by using the image data of the divided distance measuring area.

In the camera according to a second aspect , in the first aspect , the control unit divides the distance measuring area after the focusing of the photographing lens is completed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera according to the first aspect , further comprising a display unit that performs live view display based on the image data, and the display unit displays the range-finding area in an enlarged manner.
In the camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect , the display unit displays a distance measurement area selected from the distance measurement areas divided by the control unit.

In the camera according to a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the control unit changes a selection direction of the ranging area according to an operation direction of the operation unit.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera having a photographing lens, an operation unit provided in a lens barrel having the photographing lens, a release button provided in the camera body, and a subject image formed by the photographing lens. An imaging unit for converting to image data, a contrast detection unit for detecting a contrast value corresponding to a distance measurement area from the image data, and the photographing lens based on the contrast value when a half-press operation of the release button is detected A control unit that generates an image file from the image data and records it in a recording unit when the release button is fully pressed, and the control unit is a half of the release button. during press operation, when detecting the operation of the operation unit in response to an operation in one direction of the operation unit, the distance measurement area was split, the operation in the other direction Flip and, undoing the division of the distance measurement area, in response to this operation, by changing the distance measurement area for focusing the focusing of the photographing lens.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera according to a seventh aspect , wherein a photographing lens, an operation unit provided in a lens barrel having the photographing lens, a release button provided in the camera body, and a subject image formed by the photographing lens. An imaging unit for converting to image data, a contrast detection unit for detecting a contrast value corresponding to a distance measurement area from the image data, and the photographing lens based on the contrast value when a half-press operation of the release button is detected A control unit that generates an image file from the image data and records it in a recording unit when the release button is fully pressed, and the control unit is a half of the release button. during press operation, when detecting the operation of the operation unit detects an operation speed of the operation unit, the when the operation speed is more Suresh Performs the division of distance area, if the operation speed is less than the thresh is to change the above distance measuring area, in response to this operation, by changing the distance measurement area for focusing focusing of the photographing lens To do .

The camera according to the eighth invention can use the electronic viewfinder in any one of the first , sixth and seventh inventions, and the control unit can operate the operation unit when the electronic viewfinder is used. Accordingly, the distance measurement area is changed, and when the electronic viewfinder is not used, the distance measurement area is not changed according to the operation of the operation unit.

A camera according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the camera according to any one of the first , sixth, and seventh aspects, wherein still image shooting and moving image shooting are possible, and the control unit operates the operation unit during the still image shooting. The distance measurement area is changed accordingly, and the distance measurement area is not changed according to the operation of the operation unit at the time of moving image shooting.
A camera according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the camera according to any one of the first , sixth and seventh aspects , wherein the operation unit is an operation member for focusing the photographing lens.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera that can easily change a subject that a photographer focuses on using an operation unit provided on a lens barrel.

It is a block diagram which shows mainly an electrical structure of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the external appearance of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the use condition of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a figure at the time of still image photography, (b) is a figure which shows the use condition at the time of video recording. It is a figure which shows the luminance distribution in an image pick-up element and each image pick-up element block in the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining a method of autofocusing in the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A illustrates a state in which the photographing lens is moved for focusing, and FIG. And a contrast value. In the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the graph compares the evaluation value when the block of the image sensor is made small, (a) shows the original block of the image sensor, and (b) shows the divided imaging. The block of an element is shown, (c) shows the evaluation value in the original block of an image sensor, (d) is a figure showing the evaluation value in the block of an image sensor divided. 6 is a graph showing a relationship between an evaluation value in an original block and an evaluation value in a divided block in the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the mode of a division | segmentation and selection of the autofocus distance-measuring area in the camera in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the division | segmentation of the ranging area of an autofocus in the camera in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the image display of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the live view display of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the ranging area division | segmentation selection of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the ranging area division | segmentation selection of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described using a camera to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. The camera body 10 to which the present invention is applied is a digital camera. The camera system including the camera body 10, the interchangeable lens barrel 20 that can be attached to the camera body 10, and the electronic viewfinder 30 generally has the following functions. The subject image is converted into image data by the imaging unit of the camera body 10, and based on the converted image data, the subject image is displayed in a live view on a display unit disposed on the back of the body. When photographing a normal still image, the photographer determines the composition and the photo opportunity by observing the live view display. In addition, during moving image shooting, shooting is started by operating the release button, and shooting is ended by another operation. The camera body 10 can be attached with an interchangeable lens 29 and an external device such as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). When the release button is pressed halfway, autofocusing is performed, and at this time, the focusing ring is changed by rotating the focusing ring of the interchangeable lens barrel 20. When the release button of the camera body 10 is fully pressed, the image data is recorded on the recording medium. The captured image recorded on the recording medium can be reproduced and displayed on the display unit when the reproduction mode is selected.

  A configuration of a camera system including the camera body 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and an external device that can be attached to the camera body 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. This camera system includes a camera body 10, an interchangeable lens barrel 20, and an EVF 30.

  The camera body 10 includes a signal processing and control unit 1, an imaging unit 2, a recording unit 4, an acceleration detection unit 5, an operation determination unit 6, an audio recording unit 7, a display unit 8, a touch panel 8 b, a clock unit 9, a communication unit 12, 14 etc. The imaging unit 2 includes an exposure control unit such as a shutter, an imaging device, driving of the imaging device, a readout circuit, and the like, and a subject image formed by the imaging lens 21 in the interchangeable lens barrel 20 is converted into image data by the imaging device. Convert and output this. In this specification, the image data is not limited to the image signal output from the image sensor, but is the image data processed by the signal processing and control unit 1, the image data recorded in the recording unit 4, and the like. Also used.

  The signal processing and control unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and peripheral hardware circuits, and controls the entire sequence of the camera body 10 according to a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). To do. The signal processing and control unit 1 includes a contrast detection unit 1b, a readout control unit 1c, and a lens control unit 1d.

  The contrast detection unit 1b obtains a contrast value obtained by extracting high-frequency components of the image based on the image data output from the imaging unit 2. The read control unit 1 c performs control when an image signal is read from each pixel of the image pickup device of the image pickup unit 2. As the reading control, for example, besides reading the image signal of each pixel, a plurality of pixels are blocked and the image signal is read out in addition processing in units of blocks. The above-described contrast detection unit 1b obtains a contrast value based on the image signal (image data) read by the read control unit 1c. The lens control unit 1 d outputs a lens control signal to the control unit 23 via the communication units 14 and 22 in order to focus the photographing lens 21 in the interchangeable lens barrel 20.

  The recording unit 4 includes a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera body, or a built-in recording medium. The recording unit 4 records image data and audio data of still images and moving images output from the imaging unit 2 and subjected to image processing by the signal processing and control unit 1, and data associated with these data.

  The acceleration detection unit 5 includes a plurality of acceleration sensors arranged inside the camera body and its driver, and detects the posture of the camera and vibration applied to the camera. A minute acceleration applied to the camera body 10 can also be detected. The detection result of the acceleration detection unit 5 is output to the image processing and control unit 1 and used for the vibration isolation operation. Further, the detection result of the acceleration detection unit 5 is also used to detect the operation state of the interchangeable lens barrel 20 during the focus ring operation, as will be described later.

  The operation determination unit 6 includes various operation members such as a still image release button, a movie release button, a power button, a playback button, and a menu button arranged on the exterior of the camera body 10, and determines the operation state of the operation member. The determination result is output to the signal processing and control unit 1. The audio recording unit 7 includes a built-in microphone, an audio processing circuit, a speaker, and the like, and mainly collects audio in front of the camera and records audio data together with image data during moving image shooting. The audio data processed here is recorded in the recording unit 4. In addition, when reproducing a moving image, audio data is also reproduced by a speaker.

  The display unit 8 is connected to the signal processing and control unit 1 and has a monitor such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL arranged on the back surface of the main body, and performs live view display, REC view display during recording, and recording. Display of recorded images recorded in the unit 4 and a control screen such as a menu screen are displayed. The touch panel 8b is arranged on the front surface of the liquid crystal monitor, the organic EL monitor, or the like, or is integrated therein, detects the position where the user touches the display surface of the display unit 8, and sends information on the touch position to the signal processing and control unit 1. Send. The clock unit 9 has a time measuring function and outputs date / time information. At the time of shooting, this date / time information is recorded on the recording medium of the recording unit 4 together with the image data.

  The communication unit 12 is connected to the communication unit 32 in the EVF 30 via a connection terminal and performs bidirectional communication. In particular, live view display image data or the like is transmitted to the EVF 30. As a communication method, of course, wireless communication or infrared communication may be used, but in this embodiment, wired communication is used. The communication unit 14 is connected to the communication unit 22 in the interchangeable lens barrel 20 via a connection terminal, and communicates with the control unit 23 in the interchangeable lens barrel 20. For example, a drive control signal for the photographing lens 21 is transmitted from the camera body 10 side, and information on the amount of rotation of the focus operation unit 26, information on the focus position and focal length of the photographing lens 21, and the like are transmitted from the interchangeable lens barrel 20 side. The

  The interchangeable lens barrel 20 includes a photographing lens 21, a communication unit 22, a control unit 23, a focus operation unit 26, and a zoom operation unit 27. The control unit 23 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and peripheral hardware circuits, and controls the sequence in the interchangeable lens barrel 20 according to a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The control is performed according to the signal processing in the camera body 10 and the control signal from the control unit 1. As described above, the communication unit 22 communicates with the communication unit 14 in the camera body 10.

  The photographing lens 21 condenses the subject luminous flux and forms a subject image on the image sensor in the imaging unit 2. A diaphragm adjusting mechanism (not shown) is disposed on the optical axis of the photographic lens 21 to control the subject light quantity. The photographing lens 21 is composed of a zoom lens or the like, and is adjusted in focus by an electric focus adjustment mechanism (not shown), and the focal length is changed by an electric zoom adjustment mechanism (not shown).

  The focus operation unit 26 has a focus ring provided on the exterior of the interchangeable lens barrel 20, and adjusts the focus position of the photographing lens 21 via a focus adjustment mechanism. When the manual focus mode is set, when adjusting the focus position, a focus rotation signal is output according to the rotation of the focus ring, and the control unit 23 determines the focus adjustment mechanism according to the rotation signal. Drive the motor. Note that the focus position of the photographic lens 21 may be mechanically moved in accordance with the rotation of the focus ring. Further, the focus rotation signal indicating the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the focus ring is transmitted to the signal processing and control unit 1 in the camera body 10 through the communication units 22 and 14 as described above.

  The zoom operation unit 27 has a zoom ring provided on the exterior of the interchangeable lens barrel 20, and adjusts the focal length of the photographing lens 21 via a zoom adjustment mechanism. In adjusting the focal length, a zoom rotation signal is output according to the rotation of the zoom ring, and the control unit 23 drives the motor of the zoom adjustment mechanism according to the rotation signal. Note that the focal length of the photographic lens 21 may be mechanically changed in accordance with the rotation of the focus ring.

  The EVF 30 includes a display unit 31 and a communication unit 32. In the camera body 10, the subject image can be observed only by the display unit 8 having a liquid crystal panel or the like, and the subject image cannot be observed through the eyepiece. On the other hand, the EVF 30 can observe the subject image by looking through the eyepiece 30a (see FIG. 2). The display unit 41 is a monitor configured with a liquid crystal, an organic EL, or the like for displaying a subject image, and an image displayed on the monitor can be observed through the eyepiece unit 30a. The communication unit 42 communicates with the communication unit 12 of the camera body 10, receives image data and the like for live view display from the signal processing and control unit 1, and transmits a signal indicating the state of the EVF 30.

  Next, the external appearance of the camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. An interchangeable lens barrel 20 is detachably attached to the front surface of the camera body 10, and a communication connection portion 12 b for attaching the EVF 30 is provided on the upper portion of the camera body 10. The communication connection portion 12b can be attached to the leg portion 30b of the EVF 30, and is provided with a communication terminal for forming a communication path between the communication portion 12 and the communication portion 32 when the leg portion 30b is attached. A display unit 31 is disposed in the cylindrical portion of the EVF 30, and an eyepiece unit 30 a for a photographer to observe a subject image with an electronic viewfinder is provided on the back side.

  The use of the camera in the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A shows a state where a still image is being photographed, and FIG. 3B shows a state where a moving image is being photographed. At the time of still image shooting, the photographer 41 brings the camera body 10 close to the face in order to reduce the influence of camera shake, observes the subject image with the electronic viewfinder while looking into the eyepiece 30a of the EVF 30, Determine the composition.

  Further, since the subject often moves during moving image shooting, it is not necessary to reduce the influence of camera shake as in still image shooting, and the camera body 10 is held by hand as shown in FIG. On the other hand, moving image shooting can be performed while observing the rear monitor of the display unit 8 of the camera body 10.

  Next, autofocus in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, autofocus is performed by a contrast method that controls the position of the photographic lens 21 so that the contrast value based on the image signal from each pixel of the image sensor becomes a peak. FIG. 4A shows the image pickup device 2a of the image pickup section 2, and the image pickup device 2a is composed of a large number of pixels, and FIG. 4B shows an enlarged view of a part thereof. In FIG. 4B, each pixel has one photodiode, and generates a photocurrent corresponding to the amount of received light.

  The imaging device 2a is composed of an extremely large number of pixels. If each pixel is handled independently, communication and computation are burdened. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4C, a plurality of pixels (FIG. 4C) 4 pixels) are grouped into one block (see FIG. 4D), and pixel addition processing is performed for each block. FIG. 4 (e) corresponds to a part of FIG. 4 (a) and shows a state where the area corresponding to FIG. 4 (b) is divided into blocks. This area becomes one distance measurement area as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4G, the distance measurement area for auto-focusing has a cross shape, 5 areas horizontally, 3 areas vertically, and has a total of 7 distance measurement areas. .

  FIG. 4H shows the pixel addition value (average luminance) of each block in the row along the horizontal axis direction in FIG. The average luminance in FIG. 4 (e) is that the taking lens 21 is at the lens position 21a shown in FIG. 5 (a). When the lens is moved from this state to the lens position 21b and the average luminance of each block is taken again along the same row, the result is as shown in FIG. Comparing FIG. 4 (h) and FIG. 4 (i), FIG. 4 (i) has a larger luminance difference between the blocks, and the photographing lens 21 in FIG. 4 (i) is in focus. It can be said. When the contrast value is detected while moving the position of the photographing lens 21 in this way, as shown in FIG. 5B, there is a position P1 of the photographing lens 21 at which the contrast value peaks, and this position P1 is the focus position. (In-focus position).

  In the contrast method, the contrast value is obtained based on the high-frequency component of the pixel signal, in other words, the difference between the adjacent pixel signals. However, the difference between the adjacent pixel signals is accumulated for each pixel, and the adjacent pixel signal is accumulated for each block. In the method of accumulating these differences, the focus position (focus position) may be different. FIG. 6A shows a case where the pixels are grouped into blocks, and FIG. 6B shows the individual pixels without grouping the pixels.

  6 (c) and 6 (d) show a pixel as shown in FIG. 6 (b) when the same output is obtained when the pixel shown in FIG. 6 (a) is blocked and pixel addition is performed. It is a graph at the time of taking a luminance signal for every. This shows a case where the brightness distribution is viewed in more detail when data as shown in FIGS. 4H and 4I is obtained. As can be seen from the circled broken lines in FIGS. 6 (c) and 6 (d), when each pixel is viewed independently, the contrast is higher in (c), and the pixels are blocked and pixel addition is performed. Then, it is not possible to accurately guide the fine part of the subject to the in-focus position.

  Therefore, when the contrast change is performed without performing pixel addition, the focus position (focus position) may be different as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, a thick line is a contrast value based on a signal obtained by blocking pixels and adding the pixels, and has a peak at the focus position P2. On the other hand, the thin line is a contrast value based on the signal as it is without blocking the pixel, and has a peak at the focus position P3. As described above, the focus positions P2 and P3 differ depending on whether the pixel is blocked and pixel addition is performed, or whether the signal is used without performing pixel addition.

  Next, the change of the ranging area in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, when the pixel is blocked and pixel addition is performed, the ranging accuracy is lowered, but the focusing speed can be improved and the calculation load can be reduced. On the other hand, if the pixel signal is used as it is without blocking the pixel, the ranging accuracy is improved, but the focusing speed is lowered and the calculation load is increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, the entire screen is viewed all over, and autofocus that prioritizes the focus speed and autofocus that enables focus focusing on details while prioritizing the focus speed. Adopted.

  FIG. 8A shows a subject image captured by the imaging unit 2. The contrast detector 1b obtains contrast values for the distance measurement areas 43a to 43g, respectively, and determines the distance measurement area where the subject exists (the distance measurement area 43g in FIG. 8A) according to a predetermined calculation. The lens control unit 1d performs focus control so that the subject in the distance measurement area 43g is in focus. Note that, as described above, the contrast values in the ranging areas 43a to 43g are obtained by using a signal obtained by blocking pixels and adding the pixels. Thereby, the contrast value can be obtained at high speed in each distance measuring area.

  When focusing on the flowers in the distance measuring area 43g is completed, in this embodiment, the subject in the distance measuring area 43g is displayed as an enlarged display section 44 as shown in FIG. 8B. When the enlarged display section 44 is displayed, the enlarged distance measuring portions 44a to 44d are divided into four parts, and the upper right enlarged distance measuring portion 44b is selectively displayed as a default value (in FIG. 8B, a thick frame). Displayed as a line). In this state, when the focus ring of the focus operation unit 26 is rotated in one direction (for example, clockwise as viewed from the photographer side as shown in FIG. 8E), the selected distance measuring portions 44a to 44d are selected. However, as shown in FIG.8 (c), it moves sequentially. That is, in accordance with the rotation of the focus ring, the enlarged distance measuring portion 44b → 44c → 44d → 44a → 44b. In order to select a distance measurement area that the photographer wants to focus further, the focus ring is rotated for a predetermined time (for example, a time for performing live view display of several frames) in the selected enlarged distance measurement portion. Can be stopped.

  Next, when one of the enlarged distance measuring portions is selected and focusing is completed for the enlarged distance measuring portion, that portion is further enlarged and displayed as an enlarged display portion 45 as shown in FIG. The The enlarged display unit 45 is divided into four parts and displayed in enlarged distance measuring parts 45a to 45d. When the focus ring of the focus operation part 26 is rotated in one direction, the selected enlarged distance measuring parts 45a to 45d are displayed. As in the case of the enlarged distance measuring portions 44a to 44d, the movement is sequentially performed. Further, when the focus ring is rotated in the other direction, the moving direction of the enlarged distance measuring portions 45a to 45d is opposite to the direction in the case of rotating in one direction.

  In this way, when focus is achieved during autofocus, the focused distance measurement area is enlarged and displayed. The enlarged distance measurement area is divided and displayed, and by rotating the focus ring, one distance measurement area can be selected from the plurality of divided distance measurement areas. The range-finding area can be narrowed down by sequentially selecting the range-finding area from the enlarged distance-measuring portion. Further, by reducing the number of pixels to be blocked in accordance with the narrowing down of the distance measurement area, the distance measurement accuracy can be quickly improved without increasing the load of contrast value calculation.

  In the present embodiment, the focus detection area is narrowed down by rotating the focus ring. However, if nothing is done in the selected focus detection area for a predetermined time, the focus detection area To restore the original. That is, as shown in FIG. 8 (d), if nothing is done while the enlarged distance display 45 is displayed, an enlarged distance display as shown in FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (c). Return to 44.

  In the present embodiment, the enlarged distance measuring portion has two layers, but it is needless to say that three or more layers may be used. In the present embodiment, the distance measurement area and the enlarged display unit are divided into four parts, but may be divided into two parts, three parts, five parts or more. FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of five divisions. In this example, an enlarged distance measuring portion 44e is further provided in the middle of the enlarged distance measuring portions 44a to 44d, which is divided into five. Similarly to the case of four divisions, when the focus ring is rotated in one direction, the enlarged distance measuring portion 44b (see FIG. 9A) moves to the enlarged distance measuring portion 44c (see FIG. 9B). Thereafter, the zooming part 44d → 44a sequentially moves, the zooming part 44a → 44e moves, and then the zooming part 44b returns.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. This flowchart is executed by the signal processing and control unit 1 according to a program stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the camera body 10.

  When the power button is operated, the power is turned on, and the camera control flow shown in FIG. 10 is entered, it is first determined whether or not the camera is in shooting mode (S1). The camera body 10 has a shooting mode and a playback mode. In this step, if the playback mode is not selected, the camera body 10 is determined to be the shooting mode. If the result of this determination is that the camera is in shooting mode, it is next determined whether or not the EVF 30 is connected (S2). Here, communication is performed with the communication unit 32 of the EVF 30 via the communication unit 12, and if communication is established, it is determined that the EVF 30 is mounted.

If the result of determination in step S <b> 2 is that the EVF 30 is not attached, next, live view display is performed on the back (S <b> 3). Since the EVF 30 is not mounted, live view display is performed on the monitor of the display unit 8 on the back of the camera body 10 based on the image data from the imaging unit 2. Subsequently, AF is started (S4). As described above, the autofocus in the present embodiment is performed by the contrast method. Based on the image data from the imaging unit 2, the contrast detection unit 1b obtains a contrast value, and the lens control unit based on the contrast value. In 1d, focus drive control is performed so that the photographing lens 21 is brought into a focus position.

  When AF is started, it is next determined whether or not the image is taken (S5). In this camera body 10, when the movie release button is operated, recording of the movie is started, and when the movie release button is operated again, the movie recording is ended. In this step, the movie release button is operated. It is determined whether or not it has been done. If the result of this determination is shooting, movie shooting is started (S6). Here, image data is acquired from the imaging unit 2.

  If moving image shooting is started in step S6, or if the result of determination in step S5 is that shooting has not been performed, image file formation is then performed (S7). Here, a moving image is started in step S 6, the acquired image data of the moving image is subjected to image processing by the signal processing and control unit 1 to be an image file for recording, and this image file is recorded in the recording unit 4.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the power is off (S8). Here, the operation determination unit 6 detects the operation state of the power button, and determines based on the detection result. If the result of this determination is that power is not off, processing returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the power supply is off, the camera control flow is terminated after performing a power-off process.

  If the result of determination in step S1 is not shooting mode, it is next determined whether or not playback mode is in effect (S11). When the playback button is operated, the mode is switched to the playback mode. In this step, the state of the playback button is determined. If the result of this determination is that playback has not been made, processing returns to step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S11 is playback mode, a file list is then displayed (S12). Here, in the case of moving image data, a thumbnail image of the first image of the moving image is displayed, and in the case of a still image, a reduced thumbnail image is displayed. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a file has been selected (S13). Here, it is determined whether or not the user has selected an image file from the moving images displayed in the file list.

  If the result of determination in step S13 is that a file has been selected, the selected file is played back (S14). Here, when the sound recording unit 7 records the moving image, the image acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera body 10 and the sound acquired by the sound recording unit 7 are reproduced in cooperation. In the case of a still image, the selected still image is enlarged and displayed. When the selected file is reproduced, the process returns to step S11 to continue the reproduction mode.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S13 is that a file has not been selected, it is determined whether or not to end playback (S15). When the playback button is operated again, the playback mode is terminated. In this step, it is determined whether or not the playback button has been operated again. If the result of this determination is not end, processing returns to step S12 and playback is continued. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S15 is end, the process proceeds to step S8 described above to determine whether or not the power is off. If the power is off, the camera control flow ends.

  Next, when the EVF 30 is connected as a result of the determination in step S2, live view display is performed on the EVF 30 (see S21 and FIG. 11). Here, the image data acquired by the imaging unit 2 and image-processed by the signal processing and control unit 1 is transmitted to the communication unit 32 of the EVF 30 via the communication unit 12, and the EVF 30 is based on the received image data. Then, live view display is performed on the display unit 31. As shown in FIG. 3A, the photographer 41 can observe the live view display by looking into the eyepiece 30a.

  If live view display is performed on the EVF 30, it is next determined whether or not the auto focus (AF) mode is set (S22). In the camera body 10, there are manual focus (MF) and auto focus (MF) modes as focus adjustment modes, which can be set on a menu screen or the like. In step S22, it is determined whether or not the autofocus mode is set on the menu screen or the like.

  If the result of determination in step S22 is that the autofocus mode has been set, it is next determined whether or not the still image release button has been half-pressed by the operation determination unit 6 (S23). If the result of this determination is that it has not been half pressed, processing returns to step S1.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S23 is that it has been half-pressed, autofocus is performed and the selection area is displayed (S24). As described above, the autofocus detects a change in contrast value in each distance measurement area while moving the photographic lens 21, and measures any one of a plurality of distance measurement areas such as an area with the closest subject. Select as distance area. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, there are seven distance measurement areas, and among these, the distance measurement area 43g is selected. The selected distance measuring area displays such that it can be visually recognized on the display unit 8, such as showing a frame line.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the focus ring has been operated (S25). The focus ring of the focus operation unit 26 transmits a rotation signal to the camera body 10 through the communication units 22 and 14 when the photographer performs a rotation operation even during autofocusing. Therefore, in this step, it is determined whether or not the focus ring is operated based on the rotation signal.

  If the result of determination in step S25 is that the focus ring has been operated, the enlarged display of the selected area is performed, the enlarged display is divided, and the selected area is switched according to the operating direction of the focus ring. (S26). In this step, first, the subject image in the focused distance measuring area is enlarged and displayed as shown in FIG. 8B. In the example of FIG. 8B, the enlarged distance measuring portions 44a to 44d are displayed in four divisions. Further, it is determined whether or not the focus ring has been operated. If the focus ring has been operated, the selected ranging area is sequentially moved in accordance with the operation direction, and the ranging area is selected.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is a minute vibration (S27). In this step, the acceleration detection unit 5 detects whether or not minute acceleration, that is, vibration is applied to the camera body 10. If there is minute vibration as a result of this detection, the distance measurement area is being selected, and the process returns to step S26. Returning to step S26, the focus detection area is selected while turning the focus ring in step S26.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S27 is that there is no minute vibration, autofocus is performed in the distance measuring area selected in step S26 (S28). The photographer selects a subject part that the photographer intends to focus while turning the focus ring, and when the subject part is determined, the photographer waits at that position and thus the minute vibration is eliminated. Therefore, when there is no minute vibration in step S27, autofocus is performed for the selected distance measurement area. In the autofocus here, an image signal of a pixel corresponding to the selected distance measuring area is read by the read control unit 1c, a contrast value is obtained based on the read image signal, and the contrast value reaches a peak. In addition, the focus position of the photographic lens 21 is controlled.

  If autofocus is performed in the selected area or if the result of determination in step S25 is that the focus ring has not been operated, it is next determined whether or not to shoot (S29). In this step, it is determined whether or not the still image release button has been pressed from halfway down to full press (S29). If the result of this determination is shooting, still image shooting is carried out (S45). Here, image data is acquired from the image sensor of the imaging unit 2 when the still image release button is fully pressed. When the image data is acquired, the process proceeds to step S7 where the image file is formed and recorded in the recording unit 4.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S29 is that there is no shooting, it is next determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed (S31). Here, from the point in time when focusing is completed by the autofocus performed in step S24 or S28, the timing unit 9 measures time and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the subject in the distance measuring area 43g is enlarged and displayed, but when a predetermined time elapses, the original display state is restored as shown in FIG. 8A. Therefore, the predetermined time may be a time until the photographer does not feel uncomfortable with the time until the enlarged display is canceled.

  If the result of determination in step S31 is that the predetermined time has not elapsed, processing returns to step S25. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has passed as a result of the determination, the enlargement is terminated (S32). When the enlargement ends, the original display state is restored.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not half-pressing is released (S33). Here, the operation determination unit 6 determines whether or not the photographer's finger or the like is released from the still image release button and the half-press is released. If the result of this determination is that half pressing has not been released, processing returns to step S25. On the other hand, if the half-press is released as a result of the determination, the process returns to step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S22 is not autofocus mode, it is manual focus mode, so it is next determined whether or not a focus ring operation has been performed (S41). Here, when the focus ring is operated, a rotation signal is generated according to the amount of rotation, and therefore determination is made based on this rotation signal.

  If the result of determination in step S41 is that the focus ring has been operated, lens control is performed according to the operation (S42). Here, the control unit 23 of the interchangeable lens barrel 20 moves the photographing lens 21 in accordance with the direction and amount of the rotation signal.

  If the lens control is performed according to the operation, or if the result of determination in step S41 is that the focus ring has not been operated, it is next determined whether or not shooting is performed as in step S29 (S43). Here, the operation determination unit 6 determines whether or not the still image release button has been fully pressed. If the result of this determination is that shooting has not been made, processing returns to step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S43 is shooting, then still image shooting is performed as in step S45 (S44). When still image shooting is performed, the process proceeds to step S7, and the image data acquired in step S44 is filed and recorded in the recording unit 4.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the focus ring of the focus operation unit 26 is operated when autofocusing is completed for the focusing of the photographic lens 21, the operation is performed according to this operation. The focus detection area is changed. For this reason, the subject to be focused can be easily changed by operating the focus ring. When changing the distance measurement area, the distance measurement area is enlarged, the enlarged distance measurement area is divided, and a distance measurement area can be further selected from the divided distance measurement areas. By making the distance measurement area enlarged, fine selection becomes easy.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the range-finding area is changed or selected only during still image shooting. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the range-finding area change is also performed during movie shooting. Or may be selected.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the enlarged distance measuring portions 43a to 43e are sequentially selected according to the rotation direction of the focusing ring (S26), and the enlarged display is terminated if nothing is performed for a predetermined time. (S32). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the zoom is enlarged according to the rotation in one direction of the focusing ring, and sequentially returns to the original image according to the rotation in the other direction.

  Since the configuration of the present embodiment is the same as the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, detailed description thereof is omitted. In the operation of the second embodiment, the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11 showing the operation in the first embodiment may be replaced with the flowcharts of FIG. 12 and the following flowcharts, and the operation of the second embodiment will be described based on these flowcharts. . This flowchart is executed by the signal processing and control unit 1 according to a program stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the camera body 10.

  When the power button is operated, the power is turned on, and the camera control flow shown in FIG. 12 is entered, first, as in step S1, it is determined whether or not the camera is in shooting mode (S51). If the result of this determination is that the camera is in shooting mode, then whether or not the auto focus (AF) mode has been set and the still image release button has not been pressed has changed to a half-pressed state It is determined whether or not (S52). As in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment as well, since the autofocus mode is set on the menu screen or the like, in this step, it is first determined whether or not the autofocus mode is set. Then, it is determined by the operation determination unit 6 whether or not the still image release button is in a transition state from the state where the still image release button is not half-pressed to the state where the state is just half-pressed.

  If the result of determination in step S52 is that the autofocus mode has been set and the still image release button has just been half pressed, autofocus is then performed (S53). Here, based on the image data from the imaging unit 2, the contrast detection unit 1b obtains a contrast value, and based on this contrast value, the lens control unit 1d controls the focus drive so that the photographing lens 21 is in the focus position. I do.

  Subsequently, live view display is started (S54). Here, based on the image data from the imaging unit 2, the subject image is displayed in live view on either the display unit 8 or the display unit 31. Detailed operation of the live view display will be described later using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  If the result of determination in step S51 is not shooting mode, playback mode is executed in step S56 and thereafter. First, an image is selected (S56). Here, since a list of images is displayed as thumbnails on the display unit 8 or 31, the user selects an image from these. Subsequently, the selected image is reproduced (S57). Here, the image data of the selected image is read from the recording unit 4. Next, image display is performed (S58). Here, the image is displayed on the display unit 31 of the EVF 30 or the display unit 8 of the camera body 10 depending on whether or not the EVF 30 is attached. Detailed operation of image display will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the image display in step S58 is performed or the live view display in step S54 is performed, next, as in step S8, it is determined whether or not the power is off (S55). Here, the operation determination unit 6 detects the operation state of the power button, and determines based on the detection result. If the result of this determination is that power is not off, processing returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the power supply is off, the camera control flow is terminated after performing a power-off process.

  If the result of determination in step S52 is that the camera has not been set in the autofocus mode or has not been in the transition state when the still image release button has been half-pressed, then the still image release button has been fully pressed from the half-pressed state. It is determined whether or not the transition is just performed (S61). Here, it is determined whether or not the operation determination unit 6 is in a transition state from the state where the still image release button is half-pressed to the state where it is just fully pressed.

  If the result of determination in step S61 is that there is a transition from half-press to full-press, next still image shooting image processing is performed (S62). Here, the image data from the imaging unit 2 when the still image release button is fully pressed is acquired, and image processing is performed on the acquired image data.

  Subsequently, a REC view image is created (S63). Here, a rec view image to be displayed on the display unit 8 or 31 is created by the signal processing and control unit 1 for a predetermined time after shooting. Once the REC view image has been created, next, image display is performed as in step S58 (S64). Detailed operation of this image display will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Once image display is performed, recording is performed (S65). Here, the image data of the still image acquired in step S62 is subjected to image processing for recording and then recorded in the recording unit 4.

  If the result of determination in step S61 is that it is not at the time of transition from half-press to full-press, next is the autofocus (AF) mode and the still image release button is kept half pressed. It is determined whether or not there is (S71). Here, it is determined whether or not the autofocus mode is set on the menu screen and the operation determination unit 6 keeps the still image release button half pressed.

  If the result of determination in step S71 is that it is in autofocus mode and the still image release button remains half-pressed, next, ranging area division selection is carried out (S72). Here, the moving direction and moving amount of the focus ring are detected, and the distance measuring area is divided and selected based on the detection result. The detailed operation of the distance measurement area division selection subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If ranging area division selection has been performed, it is next determined whether or not the return value is 1 (S73). In the ranging area division selection subroutine in step S72, it is determined whether or not the live view display area needs to be changed in accordance with the division and selection of the ranging area, and if the live view display area needs to be changed. The return value is set to 1. In this step S73, it is determined whether or not 1 is set in the return value.

  If the result of determination in step S73 is that the return value is 1, the live view display area is changed (S74). For example, as shown in FIG. 8D from the state of FIG. 8C, when the enlarged distance measuring portion is further enlarged and displayed, it is necessary to change the display area in the live view display. In this step S74, in such a case, the display area is changed by changing the cutout area of the image data.

  If the live view display area is changed in step S74, or if the result of determination in step S73 is that the return value is not 1, next, live view display is performed as in step S54 (S75). Detailed operation of the live view display will be described later with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  If the result of determination in step S71 is that it is in autofocus mode and the still image release button has not been kept half pressed, it is next determined whether or not it is in manual focus (MF) mode. (S81). Here, it is determined whether or not the manual focus mode is set on the menu screen.

  If the result of determination in step S81 is that manual focus mode has been set, next, focus movement according to the amount of movement of the focus ring is performed (S82). Here, the control unit 23 in the interchangeable lens barrel 20 moves the focus position of the photographing lens 21 according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotation amount signal generated according to the rotation of the focus ring.

  If manual focus is performed in step S82, or if the result of determination in step S81 is that the manual focus mode has not been set, next, live view display is performed as in step S54 (S83). The detailed operation of the live view display will be described later using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When one of steps S65, S75, and S83 is executed, the process proceeds to step S55, where it is determined whether or not the power is turned off. If the power is not turned off, the process returns to step S51. After performing the power-off process, the camera control flow is terminated.

  Next, the image display operation in steps S58 and S64 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This image display flow is a flow for determining which of the display unit 31 of the EVF 30 and the display unit 8 of the camera body 10 is to display an image.

  When the image display flow is entered, first, as in step S2, it is determined whether or not the EVF 30 is connected (S91). Here, communication is performed with the communication unit 32 of the EVF 30 via the communication unit 12, and if communication is established, it is determined that the EVF 30 is mounted.

  If the result of determination in step S91 is that the EVF 30 is connected, an image is displayed on the EVF 30 (S92). Here, an image is displayed on the EVF 30 and no image is displayed on the display unit 8 of the camera body 10. In order to display an image on the EVF 30, image data is transmitted from the communication unit 12 of the camera body 10 through the communication unit 32 of the EVF 30.

  If the result of determination in step S91 is that the EVF 30 is not connected, display is next performed on the display monitor of the display unit 8 of the camera body 10 (S93). Since the EVF 30 is not mounted, the display is performed on the camera body 10. When the display in step S92 or S93 is performed, the flow returns to the original flow.

  Next, the live view display operation in steps S54, S75, and S83 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This live view display flow is a flow for performing live view display on the display unit 31 of the EVF 30 or the display unit 8 of the camera body 10.

  In the live view display flow, live view shooting and image processing are first performed (S101). Here, the imaging unit 2 performs shooting for live view display, and performs image processing of image data from the imaging element at this time. Once live view shooting and image processing have been performed, next, image data is cut out in accordance with the display area and resized (S102). When the distance measurement area is changed, the live view display area is changed in step S74. If the display area is changed, the signal processing and control unit 1 changes the cutout area of the display area according to the change.

  Once the display area is cut out and resized, an image is displayed (S103). Here, image display is performed based on the image data processed in steps S101 and S102. The image display subroutine here has been described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the image display is performed, the original flow is restored.

  Next, the ranging area division selection operation in step S72 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This flow for selecting a distance measurement area division is a flow for changing the distance measurement area in accordance with the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the focus ring. In this flow, the distance measurement area is divided when the focus ring is rotated to the right, and the distance measurement area is integrated when the focus ring is rotated to the left.

  If the flow for selecting a ranging area division is entered, it is first determined whether or not the focusing ring is rotating right (S111). Here, based on the rotation signal generated with the rotation of the focusing ring, it is determined whether or not the rotation direction is the right rotation (clockwise). If the result of this determination is that the focus ring has been rotated to the right, it is next determined whether or not it is immediately after autofocus (S112). In this embodiment, the distance measurement area is divided every time the focus ring is rotated to the right. However, each time the focus ring is rotated, the distance measurement area is always divided. Cannot be selected. Therefore, after the autofocus is completed, the distance measurement area is divided only once.

If the result of determination in step S112 is that immediately after autofocusing, next, the ranging area is divided (S113). Here, for example, the distance measuring area in FIG. 8A is divided into four as shown in FIG. 8B, and further divided into four as shown in FIG. 8D.

  Once the ranging area is divided, 1 is set as a subroutine return value (S114). As described in step S73 (see FIG. 13), when the distance measurement area is divided and the area is changed, the display area for live view display is changed. In step S113, when the distance measurement area is divided, the display area is changed, so 1 is set as the return value.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 112 is not immediately after autofocus, then region selection is changed (S <b> 115). Here, the plurality of distance measuring areas are sequentially changed by the rotation operation of the focus ring. In the example shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the zooming portion 44b → 44c → 44d → 44a → 44b is moved in accordance with the rotation of the focus ring.

  Once the area selection is changed, 0 is set as a subroutine return value (S118). In step S115, since the display area is not changed, 0 is set as the return value.

  If the result of determination in step S111 is that the focus ring has not rotated to the right, it is next determined whether or not the focus ring has rotated to the left (S121). Here, based on the rotation signal generated with the rotation of the focusing ring, it is determined whether or not the rotation direction is the left rotation (counterclockwise).

  If the result of determination in step S121 is that the focus ring is turning to the left, next, the ranging area areas are integrated and changed one layer larger (S123). When the focus ring is rotated to the right, the distance measurement area is divided and narrowed down. However, when the focus ring is rotated to the left, the range of the distance measurement area is integrated and expanded. In the example shown in FIG. 8, when the left rotation is performed in the state where FIG. 8D is displayed, the enlarged distance measuring portions 45 a to 45 d are integrated, and the enlarged views shown in FIGS. This corresponds to the distance measuring portion 44c.

  Once the ranging areas are integrated and changed by one layer, the subroutine return value is set to 1 as in step S114 (S124). In step S123, when the ranging areas are integrated, the display area is changed, so 1 is set as the return value.

  If the result of determination in step S121 is that the focus ring has not turned counterclockwise, it is next determined whether or not the focus ring has been operated for a certain period of time (S126). In step S115, it is determined whether or not the focus detection area has been changed and the focus ring has not been operated for a certain period of time since the change.

  If the result of determination in step S126 is that the focus ring has not been operated for a certain time or longer, then autofocus (AF) is performed (S127). Here, the distance measurement area changed in step S115 is determined, and autofocus is performed using image data corresponding to the distance measurement area.

  If autofocus is performed in step S127 or if the result of determination in step S126 is that the focus ring has been operated within a certain time, then the subroutine return value is set to 0 (S128). In these cases, since the display area has not been changed, 0 is set as the return value.

  If return values are set in steps S114, S118, S124, and S128, the process returns to the original flow.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment of the present invention, when the focus ring of the focus operation unit 26 is operated while the photographing lens 21 is focused with autofocus, this operation is performed. Accordingly, the focus detection area to be focused is changed. For this reason, the subject to be focused can be easily changed by operating the focus ring.

  In the second embodiment, the focus area is divided and narrowed by rotating the focus ring in one direction, and the focus area is integrated and widened by rotating the focus ring in the other direction. I have to. For this reason, the range of the ranging area can be easily expanded or narrowed.

  Next, a modified example of ranging area division selection will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flow of the distance measurement area division selection in the second embodiment, the distance measurement area is divided only once after the photographing lens 21 is driven to the in-focus position by autofocus. However, in this modification, not only immediately after the autofocus is completed, but also when the focus ring is rotated at a speed higher than the threshold, the distance measurement areas are divided or integrated. In the flow in the present modification, steps that perform the same processing as in the second embodiment will be given the same step numbers, and differences will be mainly described.

  When the flow for ranging area division selection is entered, first, as in the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the focus ring is rotated to the right (S111). As a result of the determination, the rotation is performed to the right. If so, it is next determined whether or not it is immediately after autofocus (S112). If the result of this determination is that it is immediately after autofocus, the ranging area is divided (S113) and the subroutine return value is set to 1 (S114), as in the second embodiment.

  If the result of determination in step S112 is not immediately after autofocus, it is next determined whether or not the rotation speed of the focus ring is at or above the threshold (S116). Here, the rotation speed is determined based on a rotation signal generated according to the rotation operation of the focus ring. The threshold may be a value that allows the photographer to feel that the focus ring has been rotated faster than usual.

  If the result of determination in step S116 is that the rotational speed is faster than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S113 described above, and the distance measuring area is further divided. On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the rotational speed is not faster than the threshold, the region selection is changed clockwise as in step S115 (S117). Here, a plurality of distance measuring areas are sequentially changed clockwise by rotating the focus ring to the right. Subsequently, the subroutine return value is set to 0 (S118).

  If the result of determination in step S111 is that the focus ring has not rotated to the right, it is next determined whether or not the focus ring is to rotate left as in the second embodiment (S121). If the result of this determination is that the focus ring has been rotated to the left, next, as in step S116, it is determined whether or not the rotation speed of the focus ring is at or above the threshold (S122).

  If the result of determination in step S122 is that the rotation speed is greater than or equal to the threshold, next, as in the second embodiment, the ranging areas are integrated and changed by one layer (S123), and then a subroutine Is set to 1. In the second embodiment, the integration of the ranging areas can be always performed regardless of the completion of the autofocus, but in this modification, only when the focus ring is rotated at a speed higher than the threshold. It is.

  If the result of determination in step S122 is that the rotation speed of the focus ring does not exceed the threshold, the area selection is changed counterclockwise (S125). Here, the focus detection area is sequentially changed counterclockwise by rotating the focus ring counterclockwise. In the second embodiment, the distance measurement area is changed only in the clockwise direction. However, in the present modification, it is possible to change the distance measuring area sequentially in the counterclockwise direction.

  If the result of determination in step S121 is that the focus ring has not turned counterclockwise, it is next determined whether or not the focus ring has been operated for a certain period of time as in the second embodiment (S126). ) If the focus ring has not been operated for a certain time or longer, autofocus (AF) is performed (S127).

  When autofocusing is performed in step S127, or if the result of determination in step S126 is that the focus ring has been operated within a certain time, or if region selection is changed counterclockwise in step S125 Similarly to the second embodiment, the subroutine return value is set to 0 (S128). If return values are set in steps S114, S118, S124, and S128, the process returns to the original flow.

  As described above, in the modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, if the focus ring is rotated to the right at a speed equal to or higher than the threshold (S116 → Yes), not just after the completion of autofocusing, the ranging area Can be divided. The integration of the distance measurement areas can be performed by rotating the focus ring to the left at a speed equal to or higher than the threshold (S122 → Yes). Further, the selection of the ranging area can be changed not only by turning the focus ring to the right but also by turning it to the left (S125). As described above, the present modification has a high degree of freedom in dividing and integrating the ranging areas.

  As described above, in each of the embodiments and modifications of the present invention, the focusing operation unit 26 is used when the photographing lens 21 is focused by the automatic focus adjustment unit configured in the contrast detection unit 1b, the lens control unit 1d, and the like. When operated, the focus detection area to be focused is changed in accordance with this operation. For this reason, it is possible to easily change the subject on which the photographer focuses using the manual distance adjustment operation member. The position of the distance measurement area may be simply changed by the focus operation unit 26. In this case, it is not always necessary to divide the distance measurement area.

In each embodiment and modification of the present invention, the following configurations are disclosed.
An imaging unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the taking lens and outputs image data;
Based on the image data, an automatic focus adjustment unit for focusing the photographing lens,
An operation unit provided on the lens barrel;
A distance measurement area dividing unit that divides a distance measurement area to be focused when the operation unit is operated after the focusing operation of the photographing lens is completed by the automatic focus adjustment unit;
A camera characterized by comprising:
Specifically, after the focusing operation of the photographing lens 21 is completed by the automatic focus adjustment unit, when the focus operation unit 26 is operated, the distance measuring area to be focused is divided. For this reason, it is possible to easily change the subject on which the photographer focuses using the manual distance adjustment operation member. In particular, since the distance measurement area is enlarged and displayed, it is easy to select an area for focusing.

  In each embodiment and modification of the present invention, the interchangeable lens barrel 20 is attached to the camera body 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that both may be integrated. In each embodiment and modification of the present invention, a focus ring is provided as the focus operation unit 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other operation members such as a seesaw lever may be used. Furthermore, in each embodiment and modification of the present invention, the focus detection area is changed, divided, etc. by the operation of the focus ring. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the zoom ring may be used. An operation unit may be provided.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment and modification of the present invention, the electronic viewfinder is freely mounted, but of course, it may be built in. In addition, although the division and selection of the distance measurement area are performed in the electronic viewfinder, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be performed when displaying on the rear monitor of the display unit 8.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment and modification of the present invention, a digital camera has been described as an apparatus for photographing, but the camera may be a digital single-lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera. It may be a camera for moving images such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game machine, or the like.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Signal processing and control part, 1b ... Contrast detection part, 1c ... Reading control part, 1d ... Lens control part, 2 ... Imaging part, 4 ... Recording part, 5. ..Acceleration detection unit, 6 ... operation determination unit, 7 ... audio recording unit, 8 ... display unit, 8b ... touch panel, 9 ... clock unit, 10 ... camera body, 12 ... Communication unit, 12b ... Communication connection unit, 14 ... Communication unit, 20 ... Interchangeable lens barrel, 21 ... Shooting lens, 21a ... Lens position, 21b ... Lens position , 22: Communication unit, 23: Control unit, 26: Focus operation unit, 27: Zoom operation unit, 30 ... EVF, 30a ... Eyepiece unit, 30b ... Leg Part, 31 ... display part, 32 ... communication part, 41 ... photographer, 43a to 43g ... distance measuring area, 44 ... Larger display unit, 44 a to 44 e ... enlarged ranging portion, 45 ... larger display unit, 45a to 45e ... enlarged distance measuring portion

Claims (10)

A taking lens,
An operation unit provided in a lens barrel having the photographing lens;
A release button provided on the camera body;
An imaging unit for converting a subject image formed by the photographing lens into image data;
A contrast detection unit that detects a contrast value corresponding to the distance measurement area from the image data;
When the half-pressing operation of the release button is detected, the photographing lens is focused based on the contrast value, and when the full-pressing operation of the release button is detected, an image file is generated from the image data and recorded. A control unit for recording in
Have
The control unit, during the half-press operation of the release button, when detecting the operation of the operation unit divides the distance measurement area, in response to this operation, the split distance measuring area for focusing The camera is characterized in that the photographing lens is focused using the image data of the divided distance measuring area . The camera according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit divides the distance measuring area after the focusing of the photographing lens is completed. A display unit that performs live view display based on the image data,
The camera according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays the distance measurement area in an enlarged manner. The camera according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays a distance measurement area selected from the distance measurement areas divided by the control unit.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a selection direction of the ranging area according to an operation direction of the operation unit. A taking lens,
An operation unit provided in a lens barrel having the photographing lens;
A release button provided on the camera body;
An imaging unit for converting a subject image formed by the photographing lens into image data;
A contrast detection unit that detects a contrast value corresponding to the distance measurement area from the image data;
When the half-pressing operation of the release button is detected, the photographing lens is focused based on the contrast value, and when the full-pressing operation of the release button is detected, an image file is generated from the image data and recorded. A control unit for recording in
Have
The control unit, during the half-press operation of the release button, when detecting the operation of the operation unit in response to an operation in one direction of the operation unit, to divide the distance measurement area, other According to the operation in the direction, the division of the distance measurement area is restored, and the distance measurement area to be focused is changed according to the operation to focus the photographing lens. . A taking lens,
An operation unit provided in a lens barrel having the photographing lens;
A release button provided on the camera body;
An imaging unit for converting a subject image formed by the photographing lens into image data;
A contrast detection unit that detects a contrast value corresponding to the distance measurement area from the image data;
When the half-pressing operation of the release button is detected, the photographing lens is focused based on the contrast value, and when the full-pressing operation of the release button is detected, an image file is generated from the image data and recorded. A control unit for recording in
Have
The control unit detects an operation speed by the operation unit when the operation of the operation unit is detected during a half-press operation of the release button, and the distance measurement when the operation speed is a threshold or more. Divide the area, and if the operation speed is below the threshold, change the distance measurement area.According to this operation, change the distance measurement area to be focused and focus the shooting lens. features and to Luke camera to be. An electronic viewfinder is available,
The control unit changes the ranging area according to the operation of the operation unit when the electronic viewfinder is used, and changes the ranging area according to the operation of the operation unit when the electronic viewfinder is not used. The camera according to claim 1 , which is not performed. Still image shooting and movie shooting are possible,
The control unit changes the ranging area according to the operation of the operation unit during the still image shooting, and does not change the ranging area according to the operation of the operation unit during the video shooting. The camera according to claim 1 , 6, or 7 . The camera according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit is an operation member for performing focusing of the photographing lens.