JPH11355628A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera applicable to various purposes. SOLUTION: At the time of LF- State=1 (using a display part and using a flash), after setting a live view mode 1 in a step S802, shutter priority is set in the step S803. At the time of LF- State=2 (using the display part and not using the flash), after setting the live view mode 2 in the step S804, white balance priority is set in the step S805. At the time of LF- State=3 (not using the display part and using the flash), since the display of an LCD display part 10 is in an OFF state, jumping to the step S803 is performed and only the shutter priority is set. Similarly, at the time of LF- State=4 (not using the display part and not using the flash), jumping to the step S805 is performed and only the white balance priority is set.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly, to a digital camera having a circuit for performing image correction such as a white balance circuit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of semiconductor technology, a so-called digital camera that converts a photographic scene into an electric signal by an image pickup device, converts the converted electric signal into digital image information, and processes and records the image has been developed. It is in the process of development.

Since the latitude of an image pickup device is generally narrower than that of a silver halide film, a slight exposure error affects the image quality. In addition, since a scene under specific illumination such as a fluorescent light is captured as it is, unless the white balance processing of the image data is performed, an image having an improper color balance is recorded. Therefore, provisional exposure is performed before main exposure, image processing parameters including the white balance processing are set, and image correction is performed on image data at the time of main exposure using the set values. .

[0004]

However, if an attempt is made to increase the accuracy of the image correction as described above, it takes a long time for the processing, and there is a possibility that a photo opportunity is missed.

On the other hand, since a digital camera is used for various purposes, the chance of taking a picture does not matter so much. However, there are cases where it is required to perform image correction with high accuracy and record image data of good image quality.

As described above, there is a contradiction between not missing a photo opportunity and recording high quality image data, and it is difficult to satisfy all photographers who desire various uses. There was a problem.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to obtain a digital camera which can be used for various purposes.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems Claim 1 according to the present invention.
The digital camera according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts an optical image of a subject into an image signal, an image correction unit that corrects the image signal based on a correction condition setting value, and a storage that stores the image signal corrected by the image correction unit. Means, mode switching means capable of switching between a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode, and overall control means for controlling operations of the imaging means, the image correction means and the storage means. The overall control unit performs an update process of the correction condition set value according to the image signal at the time of preparation for imaging, and receives an imaging execution request during the update process of the correction condition set value; At times, the imaging execution request is enabled, and a predetermined correction condition value set in advance is set as the correction condition set value, and the image correction processing is performed by the image correction unit.
In the second imaging mode, the imaging execution request is not accepted until the process of updating the correction condition set value is completed.

Further, the digital camera according to claim 2 is
An operation is controlled by the general control means, and further includes display means for displaying the image signal at predetermined intervals, and display switching means for switching on and off of the display means, wherein the general control means operates under a predetermined condition. When the display means is on, the first imaging mode is set.

The digital camera according to claim 3 is
The system further includes a flash and flash switching means for switching the flash on and off, wherein the overall control means sets the first imaging mode when the flash is on.

The digital camera according to claim 4 is
The apparatus further includes a correction condition value storage unit that stores the predetermined correction condition value, wherein the overall control unit calls up the predetermined correction condition value stored in the correction condition storage unit during the first imaging mode. After that, the predetermined correction condition value is set as the correction condition set value, and the image correction unit is caused to execute the image correction process.

6. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined correction condition value includes a plurality of correction condition values, and further comprises an imaging condition setting means for setting an imaging condition, wherein said overall control means comprises: Based on the imaging condition set by the condition setting means, one of the plurality of correction condition values is used as the correction condition setting value to execute the image correction processing by the image correction means.

Further, in the digital camera according to the present invention, the predetermined correction condition value includes the correction condition setting value used at the time of photographing last time.

The digital camera according to claim 7 is
Notifying means capable of notifying an update processing state of the correction condition set value is further provided, and the overall control means causes the notification means to notify the update processing state during the update processing of the correction condition set value. I have.

Further, the digital camera according to claim 8 is
A display unit whose operation is controlled by the general control unit, the display unit displaying the image signal at predetermined intervals, a display switching unit for turning on and off the display unit, and a flash;
A flash switching unit for switching on / off the flash; wherein the overall control unit controls the first and second imaging in accordance with an on / off state of the display unit and an on / off state of the flash. One of the modes is set with priority.

Further, in the digital camera according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, at the time of activation, the overall control means controls the first and second flash units according to the on / off state of the display means and the on / off state of the flash. One of the imaging modes is automatically set with priority.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera, comprising: an imaging unit for capturing an optical image of a subject at a first predetermined interval and converting the captured image into an image signal; and an image correction unit for correcting the image signal based on a correction condition set value. Means, display means capable of displaying the image signal corrected by the image correction means, and overall control means for controlling operations of the imaging means, the image correction means and the display means, and the overall control means Performs the updating process of the correction condition set value at a second predetermined interval larger than the first predetermined interval in accordance with the image signal at the time of preparing for imaging.

The digital camera according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention further comprises a display switching means for switching the display means on and off, a flash, and a flash switching means for switching the flash on / off. The means is configured to update the correction condition set value according to the image signal when the display is on and the flash is off.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera, comprising: an image pickup unit for converting an optical image of a subject into an image signal; an image correction unit for correcting the image signal based on a correction condition set value; Display means capable of displaying
The imaging means, comprising an overall control means for controlling the operation of the image correction means and the display means, the overall control means performs an update process of the correction condition set value according to the image signal at the time of imaging preparation, In a predetermined mode, while performing the update processing, the display image signal obtained by performing image correction on the image signal by the image correction means based on the correction condition set value updated last time is displayed on the display means. Let me.

The digital camera according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention further comprises a flash, flash switching means for switching on / off of the flash, and display switching means for switching on / off of the display means, The mode includes a start-up when the flash is off and the display is on.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS << Example of Basic Structure of Digital Camera to Which the Present Invention is Applied >> FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing the basic structure of a digital camera according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 corresponds to a rear view, and FIG. 3 corresponds to a bottom view. These figures do not always follow the triangular projection,
The main purpose is to conceptually illustrate the basic structure of a digital camera.

As shown in these figures, the digital camera 1 has a structure roughly divided into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped camera main body 2 and a substantially cylindrical imaging section 3, and the imaging section 3 is supported. The camera body 2 is detachably attached to the right side surface in FIG. 1 via the portion 19, and is rotatably mounted in a plane parallel to the right side surface.

The image pickup section 3 has an image pickup system comprising a macro zoom lens 301 as an image pickup lens and a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject with each pixel of the CCD. This is a component for converting the image into an image constituted by the obtained charge signals and capturing the image.

A macro zoom lens 301 is provided inside the image pickup section 3, and a CCD color area sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as a “CCD”) is provided at an appropriate position behind the macro zoom lens 301. An imaging circuit is provided which is hidden on the back side and is not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). In addition, a dimming sensor 305 that receives the reflected light of the flash light from the subject is provided at an appropriate position of the imaging unit 3.

On the other hand, the camera body 2 includes an LCD display section 10 comprising a backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a mounting section 17 for a memory card 8 as a recording medium.
And a connection terminal 13 to which a personal computer is externally connected. After subjecting the image signal captured by the imaging section 3 to predetermined signal processing, display on the LCD display section 10 and recording on the memory card 8 And processing such as transfer to a personal computer.

Hereinafter, the camera body 2 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 3, the camera main unit 2 includes a card loading unit 17 for loading a memory card 8 for storing a captured image as a recorded image, and a battery loading unit for loading, for example, four AA batteries so as to be connected in series. 18 are built in. The digital camera 1 is driven by a power supply battery formed by serially connecting four dry batteries loaded in the battery loading unit 18 except for an RTC 219 described later. When the memory card 8 and the power supply battery are attached and detached, the clamshell type lid 15 provided on the bottom face is opened and closed. Also power on
/ OFF is performed by a power switch PS provided on the back of the camera body 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the camera body 2, a grip 4 is provided at an appropriate position on the left side, and a built-in flash 5 is provided at an appropriate position on the upper right. A connection terminal 13 is provided on the right side of the camera body so that a computer can be connected from outside the digital camera 1.

Also, as shown in FIG.
An LCD display unit 10 is provided at an appropriate position on the left side of the rear surface of the LCD 10. An FL mode (flash) setting switch 11 is provided above the LCD display unit 10 on the left side, and switches the light emission mode of the built-in flash 5. As the light emission mode, for example, "automatic light emission mode" in which light emission / non-light emission of the built-in flash 5 is automatically controlled according to subject brightness
In addition, there are a "forced light emission mode" in which the built-in flash 5 is forcibly emitted regardless of the subject brightness, and a "light emission prohibited mode" in which the built-in flash 5 is not forcibly emitted regardless of the subject brightness. The mode is FL
Each time the mode setting switch 11 is pressed, the mode is switched and set in a cyclic manner.

Further, a two-contact slide type photographing / reproduction mode setting switch 14 is provided above the LCD display unit 10 on the right side, and switches between a "photographing mode" and a "reproduction mode". The shooting mode is a mode for shooting a subject, and the LCD display unit 10 performs monitor display of the subject (corresponding to a viewfinder function). The reproduction mode is a mode in which an image recorded on the memory card 8 is reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 10. For example, sliding to the right sets the playback mode, and sliding to the left sets the shooting mode.

Further, a slide-type compression ratio changeover switch 12 is provided below the LCD display unit 10 on the left side, and selects a compression ratio K of image data to be stored in the memory card 8. Compression rate setting slide switch 12
Thus, two types of compression ratios K of 1/8 and 1/20 can be selected and set. For example, sliding the compression ratio setting slide switch 12 to the right sets the compression ratio K = 1/8, and sliding to the left sets the compression ratio K = 1/20. In the present embodiment, two types of compression ratios K can be selectively set. However, three or more types of compression ratios K may be selectively set.

Further, the compression ratio setting slide switch 12
A liquid crystal display slide switch 16 for turning on / off the display of the LCD display unit 10 is provided on the right side of. By turning off the liquid crystal display slide switch 16, the display on the LCD display section 10 is stopped, and the consumption of the battery can be minimized.

In addition, an UP switch 6 and a DOWN switch 7 for frame advance are provided substantially at the center of the upper surface of the camera body 2, and these switches are used to convert a recorded image already stored in the memory card 8 into a recorded image. Playback is performed in the order of the frame numbers assigned to each. Each time the UP switch 6 is pressed, the recorded images are sequentially updated in the order of increasing frame numbers (in the order of shooting), and
It is reproduced on the CD display unit 10. Also, DOWN switch 7
Each time is pressed, the recorded images are sequentially updated in the order of decreasing frame numbers and reproduced on the LCD display unit 10. A shutter button 9 is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 2 on the right side, and an erase switch D for erasing a recorded image stored in the memory card 8 is provided on the left side. Further, below the UP switch 6 and the DOWN switch 7, an optical viewfinder 21 such as that used in a silver halide lens shutter camera is provided.

<< Description of Functional Blocks of Digital Camera >><Functional Blocks of Imaging Unit 3> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 1 from a functional viewpoint. In the figure, a CCD 303 converts a light image of a subject formed by a macro zoom lens 301 into R (red), G (green), B
The image signal is photoelectrically converted into an image signal of a (blue) color component (a signal composed of a signal sequence of pixel signals received by each pixel) and output.

The signal processing circuit 313 performs a predetermined analog signal processing on the analog image signal obtained from the CCD 303. For example, CDS (correlated double sampling)
Processing and AGC (auto gain control) processing are performed. The former process reduces the noise of the image signal, and the latter process adjusts the level of the image signal.

The level adjustment of the image signal is performed in relation to the shutter speed. Since the aperture of the imaging unit 3 is fixed, exposure control is performed by adjusting the exposure amount of the CCD 303, that is, the charge accumulation time by the timing generator 314. However, if the subject brightness is low and the shutter speed is high, the exposure will be insufficient. To correct this, the signal processing circuit 313 adjusts the level of the image signal.

That is, when the luminance is low, the exposure control is performed by combining the shutter speed and the gain adjustment.
The level adjustment of the image signal is performed by the AG in the signal processing circuit 313.
This is performed in gain adjustment of the C circuit.

The timing generator 314 generates a drive control signal for the CCD 303 based on the reference clock transmitted from the timing control circuit 202.
As the drive control signal, for example, a timing signal of integration start / end (exposure start / end), a read control signal of a light receiving signal of each pixel (horizontal synchronization signal, vertical synchronization signal, transfer signal, etc.)
And so on.

The light control circuit 304 is a circuit for controlling the light emission amount of the built-in flash 5 in flash photography to a predetermined light emission amount set by the overall control unit 211.
In flash photography, the reflected light of the flash light from the subject is detected as the amount of light received by the light control sensor 305 at the same time as the exposure starts, and when the amount of received light reaches a predetermined light emission amount, the light control circuit 304 emits light from the FL control circuit. Stop signal STP
Is output to the flash control circuit 214 described later, and the light emission amount of the built-in flash 5 is controlled to be equal to or less than a predetermined light emission amount.

<Functional Blocks of Camera Body 2> The camera body 2 includes a built-in flash 5, an LCD display unit 10, a connection terminal 13, a card loading chamber 17, and a CPU to drive each unit of the digital camera 1 mutually. The overall control unit 211, the timing control circuit 20 that performs overall control in association with
2. A / D converter 205, black level correction circuit 206, white balance (WB) circuit 207, γ correction circuit 20
8, image memories 209-1 to 209-6, VRAM 21
0, an operation unit 250, a card interface 212, a communication interface 213, a flash control circuit 214, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 219.

The A / D converter 205 is a signal processing circuit 31
3 is to convert each pixel signal of the image signal obtained from 3 into a 10-bit digital signal (captured image information). A
The / D converter 205 converts each pixel signal (analog signal) into a 10-bit digital signal based on a clock for analog-to-digital conversion from the timing control circuit 202.

The timing control circuit 202 is controlled by the general control unit 211 and generates a clock for the signal processing circuit 313, the timing generator 314, and the A / D converter 205.

The black level correction circuit 206 corrects the black level of the digital pixel signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “pixel data”) A / D converted by the A / D converter 205 to a reference black level.

The WB circuit 207 uses a level conversion table, which is a set value of a correction condition for white balance, input from the overall control unit 211, and uses a level conversion table for a black level correction circuit 206.
, The black level corrected pixel data obtained from
The white balance correction process is performed by converting the levels of the G and B color components. The conversion coefficient (gradient of the characteristic) of each color component in the level conversion table is set by the overall control unit 211 for each captured image. More specifically, the average values Rm, Gm, and Bm of the R, G, and B components of the image data in the central part and the peripheral specific area of the imaging range are calculated, and the correction coefficients Gm / Rm and Gm / Bm are calculated. Calculate, Gm / R
When m is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the upper limit value is set.
Round to lower limit. Similarly, when Gm / Bm is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the value is rounded to the upper limit value, and when Gm / Bm is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the value is rounded to the lower limit value.

In the white balance correction processing by the WB circuit 207, when the level conversion table has already been set, the above-mentioned calculation (white balance calculation) does not take much time, and can be performed almost in real time.

However, when the level conversion table is not set, the generation of the level conversion table requires a repetitive operation for obtaining the average value.
The update interval of the live view image on the D display unit 10 (1
/ 30) It takes longer than seconds. Therefore, the live view image displayed at the time of shooting standby includes the WB described above.
The process of creating the level conversion table in the circuit 207 is canceled to display an image.

When the display on the LCD display unit 10 is in the OFF state, or when shooting with flash, W
There is no problem if the process of creating the level conversion table in the B circuit 207 is canceled and the image is displayed. LCD
When the display of the display unit 10 is in the OFF state (unused), it is not necessary to generate a live view image. When shooting a flash, the live view image and the shot image are matched unless a flash is fired during the live view. This is because it is practically impossible.

However, the display on the LCD display unit 10 is turned on.
If the live view image is not reflected in the live view image at all when the state is set and the flash shooting is not performed (the flash is not used), there is a possibility that the color of the live view image differs from the actual captured image. There is a problem.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following 2
Two modes are selectable. Live view mode 1: In standby for shooting, processing is performed using the most recently created level conversion table, such as when shooting last time. Live view mode 2: A level conversion table for white balance correction is created every three seconds even during standby for shooting, and a white balance correction process is performed using the newly created level conversion table to display a live view image. .

In mode 1, the live view image is displayed in real time, but there is a possibility that the color of the live view image differs from that of the actual photographed image.

In the mode 2, while the color of the live view image and the color of the actual photographed image are likely to match, the live view image is generated during the relatively time-consuming white balance correction process involving the creation of the level conversion table. Is not updated.

In this embodiment, the shutter button 9 is a two-stage push button switch that can distinguish between a half-pressed state (S1) and a pressed state (S2) as used in a silver halide camera. No, S1 state (imaging preparation request)
At this time, a level conversion table is created / updated, and in the S2 state (imaging execution request), image data captured after performing white balance processing using the level conversion table is recorded in the memory card 8.

As shown in FIG. 5, when there is a sufficient time difference between the S1 state setting and the S2 state setting of the shutter button 9, the S1 state setting is used as a trigger based on a newly created level conversion table. Although the white balance processing is possible, as shown in FIG. 6, when the time difference between the setting of the S1 state and the setting of the S2 state is short, or when there is almost no time difference, the shutter button 9 is set to the S2 state. Since it becomes impossible to create a new level conversion table by now, there are the following two ideas.

(1) White balance priority: The S2 state of the shutter button 9 (imaging execution request) is not accepted while the level conversion table is being created. (2) Shutter priority: The S2 state of the shutter button 9 is accepted even while the level conversion table is being created, and image data taken after performing white balance processing based on the existing level conversion table is recorded on the memory card 8. I do.

In the case of giving priority to white balance, there is a merit that color correction can be performed more accurately, but there is a possibility that a photo opportunity is missed.

In the case of the shutter priority, the hue correction may be slightly inaccurate, but there is a merit that a photo opportunity is not missed.

Further, there are the following two ways to employ an existing level conversion table. (2) -1: Adopt the most recently created level conversion table (first shutter priority mode). (2) -2: One level conversion table is selectively used from a plurality of prepared level conversion tables in accordance with a determination result by an image determination unit 211e and a scene determination unit 211c described below (second shutter priority). mode).

The shutter priority second mode will be described later in detail, but the image determining unit 211e determines whether the image is a natural image or a character image. , "Medium-luminance normal scene", "medium-luminance reverse scene", and "high-luminance scene", a total of five types of level conversion tables are prepared in advance and stored in an existing level conversion table memory (not shown). Have been. The selection of white balance priority or shutter priority, and the selection of the level conversion table in shutter priority differ depending on the purpose of photographing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, selection can be made as appropriate.

The above is summarized in Table 1 below.

[0059]

[Table 1]

Returning to FIG. 4, the gamma correction circuit 208 will be described. The γ correction circuit 208 corrects γ characteristics of image data. The γ correction circuit 208 has, for example, six types of γ correction tables having different γ characteristics, and performs γ correction of pixel data using a predetermined γ correction table according to a shooting scene or shooting conditions.

The image memory 209 (209-1 to 209-
6) is a memory for storing pixel data output from the gamma correction circuit 208. Image memories 209-1 to 209
-6 each have a storage capacity for one frame.
That is, each of the image memories 209-1 to 209-6 has a configuration in which the CCD 303 has n rows and m columns of pixels.
It has a storage capacity for pixel data of n × m pixels, and each pixel data is stored at a corresponding pixel position.

The VRAM 210 is a buffer memory for image data reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 10. VR
The AM 210 has a storage capacity for image data corresponding to the number of pixels of the LCD display unit 10.

In the photographing standby state, each image data of the image picked up by the image pickup unit 3 every 1/30 (second) is A
After undergoing predetermined signal processing by the / D converters 205 to γ correction circuit 208, the image data is stored in the image memory 209, transferred to the VRAM 210 via the overall control unit 211, and added to the image data stored in the VRAM 210. The based image is displayed on the LCD display unit 10. Therefore, the photographer can visually recognize the subject image from the image displayed on the LCD display unit 10. In the playback mode, after the image read from the memory card 8 is subjected to predetermined signal processing by the overall control unit 211, the VRAM 210
And reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 10.

The card I / F 212 is an interface for writing image data to the memory card 8 and reading image data. Also, the communication I / F 21
Reference numeral 3 denotes an interface compliant with, for example, the USB standard for externally connecting the personal computer 40 so that communication is possible.

The flash control circuit 214 is a circuit for controlling light emission of the built-in flash 5. The flash control circuit 214 controls the presence / absence of light emission of the built-in flash 5, the amount of light emission, the light emission timing, and the like based on the control signal of the overall control unit 211. Is controlled.

The RTC 219 is a clock circuit for managing the shooting date and time. It is driven by another power source not shown in FIGS.

The operation unit 250 includes the UP switch 6, DOWN switch 7, shutter button 9, FL mode setting switch 11, and compression ratio setting slide switch 1 described above.
2. A switch corresponding to the photographing / playback mode setting switch 14 is provided, and a request for control of each unit of the digital camera 1 is made to the overall control unit 211.

The overall control section 211 is composed of a microcomputer, and controls the driving of each member in the image pickup section 3 and the camera main body section 2 in an organic manner to control the photographing operation of the digital camera 1 in an integrated manner. is there.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the overall control unit 211. As shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 1 includes a luminance determination unit 211a for setting an exposure control value (shutter speed (SS)) and a shutter speed setting unit 211b. Brightness determination unit 211a
Is 1/3 by the CCD 303 in the shooting standby state.
The luminance of the subject is determined by calculating luminance data using an image captured every 0 (seconds).

That is, the luminance determining unit 211a divides the storage area of the image memory 209 into nine blocks by using the image data that is renewedly stored in the image memory 209, and G (green) included in each block. The luminance data representing each block is calculated by using the pixel data of the color component of (1) to determine the luminance of the subject.

The shutter speed setting section 211b sets a shutter speed (integration time of the CCD 303) based on the result of the luminance determination of the subject by the luminance determining section 211a. The shutter speed setting unit 211b has a table of shutter speed SS in which brightness and shutter speed SS are associated in advance.

The shutter speed SS is initially set to 1/128 (second) (the most frequent shutter speed) when the camera is started, and in a shooting standby state, the shutter speed setting unit 211b controls the brightness of the subject by the brightness determination unit 211a. Is changed from the initial value to the high-speed side or the low-speed side one by one in accordance with the determination result of.

The general control unit 211 uses a normal photographing image of a landscape, a person, or the like (hereinafter, such a photographing image is referred to as a “natural image”). It further includes an image determination unit 211e that determines whether an image such as a character or a chart is an image similar to a binary image of this type (hereinafter, an image similar to a "character image").

The image determining section 211e is provided with an image memory 209.
A histogram of the luminance data at each pixel position is created based on the pixel data constituting the captured image stored in the storage device, and the content of the captured image is determined based on the histogram. Generally, in the case of a natural image, a histogram of luminance data of a captured image is a so-called one-peak distribution having a small deviation in luminance distribution and having one peak value. On the other hand, in the case of a character image such as a character drawn on a whiteboard, a luminance distribution is biased in a white background portion and a black character portion, and a two-peak distribution is obtained.

Therefore, the image determination unit 211e determines whether the histogram of the luminance data of the captured image has a single peak distribution,
It is determined whether the captured image is a natural image or a character image by determining whether the image has a two-peak distribution. Then, this determination result is stored in the memory 211d.

The overall control unit 211 performs “low-brightness scene”, “medium-brightness normal scene”, “medium-brightness scene” in order to set an appropriate shutter speed SS, perform γ correction and filtering correction (described later) according to the shooting scene. It further includes a scene determination unit 211c that determines four types of shooting scenes of a “luminance backlight scene” and a “high-luminance scene”. A “low-brightness scene” is a scene that normally requires auxiliary light using a flash, such as indoor shooting or nighttime shooting, and a “medium-brightness normal scene” is illumination light (including natural light and artificial light) for a main subject. ) Is a scene that can be photographed without auxiliary light because it is normal light and its brightness is appropriate. Also, the “medium brightness backlight scene” has an appropriate overall brightness,
Since the illumination light for the main subject is backlight, flash emission is a preferable scene, and the “high-brightness scene” is a very bright scene as a whole, for example, photographing in a sunny sea or a ski resort. The low-luminance, medium-luminance, and high-luminance scene determination is performed based on the set value of the shutter speed SS. In the middle-luminance scene, when the peripheral portion is brighter than the central portion by a predetermined value or more, it is determined to be a “medium-luminance backlight scene”. The determination result of the scene determination unit 211c is also stored in the memory 21.
1d.

The overall control unit 211 includes a filter unit 211f for performing a filtering process, a recorded image generating unit 211g for generating a thumbnail image and a compressed image, and a memory card 8 for recording the captured image. And a reproduced image generating unit 211h for generating reproduced image data for reproducing the reproduced image data on the LCD display unit 10.

The filter unit 211f includes an image memory 209
Is to correct the high-frequency component of the image to be recorded by the digital filter for the image data from the image data, thereby correcting the image quality related to the outline. The filter unit 211f calculates the compression ratio K
= 1/8 and 1/20 for each of the standard contour correction digital filters, two types of digital filters for strengthening the contour and two types of digital filters for weakening the contour with respect to the standard contour correction Are provided with a total of five types of digital filters.

The recording image generation unit 211g is provided in the image memory 2
The image data is read from the image data 09 through the filter unit 211f to generate a thumbnail image and a compressed image to be recorded on the memory card 8. The recording image generation unit 211g reads image data for every eight pixels in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction while scanning in the raster scanning direction from the image memory 209, and sequentially connects the memory connected via the card I / F 212. By transferring the thumbnail image to the card 8, the thumbnail image is generated and recorded on the memory card 8.

Further, the recording image generation unit 211g reads out all the pixel data from the image memory 209 via the filter unit 211f, and performs predetermined compression processing by JPEG such as two-dimensional DCT conversion and Huffman coding on the pixel data. To generate image data of the compressed image, and record the compressed image data in the main image area of the memory card 8.

More specifically, the recorded image generation unit 211g operates in the photographing mode by pressing the shutter button 9
When shooting is instructed by the image memory 2, the image memory 2
09 and a compressed image compressed by the JPEG method using the compression ratio K set by the compression ratio setting switch 12, and generates tag information (frame number, exposure value, shutter speed) for the captured image. ,
Compression rate K, shooting date, flash ON / OFF at shooting
The data, scene information, and information such as image determination results) are stored in the memory card 8 (see FIG. 8). Note that the shutter speed SS, scene information, and the like are fetched from the memory 211d.

As shown in FIG. 8, the memory card 8 converts the image stored by the digital camera into a compression rate of 1/2.
0, 40 frames of images can be stored. Each frame includes a tag information part, high-resolution image data (640 × 480 pixels) compressed in JPEG format, and image data for thumbnail display (80 × 60 pixels). Pixel) is recorded. For example, each frame can be handled as an image file in the EXIF format.

<< Explanation of Control Flow >><Control Flow at Power-ON> Next, a control flow for performing shutter control in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a setting state determination processing routine that is started when the power is turned on. This process is performed under the control of the overall control unit 211.
Referring to the figure, in step S801, a conditional branch corresponding to the index LF_State shown in Table 1 based on the ON / OFF state of the liquid crystal display slide switch 16 and the ON / OFF state of the FL mode setting switch 11 in Table 1 I do.

That is, when LF_State = 1, the live view mode 1 is set in step S802, and then the shutter priority is set in step S803.
When LF_State = 2, the live view mode 2 is set in step S804, and white balance priority is set in step S805. LF_State =
At 3, the display on the LCD display unit 10 is in the OFF state, so that the process jumps to step S803 to set only the shutter priority. Similarly, when LF_State = 4, the process jumps to step S805 to set only the white balance priority.

As described above, based on the states of the liquid crystal display slide switch 16 and the FL mode setting switch 11 when the power is turned on, the setting of the live view mode and the priority setting between the shutter and the white balance are automatically performed. This saves the photographer the trouble of performing the setting operation later.

When the flash is used (LF_Stat)
When e = 1 or 3), the shutter priority is set in step S803 because, when the flash is used, a relatively good color tone correction can be performed even when the white balance correction process is performed using the existing white balance level conversion table. Can be performed, and the white balance correction processing can be relatively neglected.

Conversely, when the flash is not used (LF_Stat
In the case of te = 2, 4), the white balance is set to priority in step S805 because, when the flash is not used, if the white balance correction processing is performed using the existing white balance level conversion table, good color correction can be achieved. This is because it is unlikely that the white balance correction process can be performed, and it is necessary to emphasize white balance correction processing.

Also, the flash display and the LCD display unit 1
When 0 is used (LF_State = 1), the live view mode 1 is set in step S802 by LC
What is displayed on the D display unit 10 is a state in which there is no flash light, and accurately predicting a white balance-corrected image in a state in which flash light is obtained at the time of image capturing is set even in the live view mode 2. This is because the display speed on the LCD display unit 10 was emphasized because it was difficult.

When the flash is not used and the LCD display unit 10 is used (LF_State = 2), the live view mode 2 is set in step S804 because the photographer sets the latest white balance corrected image on the LCD.
By observing the image on the display unit 10, it is possible to almost accurately predict a white balance-corrected image without flash light obtained at the time of imaging.

<Setting Change Flow> Whether the shutter timing is the shutter priority or the white balance priority is determined when the display of the LCD display unit 10 is turned on.
As shown in FIG. 10, the setting can be changed by displaying a setting menu on the LCD display unit 10 and performing a menu operation. The setting menu in FIG. 10 shows that the UP switch 6 or the DOWN key 7
Is pressed, and the processing of the setting change routine is performed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a setting change routine. When the setting change routine is called, the current setting state is displayed in step S901. Items shaded and displayed with black circles in FIG. 10 are current selection items.

Then, it is determined in step S902 whether or not the shutter button 9 (in this case, used for updating the selected state) has been pressed, and if it is determined that the shutter button 9 has not been pressed (No), the process proceeds to step S902. The process proceeds to S903, and if it is determined that the button is pressed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S903
Move to 910.

In step S903, it is determined whether or not the UP switch 6 or the DOWN switch 7 (in this case, used for selecting a selection item) has been pressed. If it is determined that the switch has been pressed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S904. If it is determined that the button has not been pressed (No), the process returns to step S901.

When the UP switch 6 or the DOWN switch 7 is pressed, the item setting cursor 920 (underlined portion) moves in step S904.
When this menu is opened, the cursor is on the top line L1, and when the DOWN switch 7 is pressed, the cursor moves to the lower item,
Pressing the UP switch 6 moves to the upper item. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the menu is opened and the DOWN key is pressed four times, and therefore, is on the line L5 that has passed from the first line L1 to L2, L3 and L4.

Then, in step S905, the item indicated by the cursor is set to the selected state. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 10, the item "employed at the previous detection (mode 1)" in the row L5 where the cursor is placed is in the selected state.

If it is determined in step S 906 that the LCD display unit 10 is in the display ON state and the flash is in the light emission OFF state (LF_State = 2) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S 907, and it is determined otherwise (step S 907). No) and returns to step S901.

Therefore, after the item displayed by the cursor is selected, the process returns to step S901. If it is determined in step S902 that the shutter button 9 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S910. Then, in step S910, by newly setting the item of the selected state, the setting state is updated, and the setting change routine ends.

On the other hand, in step S907, the live view mode is determined. If the live view mode is mode 1, after setting the shutter priority in step S908,
Returning to step S901, if the live view mode is mode 2, white balance priority is set in step S909, and the process returns to step S901.

If it is important that the photographer does not miss a photo opportunity by performing the change processing in accordance with the above setting change flow, the priority is set on the shutter to obtain a white balance corrected image signal with good image quality. If the priority is placed on white balance, the shooting can be performed according to the intended use by setting the white balance priority.

<Flow of LCD Display ON Process> FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of an LCD display ON processing routine when the LCD display is changed from the OFF state to the ON state after the power is turned on.

When the LCD display is turned on after the power is turned on, there is a concept that the priority relationship between the live view mode and the white balance / shutter is controlled according to Table 1. In many cases, the display slide switch 16 is frequently turned on and off. In each case, the L is set after power is turned on in consideration of the inconvenience and inconvenience of updating the settings each time.
The setting is retained and not updated only by turning on / off the CD display unit.

Therefore, if the current setting is determined to be white balance priority in step S1001 (Yes), the process is terminated while maintaining white balance priority in step S1002.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1001 that the shutter priority is given (No), the process proceeds to step S1004 after the shutter priority is held in step S1003.

Further, in step S1004, the live view mode is determined. When it is determined that the live view mode is 1 ("1"), the process is terminated in step S1005 while the live view mode 1 is held, and the live view mode 2 is terminated. Is determined (“2”), step S1006
To hold the live view mode 2 and end the processing. After the power is turned on, the LCD display unit 10 is turned off from the ON state.
Even when the F state is set, the setting when the LCD display is turned ON is maintained.

<Imaging Process Flow> FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the flow of the imaging process when the shutter button is pressed in the above-described setting state. This process is performed under the control of the overall control unit 211.

First, in step S1101, the S1 state (half-pressed state) of the shutter button 9 is detected. If the S1 state is detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1102 and the subsequent steps. If the S1 state is not detected (No) ) Terminates the processing.

In step S1102, it is determined whether or not the creation of the white balance level conversion table has been completed. If completed (Yes), the processes in and after step S1116 are performed. If not completed (No), the processes in and after step S1103 are performed. Is performed.

As shown in FIG. 14, step S1103
To start creating a level conversion table, and step S11
At 04, a display during white balance setting is performed (see FIG. 15). On the screen of the LCD display unit 10 shown in FIG.
The live view image is displayed in the area A1 in the state, and a character string “white balance is being set” is displayed in the display line L11. Therefore, it is possible to surely notify the photographer of the white balance setting state. Note that the live view image is not updated during the white balance setting.

In step S1105, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 9 is in the S1 state. If it is in the S1 state (Yes), the process returns to step S1102, and
If not (No), the process moves to step S1106.

In step S1106, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 9 is in the S2 state (fully pressed state). If the state is not the S2 state (No), step S1102
Return to step S1 if the state is S2 (Yes).
Move to 108.

In step S1108, it is determined whether or not the creation of the white balance level conversion table has been completed. If the creation has been completed (Yes), the processes in and after step S1109 are performed. If not completed (No), the processes in and after step S1112 have been performed. Is performed.

In step S1109, the level conversion table is held as a parameter at a predetermined address of the work memory 211M of the overall control unit 211, and the process proceeds to step S11.
In step 10, the white balance setting display is turned off. The overall control unit 211 can quickly read the level conversion table by including the work memory 211 therein.

Thereafter, step S1111 shown in FIG.
Then, in step S1111, the white balance correction is performed using the parameters of the above-described level conversion table, and in step S1119, a series of processes of capturing the captured image and recording the captured image in the memory card 8 are performed.
It moves to 120.

In this case, it is determined in step S1120 whether the display during white balance setting is in the ON state. Since the display in white balance setting is in the OFF state in step S1117, the process proceeds to step S1120. The determination is always No.

That is, since the white balance correction was performed using the newly created level conversion table,
Assuming that there is no possibility that the white balance is out of order, the warning process in step S1121 is skipped, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the creation of the level conversion table has not been completed in step S1108, the process proceeds to step S1108.
At 112, it is determined whether the setting state is shutter priority.
In step S1112, it is determined that shutter priority is given (Y
es), and the process proceeds to step S1113 and the subsequent steps for performing the imaging process using the existing level conversion table. If it is determined that the white balance is prioritized (No), the process returns to step S1102 without performing the imaging process.

In step S1113, it is determined whether or not the level conversion table is already stored in the work memory 211M. If not (No), the process jumps to step S1115, and if it is stored (Yes
In step s), the process proceeds to step S1114.

In step S1114, it is determined which of the following modes is to be adopted for adopting an existing level conversion table with shutter priority. Shutter priority first mode: employs a level conversion table created most recently. Shutter priority second mode: A preset level conversion table is called from the level conversion table memory according to the determination results by the image determination unit 211e and the scene determination unit 211c.

In step S1114, the first shutter priority is set.
If it is determined that the mode is the mode ("1"), the process immediately jumps to step S1111. If it is determined that the mode is the shutter priority second mode in step S1114 ("2"), the process proceeds to step S1115.

In step S1114, the first shutter priority is set.
If it is determined that the mode is set, the process proceeds to step S1111.
By using the latest level conversion table stored in the work memory 211M last time, the white balance correction processing can be promptly performed. When the image subjected to the white balance correction by the white balance correction process is displayed on the LCD display unit 10, the image is close to an actual image.

The step S1115 is executed by the scene judgment section 21.
1c and the determination result of the image determination unit 211e (memory 211
d) is newly stored in the work memory 211M, and a step S111 is performed.
Fly to one.

In the step S1115, the scene judgment unit 2
11c and a level conversion table determined to be optimum among a plurality of existing level conversion tables stored in the level conversion table memory based on the determination result of the image determination unit 211e, and the selected level conversion table in the subsequent S1111 is selected. Since the white balance correction processing using the level conversion table is performed, the color correction can be performed relatively well even using the existing level conversion table.

Then, step S1111 shown in FIG.
Then, white balance correction is performed using the parameters of the existing level conversion table determined by the above-described processing in the case of the shutter priority, and a series of processing for capturing the image captured in step S1119 and recording the captured image in the memory card 8 is performed in step S1120. Move to

In step S1120, it is determined whether or not the display during white balance setting is in the ON state.
In the case of the state (Yes), since the white balance correction is performed using the existing level conversion table, it is considered that there is a possibility that the white balance is out of order and step S11 is performed.
A warning is issued at 21 (see FIG. 16), the display during white balance setting is turned off, and the process is terminated. FIG.
On the screen of the LCD display unit 10 indicated by 6, a live view image is displayed in the area A1, and a character string of “photographed without white balance set” is displayed in the display line L11.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1120 that the white balance is not in the ON state (No), the white balance is corrected using the newly created level conversion table. The warning process of the deemed step S1121 is skipped and the process ends.

Therefore, in the case of the shutter priority, even if the shutter button 9 is set to the S2 state during the process of creating the level conversion table, it is possible to quickly execute the imaging process of obtaining an image signal based on the optical image of the subject. Because you can, you never miss a photo opportunity.

In addition, when the photographing process is performed with the shutter priority using the existing level conversion table, a warning is displayed on the LCD display unit 10 so that the photographer may not be able to perform the photographing process. This allows the photographer to be surely informed that the photographer has the photographing process again and avoid missing a photo opportunity.

<Others> In the above embodiment, the white balance setting has been described as an example. However, the white balance correction processing may be replaced with a highly accurate AE control processing and applied. Also, the case where the temporary exposure is performed once in the S1 state has been described as an example, but this may be performed a plurality of times.

[0130]

As described above, the overall control means in the digital camera according to the first aspect of the present invention, when receiving an imaging execution request during the update processing of the correction condition set value, performs imaging in the first imaging mode. The execution request is validated, and the image correction processing is performed by the image correction unit using the predetermined correction condition value as the correction condition setting value, and the imaging execution request is received in the second imaging mode until the correction condition setting value update processing ends. I try not to.

Therefore, the photographer switches to the first image pickup mode by using the mode switching means if it is important not to miss a photo opportunity, and if it is important to obtain a corrected image signal with good image quality. By switching to the second imaging mode, it is possible to perform imaging according to the purpose.

In the digital camera according to the second aspect, the photographer performs a setting operation of the first imaging mode in order to set the first imaging mode when the display means is on under a predetermined condition. You can save time and effort.

In the digital camera according to the third aspect,
Since the overall control unit recognizes that the flash is in the first imaging mode when the flash is on, the photographer can save the trouble of performing the setting operation of the first imaging mode.

In addition, when a flash is used, a corrected image signal having relatively good image quality can be obtained even when a predetermined correction condition value is used as a correction condition set value, so that a relatively good image quality can be obtained without missing a photo opportunity. Thus, a corrected image signal can be obtained.

In the digital camera according to the fourth aspect,
By having the correction condition value storage unit for storing the predetermined correction condition value, the overall control unit can quickly read the predetermined correction condition value from the correction condition value storage unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the overall control means in the digital camera sets one of a plurality of correction condition values as a correction condition setting value based on the imaging condition set by the imaging condition setting means. The image signal is corrected based on a correction condition value determined to be optimum among a plurality of predetermined correction condition values in order to execute the image correction process, so that a corrected image of relatively good image quality without missing a photo opportunity A signal can be obtained.

The digital camera according to claim 6,
Since the predetermined correction condition value includes the correction condition setting value used at the time of the previous photographing, the image correction process can be performed promptly because the process of newly setting the correction condition setting value becomes unnecessary.

The overall control means in the digital camera according to the seventh aspect makes the notifying means notify the update processing state of the correction condition set value during the update processing of the correction condition set value. I can let you know.

In the digital camera according to the present invention, the overall control means preferentially sets one of the first and second imaging modes according to the on / off state of the display means and the on / off state of the flash. Therefore, it is possible to set an imaging mode according to the use state of the flash and the display unit.

A digital camera according to claim 9,
At startup, one of the first and second imaging modes is automatically set with priority according to the on / off state of the display unit and the on / off state of the flash, so that the flash and the display unit are not used. At the time of activation, the second imaging mode is automatically set, so that the photographer does not have to perform the setting operation of the second imaging mode.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera, the update processing of the correction condition set value according to the image signal at the time of preparing for the image pickup is performed by the second control which is larger than the first predetermined interval for taking in the optical image of the subject. At predetermined intervals.

Therefore, the photographer observes on the display means the image signal corrected with the latest correction condition set value updated at every second predetermined interval, so that the corrected image signal obtained at the time of execution of imaging is obtained. Can be predicted almost exactly.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera, the overall control means updates the correction condition set value according to the image signal when the display means is on and the flash is off. It is performed at predetermined intervals.

Therefore, when the display is on and the flash is off, the image signal corrected with the latest correction condition set value can be displayed on the display.

In the digital camera according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the overall control means includes:
While updating the correction condition set value, the image signal is image-corrected by the image correction means based on the correction condition set value updated last time, and a display image signal is output and displayed on the display means.

Therefore, in the predetermined mode, an image close to the actual image can be displayed on the display means at the second predetermined interval.

In the digital camera according to the thirteenth aspect, the predetermined mode includes a start-up in which the flash is off and the display means is in the on-state. Is set, and the photographer does not need to perform the setting operation of the predetermined mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view illustrating a configuration of the digital camera according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating a configuration of the digital camera according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital camera from a functional viewpoint.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a state of a shutter button and a white balance calculation time.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a shutter button.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing details of an internal configuration of an overall control unit in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the storage contents of a memory card.

FIG. 9 shows a power supply O in the digital camera according to the embodiment.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a setting state determination process immediately after N.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting menu displayed on the LCD display unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a setting change process after the power is turned on in the digital camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a setting state determination process when the LCD display is turned on after the power is turned on in the digital camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a shutter button process at the time of imaging in the digital camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a shutter button process at the time of imaging in the digital camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an LCD display unit for displaying that white balance is being set.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an LCD display unit for displaying that shooting has been performed without setting a white balance.

[Explanation of symbols]

5 Built-in flash, 8 memory card, 9 shutter button, 11 FL mode setting switch, 16 liquid crystal display slide switch, 21 optical viewfinder, 20
7 WB (white balance) circuit, 209-1 to 20
9-6 Image Memory, 211 Overall Control Unit, 211M
Work memory, 214 flash control circuit, 250
Operation unit

Claims (13)

[Claims] An imaging unit configured to convert an optical image of a subject into an image signal; an image correction unit configured to correct the image signal based on a correction condition setting value; and a storage unit configured to store the image signal corrected by the image correction unit. A mode switching unit capable of switching between a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode; and an overall control unit that controls operations of the imaging unit, the image correction unit, and the storage unit. The overall control unit performs an update process of the correction condition set value in accordance with the image signal at the time of preparation for imaging, and receives an imaging execution request during the update process of the correction condition set value. Enable the imaging execution request,
Using the predetermined correction condition value set in advance as the correction condition set value, the image correction processing is performed by the image correction unit, and the imaging execution request is issued until the correction condition setting value update process is completed in the second imaging mode. A digital camera characterized by not accepting digital images. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: display means controlled by said general control means to display said image signal at predetermined intervals; and display switching means for switching on and off said display means. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the first imaging mode is set when the display unit is on under a predetermined condition. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a flash; and a flash switching unit that switches the flash on and off, wherein the overall control unit sets the first imaging mode when the flash is on. Digital camera as described. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a correction condition value storage unit configured to store the predetermined correction condition value, wherein the general control unit stores the predetermined correction condition value stored in the correction condition storage unit in the first imaging mode. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein after calling the correction condition value, the predetermined correction condition value is set as the correction condition setting value, and the image correction unit executes the image correction process. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined correction condition value includes a plurality of correction condition values, and further includes an imaging condition setting unit configured to set an imaging condition, wherein the overall control unit includes an imaging condition set by the imaging condition setting unit. 5. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein an image correction process is performed by the image correction unit using one of the plurality of correction condition values as the correction condition set value based on the correction condition. 6. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined correction condition value includes the correction condition set value used at the time of the previous photographing. 7. An updating unit for notifying an update processing state of the correction condition set value, wherein the overall control unit performs the update processing on the notification unit during the update process of the correction condition set value. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein a state is notified. 8. An operation controlled by the overall control unit, a display unit for displaying the image signal at predetermined intervals, a display switching unit for switching on and off the display unit, a flash, and a flash on / off switch. Flash switching means for switching off; and the overall control means includes: turning on / off the display means and turning on / off the flash.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein one of the first and second imaging modes is set with priority according to an off state. 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the overall control unit gives priority to one of the first and second imaging modes at the time of activation, according to an on / off state of the display unit and an on / off state of the flash. 9. The digital camera according to claim 8, wherein the digital camera is set automatically. 10. An image pickup means for capturing an optical image of a subject at a first predetermined interval and converting the image signal into an image signal; an image correction means for correcting the image signal based on a correction condition set value; Display means capable of displaying the image signal; and overall control means for controlling operations of the imaging means, the image correction means and the display means, wherein the overall control means responds to the image signal at the time of preparation for imaging. A digital camera, wherein the correction condition setting value is updated at a second predetermined interval larger than the first predetermined interval. 11. A display switching means for switching on / off of the display means, a flash, and a flash switching means for switching on / off of the flash, wherein the overall control means includes an on-state of the display means. 11. The digital camera according to claim 10, wherein when the flash is off, the correction condition setting value is updated in accordance with the image signal. 12. An image pickup unit for converting an optical image of a subject into an image signal, an image correction unit for correcting the image signal based on a correction condition set value, a display unit capable of displaying a display image signal, and the image pickup unit A general control unit for controlling the operation of the image correction unit and the display unit, wherein the general control unit performs an update process of the correction condition set value according to the image signal at the time of preparing for imaging, and performs a predetermined mode. Sometimes, while performing the update processing, the display means displays the display image signal obtained by performing image correction on the image signal by the image correction means based on the correction condition setting value updated last time, camera. 13. A flash, flash switching means for switching on / off of the flash, and display switching means for switching on / off of the display means, wherein the flash is in an off state in the predetermined mode. 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, wherein said display means includes a start-up time when said display means is in an on state.