WO2004021064A1

WO2004021064A1 - Camera

Info

Publication number: WO2004021064A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/010581
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazue Obunai; Hirotake Nozaki; Satoshi Ejima
Original assignee: Nikon Corporation
Priority date: 2002-08-28
Filing date: 2003-08-21
Publication date: 2004-03-11
Also published as: JP2004086018A

Abstract

A camera includes first switch means for starting imaging preparation operation and second switch means for starting imaging operation, wherein preparatory focusing adjustment is repeatedly performed until the first switch means is operated. The camera includes imaging means for starting a focusing adjustment of higher accuracy than the preparatory focusing adjustment as the imaging preparation operation when the first switch means is operated, and performing imaging while switching between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, when the second switch means is operated, imaging is performed after the highly-accurate focusing adjustment is complete. In the second mode, when the switch means is operated, imaging is performed according to the focusing adjustment result held before the operation of the second switch means. Thus, when performing imaging in the second mode by operating the second switch means, imaging is performed according to the focusing adjustment result held before operation of the second switch means. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the release time lag. Moreover, since the release time lag is reduced, it is possible to perform imaging at a timing desired by a user without missing the shutter chance.

Description

Description Camera Technical Field

The present invention relates to a camera that repeatedly performs focus adjustment until an instruction to start a shooting preparation operation is issued. Background art

Automatic focus adjustment (hereinafter, referred to as “AF”) and automatic exposure (hereinafter, referred to as “AE”) are performed on the electronic camera until the start of the shooting preparation operation is instructed by pressing the release button halfway. In some cases, an image (through image) of a subject obtained by preliminary imaging is displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor while repeatedly performing the above operations.

In such electronic cameras, when the release button is half-pressed, high-precision AF and high-precision AE are started as a shooting preparation operation, and when the release button is fully pressed, the high-precision AF and Wait until the high-precision AE is completed before taking a picture. Here, as a high-precision AF, a method called a contrast AF method (for example, a hill-climbing AF method) is mainly used.

Therefore, the user of such an electronic camera presses the release button halfway, and continues to press the release button halfway until the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE started by the half-press of the release button are completed, and thereafter, , It is necessary to press the release button fully.

However, when photographing an instantaneous expression such as a fast-moving subject or a child's pet, the user presses the release button halfway without pressing it once and then fully pressing it (hereinafter, referred to as “push at a time”). In some cases, the release button may be fully pressed before the high-precision AF or high-precision AE started by half-pressing the release button is completed. In such a case, the shooting operation does not start when the release button is fully pressed, but only after high-precision AF and high-precision AE are completed. Therefore, with conventional electronic cameras, from the full press of the release button to the start of the shooting operation There was a problem that a time lag (hereinafter referred to as “release time lag”) occurred and missed the shirt search.

Further, in general, a through image displayed on a display device is obtained by an imaging unit and is displayed via a display processing unit. Therefore, the through image is not the current image of the subject but an image slightly before. Therefore, when using a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor as a viewfinder and shooting, the image actually shot is an image slightly later than the image displayed when the user fully pressed the release button. And missed a photo opportunity. Disclosure of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a camera that can shoot at a timing desired by a user without missing a photo opportunity.

A camera according to the present invention includes first switch means for starting a shooting preparation operation, and second switch means for starting a shooting operation, and repeatedly executes preliminary focus adjustment until the first switch means is operated. In the above, when the first switch means is operated, the focus adjustment with higher precision than the preliminary focus adjustment is started as the photographing preparation operation, and when the second switch means is operated, the high precision focus adjustment is performed. A first mode in which photographing is performed after the completion of the operation, and a second mode in which photographing is performed based on a result of focus adjustment held before operation of the second switch means when the second switch means is operated. And a photographing means for performing photographing by switching between.

Therefore, when photographing in the second mode, when the second switch means is operated, photographing is performed based on the result of focus adjustment held before the operation of the second switch means. The release time lag can be reduced.

According to another aspect of the camera of the present invention, when the photographing unit performs photographing in the second mode, when the first switch unit is operated, the high-precision focus adjustment is performed. May be omitted, and when the second switch means is operated, photographing may be performed based on the result of the preliminary focus adjustment held immediately before the operation of the first switch means.

In such cases, omitting the high-precision focus adjustment allows A large reduction in the number of logs is possible.

According to another aspect of the camera of the present invention, the imaging unit starts the high-precision focus adjustment when the first switch unit is operated when performing imaging in the second mode. Then, when the second switch means is operated, the high-precision focus adjustment is stopped, and an image is taken based on the result of the high-precision focus adjustment held immediately before the operation of the second switch means. You may do it.

In such a case, when the second switch means is operated, the high-precision focus adjustment is stopped, and shooting is performed based on the result of the high-precision focus adjustment held immediately before the operation of the second switch means. The release time lag can be reduced.

According to another aspect of the camera of the present invention, when taking a picture in the second mode, the photographing means narrows the focus adjustment range as compared with the first mode to adjust the focus adjustment. It may be performed.

In such a case, the time required for focusing can be reduced.

According to another aspect of the camera of the present invention, the imaging unit controls an aperture in a direction to narrow the aperture as compared with the first mode when performing imaging in the second mode. May be.

In such a case, since the depth of field can be increased and focusing can be facilitated, it is possible to reduce the effect of omitting or stopping high-precision focus adjustment.

According to another aspect of the camera of the present invention, the photographing unit includes a photographing lens having a variable focal length, and when photographing is performed in the second mode, the focal length of the photographing lens is changed to a wide angle. It may be limited to the side.

Even in such a case, the depth of field can be increased and the focus can be easily adjusted, so that the effect of omitting or canceling the high-precision focus adjustment can be reduced. As another aspect of the camera of the present invention, an optical finder, a view finder for displaying a through image obtained by preliminarily imaging a subject, and a camera for performing imaging in the second mode using the imaging means. May include notifying means for prompting the user to use the optical finder without using the view finder.

In such cases, avoid using a viewfinder and use an optical viewfinder. By doing so, the release time lag can be reduced.

According to another aspect of the camera of the present invention, the first switch means is a first-step stroke of a release button having two-stage pressing strokes, and the second switch means is a first-step stroke of the release button. It may be a two-stage stroke.

Further objects and features of the present invention are as described in the attached drawings and the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an example of a program diagram in the electronic camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic force camera at the time of imaging in the second mode in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic camera at the time of shooting in a mode for responding to a single press of the release button.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic camera at the time of shooting in the second mode in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic camera at the time of shooting in the second mode in the third embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. In each embodiment, an electronic camera will be described as an example of the camera of the present invention.

<< Description of First Embodiment >>

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 1 includes an imaging unit 10, a compression / decompression unit 11, a display processing unit 12, and a control unit 13, and a memory card (card-shaped removable memory). An interface 15 for a memory card which interfaces with the memory card 14 is provided. The imaging unit 10, the compression / expansion unit 11, the display processing unit 12, the control unit 13, and the memory card interface unit 15 are interconnected via a bus. Further, a liquid crystal monitor 16 is connected to the display processing section 12. LCD Monitor 16 In addition to being used to play back images obtained by, it is also used as a viewfinder for checking composition. The electronic camera 1 also includes an optical finder (not shown) for checking the composition.

The imaging unit 10 includes a photographic lens (not shown), various sensors for measuring the brightness of the subject, the photographic distance, and the like, an imaging element, an A / D converter, and the like. The photographing lens (hereinafter abbreviated as “photographing lens”) of the imaging unit 10 is a zoom lens with a variable focal length.

In addition, the electronic camera 1 includes an operation unit 17 including a release button for receiving a user operation, a zoom button for changing the focal length of the imaging lens described above, and the like. Then, the states of the buttons and the like included in the operation unit 17 are detected by the control unit 13 from the control unit 13.

The release button (hereinafter, abbreviated as “release button”) of the operation unit 17 is an operation member having a two-step pressing stroke. The first stroke corresponds to "half-press", and the second stroke corresponds to "full-press". When detecting half-pressing, the control unit 13 functions as a “first switch means” in the claims and starts a shooting preparation operation. Further, when detecting the full press, the control unit 13 functions as the “second switch means” in the claims and starts the photographing operation.

The zoom button on the operation unit 17 (hereinafter abbreviated as “zoom button”) includes a member for controlling the photographing lens to the wide-angle side (W (wide) side button) and a member for controlling the photographing lens to the telephoto side ( T (tele) side button)

The electronic camera 1 captures instantaneous facial expressions, such as fast-moving subjects, children and pets, in addition to a mode that captures images in the same way as existing electronic cameras (hereinafter referred to as the “first mode”). An effective mode (hereinafter, referred to as “second mode”) is set for the operation. In the control unit 13, a program for realizing the processing in the first mode and a program for realizing the processing in the second mode are recorded in advance, and in the electronic camera 1, the control unit 13 By executing these programs, shooting in the first mode ゃ the second mode is performed.

Usually, the electronic camera 1 shoots in the first mode.

That is, the electronic camera 1 keeps the AF and A until the release button is half-pressed. Repeat E (hereinafter referred to as “Continuous AF” and “Continuous AE”). When the release button is half-pressed, high-precision AF and AE (hereinafter High-precision AF and high-precision A

E ". ) Is started, and when the release button is fully pressed, high-precision AF and high-precision AE are completed, and then shooting is performed via each part.

When performing the continuous AE and the high-precision AE, the control unit 13 determines an exposure value based on information obtained by various sensors of the imaging unit 10, and performs a program diagram based on the exposure value. Use to set the shutter speed and F-number. For example, when the exposure value is EV4, the control unit 13 uses the program diagram shown in FIG. 2 to calculate the F value at the intersection c between the straight line a indicating EV4 and the standard program diagram b.2. Set 8 and shutter speed 1Z6 0 seconds. However, among the numerical values on the horizontal axis shown in Fig. 2, the units of numerical values with “” ”are“ seconds ”.

On the other hand, when the second mode is selected by a user operation via the operation unit 17, the electronic camera 1 switches the mode from the first mode to the second mode and performs photographing.

Hereinafter, the imaging in the second mode in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When shooting in the second mode, the control unit 13 first turns off the display of the through image on the LCD monitor 16 (S1 in FIG. 3), and sets the shutter speed and the F-number described later. The program diagram used for (1) is program-shifted in the direction to increase the F-number (the direction to narrow the aperture) (Fig. 3, S2). For example, the control unit 13 shifts the standard program diagram b shown in FIG. 2 to the program diagram d.

Next, the control unit 13 starts measurement via various sensors of the imaging unit 10 and performs continuous AF and continuous AE based on information obtained by the various sensors (FIG. 3 S3). .

Here, the control unit 13 determines an exposure value in the continuous AE based on information obtained by various sensors of the imaging unit 10. Then, based on the determined exposure value, a shutter speed and an F-number are set using a program diagram obtained by performing a program shift. For example, when the exposure value is EV4, the control unit 13 uses the program diagram shown in FIG. Set the F value 4 and the shutter speed 1/30 second at the intersection e with the memory diagram d. For continuous AF and continuous AE, the results are retained each time AF and AE are repeated.

In the process of performing the continuous AF and the continuous AE in this manner, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the release button has been half-pressed (FIG. 3 S4).

If the release button is not half-pressed (No in S4 in FIG. 3), the control unit 13 continues continuous AF and continuous AE.

On the other hand, when the release button is half-pressed (FIG. 3, S 4 Yes), the control unit 13 reads the results of the continuous AF and the continuous AE held immediately before the release button is half-pressed. Then, discontinue Continuous AF and Continuous AE (Fig. 3, S5).

Next, the control unit 13 determines the state of the release button (S6 in FIG. 3).

When the release button is fully pressed, the control unit 13 performs shooting via the imaging unit 10 based on the results of the continuous AF and the continuous AE that have already been read out, and obtains image data. The data is recorded on the memory card 14 via the memory card interface unit 15 (S7 in FIG. 3).

On the other hand, when the release button is half-pressed, the control unit 13 waits until the release button is fully pressed, and when the release button is in the OFF state (released state), the control unit 13 executes the step Return to S3 and resume Continuous AF and Continuous AE.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when shooting in the second mode, if the release button is pressed halfway, the high-precision AF and high-precision AE are omitted, and the release button is pressed halfway. Shoots based on the results of continuous AF and continuous AE held just before the button was pressed. Therefore, by omitting the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE, the release time lag is greatly reduced, and the user can shoot at the desired timing without losing the shutter chance. Further, according to the first embodiment, the depth of field is increased by performing a program shift in a direction to increase the F-number, that is, in a direction to close down the aperture, thereby achieving focus. This reduces the effects of omitting high-precision AF and high-accuracy AE, and enables shooting without degrading AF and AE performance. . Further, according to the first embodiment, by turning off the display of the through image on the liquid crystal monitor 16, the user can be encouraged to use the optical viewfinder instead of the viewfinder. Therefore, the use of a viewfinder can be avoided, and the use of an optical finder can reduce the release time lag. In the first embodiment, a single press of the release button can be regarded as a continuous operation of half-pressing and full-pressing of the release button, so that when the release button is stopped once by half-pressing and then fully pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a case where the user is pushed at once.

Further, a mode for responding to a single press of the release button may be provided, and a program for realizing the processing in such a mode may be recorded in the control unit 13 in advance.

Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic camera 1 when shooting in a mode corresponding to a single press of the release button will be described with reference to FIG. However, the operations in steps S11 to S13 in FIG. 4 are the same as the operations in steps S1 to S3 in FIG.

In the process of performing the continuous AF and the continuous AE, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the release button has been pressed at once (FIG. 4 S14). If the release button is not pressed all at once (FIG. 4 S 14 No), the control unit 13 continues the continuous A F and the continuous A E.

On the other hand, when the release button is depressed at once (FIG. 4 S 14 Yes), the control unit 13 outputs the result of the continuous AF and the continuous AE held immediately before the release button is depressed at once. Is read, and continuous AF and continuous AE are stopped (Fig. 4, S15). Then, based on the results of the continuous AF and the continuous AE that have already been read out, an image is taken via the imaging unit 10 and the obtained image data is transferred to the memory card via the memory card interface unit 15. Record it in 14 (Fig. 4 S16).

As described above, even in the case of the single push shown in FIG. By omitting the accuracy AE, the same effect as that shown in FIG. 3 can be obtained. In the first embodiment, the sensitivity is increased by performing a program shift to facilitate focusing, and by performing a force gain up as shown in an example in which the effect of omitting the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE is reduced. The effect of omitting the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE may be reduced.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the display of the through image on the liquid crystal monitor 16 is turned off has been described. However, by performing the following operations 1 to 3, the user can use the optical finder. May be encouraged.

1: The display of the through image on the LCD monitor 16 is turned off, and a text message is displayed on the LCD monitor 16 prompting the user to use the optical viewfinder.

2: A text message that prompts the user to use the optical viewfinder is displayed so as to overlap the live view image displayed on the LCD monitor 16.

3: Reproduce a voice message (assumed to be pre-recorded) that prompts the user to use the optical viewfinder using a speaker (not shown) or the like.

<< Description of Second Embodiment >>

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

However, the electronic camera of the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the electronic camera 1 of the first embodiment, except that a program for implementing processing in the second mode is different. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are given below, and the illustration and description of the configuration of the electronic camera are omitted. Further, since the imaging in the first mode is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description will be omitted, and only the imaging in the second mode will be described.

Hereinafter, photographing in the second mode in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. _

When taking a picture in the second mode, the control unit 13 first turns off the display of the image on the LCD monitor 16 as in the first embodiment (FIG. 5, S 21), and sets the program line. Program shift the figure in the direction to increase the F value (to narrow the aperture) (Fig. 5 S22).

Next, the control unit 13 controls the continuous AF and the core as in the first embodiment. The continuous AE is performed (S23 in Fig. 5), and it is determined whether the release button is half-pressed in the process of performing the continuous AF and the continuous AE (S24 in Fig. 5).

If the release button is not half-pressed (No in S24 in FIG. 5), the control unit 13 continues the continuous AF and the continuous AE.

On the other hand, when the release button is half-pressed (S24Ye s in FIG. 5), the control unit 13 stops the continuous AF and the continuous AE, and performs the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE (FIG. 5). S 25). Here, the control unit 13 determines an exposure value in the high-accuracy AE based on information obtained by various sensors of the imaging unit 10. Then, based on the determined exposure value, the shutter speed and the F-number are set using a program shift program chart. For high-precision AF and high-precision AE, the results of the processing are retained.

The control unit 13 determines whether or not the release button has been fully pressed while performing the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE in this manner (S26 in FIG. 5).

If the release button is not fully depressed during high-precision AF and high-precision AE (No in S26 in Fig. 5), the control unit 13 continues until the high-precision AF reaches the in-focus state (S27 in Fig. 5). Y es) Perform high-precision AF and high-accuracy AE repeatedly. Then, when the focusing state is reached, the result of the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE at that time is read, and the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE are terminated (FIG. 5, S28).

Next, the control unit 13 determines the state of the release button (S29 in FIG. 5).

When the release button is fully pressed, the control unit 13 takes a picture via the imaging unit 10 based on the readout results of the high-precision AF and high-precision AE, and stores the obtained image data for the memory card. The data is recorded on the memory card 14 via the interface unit 15 (S30 in FIG. 5). When the release button is half-pressed, the control unit 13 waits until the release button is fully pressed, and when the release button is in the OFF state (released state), the control unit 13 Returning to step S23, the continuous AF and the continuous AE are restarted.

If the release button is fully pressed during high-precision AF or high-precision AE (Fig. 5, S26Yes), the control unit 13 will move to the position immediately before the release button is fully pressed. The results of the retained high-precision AF and high-precision AE are read out, and the high-precision AF and high-precision AE are stopped (Fig. 5 S31). Then, based on the read result of the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE, shooting is performed via the imaging unit 10, and the obtained image data is recorded on the memory card 14 via the memory card interface unit 15. (Fig. 5 S30).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when shooting in the second mode, during the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE (before the completion of the high-precision AF and the high-precision AE) When the release button is fully pressed, the high-precision AF and high-precision AE are stopped, and shooting is performed based on the results of the high-precision AF and high-precision AE held just before the release button was fully pressed. For this reason, the release time lag is reduced, and the photographer can perform shooting at a timing desired by the user without missing the shutter chance. << Description of Third Embodiment >>

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

However, the electronic camera of the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the electronic camera 1 of the first embodiment except that a program for realizing the processing in the second mode is different. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are given below, and the illustration and description of the configuration of the electronic camera are omitted. Further, since the imaging in the first mode is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description will be omitted, and only the imaging in the second mode will be described.

Hereinafter, the imaging in the second mode in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When performing photographing in the second mode, the control unit 13 first program-shifts the program diagram in the direction of increasing the F value (the direction of narrowing the aperture), as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6). S41), the change of the focal length of the taking lens is limited to the wide angle side (S42 in Fig. 6). That is, the driving of the taking lens is limited to the W side, and the T side is invalid. Next, the control unit 13 performs continuous AF and continuous AE in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S43 in FIG. 6). Then, in the continuous AE, every time the exposure value is determined, the focus adjustment range is set to be narrower than in the first mode based on the determined exposure value (S44 in FIG. 6). The control unit 13 determines whether or not the zoom button has been turned on (S45 in FIG. 6). If the zoom button has been turned on (S45 Yes in FIG. 6), the control unit 13 performs zooming in a predetermined manner according to the user operation (FIG. 6). 6 S 4 6). That is, when the W button of the zoom button is turned on, the focal length of the taking lens is changed to perform optical zoom, and when the T side is turned on, the optical zoom is not performed and the digital zoom (obtained by imaging Zoom by enlarging the image). On the other hand, when the zoom button is not turned on (S45No in FIG. 6), the control unit 13 proceeds to step S47.

The control unit 13 determines whether or not the release button has been half-pressed (S47 in FIG. 6). When the release button is half-pressed (S47 Yes in FIG. 6), the control unit 13 reads out the results of the continuous AF and the continuous AE held immediately before the release button is half-pressed. Stop continuous AF and continuous AE (Fig. 6, S48). On the other hand, if the release button is not half-pressed (No in S47 in FIG. 6), the control unit 13 returns to step S43 and continues to set the continuous AF, the continuous AE, and the focus adjustment range.

The control unit 13 emits sound or light using a speaker or a light emitting device (such as a self-timer lamp) (not shown) (S49 in FIG. 6). By performing such an operation, when photographing a child or a pet, the electronic camera 1 can draw the subject's attention. Next, the control unit 13 determines the state of the release button (S50 in FIG. 6).

When the release button is fully pressed, the control unit 13 performs shooting via the imaging unit 10 based on the results of the continuous AF and the continuous AE that have already been read, and stores the obtained image data in a memory. The data is recorded on the memory card 14 via the card interface section 15 (S51 in FIG. 6).

On the other hand, when the release button is half-pressed, the control unit 13 waits until the release button is fully pressed, and when the release button is in the 〇FF state (released state), the control unit 13 Returning to step S43, the continuous AF and the continuous AE and the setting of the focus adjustment range are restarted.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when shooting in the second mode, when the release button is half-pressed, high-precision AF and high-precision AE are performed. Is omitted, and the control held just before the release button is half-pressed Shoots based on the results of Tinius AF and Continuous AE. Therefore, omitting the high-precision AF and high-precision AE greatly reduces the release time lag, allowing the user to shoot at the desired timing without missing a photo opportunity.

Further, according to the third embodiment, the depth of field can be increased by limiting the change of the focal length of the photographing lens to the wide-angle side (W side). The effects of omitting AF and high-precision AE can be reduced, and shooting can be performed without degrading AF and AE performance.

Further, according to the third embodiment, the time required for the focus adjustment can be shortened by setting the focus adjustment range narrow.

In the third embodiment, the change of the focal length of the photographing lens is limited to the wide-angle side (W side). However, the change may be made according to the type and situation of the subject. For example, when the subject is at a long distance, the change of the focal length of the photographing lens may be limited to the telephoto side (T side). If the subject is bright enough, the aperture can be reduced, so the focal length of the taking lens can be changed over a wide range from the W side to the T side.

In the third embodiment, the focus adjustment range is set based on the exposure value determined by the continuous AE, but a predetermined numerical value according to the mode is set in advance regardless of the exposure value. May be set.

Further, in the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the display of the through image on the liquid crystal monitor 16 may be turned off, or a text message may be displayed.

In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, the first mode is set only when the second mode is selected by a user operation via the operation unit 17. In the example shown above, shooting is performed by switching from the second mode to the second mode. When a mode that requires the same processing as the second mode, such as the sports mode or the high-speed shutter priority mode, is selected, the camera automatically switches to the second mode and shoots. You may do so.

In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, the present invention Although an electronic camera has been described as an example of a camera, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a silver halide camera that repeatedly performs focus adjustment until a start of a shooting preparation operation is instructed.

In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, the example in which the start of the shooting preparation operation and the start of the shooting operation are realized by pressing the release button halfway and fully, respectively, has been described. Other operation members may be used. Industrial potential

According to the camera of the present invention, when shooting in the second mode, it is possible to shoot at a timing desired by the user without missing a shutter chance.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A camera comprising: first switch means for starting a shooting preparation operation; and second switch means for starting a shooting operation, wherein the camera repeatedly executes preliminary focus adjustment until the first switch means is operated.

When the first switch means is operated, the focus adjustment with higher accuracy than the preliminary focus adjustment is started as the photographing preparation operation, and when the second switch means is operated, the high-precision focus adjustment is completed. A first mode in which the photographing is performed after the operation, and a second mode in which the photographing is performed based on the result of the focus adjustment held before the operation of the second switch when the second switch is operated. Shooting means for switching and shooting

A camera comprising:

2. The camera according to claim 1,

When taking a picture in the second mode, the photographing means may omit the high-precision focus adjustment when the first switch means is operated, and operate the second switch means. Photographing is performed based on the result of the preliminary focus adjustment held immediately before the operation of the first switch means.

A camera characterized in that:

3. In the camera described in claim 1,

When taking a picture in the second mode, the photographing means starts the high-precision focus adjustment when the first switch hand is operated, and the second switch means is operated. Stopping the high-precision focus adjustment, and performing photographing based on the result of the high-precision focus adjustment held immediately before the operation of the second switch means.

A camera characterized in that:

4. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the photographing means has a higher focus than the first mode when photographing in the second mode. Adjust the focus by narrowing the adjustment range

A camera characterized in that:

5. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the photographing unit, when photographing in the second mode, stops the diaphragm, Control in the narrowing direction compared to mode 1

A camera characterized in that:

6. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the photographing unit includes a photographing lens having a variable focal length, and when photographing is performed in the second mode. A camera, wherein the change of the focal length of the taking lens is limited to a wide-angle side.

7. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

A viewfinder for displaying a through image obtained by preliminary imaging of a subject; and when taking a picture in the second mode using the photographing means, use the optical viewfinder without using the viewfinder. Means to prompt the user to

A camera comprising:

8. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first switch means includes a release button having a two-stage pressing stroke.

A first-stage stroke, and the second switch means is a second-stage stroke of the release button.

A camera characterized in that: