U.S. patent application number 13/183301 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-03 for digital camera.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Kenichi HONJO, Kazuhiko ISHIMARU, Kenji MAEDA, Toshio MAKABE, Kaoru MOKUNAKA, Hiroshi UEDA, Naoto YUMIKI.
Application Number | 20110267528 13/183301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38122724 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110267528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
UEDA; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
November 3, 2011 |
DIGITAL CAMERA
Abstract
A digital camera of the present invention includes a receiving
portion 155 that receives a control signal from a remote
controller, and a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode
controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 130 or
image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the
CMOS sensor 130 to predetermined processing is displayed on a
liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein
when the receiving portion 155 receives the control signal from the
remote controller, the microcomputer 110 controls so as to shift
the digital camera to a live view mode. Due to this configuration,
in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable
of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic
viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.
Inventors: |
UEDA; Hiroshi; (Osaka,
JP) ; HONJO; Kenichi; (Osaka, JP) ; YUMIKI;
Naoto; (Osaka, JP) ; MAKABE; Toshio; (Osaka,
JP) ; MAEDA; Kenji; (Osaka, JP) ; MOKUNAKA;
Kaoru; (Osaka, JP) ; ISHIMARU; Kazuhiko;
(Osaka, JP) |
Assignee: |
PANASONIC CORPORATION
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
38122724 |
Appl. No.: |
13/183301 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12847689 |
Jul 30, 2010 |
|
|
|
13183301 |
|
|
|
|
11567036 |
Dec 5, 2006 |
7796160 |
|
|
12847689 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/333.01 ;
348/E5.024 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/232123 20180801;
H04N 5/2254 20130101; G03B 19/00 20130101; G03B 19/12 20130101;
H04N 5/23203 20130101; H04N 5/232122 20180801; H04N 5/23245
20130101; H04N 5/232945 20180801; H04N 5/23293 20130101; H04N 5/238
20130101; H04N 5/23212 20130101; H04N 5/232411 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/333.01 ;
348/E05.024 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/222 20060101
H04N005/222 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 6, 2005 |
JP |
JP2005-351936 |
Claims
1-11. (canceled)
12. A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder, comprising: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; an output terminal used to output the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing to an external apparatus; and a control
portion that controls in such a manner that, when a terminal from
the external apparatus is connected to the output terminal while
the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of the image
pickup optical system, the movable mirror is retracted from the
optical path of the image pickup optical system, the image pickup
element captures the subject image formed by the image pickup
optical system to generate image data, and the generated image data
or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing are output to the external apparatus via
the output terminal.
13. The digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the control
portion controls in such a manner that, when the output terminal
and the terminal from the external apparatus are disconnected, the
movable mirror returns to a state in which the movable mirror is
positioned in the optical path of the image pickup optical
system.
14. A camera body to which an interchangeable lens is
attachable/detachable, having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder, comprising: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; an output terminal used to output the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing to an external apparatus; and a control
portion that controls in such a manner that, when a terminal from
the external apparatus is connected to the output terminal while
the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of the image
pickup optical system, the movable mirror is retracted from the
optical path of the image pickup optical system, the image pickup
element captures the subject image formed by the image pickup
optical system to generate image data, and the generated image data
or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing are output to the external apparatus via
the output terminal.
15. The camera body according to claim 14, wherein the control
portion controls in such a manner that, when the output terminal
and the terminal from the external apparatus are disconnected, the
movable mirror returns to a state in which the movable mirror is
positioned in the optical path of the image pickup optical
system.
16. A camera system comprising the camera body of claim 14 and an
interchangeable lens.
17. A method for controlling a digital camera having a movable
mirror provided so as to enter or retract with respect to an
optical path of an image pickup optical system for guiding a
subject image to an optical viewfinder, the digital camera
comprising: an image pickup element that captures the subject image
formed by the image pickup optical system to generate image data;
and an output terminal used to output the generated image data or
image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing to an external apparatus, wherein the
method controls in such a manner that, when a terminal from the
external apparatus is connected to the output terminal while the
movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of the image
pickup optical system, the movable mirror is retracted from the
optical path of the image pickup optical system, the image pickup
element captures the subject image formed by the image pickup
optical system to generate image data, and the generated image data
or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing are output to the external apparatus via
the output terminal.
18. The method for controlling a digital camera according to claim
17, wherein the method controls in such a manner that, when the
output terminal and the terminal from the external apparatus are
disconnected, the movable mirror returns to a state in which the
movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of the image
pickup optical system.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/847,689, filed on Jul. 30, 2010, which is a divisional of
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/567,036, filed Dec. 5, 2006, which
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a digital camera. In
particular, the present invention relates to a digital camera
having a movable mirror, which enables a subject image to be
observed through an electronic viewfinder.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] A digital single-lens reflex camera has an electronic
viewfinder and an optical viewfinder, so that a subject image
formed by an image pickup optical system is switched with a movable
mirror, and can be observed through the optical viewfinder. Because
of this, displacement does not occur between a subject image in a
recording image and a subject image displayed with the optical
viewfinder, whereby an image pickup manipulation can be performed
satisfactorily.
[0006] However, the digital single-lens reflex camera needs to
switch the movable mirror in accordance with an operation state.
This requires a user's manual manipulation, and a time therefor
needs to be kept. Particularly, in a camera with a "live view mode"
in which an image generated by an image pickup element is displayed
on a display portion in real time, the movable mirror needs to be
switched frequently in accordance with an autofocus operation, a
diaphragm adjustment operation, and an image pickup operation.
[0007] A digital single-lens reflex camera with a live view mode is
disclosed by, for example, Patent Document 1 (JP 2001-272593
A).
[0008] However, in the digital single-lens reflex camera disclosed
by Patent Document 1, the operability involved in switching of the
movable mirror is not improved sufficiently. Therefore, even if the
live view mode is set to be executable, it is difficult for a user
to use it, and consequently, the user captures an image while
observing it with the optical viewfinder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a digital
camera with operability thereof enhanced, which includes a movable
mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view
through an electronic viewfinder.
[0010] A first digital camera according to the present invention
having a movable mirror provided so as to enter or retract with
respect to an optical path of an image pickup optical system for
purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinder
includes: an image pickup element that captures the subject image
formed by the image pickup optical system to generate image data; a
display portion that displays the image data generated by the image
pickup element or image data obtained by subjecting the image data
generated by the image pickup element to predetermined processing;
a receiving portion that receives a control signal from a remote
controller; and a control portion having a live view mode
controlling so that the image data generated by the image pickup
element or the image data obtained by subjecting the image data
generated by the image pickup element to predetermined processing
is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time,
wherein when the receiving portion receives the control signal from
the remote controller, the control portion controls so as to shift
the digital camera to a live view mode.
[0011] According to the above configuration, when a signal giving
an instruction regarding the autofocus operation, an image pickup
start signal, a self-timer setting signal, or the like is received
from the remote controller, the digital camera is shifted to the
live view mode automatically. When an image is captured with the
remote controller, the image is captured under the condition that
the digital camera is away from the hand (e.g., under the condition
that the digital camera is fixed to a tripod, the digital camera is
left on a desk, etc.) in many cases. In such a case, an image is
likely to be grasped if the image is captured with an electronic
viewfinder having a large screen, compared with the case where the
image is captured with the optical viewfinder. In the case of
receiving a signal from the remote controller, the digital camera
is shifted to the live view mode automatically as described above,
whereby the time and labor for switching to the live view mode
manually are saved, which enhances the operability.
[0012] Furthermore, a second digital camera according to the
present invention having a movable mirror provided so as to enter
or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the image data
generated by the image pickup element or image data obtained by
subjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element to
predetermined processing; a tripod fixing portion for fixing the
digital camera to a tripod; and a control portion having a live
view mode controlling so that the image data generated by the image
pickup element or the image data obtained by subjecting the image
data generated by the image pickup element to predetermined
processing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in
real time, wherein when the digital camera is fixed to the tripod
by the tripod fixing portion, the control portion controls so as to
shift the digital camera to a live view mode.
[0013] According to the above configuration, when the digital
camera is fixed to the tripod, the digital camera is shifted to the
live view mode automatically. When an image is captured under the
condition that the digital camera is fixed to the tripod, an image
is likely to be grasped if the image is captured with an electronic
viewfinder having a large screen, compared with the case where the
image is captured with the optical viewfinder. When the digital
camera is fixed to the tripod, the digital camera is shifted to the
live view mode automatically as described above, whereby the time
and labor for switching to the live view mode manually are saved,
which enhances the operability.
[0014] Furthermore, a third digital camera according to the present
invention having a movable mirror provided so as to enter or
retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup optical
system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the image data
generated by the image pickup element or image data obtained by
subjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element to
predetermined processing; a shaking detecting portion that detects
shaking of the digital camera; and a control portion having a live
view mode controlling so that the image data generated by the image
pickup element or the image data obtained by subjecting the image
data generated by the image pickup element to predetermined
processing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in
real time, wherein the control portion controls so as to shift the
digital camera to a live view mode in accordance with detection
results of the shaking detecting portion.
[0015] According to the above configuration, the digital camera is
shifted to the live view mode in accordance with the detection
results of the shaking detecting portion, whereby the time and
labor for switching to the live view mode manually are saved, which
enhances the operability.
[0016] According to the present invention, in a digital camera that
includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject
image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the
operability thereof can be enhanced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an outline of a
camera according to Embodiments 1-5.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a
camera body according to Embodiments 1-5.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a back view of the camera body according to
Embodiments 1-5.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
interchangeable lens according to Embodiments 1-5.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic view when the inside of a mirror box
of the camera according to Embodiments 1-5 is in a state B.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic view when the inside of the mirror box
of the camera according to Embodiments 1-5 is in a state C.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an AV
button is pressed in an OVF mode.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a
diaphragm stop-down button is pressed in a live view mode.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a live
view preview button is pressed in the live view mode.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example when a part
is displayed in an enlarged state on a liquid crystal monitor.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using an optical viewfinder in a manual focus
mode.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an
image file storing an image for recording.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using a liquid crystal monitor 150 in the manual
focus mode.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using an optical viewfinder in a single focus
mode.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the
single focus mode.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using an optical viewfinder in a continuous focus
mode.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using the liquid crystal monitor in the
continuous focus mode.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an autofocus operation
when an OVF mode is switched to the live view mode.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a display screen
displaying a focused point.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of line
sensors included in an AF sensor.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when
foreign matter such as dust adhering to a protective material is
removed using an supersonic vibration generator.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a stroboscopic image
pickup operation in the case of using only the AE sensor.
[0039] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a stroboscopic image
pickup operation in the case of using the AE sensor and a CMOS
sensor.
[0040] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is reset by shock.
[0041] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an LV
preview button is pressed in the OVF mode.
[0042] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time
of shift to the live view mode due to a remote control
manipulation.
[0043] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
camera is shifted to the live view mode by being fixed to a
tripod.
[0044] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
camera is shifted to the live view mode by rotating the liquid
crystal monitor.
[0045] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
camera is shifted to the live view mode by being connected to an
external terminal.
[0046] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
camera is shifted to the live view mode by setting an aspect
ratio.
[0047] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
camera is shifted to the live view mode by operating a diaphragm
ring.
[0048] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled by operating a menu button.
[0049] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled by turning off a power supply.
[0050] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled by opening a battery cover.
[0051] FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled due to the decrease in a supply
voltage.
[0052] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled due to the decrease in a supply
voltage.
[0053] FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled by being connected to the external
terminal.
[0054] FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a shift operation to a
single focus mode involved in the shift to the live view mode.
[0055] FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a shift operation to an
OVF mode involved in the shift to the continuous focus mode.
[0056] FIG. 40 is a schematic view showing a display screen when a
plurality of real-time images are displayed on the liquid crystal
monitor.
[0057] FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-display
operation in a live view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Contents
1. Embodiment 1
[0058] 1-1 Configuration of digital camera
[0059] 1-1-1 Outline of entire configuration
[0060] 1-1-2 Configuration of camera body
[0061] 1-1-3 Configuration of interchangeable lens
[0062] 1-1-4 State of mirror box
[0063] 1-1-5 Correspondence between configuration of present
embodiment and configuration of present invention
1-2 Operation of digital camera
[0064] 1-2-1 Display operation of real-time image [0065] 1-2-1-1
Operation during use of optical viewfinder [0066] 1-2-1-2 Operation
during use of liquid crystal monitor
[0067] 1-2-2 Adjustment of diaphragm and display operation of
real-time image [0068] 1-2-2-1 Operation during use of optical
viewfinder [0069] 1-2-2-2 Operation during use of liquid crystal
monitor
[0070] 1-2-3 Image pickup operation of image for recording [0071]
1-2-3-1 Image pickup operation using manual focus [0072] 1-2-3-1-1
Operation during use of optical viewfinder [0073] 1-2-3-1-2
Operation during use of liquid crystal monitor [0074] 1-2-3-2 Image
pickup operation using single focus [0075] 1-2-3-2-1 Operation
during use of optical viewfinder [0076] 1-2-3-2-2 Operation during
use of liquid crystal monitor [0077] 1-2-3-3 Image pickup operation
using continuous focus [0078] 1-2-3-3-1 Operation during use of
optical viewfinder [0079] 1-2-3-3-2 Operation during use of liquid
crystal monitor
[0080] 1-2-4 Autofocus operation during shift to live view mode
[0081] 1-2-5 Display operation of distance-measuring point
[0082] 1-2-6 Dust automatic removing operation
[0083] 1-2-7 Stroboscopic image pickup operation in live view mode
[0084] 1-2-7-1 Photometric operation using only AE sensor [0085]
1-2-7-2 Photometric operation using AE sensor and CMOS sensor
[0086] 1-2-7-3 Photometric operation using only CMOS sensor
2. Embodiment 2
[0087] 2-1 Operation during shift to live view mode by diaphragm
adjustment
[0088] 2-2 Operation during shift to live view mode by remote
control manipulation
[0089] 2-3 Operation during shift to live view mode by fixing
tripod
[0090] 2-4 Operation during shift to live view mode by rotation of
liquid crystal monitor
[0091] 2-5 Operation during shift to live view mode by connection
to external terminal
[0092] 2-6 Operation during shift to live view mode by setting of
aspect ratio other than 4:3
[0093] 2-7 Operation during shift to live view mode by operation of
diaphragm ring
3. Embodiment 3
[0094] 3-1 Operation of canceling live view mode by menu button
manipulation
[0095] 3-2 Operation of canceling live view mode in accordance with
power supply turn-off manipulation
[0096] 3-3 Operation of canceling live view mode in accordance with
opening of battery cover
[0097] 3-4 Operation of canceling live view based on detection of
low battery
[0098] 3-5 Operation of canceling live view mode in accordance with
removal of lens
[0099] 3-6 Operation of canceling live view mode in accordance with
connection to external terminal
4. Embodiment 4
[0100] 4-1 Operation of shifting from continuous focus mode to
single focus mode
[0101] 4-2 Operation of shifting from live view mode to OVF
mode
5. Embodiment 5 Live view display of multi-screen 6. Embodiment 6
Other embodiments
Embodiment 1
1-1 Configuration of Digital Camera
[0102] [1-1-1 Outline of Entire Configuration]
[0103] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a
camera 10. The camera 10 is composed of a camera body 100 and an
interchangeable lens 200 attachable/detachable with respect to the
camera body 100.
[0104] The camera body 100 captures a subject image condensed by an
optical system included in the interchangeable lens 200, and
records it as image data. The camera body 100 includes a mirror box
120. The mirror box 120 switches an optical path of an optical
signal from the optical system included in the interchangeable lens
200 so as to allow the subject image to be incident selectively
upon either a CMOS sensor 130 (complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor) or an eyepiece 136. The mirror box 120 includes
movable mirrors 121a, 121b, a mirror driving portion 122, a shutter
123, a shutter driving portion 124, a focusing glass 125, and a
prism 126.
[0105] The movable mirror 121a is placed so as to enter/retract
with respect to the optical path of an image pickup optical system
so as to guide the subject image to an optical viewfinder. The
movable mirror 121b is placed so as to enter/retract with respect
to the optical path of the image pickup optical system together
with the movable mirror 121a. The movable mirror 121b reflects a
part of the optical signal input from the optical system included
in the interchangeable lens 200 to allows it to be incident upon an
AF sensor 132 (AF: auto focus). The AF sensor 132 is, for example,
a light-receiving sensor for autofocusing of a phase difference
detection system. When the AF sensor 132 is of the phase difference
detection system, the AF sensor 132 detects a defocus amount of the
subject image.
[0106] When the movable mirror 121a is positioned in the optical
path of the image pickup optical system, a part of the optical
signal input from the optical system included in the
interchangeable lens 200 is incident upon the eyepiece 136 via the
focusing glass 125 and the prism 126. Furthermore, the optical
signal reflected by the movable mirror 121a is diffused by the
focusing glass 125. Then, a part of the diffused optical signal is
incident upon an AE sensor 133 (AE: automatic exposure). On the
other hand, when the movable mirrors 121a and 121b are not
positioned in the optical path of the image pickup optical system,
the optical signal input from the optical system included in the
interchangeable lens 200 is incident upon the CMOS sensor 130.
[0107] The mirror driving portion 122 includes mechanical
components such as a motor and a spring. Furthermore, the mirror
driving portion 122 drives the movable mirrors 121a, 121b based on
the control of a microcomputer 110.
[0108] The shutter 123 can switch between the interruption and the
passage of the optical signal incident via the interchangeable lens
200. The shutter driving portion 124 includes mechanical components
such as a motor and a spring. Furthermore, the shutter driving
portion 124 drives the shutter 123 based on the control of the
microcomputer 110. The mirror driving portion 122 and the shutter
driving portion 124 may use separate motors or have one motor in
common.
[0109] At the back of the camera body 100, a liquid crystal monitor
150 is placed. The liquid crystal monitor 150 is capable of
displaying image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 or image
data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS
sensor 130 to predetermined processing.
[0110] The optical system in the interchangeable lens 200 includes
an objective lens 220, a zoom lens 230, a diaphragm 240, an image
fluctuation correcting unit 250, and a focus motor 260. A CPU 210
controls the optical system. The CPU 210 is capable of
transmitting/receiving a control signal and information on the
optical system with respect to the microcomputer 110 on the camera
body 100 side.
[0111] In the specification, a function of displaying a subject
image on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in real time and a display
thereof will be referred to as a "live view" or "LV". Furthermore,
a control mode of the microcomputer 110 for allowing a live view
operation to be performed as such will be referred to as a "live
view mode" or an "LV mode". Furthermore, a function in which an
optical image incident via the interchangeable lens 200 can be
recognized visually through the eyepiece 136 will be referred to as
a "finder view" or an "OVF". Furthermore, a control mode of the
microcomputer 110 for allowing the OVF function to be operated as
such will be referred to as an "OVF mode".
[0112] [1-1-2 Configuration of Camera Body]
[0113] FIG. 2 shows a configuration of the camera body 110. As
shown in FIG. 2, the camera body 110 has various sites, and the
microcomputer 110 controls them. In the present embodiment, a
description will be made in which one microcomputer 110 controls
the entire camera body 100. However, even if the present embodiment
is configured so that a plurality of control portions control the
camera body 100, the camera body 100 is operated similarly.
[0114] A lens mount portion 135 is a member that attaches/detaches
the interchangeable lens 200. The lens mount portion 125 can be
electrically connected to the interchangeable lens 200 using a
connection terminal or the like, and also can be mechanically
connected thereto using a mechanical member such as an engagement
member. The lens mount portion 135 can output a signal from the
interchangeable lens 200 to the microcomputer 110, and can output a
signal from the microcomputer 110 to the interchangeable lens 200.
The lens mount portion 135 has a hollow configuration. Therefore,
the optical signal incident from the optical system included in the
interchangeable lens 200 passes through the lens mount portion 135
to reach the mirror box 120.
[0115] The mirror box 120 guides the optical signal having passed
through the lens mount portion 135 to the CMOS sensor 130, the
eyepiece lens 136, the AF sensor 132, and the AE sensor 133 in
accordance with the inside state. The switching of the optical
signal by the mirror box will be described in "1-1-4 State of
mirror box".
[0116] The CMOS sensor 130 electrically converts the optical signal
incident through the mirror box 120 to generate image data. The
generated image data is converted from an analog signal to a
digital signal by an A/D converter 131 to be output to the
microcomputer 110. The generated image data may be subjected to
predetermined image processing while being output from the CMOS
sensor 130 to the A/D converter 131 or while being output from the
A/D converter 131 to the microcomputer 110.
[0117] The eyepiece lens 136 passes the optical signal incident
through the mirror box 120. At this time, in the mirror box 120, as
shown in FIG. 1, the optical signal incident from the
interchangeable lens 200 is reflected by the movable mirror 121a to
form a subject image on the focusing glass 125. Then, the prism 126
reflects the subject image to output it to the eyepiece 136.
Consequently, a user visually can recognize the subject image from
the mirror box 120. Herein, the eyepiece 136 may be composed of a
single lens or a lens group including a plurality of lenses.
Furthermore, the eyepiece 136 may be held on the camera body 100 in
a fixed manner, or held thereon movably for the purpose of
adjusting a visibility or the like. The optical viewfinder is
composed of the focusing glass 125, the prism 126, and the eyepiece
136, and is configured in an optimum shape for displaying an image
having a composition with an aspect ratio of 4:3. It should be
noted that the optical viewfinder may be configured in an optimum
shape for displaying an image having a composition with another
aspect ratio. For example, the optical viewfinder may have an
optimum shape for displaying an image having a composition with an
aspect ratio of 16:9, or an optimum shape for displaying an image
having a composition with an aspect ratio of 3:2.
[0118] A protective material 138 protects the surface of the CMOS
sensor 130. By placing the protective material 138 on the front
surface of the CMOS sensor 130, foreign matter such as dust can be
prevented from adhering to the surface of the CMOS sensor 130. The
protective material 138 can be formed of a transparent material
such as glass or plastic.
[0119] An supersonic vibration generator 134 is activated in
accordance with a signal from the microcomputer 110 to generate an
supersonic vibration. The supersonic vibration generated in the
supersonic vibration generator 134 is transmitted to the protective
material 138. Because of this, the protective material 138 can
vibrate to shake off foreign matter such as dust adhering to the
protective material 138. The supersonic vibration generator 134 can
be realized, for example, by attaching a piezoelectric element to
the protective material 138. In this case, the piezoelectric
element can be vibrated by supplying an AC current to the
piezoelectric element attached to the protective material 138.
[0120] A strobe 137 flashes in accordance with an instruction of
the microcomputer 110. The strobe 137 may be contained in the
camera body 100, or may be of a type attachable/detachable with
respect to the camera body 100. In the case of an
attachable/detachable strobe, it is necessary to provide a strobe
attachment portion such as a hot shoe on the camera body 100.
[0121] A release button 141 receives an instruction from the user
regarding the activation of an autofocus operation and a
photometric operation, and also receives an instruction from the
user regarding the start of capturing an image for recording by the
CMOS sensor 130. The release button 141 can receive halfway
depression and full depression. When the release button 141 is
pressed halfway by the user in an autofocus mode, the microcomputer
110 instructs the interchangeable lens 200 to perform the autofocus
operation based on a signal from the AF sensor 132. Furthermore,
when the release button 141 is pressed halfway by the user in an
automatic exposure mode, the microcomputer 110 instructs the
interchangeable lens 200 to perform the photometric operation based
on a signal from the AE sensor 133. On the other hand, when the
release button 141 is pressed fully by the user, the microcomputer
110 controls the mirror box 120, the CMOS sensor 130, and the like
to capture the image for recording. Then, the microcomputer 110
subjects the captured image for recording to YC conversion
processing, resolution conversion processing, compression
processing, or the like, if required, thereby generating image data
for recording. The microcomputer 110 records the generated image
data for recording on a memory card 300 via a card slot 153. The
release button 141 can has a function of responding to the halfway
depression and a function of responding to the full depression by
allowing the release button 141 to contain two switches. In this
case, one of the switches is switched to an ON state by the halfway
depression, and the other switch is switched to an ON state by the
full depression.
[0122] A manipulation portion 140 can receive various instructions
from the user. An instruction received by the manipulation portion
140 is transmitted to the microcomputer 110. FIG. 3 is a back view
of the camera body 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the back surface of the
camera body 100 includes a menu button 140a, a cross key 140b, a
set button 140c, a rotation dial 140d, a viewfinder switch 140e, a
focus mode switch 140f, a strobe activation button 140h, an LV
preview button 140j, a stop-down button 140k, an AV button 140m,
and a power supply switch 142. On the upper surface of the camera
body 100, a hand shaking correction mode switch button 140g and the
release button 141 are placed.
[0123] The menu button 140 allows the liquid crystal monitor 150 to
display setting information on the camera body 10, thereby enabling
the user to change the setting. The cross key 140b selects various
settings, items, images, or the like displayed on the liquid
crystal monitor 150, and for example, can move a cursor or the
like. The set button 140c determines the selected various settings,
items, images, or the like displayed on the liquid crystal monitor
150. The rotation dial 140d is an operation member that selects
various settings, items, images, or the like displayed on the
liquid crystal monitor 150 in the same way as in the cross key
140b, and can move a cursor or the like, for example, by rotating.
The viewfinder switch 140e selects either guiding an optical image
to the eyepiece 136 or displaying a captured electric image on the
liquid crystal monitor 150. The focus mode switch 140f selects
either setting a focus mode in a manual focus mode or setting the
focus mode in an autofocus mode. The hand shaking correction mode
switch 140g is capable of selecting whether hand shaking correction
should be performed. Furthermore, the hand shaking correction mode
switch 140g can select a control mode of hand shaking correction.
The stop-down button 140k adjusts the diaphragm in the live view
mode. The LV preview button 140j adjusts the diaphragm and displays
a part of an image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in
an enlarged state, in the live view mode. The AV button 140m
adjusts the diaphragm in the OVF mode.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal monitor 150 receives
a signal from the microcomputer 110 and displays an image or
information on various settings. The liquid crystal monitor 150 is
capable of displaying image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130,
or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated in
the CMOS sensor 130 to predetermined processing. The liquid crystal
monitor 150 is capable of displaying the image data held in the
memory card 300 after subjecting the image data to predetermined
processing such as decompression processing in the microcomputer
110, if required. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal monitor
150 is placed on the back surface of the camera body 100. The
liquid crystal monitor 150 is placed rotatably with respect to the
camera body 100. A contact point 151 detects the rotation of the
liquid crystal monitor 150. The liquid crystal monitor 150 has an
optimum shape for displaying an image having a composition with an
aspect ratio of 4:3. It should be noted that the liquid crystal
monitor 150 is also capable of displaying an image having a
composition with another aspect ratio (e.g., 3:2 or 16:9).
[0125] An external terminal 152 outputs image data and information
on various settings to an external apparatus. The external terminal
152 is, for example, a USB terminal (USB: universal serial bus), a
terminal for an interface pursuant to an IEEE 139 specification
(IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), or the
like. Furthermore, when a connection terminal from the external
apparatus is connected to the external terminal 152, the
microcomputer 110 is notified of the connection.
[0126] A power supply controller 146 controls the supply of power
from a battery 400 contained in a battery box 143 to a member in a
camera 10, such as the microcomputer 110. When the power supply
switch 142 is switched on, the power supply controller 146 starts
supplying the power from the battery 400 to the member in the
camera 10. Furthermore, the power supply controller 146 includes a
sleep function, and when the power supply switch 142 remains
unoperated for a predetermined period of time keeping an ON state,
the power supply switch 142 stops the supply of power (excluding
partial members in the camera 10). Furthermore, the power supply
controller 146 notifies the microcomputer 110 that the battery
cover 144 is opened, based on a signal from the contact point 145
that monitors the opening/closing of the battery cover 144. The
battery cover 144 is a member that opens/closes an opening of the
battery box 143. In FIG. 2, the power supply controller 146 is
configured so as to supply power to each member in the camera 10
through the microcomputer 110. However, even if the power supply
controller 146 is configured so as to supply power directly from
the power supply controller 146, the camera 10 is operated
similarly.
[0127] A tripod fixing portion 147 is a member that fixes a tripod
(not shown) to the camera body 100, and is composed of a screw or
the like.
[0128] The contact point 148 monitors whether or not the tripod is
fixed to the tripod fixing portion 147, and notifies the
microcomputer 110 of the result. The contact point 148 can be
composed of a switch or the like.
[0129] The card slot 153 is a connector for accepting the memory
card 300. The card slot 153 may be not only configured so as to
include a mechanical portion for placing the memory card 300, but
also be configured so as to include a control portion and/or
software for controlling the memory card 300.
[0130] A buffer 111 is a memory used when signal processing is
performed in the microcomputer 110. Although a signal stored
temporarily in the buffer 111 mainly is image data, a control
signal and the like may be stored in the buffer 111. The buffer 111
may be means capable of storing, such as a DRAM (dynamic random
access memory), an SRAM (static random access memory), a flash
memory, or a ferroelectric memory. The buffer 11 also may be a
memory specialized in storage.
[0131] An AF auxiliary light emitting portion 154 is a member that
emits auxiliary light when an autofocus operation is performed in a
dark photographing place. The AF auxiliary light emitting portion
154 emits light based on the control of the microcomputer 110. The
AF auxiliary light emitting portion 154 includes a red LED
(light-emitting diode) and the like.
[0132] A remote control receiving portion 155 receives a signal
from a remote controller (not shown) and transmits the received
signal to the microcomputer 110. The remote control receiving
portion 155 typically includes a photodetector that receives
infrared light from the remote controller.
[0133] [1-1-3 Configuration of Interchangeable Lens]
[0134] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
interchangeable lens 200.
[0135] As shown in FIG. 4, the interchangeable lens 200 includes an
image pickup optical system. Furthermore, the image pickup optical
system and the like of the interchangeable lens 200 are controlled
by the CPU 210.
[0136] The CPU 210 controls the operations of actuators such as a
zoom motor 231, a diaphragm motor 241, the hand shaking correction
unit 250, and a focus motor 261, thereby controlling the image
pickup optical system. The CPU 210 sends information representing
the states of the image pickup optical system, an accessory
placement portion 272, and the like to the camera body 100 via a
communication terminal 270. Furthermore, the CPU 210 receives a
control signal or the like from the camera body 100, and controls
the image pickup optical system and the like based on the received
control signal or the like.
[0137] The objective lens 220 is placed closest to the subject
side. The objective lens 220 may be movable in an optical axis
direction or may be fixed.
[0138] The zoom lens 230 is placed on the image surface side from
the objective lens 220. The zoom lens 230 is movable in the optical
axis direction. By moving the zoom lens 230, the magnification of
the subject image can be varied. The zoom lens 230 is driven with
the zoom motor 231. The zoom motor 231 may be any motor such as a
stepping motor or a servo motor, as long as it drives at least the
zoom lens 230. The CPU 210 monitors the state of the zoom motor 231
or the state of another member to monitor the position of the zoom
lens 230.
[0139] The diaphragm 240 is placed on the image surface side from
the zoom lens 231. The diaphragm 240 has an aperture with the
optical axis at the center. The size of the aperture can be changed
by the diaphragm motor 241 and a diaphragm ring 242. The diaphragm
motor 241 is synchronized with a mechanism that changes the
aperture size of the diaphragm to drive the mechanism, thereby
changing the aperture size of the diaphragm. The diaphragm ring 242
also is synchronized with a mechanism that changes the aperture
size of the diaphragm to drive the mechanism, thereby changing the
aperture size of the diaphragm. An electrical control signal is
given to the microcomputer 110 or the CPU 210 by the user, and the
diaphragm motor 241 is driven based on the control signal. In
contrast, the diaphragm ring 242 receives a mechanical manipulation
from the user, and transmits this manipulation to the diaphragm
240. Furthermore, whether or not the diaphragm ring 242 has been
operated can be detected by the CPU 210.
[0140] The hand shaking correction unit 250 is placed on the image
surface side from the diaphragm 240. The hand shaking correction
unit 250 includes a correction lens 251 that corrects hand shaking
and an actuator that drives the correction lens 251. The actuator
included in the hand shaking correction unit 250 can move the
correction lens 251 in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis. A
gyrosensor 252 measures an angular speed of the interchangeable
lens 200. For convenience, in FIG. 4, although the gyrosensor 252
is shown with one block, the interchangeable lens 200 includes two
gyrosensors 252. One of the two gyrosensors measures an angular
speed with a vertical axis of the camera 10 being the center.
Furthermore, the other gyrosensor measures an angular speed with a
horizontal axis of the camera 10 perpendicular to the optical axis
being the center. The CPU 210 measures a hand shaking direction and
a hand shaking amount of the interchangeable lens 200 based on the
angular speed information from the gyrosensor 252. The CPU 210
controls an actuator so as to move the correction lens 251 in a
direction of canceling a hand shaking amount. Because of this, the
subject image formed with the image pickup optical system of the
interchangeable lens 200 becomes a subject image with hand shaking
corrected.
[0141] The focus lens 260 is placed closest to the image surface
side. The focus motor 261 drives the focus lens 260 in the optical
axis direction. This can adjust the focus of the subject image.
[0142] The accessory placement portion 272 is a member that places
an accessory such as a light-shielding hood at a tip end of the
interchangeable lens 200. The accessory placement portion 272 is
composed of mechanical members such as a screw and a bayonet.
Furthermore, the accessory placement portion 272 includes a
detector that detects whether or not an accessory has been placed.
When the accessory is placed, the accessory placement portion 272
notifies the CPU 210 of the placement of the accessory.
[0143] [1-1-4 State of Mirror Box]
[0144] The state in the mirror box 120 in each operation state will
be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6.
[0145] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the state in the mirror
box 120 in a mode of observing a subject image using the optical
viewfinder. In the present specification, for convenience, this
state will be referred to as a "state A". In the state A, the
movable mirrors 121a, 121b are positioned in the optical path of
the optical signal incident from the interchangeable lens 200.
Therefore, a part of the optical signal from the interchangeable
lens 200 is reflected by the movable mirror 121a, and the remaining
part thereof is transmitted through the movable mirror 121a. The
reflected optical signal passes through the focusing glass 125, the
prism 126, and the eyepiece 136 to reach the user's eye.
Furthermore, the optical signal reflected by the movable mirror
121a is reflected by the focusing glass 125, and a part of the
reflected optical signal is incident upon the AE sensor 133. On the
other hand, a part of the optical signal transmitted through the
movable mirror 121a is reflected by the movable mirror 121b to
reach the AF sensor 132. Furthermore, in the state A, a first
shutter 123a is closed. Therefore, the optical signal from the
interchangeable lens 200 does not reach the CMOS sensor 130. Thus,
in the state A, the observation of the subject image using the
optical viewfinder, the autofocus operation using the AF sensor
132, and the photometric operation using the AE sensor 133 can be
performed. However, the observation of the subject image using the
liquid crystal monitor 150, the recording of the image data
generated by the CMOS sensor 130, and the autofocus operation using
the contrast of the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130
cannot be performed.
[0146] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the state in the mirror
box 120 in a mode in which the subject image is input to the CMOS
sensor 130. In the specification, for convenience, this state will
be referred to as a "state B". In the state B, the movable mirrors
121a, 121b are not positioned in the optical path of the optical
signal incident from the interchangeable lens 200. Therefore, the
optical signal from the interchangeable lens 200 does not pass
through the focusing glass 125, the prism 126, and the eyepiece 136
to reach the user's eye, and does not reach the AF sensor 132 and
the AE sensor 133, either. Furthermore, in the state B, the first
shutter 123a and the second shutter 123b are opened. Therefore, the
optical signal from the interchangeable lens 200 reaches the CMOS
sensor 130. Thus, in the state B, contrary to the state A, the
observation of the subject image using the liquid crystal monitor
150, the recording of the image data generated by the CMOS sensor
130, and the autofocus operation using the contrast of the image
data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 can be performed. However,
the observation of the subject image using the optical viewfinder,
the autofocus operation using the AF sensor 132, and the
photometric operation using the AE sensor 133 cannot be performed.
The movable mirrors 121a, 121b, and the first shutter 123a are
biased in a direction in which the state A is shifted to the state
B by biasing means such as a spring. Therefore, the state A can be
shifted to the state B instantaneously, which is preferable for
starting exposure.
[0147] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the state in the mirror
box 120 immediately after the exposure of the subject image with
respect to the CMOS sensor 130 is completed. In the present
specification, for convenience, this state will be referred to as a
"state C". In the state C, the movable mirrors 121a, 121b are not
positioned in the optical path of the optical signal incident from
the interchangeable lens 200. Therefore, the optical signal from
the interchangeable lens 200 does not pass through the focusing
glass 125, the prism 126, and the eyepiece 136 to reach the user's
eye, and does not reach the AF sensor 132 and the AE sensor 133,
either. Furthermore, in the state C, the second shutter 123b is
closed while the first shutter 123a is opened. Therefore, the
optical signal from the interchangeable lens 200 does not reach the
CMOS sensor 130. Thus, in the state C, the observation of the
subject image using the liquid crystal monitor 150, the recording
of the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130, the autofocus
operation using the contrast of image data generated by the CMOS
sensor 130, the observation of the subject image using the optical
viewfinder, the autofocus operation using the AF sensor, and the
photometric operation using the AE sensor 133 cannot be performed.
The second shutter 123b is biased in the closing direction, so that
the state B can be shifted to the state C instantaneously.
Therefore, the state C is in a state optimum for completing the
exposure of the CMOS sensor 130.
[0148] As described above, the state A can be shifted to the state
B directly. In contrast, the state B cannot be shifted to the state
A without the state C, in terms of the constriction of the
mechanism of the mirror box 120. However, this is a technical
problem in the mechanism in the mirror box 120, so that a mechanism
capable of directly shifting the state B to the state A without the
state C may be adopted.
[0149] [1-1-5 Correspondence Between Configuration of Present
Embodiment and Configuration of Present Invention]
[0150] The configuration including the focusing glass 125, the
prism 126, and the eyepiece 136 is an example of an optical
viewfinder of the present invention. The optical system including
the objective lens 220, the zoom lens 230, the correction lens 251,
and the focus lens 260 is an example of an image pickup optical
system of the present invention. The movable mirrors 121a, 121b are
examples of a movable mirror of the present invention. The CMOS
sensor 130 is an example of an image pickup element of the present
invention. The liquid crystal monitor 150 is an example of a
display portion of the present invention. The microcomputer 110 is
an example of a control portion of the present invention. In this
case, the control portion may include the CPU 210 in addition to
the microcomputer 110. The LV preview button 140j is an example of
a diaphragm adjustment instruction receiving portion of the present
invention. The microcomputer 110 is an example of image processing
means of the present invention. The full depression manipulation
receiving function of the release button 141 is an example of a
release portion of the present invention. Similarly, the remote
control receiving portion 155 that receives an instruction for the
start of capturing an image for recording from the remote
controller is an example of the release portion of the present
invention. The AF sensor 132 is an example of a distance-measuring
portion of the present invention. The configuration including the
microcomputer 110, the CPU 210, the focus motor 261, and the focus
lens 260 is an example of an autofocus portion of the present
invention. The configuration including the focus lens 260 and the
focus ring 262 is an example of manual focus means of the present
invention. The memory card 300 is an example of a recording portion
of the present invention. The halfway depression receiving function
of the release button 141 is an example of an AF start instruction
receiving portion of the present invention. Similarly, the remote
control receiving portion 155 that receives an instruction for the
start of autofocusing from the remote controller is an example of
an AF start instruction receiving portion of the present invention.
The buffer 111 is an example of storage means of the present
invention. The supersonic vibration generator 134 is an example of
a foreign matter removing portion of the present invention. The
diaphragm ring 242 is an example of a diaphragm manipulation
portion of the present invention. The menu button 140a is an
example of a setting manipulation portion of the present invention.
The battery box 143 is an example of a battery accommodating
portion of the present invention. The power supply switch 142 is an
example of a power supply manipulation portion of the present
invention. The external terminal 152 is an example of an output
terminal of the present invention. The gyrosensor 252 is an example
of a shock detecting portion of the present invention.
1-2 Operation of Camera 10
[0151] The operation of the camera 10 in Embodiment 1 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 7-24.
[0152] [1-2-1 Display Operation of Real-Time Image]
[0153] The display operation for observing the subject image formed
by the interchangeable lens 200 in real time will be described. As
the display operation, two operations are set. The first one is an
operation using the optical viewfinder, and the second one is an
operation using the liquid crystal monitor 150. These operations
will be described below in detail.
[0154] In the live view, a subject image only needs to be displayed
on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in real time, and the image data
displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 may or may not be
stored simultaneously in storage means such as the memory card
300.
[0155] Furthermore, when the live view is displayed, it is
necessary to allow the optical signal from the interchangeable lens
200 to reach the CMOS sensor 130, so that the inside of the mirror
box 120 needs to be shifted to the state B shown in FIG. 5.
However, even if the microcomputer 110 is set in the live view
mode, it is necessary to set the inside of the mirror box 120 to
the state A or the state C in addition to the state B, in
accordance with each state of the image pickup operation, autofocus
operation, automatic exposure control operation, or the like, and a
period during which the liquid crystal monitor 150 cannot display a
live view also occurs.
[0156] Furthermore, as described above, in the live view, a subject
image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 250 in real time.
However, the term "real time" does not have a strict meaning, and
there may be some time delay from an actual operation of a subject
as long as the user can feel real time in a common sense. The
liquid crystal monitor 150 generally is considered to perform a
live view display with a time delay of about 0.1 seconds (this time
may be some longer or shorter depending upon hardware and the like
of the camera 10), and the case of a delay of about 1 to 5 seconds
may be included in the concept of the live view display as a
subject image display in real time.
[0157] [1-2-1-1 Operation During Use of Optical Viewfinder]
[0158] The user can switch between the live view mode and the
optical viewfinder mode (hereinafter, for convenience, referred to
as an OVF mode) by sliding the viewfinder switch 140e shown in FIG.
3.
[0159] When the user slides the viewfinder switch 140e to the OVF
mode side, the microcomputer 110 is set in the OVF mode. Then, the
microcomputer 110 controls the mirror driving portion 122 and the
shutter driving portion 124 to shift the inside of the mirror box
120 to the state A shown in FIG. 1. Consequently, the user can
observe a subject image in real time through the eyepiece 136.
Furthermore, in the state A, as described above, the autofocus
operation using the AF sensor 132 and the photometric operation
using the AE sensor 133 can be performed.
[0160] [1-2-1-2 Operation During Use of Liquid Crystal Monitor]
[0161] In the OVF mode, when the user slides the viewfinder switch
140e to the live view mode side, the microcomputer 110 is set in
the live view mode. More specifically, the microcomputer 110
controls the mirror driving portion 122 and the shutter driving
portion 124 to shift the inside of the mirror box 120 to the state
B shown in FIG. 5. Because of this, the user can observe the
subject image in real time, using the liquid crystal monitor
150.
[0162] [1-2-2 Adjustment of Diaphragm and Display Operation of
Real-Time Image]
[0163] [1-2-2-1 Operation During Use of Optical Viewfinder]
[0164] In the state A, generally, the diaphragm 240 is opened. When
an image pickup operation is started from the state A, the
diaphragm 240 is stopped down in accordance with the amount of
light incident upon the interchangeable lens 200. Thus, the opened
state of the diaphragm 240 varies between the ordinary state of the
state A and the image pickup operation. When the opened state of
the diaphragm 240 varies, the depth of field becomes different.
Therefore, in the ordinary state of the state A, the depth of field
when an image for recording is captured cannot be observed. In
order to solve this problem, the AV button 140m is provided. The
user can observe the depth of field when an image for recording is
captured with the optical viewfinder by pressing the AV button
140m. This operation will be described with reference to FIG.
7.
[0165] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the AV
button 140m is pressed in the OVF mode. In FIG. 7, the
microcomputer 110 originally is set in the OVF mode. At this time,
the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown in FIG. 1.
Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the AV
button 140m is pressed (S701). When the user presses the AV button
140m in this state, the microcomputer 110 detects that the AV
button 140m has been pressed, and starts measuring an exposure
amount (S702). Specifically, the microcomputer 110 allows the AE
sensor 133 to measure the light amount of the optical signal that
is incident upon the interchangeable lens 200, is reflected by the
movable mirror 121b, and is incident upon the AE sensor 133. The
microcomputer 110 calculates an appropriate aperture value
(f-number) of the diaphragm 240 and a shutter speed while an image
for recording is being captured, based on the measurement results
and the current opened state of the diaphragm 240. The
microcomputer 110 sends the calculated f-number to the CPU 210. The
CPU 210 controls the motor 241 based on the received f-number. The
motor 241 adjusts the diaphragm 240 based on the control of the CPU
210 (S703).
[0166] In the case where the above operation is performed in the
autofocus mode using the AF sensor 132, the autofocus operation as
well as the photometric operation can be performed in Steps S702
and S703.
[0167] Thus, by providing the AV button 140m, the depth of field
can be observed instantaneously with respect to a subject image
while an image for recording is being captured, so that the
operability is satisfactory.
[0168] [1-2-2-2 Operation During Use of Liquid Crystal Monitor]
[0169] In the case where the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state B, generally, the diaphragm 240 is opened. When an image
pickup operation is started from the state B, the degree of opening
of the diaphragm 240 is controlled to be small in accordance with
the amount of light incident upon the interchangeable lens 200.
Thus, the opened state of the diaphragm 240 varies between the
ordinary state of the state B and the image pickup operation. When
the opened state of the diaphragm 240 varies, the depth of field
becomes different. Therefore, the depth of field while an image for
recording is being captured cannot be observed in the ordinary
state of the state B. In order to solve this problem, the stop-down
button 140k and the LV preview button 140j are provided. The user
can observe the depth of field while an image for recording is
being captured in a live view display by pressing the stop-down
button 140k or the LV preview button 140j. Each operation will be
described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0170] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
stop-down button 140k is pressed in the live view mode. In FIG. 8,
the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the live view mode. At
this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state B shown
in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or
not the stop-down button 140k is pressed (S801). When the user
presses the stop-down button 140k in this state, the microcomputer
110 detects that the stop-down button 140k has been pressed, and
shifts the state of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the
state A via the state C (S802). When the shift to the state A is
completed, the measurement by the AE sensor 133 becomes possible,
so that the microcomputer 110 starts measuring an exposure amount
(S803). Specifically, the microcomputer 110 allows the AE sensor
133 to measure the light amount of the optical signal that is
incident upon the interchangeable lens 200, is reflected by the
movable mirror 121a, is diffused by the focusing glass 125, and is
incident upon the AE sensor 133. The microcomputer 110 calculates
an appropriate aperture value (f-number) of the diaphragm 240 and a
shutter speed while an image for recording is being captured, based
on the measurement results, and the current opened state of the
diaphragm 240. The microcomputer 110 sends the calculated f-number
to the CPU 210. The CPU 210 controls the motor 241 based on the
received f-number. The motor 241 adjusts the diaphragm 240 based on
the control of the CPU 210 (S804). After that, the microcomputer
110 returns the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to
the state B, and restarts a live view operation (S805).
[0171] During a period from Step S802 to Step S804 shown in FIG. 8,
a live view display cannot be performed. During this period, no
image may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 (this
state is referred to as a "blackout state"), or the setting
information on the camera 10 may be displayed, or the information
on the current states of the automatic exposure control operation
and the autofocus operation may be displayed, or the image data
displayed in the immediately proceeding live view may be displayed,
or the predetermined image data may be displayed. In order to
display the image data displayed in the immediately proceeding live
view, the microcomputer 110 always needs to save the image data
obtained during the live view operation in the buffer 111
temporarily, and update the image data in the buffer 111.
[0172] Furthermore, in the case where the above operation is
performed in the autofocus mode using the AF sensor 132, the
autofocus operation as well as the automatic exposure control
operation are performed in Steps S803 and S804.
[0173] Thus, by providing the stop-down button 140k, in the case of
capturing an image for recording, it can be checked instantaneously
what depth of field the subject image has, so that the operability
is satisfactory.
[0174] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view preview button 140j is pressed in the live view mode. In
FIG. 9, the operations shown in Steps S901 to S905 are similar to
those shown in Steps S801 to S805, so that the description thereof
will be omitted. When the shift from the state A to the state B is
completed in Step S905, the microcomputer 110 displays a region R2
that is a part of the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130
in an enlarged state as shown in FIG. 10. The part in the screen
that is set to be the region R to be enlarged can be changed by
operating the cross key 140b and the like.
[0175] Thus, by providing the live view preview button 140j, a
place whose depth of field is required to be checked can be
enlarged instantaneously, so that the depth of field can be checked
easily.
[0176] [1-2-3 Image Pickup Operation of Image for Recording]
[0177] Next, an operation in the case of capturing an image for
recording will be described. In order to capture an image for
recording, it is necessary to adjust a focus intended by the user
previously. As a method for adjusting a focus, there are a manual
focus system, a single focus system, a continuous focus system, and
the like.
[0178] By operating the focus mode switch 140f shown in FIG. 3, the
manual focus mode and the autofocus mode can be switched
therebetween. Furthermore, by pressing the menu button 140a to call
up a menu screen, either the signal focus mode or the continuous
focus mode can be selected in the autofocus mode.
[0179] [1-2-3-1 Manual Focus Image Pickup Operation]
[0180] According to the manual focus system, a focus state is
changed in accordance with the operation of the focus ring 262 by
the user, and a focus can be set according to the user's
preference. On the other hand, according to the manual focus
system, if the user is not familiar with a manipulation, there is a
problem that time and labor are needed for adjusting a focus. The
case of capturing an image while visually recognizing the image
through the optical viewfinder and the case of capturing an image
while visually recognizing the image on the liquid crystal monitor
150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 13.
[0181] [1-2-3-1-1 Image Pickup Operation Using Optical
Viewfinder]
[0182] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using the optical viewfinder in the manual focus
mode.
[0183] In FIG. 11, in the case of capturing an image in the OVF
mode, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown in
FIG. 1. The user adjusts a focus and a composition while checking a
subject image through the eyepiece 136 before capturing the image.
The user can adjust a focus by manipulating the focus ring 262
(S1101).
[0184] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release
button 141 has been pressed fully in parallel with Step S1101
(S1102).
[0185] In the case of detecting that the release button 141 has
been pressed fully, the microcomputer 110 controls the mirror
driving portion 122 and the shutter driving portion 124 to shift
the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B
(S1103).
[0186] Next, the microcomputer 110 exposes an optical signal from
the interchangeable lens 200 to the CMOS sensor 130, thereby
allowing an image for recording to be captured (S1104).
[0187] When a time corresponding to a shutter speed has elapsed,
the microcomputer 100 controls the shutter driving portion 124 so
as to close the second shutter 123b, and completes the exposure
(State C). After that, the microcomputer 110 controls so that the
inside of the mirror box 120 is returned to the state A
(S1105).
[0188] The microcomputer 110 receives the image data generated by
the CMOS sensor 130, and temporarily stores it in the buffer 111.
The image data stored at this time is, for example, image data
composed of an RGB component. The microcomputer 110 subjects the
image data stored in the buffer 111 to predetermined image
processing such as YC conversion processing, resizing processing,
and compression processing, thereby generating image data for
recording (S1106).
[0189] The microcomputer 110 finally generates an image file
pursuant to, for example, an Exif (Exchangeable image file format)
specification. The microcomputer 110 allows the generated image
file to be stored in the memory card 300 via the card slot 153
(S1107).
[0190] Hereinafter, the image file finally created by the
microcomputer 110 will be described.
[0191] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a configuration of the
image file. As shown in FIG. 12, the image file contains a header
portion D1 and an image data portion D2. The image data portion D2
stores image data for recording. The header portion D1 contains
various pieces of information storage portion D11 and a thumbnail
image D12. The various pieces of information storage portion D11
include a plurality of storage portions storing various pieces of
information such as image pickup conditions (e.g., an exposure
condition, a white balance condition, an image pickup date, etc.).
One of the storage portions includes a finder mode information
storage portion D111. The finder mode storage portion D111 stores
either "LV" or "OVF" as information. When an image pickup operation
is performed in the case where the live view mode is set, the
microcomputer 110 stores "LV" information in the finder mode
information storage portion D111 of an image file thus generated.
In contrast, when an image pickup operation is performed under the
condition that the OVF mode is set, the microcomputer 110 stores
"OVF" information in the finder mode information storage portion
D111 of an image file thus generated.
[0192] Consequently, by analyzing the header portion D1 of the
generated image file, it can be understood easily whether the image
data contained in the image file is generated in the live view mode
or in the OVF mode. Using this, the user can grasp the relationship
between the quality of his/her own captured image and the finder
mode. This can contribute to the enhancement of a photographic
technique and the like.
[0193] Although "LV" or "OVF" is selected to be stored, it may be
determined whether or not an image has been captured in the live
view mode based on whether or not "LV" or "OVF" is stored, using
only either one of "LV" and "OVF". For example, the following may
be possible: in the case where an image is captured in the live
view mode, "LV" information is stored, and in the case where an
image is captured in the OVF mode, no information is stored.
[0194] Furthermore, in Step S1104, various displays can be
performed on the liquid crystal monitor 150. For example, at the
beginning of Step S1104, the image data generated by the CMOS
sensor 130 may be read to the microcomputer 110 prior to the image
data for recording, and the read image data may be displayed.
Furthermore, the liquid crystal monitor 150 may be set to be a
blackout display. Furthermore, a live view image stored in the
buffer 111 may be displayed before full depression is performed.
Furthermore, the setting information on the camera 10, information
representing an operation state, and the like may be displayed.
[0195] Furthermore, in Steps S1103 and S1105, various displays can
be performed on the liquid crystal monitor 150. For example, the
liquid crystal monitor 150 may be set to be a blackout display.
Furthermore, a live view image stored in the buffer 111 may be
displayed before full depression is performed. Furthermore, the
setting information on the camera 10, information showing an
operation state, and the like may be displayed.
[0196] Furthermore, in Steps S1101 and S1102, the inside of the
mirror box 120 is in the state A. Therefore, the AF sensor 132 is
in a state capable of measuring a distance. The microcomputer 110
can control so as to display the measurement results (a defocus
value, etc.) measured in the AF sensor 132 or information based on
the measurement results on the liquid crystal monitor 150. Due to
such control, the user can check if a focus is adjusted based on
the information displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 as well
as an image during the manual focus manipulation. Therefore, a
focus can be adjusted exactly even in the manual manipulation. As a
method for displaying measurement results measured by the AF sensor
132 or information based on the measurement results, the display of
numerical values, display of a bar graph, display of a line graph,
display of a mark representing the degree of a defocus value, and
the like are considered.
[0197] [1-2-3-1-2 Image Pickup Operation Using Liquid Crystal
Monitor]
[0198] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the
manual focus mode.
[0199] In FIG. 13, in the case of capturing an image in the live
view mode, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state B shown
in FIG. 5. The user adjusts a focus and a composition while
checking a subject image through the liquid crystal monitor 150
before capturing the image. In order to adjust a focus, the user
manipulates the focus ring 262 (S1301).
[0200] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release
button 141 has been pressed fully in parallel with Step S1301
(S1302).
[0201] In the case of detecting that the release button 141 has
been pressed fully, the microcomputer 110 controls the mirror
driving portion 122 and the shutter driving portion 124 to shift
the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A
via the state C (S1303).
[0202] The reason why the inside of the mirror box 120 is first set
to be in the state A is to disconnect the optical signal incident
upon the CMOS sensor 130 with the shutter 123 first and allow the
CMOS sensor 130 to prepare for the start of exposure. Examples of
the preparation for the start of exposure include the removal of
unnecessary charge in each pixel.
[0203] The subsequent operations shown in Steps S1304 to S1306 are
similar to those shown in Steps S1103 to S1105 in FIG. 11, so that
the description thereof will be omitted.
[0204] When the exposure is completed, and the inside of the mirror
box 120 is set to be in the state A (S1306), the microcomputer 110
returns the inside of the mirror box 120 to the state B again, and
restarts a live view display (S1307).
[0205] The microcomputer 110 performs image processing and
recording of an image for recording in parallel with Step S1307
(S1308, S1309). The operations shown in Steps S1308 and S1309 are
similar to those shown in Steps 1106 and 1107 in FIG. 11, so that
the detailed description will be omitted.
[0206] During the operations shown in Steps S1303 to S1309, various
displays can be performed on the liquid crystal monitor 150. This
is similar to the case in the operations shown in Steps S1103 to
S1107 in FIG. 11, so that the description will be omitted.
[0207] Furthermore, even in Steps S1308 and S1309, various displays
can be performed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in addition to
the live view display.
[0208] As described above, in Steps S1308 and S1309, since the
inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state B, a live view display
can be performed. However, in Steps S1308 and S1309, a large part
of the control ability of the microcomputer 110 is assigned to
image processing and recording processing. Therefore, in Steps
S1308 and S1309, it is preferable that the burden on the
microcomputer 110, other than the image processing and recording
processing, is minimized. In Steps S1308 and S1309, a live view
display is avoided. Because of this, the microcomputer 110 is not
required to assign the processing ability for a live view display,
so that image processing and recording processing can be performed
rapidly.
[0209] As the form in which a live view display is not performed,
for example, the liquid crystal monitor 150 may be set to be a
blackout display. Furthermore, a live view image stored in the
buffer 111 may be displayed before full depression is performed.
Furthermore, the setting information on the camera 10, information
representing an operation state, and the like may be displayed.
[0210] Furthermore, in Steps S1301 and S1302, the inside of the
mirror box 120 is in the state B. Therefore, the microcomputer 110
can calculate the degree of contrast of image data generated by the
CMOS sensor 130. As the method for calculating the degree of
contrast, a method for integrating a high frequency component in a
spatial frequency of a brightness signal of image data over the
entire surface or in a predetermined range of the image data, and
the like are considered. The microcomputer 110 can control so that
the degree of contrast of the calculated image data or information
based thereon are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 so as
to overlap the live view display. Due to such control, the user can
check if a focus is adjusted based on the information displayed on
the liquid crystal monitor 150 as well as the image during a manual
manipulation. Therefore, a focus can be adjusted exactly even in
the manual operation. As the method for displaying the degree of
contrast of the calculated image data or the information based
thereon, the display of numerical values, display of a bar graph,
display of a line graph, display of a mark representing the degree
of a defocus value, and the like are considered.
[0211] [1-2-3-2 Single Focus Image Pickup Operation]
[0212] According to the single focus system, an autofocus operation
is performed in accordance with the halfway depression of the
release button 141, and the focus state thus obtained is retained.
The retention of the focus state is referred to as "focus lock".
The focus lock is kept until image pickup of an image for recording
is completed or the halfway depression of the release button 141 is
cancelled. The user selects the single focus system to first adjust
a focus to a point where the user desires to adjust the focus, and
thereafter, adjusts a composition, thereby capturing a favorite
image. Hereinafter, an operation in the case of capturing an image
using the optical viewfinder and an operation in the case of
capturing an image using the liquid crystal monitor 150 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0213] [1-2-3-2-1 Image Pickup Operation Using Optical
Viewfinder]
[0214] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using the optical viewfinder in the single focus
mode.
[0215] In FIG. 14, in the case of capturing an image in the OVF
mode, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown in
FIG. 1. The user adjusts a focus and a composition while checking a
subject image through the eyepiece 136. The microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the user presses the release button 141
halfway so as to adjust a focus (S1401).
[0216] When the user presses the release button 141 halfway, the
autofocus operation based on the measurement results of the AF
sensor 132 is started, and the focus state thus obtained is locked
(S1402).
[0217] Even after the focus state is locked, the user can adjust a
focus manually using the focus ring 262 (S1403).
[0218] During Step S1403, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or
not the release button 141 is pressed fully (S1404).
[0219] When the halfway depression of the release button 141 is
cancelled during Steps S1401 to S1404, the microcomputer 110
cancels a focus lock, and returns the state to the one in which
autofocus can be performed. Therefore, when the user presses the
release button 141 halfway again, a new focus state is locked.
[0220] The subsequent operations in Steps S1405 to S1409 are
similar to those in Steps S1103 to S1107 in FIG. 11, so that the
description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, various displays
can be performed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in Steps S1405
to S1409 in the same way as in Steps S1103 to S1107 in FIG. 11, so
that the description thereof will be omitted.
[0221] As described above, even after the state is locked once in
Step S1402, manual focus adjustment using the focus ring 262 can be
performed (S1403), whereby minute focus adjustment can be
performed. Therefore, a focus state according to the user's
preference can be set.
[0222] In the case where the automatic exposure mode is set, the
automatic exposure control operation is performed between Steps
S1404 and S1405. Specifically, the automatic exposure control
operation is performed during a period from a time when the release
button 141 is pressed fully to a time when the inside of the mirror
box 120 becomes the state B.
[0223] Herein, the detail of the automatic exposure control
operation will be described. The AE sensor 133 performs photometry,
and the photometric data thus measured is transmitted to the
microcomputer 110. The microcomputer 110 calculates an f-number and
a shutter speed based on the obtained photometric data. The
microcomputer 110 transmits the calculated f-number to the CPU 210.
Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 prepares so as to control the
shutter driving portion 124 and the CMOS sensor 130 so as to obtain
the calculated shutter speed. The CPU 210 controls the motor 241
based on the received f-number. The motor 241 adjusts an aperture
size of the diaphragm 240 in accordance with the control of the CPU
210. The above operations are performed during a period from a time
when the release button 141 is pressed fully to a time when the
inside of the mirror box 120 becomes the state B.
[0224] The timing at which the automatic exposure control operation
is performed is not limited to the above timing. For example, in
Step 1302, the automatic exposure control based on the measurement
results of the AE sensor 133 may be performed together with the
autofocus control.
[0225] Furthermore, the automatic exposure control operation may be
performed after the autofocus control is completed. When the AF
sensor 132 measures a distance, it is necessary to open the
diaphragm 240 to, for example, F6.5 or more. The reason for this is
to allow a line sensor in the AF sensor 132 to form a subject image
sufficiently. The measurement by the AF sensor can be completed
exactly by adjusting the aperture size of the diaphragm 240 after
the completion of the autofocus control.
[0226] Furthermore, after the measurement of the AF sensor 132, the
autofocus control and the adjustment of an aperture size of the
diaphragm 240 may be performed in parallel. Because of this, the
diaphragm 240 is driven without waiting for the completion of the
autofocus operation, so that a time required for setting the
diaphragm 240 can be shortened.
[0227] [1-2-3-2-2 Image Pickup Operation Using Liquid Crystal
Monitor]
[0228] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the
single focus mode.
[0229] In FIG. 15, in the case of capturing an image in the live
view mode, the inside of the mirror box 120 originally is in the
state B shown in FIG. 5. The user adjusts a focus and a composition
while checking a subject image through the liquid crystal monitor
150 before capturing the image. The microcomputer 110 monitors
whether or not the user presses the release button 141 halfway so
as to adjust a focus (S1501).
[0230] When the user presses the release button 141 halfway, the
microcomputer 110 starts a timer in the microcomputer 110
(S1502).
[0231] The microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box
120 from the state B to the state A via the state C in parallel
with Step S1502 (S1503), and starts the autofocus operation based
on the measurement results of the AF sensor 132 and locks the focus
state thus obtained (S1504). The reason why the inside of the
mirror box 120 is shifted to the state A in S1503 is to measure a
distance with the AF sensor 132.
[0232] Even after the focus is locked, manual focus adjustment
using the focus ring 262 can be performed (S1505).
[0233] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release
button 141 is pressed fully while the focus ring 262 is being
manipulated (S1506).
[0234] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the release
button 141 is pressed fully before a predetermined time elapses
after the halfway depression (S1507). When the release button 141
is pressed fully before a predetermined time elapses after the
release button 141 is pressed halfway, the microcomputer 110 is
shifted to Step S1512, and starts an image pickup operation
immediately. On the other hand, when a predetermined time elapses
after the halfway depression with the release button 141 is not
pressed fully, the microcomputer 110 is shifted to Step S1508.
[0235] In Step S1508, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of
the mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B. Because of
this, the camera 10 can display a subject image on the liquid
crystal monitor 150 under the condition that a focus is locked.
Therefore, the user can determine a favorite composition by
watching an image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 while
keeping the focus in a favorite state.
[0236] Next, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the
release button 141 is pressed fully (S1510).
[0237] While Step S1510 is being performed, a focus state can be
changed manually using the focus ring 262 in the same way as in
Step S1504 (S1509).
[0238] During Steps S1501 to S1510, in the same way as in Steps
S1401 to S1404 in FIG. 14, when the halfway depression of the
release button 141 is cancelled, the microcomputer 110 cancels a
focus lock, and returns the state to the one in which an autofocus
can be performed again. Therefore, when the release button 141 is
pressed halfway again, a new focus state is locked.
[0239] The subsequent operations in Steps S1511 to S1517 are
similar to those in S1303 to S1309 in FIG. 13, so that the
description thereof will be omitted.
[0240] As described above, merely by pressing the release button
141 halfway, after the movable mirror 121 is moved down to measure
a distance, the camera 10 returns to the live view mode. Because of
this, with a simple manipulation of pressing the release button 141
halfway, the operations from the autofocus operation using the AF
sensor 132 to the live view display can be performed easily.
Therefore, the user can adjust a composition in the live view
display when a subject is focused by a simple manipulation.
[0241] Furthermore, when the user desires to change a composition
while watching the liquid crystal monitor 150 after determining a
focus state, the user only need to wait until a predetermined time
elapses after pressing the release button 141 halfway. On the other
hand, in the case of pressing the release button 141 fully
immediately after pressing it halfway, an image starts being
captured without a live view display (S1508-S1511 are skipped in
S1506), so that a time from the halfway depression to the start of
capturing an image can be shortened. This is because the movable
mirror is prevented from being moved up/down unnecessarily.
Therefore, the user can capture a favorite image without letting a
shutter timing slip away.
[0242] In Steps S1511 to S1517, various displays can be performed
on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the same way as in Steps S1103
to S1107.
[0243] Furthermore, a live view cannot be displayed in the
autofocus operation (S1504) and the image pickup operation (S1513).
Alternatively, even when a live view can be displayed for a short
period of time, it is difficult to display it continuously. This is
because the movable mirror 121 is moved down in the autofocus
operation (S1504). Furthermore, in the image pickup operation
(S1513), it is difficult for the CMOS sensor 130 to output image
data during exposure. Thus, it is considered that an image other
than a live view is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 in
these cases. In this case, it is preferable to vary a method for
displaying an image on the liquid crystal monitor 130 or a method
for not displaying an image on the liquid crystal monitor 130
between the autofocus operation (S1504) and the image pickup
operation (S1513). The display on the liquid crystal monitor 130
varies, so that it is easy to recognize whether the autofocus
operation or the image pickup operation is being performed. Because
of this, the movable mirror 121 is moved up and down in the
autofocus operation and the image pickup operation. Therefore, the
problem that the user is likely to confuse both the operations
since the patterns of sounds generated from the mirror box 120 are
similar to each other can be solved. There are various display or
non-display examples. For example, during the autofocus operation,
image data stored immediately before in the buffer 111 may be
displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, and during the image
pickup operation, the liquid crystal monitor 150 may be set to be a
blackout (nothing is displayed), or vice versa. Furthermore, during
the autofocus operation, information representing it (e.g., a
message "during auto-focusing") may be displayed on the liquid
crystal monitor 150, and during the image pickup operation,
information representing it (e.g., a message "during capturing of
an image") may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150.
[0244] Furthermore, the timing at which the automatic exposure
control operation is performed can be set variously. This point is
similar to that described in "1-2-3-2-1 Image pickup operation
using optical viewfinder".
[0245] Furthermore, in the above, it is determined whether or not a
live view mode is recovered based on whether or not a predetermined
time elapses from halfway depression. However, the present
invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be determined
whether or not a live view mode is recovered based on whether or
not the full down depression is performed before or after the
completion of an autofocus operation. More specifically, the
following may be possible. In the case where an autofocus operation
is started in accordance with halfway depression, and full
depression is performed before the completion of the autofocus
operation, the camera 10 is shifted directly to an image pickup
operation of an image for recording. On the other hand, in the case
where full depression is not performed before the completion of the
autofocus operation, the camera 10 is first shifted to a live view
mode, and thereafter, is shifted to an image pickup operation of an
image for recording when full depression is performed.
[0246] [1-2-3-3 Continuous Focus Image Pickup Operation]
[0247] According to the continuous focus system, an autofocus
operation is performed in accordance with halfway depression of the
release button 141, and during the halfway depression, the
autofocus operation is repeated continuously to update a focus
state. The update of the focus state is continued until the image
pickup of an image for recording is finished or the halfway
depression of the release button 141 is cancelled. The user can
focus a particular subject repeatedly by selecting the continuous
focus system. Therefore, the continuous focus system is
particularly advantageous for capturing a moving subject.
[0248] [1-2-3-3-1 Operation During Image Pickup Using Optical
Viewfinder]
[0249] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using an optical viewfinder in the continuous
focus mode.
[0250] In FIG. 16, in the case of capturing an image in the OVF
mode, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the state A shown in
FIG. 1. The user adjusts a focus and a composition while checking a
subject image through the eyepiece 136 before capturing the image.
The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the user presses the
release button 141 halfway so as to adjust a focus (S1601).
[0251] When the user presses the release button 141 halfway, the
autofocus operation based on the measurement results of the AF
sensor 132 is started (S1602).
[0252] Then, while the user is pressing the release button 141
halfway, the CPU 210 updates a focus state based on the measurement
results of the AF sensor 132 regarding the distance to the subject.
During this time, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the
release button 141 is pressed fully (S1603).
[0253] The subsequent operations in Steps S1604 to S1608 are
similar to those in Steps S1103 to S1107 in FIG. 11, so that the
description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in Steps S1604 to
S1608, various displays can be performed on the liquid crystal
monitor 150 in the same way as in Steps S1103 to S1107 in FIG. 11,
so that the description thereof will be omitted.
[0254] When the halfway depression is cancelled before the user
presses the release button 141 fully, the CPU 210 stops the
autofocus operation based on the measurement results of the AF
sensor 132.
[0255] Furthermore, the timing at which the automatic exposure
control operation is performed can be set variously. This point is
the same as that described in "1-2-3-2-1 Image pickup using optical
viewfinder".
[0256] [1-2-3-3-2 Image Pickup Operation Using Liquid Crystal
Monitor]
[0257] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an
image is captured using the liquid crystal monitor 150 in the
continuous focus mode. In the present operation, the autofocus
operation uses both an autofocus operation of a system using image
data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 and an autofocus of a system
using the measurement results of the AF sensor 132.
[0258] Herein, as an autofocus operation of a system using the
image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130, for example, an
autofocus operation of a so-called "mountain-climbing system" is
considered. According to the autofocus operation of the
mountain-climbing system, a contrast value of image data generated
by the CMOS sensor 130 is monitored while the focus lens 260 is
operated minutely, and the focus lens is positioned in a direction
of a large contrast value.
[0259] In FIG. 17, in the case of capturing an image in a live view
mode, the inside of the mirror box 120 originally is in the state B
shown in FIG. 5. The user adjusts a focus and a composition while
checking a subject image through the liquid crystal monitor 150
before capturing the image. The microcomputer 110 monitors whether
or not the user presses the release button 141 halfway so as to
adjust a focus (S1701).
[0260] When the user presses the release button 141 halfway, the
microcomputer 110 starts the autofocus operation based on the
contrast of the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130
(S1702).
[0261] While the user is pressing the release button 141 halfway,
the CPU 210 updates a focus state based on the above-mentioned
contrast. During this time, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether
or not the release button 141 is pressed fully (S1703).
[0262] Upon detecting that the release button 141 has been pressed
fully in Step S1703, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the
mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C
(S1704).
[0263] Next, the microcomputer 110 controls so that an autofocus
operation is performed based on the measurement results of the AF
sensor 132 (S1705).
[0264] Thereafter, the operations from the image pickup operation
to the recording operation are performed (S1706-S1711). These
operations are similar to those in Steps S1512 to S1517 in FIG. 15,
so that the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0265] As described above, by using the autofocus operation based
on the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 and the
autofocus operation based on the measurement results of the AF
sensor 132, even when the movable mirror 121 is not positioned in
an optical path and when the movable mirror 121 is positioned in
the optical path, an autofocus operation can be performed.
[0266] Furthermore, while the release button 141 is being pressed
halfway, the autofocus operation based on the image data generated
by the CMOS sensor 130 is performed, whereby a live view can be
displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 continuously while the
continuous focus operation is being performed.
[0267] Furthermore, the autofocus operation based on the
measurement results of the AF sensor 132 is performed after the
release button 141 is pressed fully, so that a focus can be
adjusted more exactly immediately before an image is captured.
Particularly, in the case where a subject moving fast is captured,
a time from the last autofocus operation (S1705) to the image
pickup operation (S1707) is short, so that a focus can be adjusted
easily. More specifically, when the operation is shifted to an
image pickup operation of an image for recording in the CMOS sensor
130 under the condition that the continuous focus operation is
being performed based on the image data generated by the CMOS
sensor 130, the movable mirror 121 is allowed to enter the optical
path before the operation is shifted to the image pickup operation,
whereby the autofocus operation based on the measurement results of
the AF sensor 132 is performed.
[0268] When the halfway depression is cancelled before the user
presses the release button 141 fully, the CPU 210 stops the
autofocus operation based on the contrast.
[0269] Furthermore, in Step S1705, the photometric operation in the
AF sensor 133 may be performed together with the autofocus
operation.
[0270] Furthermore, various displays can be performed on the liquid
crystal monitor 150 in Steps S1706 to S1711 in the same way as in
Steps S1103 to S1107.
[0271] [1-2-4 Autofocus Operation During Shift to Live View
Mode]
[0272] The camera 10 in Embodiment 1 performs an autofocus
operation when the OVF mode is switched to the live view mode. FIG.
18 is a flowchart illustrating an autofocus operation during shift
to the live view mode.
[0273] In FIG. 18, during the operation in the OVF mode, the
microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the viewfinder switch
140e can be switched (S1801).
[0274] When the viewfinder switch 140e is switched to the live view
mode, the microcomputer 110 controls so that an autofocus operation
is performed based on the measurement results of the AF sensor 132
(S1802).
[0275] When the autofocus operation is completed, the microcomputer
110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to the
state B (S1803). Then, the microcomputer 110 starts an operation in
the live view mode.
[0276] As described above, the autofocus operation is performed
when the OVF mode is switched to the live view mode, so that the
observation of a subject image can be started on the liquid crystal
monitor 150 under the condition that the subject is focused
immediately after the start of a live view. Therefore, a period
required from a time when the OVF mode is switched to the live view
mode to a time when a composition is set can be shortened, so that
the operability is satisfactory for the user.
[0277] In the flow shown in FIG. 18, the movable mirror 121 is
moved up after the autofocus operation (S1802). However, the
present invention is not limited thereto, and an autofocus
operation can be performed after the movable mirror 121 is moved
up. In this case, as the autofocus operation, it is preferable to
perform the autofocus operation based on the image data generated
by the CMOS sensor 130. This is because this autofocus operation
can be performed under the condition that the movable mirror 121 is
moved up.
[0278] Furthermore, in Step S1802, the photometric operation in the
AE sensor 133 may be performed together with the autofocus
operation.
[0279] Furthermore, in the flow shown in FIG. 18, after the
autofocus operation is completed, the camera 10 is shifted to a
live view mode. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto, and the camera 10 may be shifted to the live view mode
immediately after the measurement in the AF sensor 132. In this
case, at least a part of the autofocus operation after the process
of measuring a distance in the AF sensor 132 is performed in the
live view mode. Because of this, the camera 10 can be shifted to
the live view mode before the completion of the autofocus
operation, so that a period from a time when the view finder switch
140e is switched to a time when the camera 10 is positioned in the
live view mode can be shortened. Therefore, the operability is
satisfactory for the user.
[0280] [1-2-5 Display of Distance-Measuring Point]
[0281] The camera 10 according to Embodiment 1 displays a focused
point on the liquid crystal monitor 150 as shown in FIG. 19, when
the movable mirror 121 is allowed to enter the optical path for an
autofocus operation or the movable mirror 121 is allowed to enter
the optical path for preparing for capturing an image for recording
in the CMOS sensor 130.
[0282] The camera 10 cannot display a live view on the liquid
crystal monitor 150 during the autofocus operation or the image
pickup operation of an image for recording. Alternatively, even if
a live view can be displayed for a short period of time, it is
difficult to display it continuously. This point is as described
above. In such a case, it is considered to display an image other
than a live view on the liquid crystal monitor 150. In this case,
it is difficult to check which point in a screen is focused
currently. In the case where a live view cannot be displayed as in
the autofocus operation or the image pickup operation of an image
for recording, which point on the liquid crystal screen is focused
is displayed.
[0283] The AF sensor 132 has a configuration including a line
sensor, an imaging lens, a condenser lens, and the like. FIG. 20 is
a schematic view showing the arrangement of line sensors 132a to
132g included in the AF sensor 132. As shown in FIG. 20, eight line
sensors are placed. A defocus amount is measured by four sets: a
line sensor 132a and a line sensor 132b; a line sensor 132c and a
line sensor 132d; a line sensor 132e and a line sensor 132f; and a
line sensor 132g and a line sensor 132h.
[0284] A method for calculating a defocus amount is as follows. A
subject image incident from the interchangeable lens 200 is
divided, and incident upon each pair of line sensors. Then, each
pair of the line sensors 132a to 132g measures the defocus amount
of the received subject image.
[0285] After that, the microcomputer 110 selects the largest
defocus amount among those measured by each pair of the line
sensors 132a to 132h. This means that a subject closest to the
camera 10 is selected. Then, the microcomputer 110 transmits the
selected defocus amount to the CPU 210, and displays, at a position
on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 150 corresponding to
the selected pair of line sensors, information indicating that the
position is selected as a point for autofocus. After that the CPU
210 performs autofocus control based on the information regarding
the received distance.
[0286] For example, in the case where the microcomputer 110
determines that the defocus amount measured by the pair composed of
the lines sensors 132a and 132b is largest, a mark M as shown in
FIG. 19 is displayed at a position on the screen of the liquid
crystal monitor 150 corresponding to the pair.
[0287] The mark M may be displayed when the movable mirror 121 is
in the optical path. The mark M also may be displayed when the
liquid crystal monitor 150 is in a blackout. Furthermore, before
allowing the movable mirror 121 to entire the optical path, the
image data stored in the buffer 111 may be read to be displayed,
and the mark M may be displayed so as to overwrite the image.
[0288] As described above, in the case where an autofocus operation
is performed when the movable mirror 121 is allowed to enter the
optical path, the mark M representing the focused point is
displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 154.
Therefore, even if a live view is not displayed on the liquid
crystal monitor 150, which subject is focused can be grasped.
Particularly, in Steps S1505 to S1057 in FIG. 15, although a live
view cannot be displayed until a predetermined time elapses, the
mark M is displayed during a period in which a live view cannot be
displayed, the operation state of the camera 10 can be shown to the
user.
[0289] Furthermore, by allowing image data stored in the buffer 111
to be read and displayed before allowing the movable mirror 121 to
enter the optical path, and displaying the mark M indicating an
autofocus point so as to overwrite the image, which subject is
focused can be easily grasped.
[0290] [1-2-6 Dust Automatic Removing Operation]
[0291] The camera 10 in Embodiment 1 can remove foreign matter such
as dust adhering to the protective material 138 by the supersonic
vibration generator 134. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the
dust automatic removing operation.
[0292] In FIG. 21, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not a
foreign matter removing button 140n is manipulated until the
foreign matter automatic removing operation is started (S2101).
[0293] The user presses the foreign matter removing button 140m
under the condition that the interchangeable lens 200 of the camera
10 is directed to a monochromic (e.g., white) subject. Then, the
microcomputer 110 grasps whether or not a live view mode is set
(S2102). The microcomputer 110 is shifted to Step 2104 in the case
where the live view mode has already been set. On the other hand,
in the case where the OVF mode is set, the microcomputer 110 shifts
the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B
(S2103), and thereafter, is shifted to Step S2104.
[0294] In Step S2104, the microcomputer 110 allows the image data
generated by the CMOS 140 or image data obtained by subjecting the
image data generated by the CMOS 140 to predetermined processing to
be stored in the buffer 111. Then, the microcomputer 110 reads the
image data stored in the buffer 111, and determines whether the
image data is abnormal or substantially uniform (S2105). The image
data may be determined to be abnormal, for example, in the case
where an integrated value of a spatial high-frequency component of
the image data exceeds a predetermined value.
[0295] In the case where it is determined that the image data is
abnormal in Step S2105, the microcomputer 110 determines that
foreign matter adheres to the protective material 138 to activate
the supersonic vibration generator 134 (S2106). The vibration
generated by the supersonic vibration generator 134 is transmitted
to the protective material 138, and in many cases, leaves the
protective material 138. Consequently, when the foreign matter is
displaced from the optical path, and the image data becomes normal,
the supersonic vibration generator 134 is stopped, and the
microcomputer 110 is shifted to Step S2108. On the other hand, when
the image data remains abnormal, the operation of the supersonic
vibration generator 134 is continued.
[0296] In Step S2108, the microcomputer 110 determines whether or
not a live view mode is set before the foreign matter removing
button 140n is manipulated (S2108). In the case where the live view
mode has been set, the microcomputer 110 completes the foreign
matter removing operation in the same state to continue the live
view operation. On the other hand, in the case where the OVF mode
has been set, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror
box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C, and is
shifted to the operation in the OVF mode (S2109), and continues to
be operated in that state.
[0297] As described above, by a simple operation of pressing the
foreign matter removing button 140n, the live view mode is set, and
it is detected whether or not the foreign matter adheres to the
protective material 138, using the image data at that time. Because
of this, the foreign matter adhering to the protective material 138
can be removed with a simple manipulation.
[0298] Furthermore, the supersonic vibration generator 134 is
activated only when the captured image is abnormal, so that an
excess burden is not applied to the mirror box 120. Since the
mirror box 120 is precision optical equipment, the application of
vibration and the like should be minimized in terms of the
retention of optical characteristics. Similarly, when the image
data returns to be normal, it is detected that the image data
returns to a normal state, and the supersonic vibration generator
134 is stopped. Therefore, an excess burden is not applied to the
mirror box 120, and the optical characteristics of the mirror box
120 can be retained satisfactorily.
[0299] In the above-mentioned example, although the supersonic
vibration generator 134 is continued to be operated until the image
data returns to be normal, the present invention is not limited
thereto. For example, while the supersonic vibration generator 134
is operated until the image data becomes normal as in the above
example within a predetermined time, when a predetermined time
elapses, the supersonic vibration generator 134 may be stopped even
if the image data remains abnormal. Because of this, the supersonic
vibration generator 134 is continued to be operated, whereby an
excess burden can be prevented from being applied to the mirror box
120.
[0300] In the above example, although it is monitored whether or
not the image data becomes normal after the supersonic vibration
generator 134 is operated, the present invention is not limited
thereto. For example, the operation of the supersonic vibration
generator 134 may be stopped when a predetermined time elapses,
without monitoring whether or not the image data becomes normal
after the supersonic vibration generator 134 is operated, and.
[0301] [1-2-7 Stroboscopic Image Pickup Operation in Live View
Mode]
[0302] In FIG. 1, the camera 10 can perform two photometric
systems. They are a system for performing photometry using the AE
sensor 133 and a system for performing photometry using the CMOS
sensor 130. The system for performing photometry using the AE
sensor 133 is as described above. On the other hand, in the case of
performing photometry using only the CMOS sensor 130, the AE sensor
133 can be omitted, so that cost can be reduced. Furthermore, in
the case of using the CMOS sensor 130, the photometry operation can
be performed even when the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state B. Therefore, photometry can be performed during the live
view operation, and the diaphragm 240 can be adjusted. The
automatic adjustment of the diaphragm 240 using the CMOS sensor 130
may be performed continuously during the live view operation.
[0303] The user selects a selection item from a menu screen by
pressing the menu button 140a, thereby being able to select
photometry using only the AE sensor 133, photometry using both the
AE sensor 133 and the CMOS sensor 130, and photometry using only
the CMOS sensor 130 under a stroboscopic image pickup
operation.
[0304] [1-2-7-1 Photometric Operation Using Only AE Sensor]
[0305] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a stroboscopic image
pickup operation in the case of using only the AE sensor 133.
[0306] In FIG. 22, it is assumed that the microcomputer 110
originally is set in a live view mode. It also is assumed that a
focus already has been locked by a manual manipulation or an
autofocus operation. Furthermore, it is assumed that the strobe
activation button 140h has been pressed by the user, and the strobe
137 has already been charged. Furthermore, it is assumed that the
photometric system is set to the one using only the AE sensor 133
by the user.
[0307] In this state, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not
the release button 141 is pressed fully (S2201). Then, when the
release button 141 is pressed fully, the microcomputer 110 shifts
the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A
via the state C (S2202).
[0308] Then, a part of light incident from the interchangeable lens
200 is reflected by the movable mirror 121a and diffused by the
focusing glass 125, and a part of the resultant light is incident
upon the AE sensor 133. The AE sensor 133 measures the incident
light. More specifically, the AE sensor 133 measures stationary
light (S2203). Then, the microcomputer 110 obtains the photometric
results in the stationary light by the AE sensor 133.
[0309] Next, the microcomputer 133 controls the strobe 137 to allow
it to perform pre-flash. The AE sensor 133 performs photometry
during a pre-flash period. The microcomputer 110 obtains the
photometric results of the AE sensor 133 during the pre-flash
period.
[0310] The microcomputer 110 determines an f-number and a shutter
speed based on the photometric results under the obtained
stationary light and the photometric results under the pre-flash.
For determining them, the microcomputer 110 compares the
photometric results under the stationary light with the photometric
light under the pre-flash, thereby grasping the illumination
environment of a subject. For example, the microcomputer 110
determines an f-number and a shutter speed based on whether the
subject is in a dark environment or in a backlight state, etc. The
microcomputer 110 transmits the determined f-number to the CPU 210.
The CPU 210 adjusts the diaphragm 240 based on the received
f-number.
[0311] Furthermore, the microcomputer 110 determines the amount of
flash light during the main flash by the strobe 137 in parallel
with the determination of an f-number and a shutter speed in Step
S2205 (S2206). Then, the microcomputer 110 transmits the determined
amount of flash light to the strobe 137.
[0312] Next, the strobe 137 emits light with the received amount of
flash light of the main flash (S2207). During the main flash
period, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box
120 from the state A to the state B (S2208), and starts an image
pickup operation (S2209). The image pickup operation is performed
during the shutter speed period determined in Step S2205.
[0313] The subsequent operations in Steps S2210 to S2213 are
similar to those in Steps S1306 to S1309 and those in Steps 1414 to
S1417, so that the description thereof will be omitted.
[0314] As described above, the inside of the mirror box 120 is set
in the state A first from the live view mode, whereby the AE sensor
133 can perform photometry.
[0315] [1-2-7-2 Photometric Operation Using AE Sensor and CMOS
Sensor]
[0316] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a stroboscopic image
pickup operation in the case of using the AE sensor 133 and the
CMOS sensor 130. The original setting is the same as the above.
More specifically, it is assumed that the microcomputer 110 is set
in a live view mode. It also is assumed that a focus has already
been locked by a manual manipulation or an autofocus operation. It
is assumed that the strobe activation button 140h has been pressed
by the user, and the strobe 137 has already been charged. It is
assumed that the photometric system is set to the one using the AE
sensor 133 and the CMOS sensor 130 by the user.
[0317] In FIG. 23, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not
the release button 141 is pressed fully (S2301). Then, when the
release button 141 has been pressed fully, the microcomputer 110
causes the CMOS sensor 130 to perform photometry in the live view
mode. Thus, the CMOS sensor 130 performs photometry with respect to
stationary light (S2302). Then, the microcomputer 110 obtains the
measurement results in stationary light by the CMOS sensor 130.
[0318] Next, the microcomputer 130 shifts the inside of the mirror
box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C
(S2303).
[0319] Then, a part of light incident from the interchangeable lens
200 is reflected by the movable mirror 121a and diffused by the
focusing glass 125, and a part of the resultant light is incident
upon the AE sensor 133. In this state, the microcomputer 133
controls the strobe 137 to allow it to perform pre-flash. The AE
sensor 133 performs photometry during a pre-flash period (S2304).
The microcomputer 110 obtains the photometric results of the AE
sensor 133 during the pre-flash period.
[0320] The subsequent operations in Steps S2305 to S2313 are
similar to those in Steps S2205 to 2213 in FIG. 22, so that the
description thereof will be omitted.
[0321] As described above, the photometry of the stationary light
is performed by the CMOS sensor 130, so that the photometry of the
stationary light can be performed immediately after the full
depression. Furthermore, the photometry of the pre-flash is
performed by the AE sensor 133, so that the photometry of the
pre-flash can be performed exactly. The reason why the photometry
of the pre-flash can be performed exactly is that the AE sensor 133
has a larger allowable range of the amount of light to be measured,
compared with the CMOS sensor 130. More specifically, the AE sensor
133 is produced so as to be dedicated to photometry, so that it can
measure weak light to strong light exactly. In contrast, the CMOS
sensor 130 is not an element for measuring the amount of light, but
an element for generating image data. More specifically, the
photometry in the CMOS sensor 130 merely is an accessory function
involved in the function of generating image data. The main
function of the CMOS sensor 130 is to generate image data, and the
sub-function thereof is to perform photometry. Therefore, the CMOS
sensor 130 is suitable for capturing an image of stationary light,
but is not suitable for capturing an image of strong light. For
example, when the CMOS sensor 130 receives strong light, the image
data is saturated to become white frequently. On the other hand,
during the pre-flash, the strobe 137 emits strong light, and light
reflected from a subject may be strong. As described above during
the pre-flash, more exact photometric data is obtained in many
cases when photometry is performed by the AF sensor 133 instead of
the CMOS sensor 130.
[0322] In the above example, although photometry of stationary
light is performed (S2302) after the full depression (S2301), the
present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the
microcomputer 110 may perform photometry continuously using the
CMOS sensor 130 until the release button 141 is pressed fully, and
when the release button 141 is pressed fully, the photometric data
on stationary light obtained immediately before the full depression
may be used for determining an f-number, a shutter speed, and the
amount of flash light of the main flash. Because of this, a time
required from full depression to the image pickup operation can be
shortened, so that the user is unlikely to let a shutter chance to
slip away. Furthermore, the operability becomes satisfactory.
[0323] [1-2-7-3 Photometric Operation Using Only CMOS Sensor]
[0324] The stroboscopic image pickup operation in the case of using
only the CMOS sensor 130 will be described with reference to FIG.
23.
[0325] In FIG. 23, in the case of using the AE sensor 133 and the
CMOS sensor 130, after the inside of the mirror box 120 is shifted
from the state B to the state A via the state C (S2303), photometry
is performed during pre-flash (S2304).
[0326] In contrast, in the case of using only the CMOS sensor 130,
after the photometry during pre-flash is performed (S2304), the
inside of the mirror box 120 is shifted from the state B to the
state A via the state C (S2303). Because of this, the photometry of
stationary light and the photometry of pre-flash can be performed
using only the CMOS sensor 130. The other operations are similar to
those in the case of using the AE sensor 133 and the CMOS sensor
130, so that the description thereof will be omitted.
[0327] As described above, the inside of the mirror box 120 is
shifted from the state B to the state A via the state C, waiting
for the photometry of pre-flash, so that both the photometry of
stationary light and the photometry of pre-flash can be performed
only using the CMOS sensor 130. This enables the AE sensor 133 to
be omitted, so that the cost can be reduced.
[0328] In the above example, although the photometry of stationary
light is performed (S2302) after the full depression (S2301), the
present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the
microcomputer 110 may perform photometry continuously using the
CMOS sensor 130 until the release button 141 is pressed fully, and
when the release button 141 has been pressed fully, the photometric
data on stationary light obtained immediately before the full
depression may be used for determining an f-number, a shutter
speed, and the amount of flash light of main flash. Because of
this, a time required from the full depression to the image pickup
operation can be shortened, so that the user is unlikely to let a
shutter chance to slip away. Furthermore, the operability becomes
satisfactory.
[0329] [1-2-8 Reset Operation in Live View Mode]
[0330] In a live view mode, when a shock is applied to the camera
10 from the outside, the retention state of the second shutter 123b
is cancelled, and the inside of the mirror box 120 may be shifted
from the state B to the state C. Then, an optical signal from the
interchangeable lens 200 is interrupted by the second shutter 123b,
and does not reach the CMOS sensor 130. Then, the liquid crystal
monitor 150 that has displayed a subject image in a live view until
then does not display anything due to the shock. The user who sees
it may misunderstand that the camera 10 is out of order.
[0331] In order to prevent such inconvenience, a configuration
provided with a sensor for monitoring whether or not the retention
state of the second shutter 123b is cancelled is considered.
However, if such a sensor is provided, cost increases. When shock
is applied to the camera 10, the shock is detected and the live
view mode is reset, whereby the above-mentioned inconvenience can
be prevented. The reason why the above-mentioned inconvenience can
be prevented is that the retention state of the second shutter 123b
may be cancelled.
[0332] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the operation when the
live view mode is reset due to shock.
[0333] In FIG. 24, it is assumed that the microcomputer 110
originally is operated in a live view mode. In this state, the
microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not shock is applied to the
camera 10 (S2401). The operation of monitoring the application of
shock will be described in detail.
[0334] In FIG. 4, the gyrosensor 252 measures an angular speed
continuously. The CPU 210 integrates the angular speed measured by
the gyrosensor 252 to obtain an angle. The CPU 210 uses the
obtained angle for controlling hand shaking correction in the hand
shaking correction unit 250, and monitors a change amount per
predetermined time of the obtained angle. Then, when the change
amount reaches a predetermined value or larger, the CPU 210
notifies the microcomputer 110 that the change amount reaches a
predetermined value or larger. Upon receiving this notification,
the microcomputer 110 determines that a shock has been applied to
the camera 10.
[0335] In FIG. 24, when the microcomputer 110 detects a shock, the
microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the
state B to the state A via the state C (S2402). After that, the
microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the
state A to the state B, whereby the camera 10 returns to a live
view.
[0336] As described above, the shock applied to the camera 10 is
detected, and the live view mode is reset, so that the camera 10
can be recovered from the state in which a live view display is
interrupted by the shock automatically. This can prevent the user
from misunderstanding that the camera 10 is out of order.
Furthermore, when a live view display is interrupted, an operation
for recovering the live view display manually is not required, so
that the operability is satisfactory.
[0337] Furthermore, as the sensor for detecting shock, the
gyrosensor 252 for correcting hand shaking is used. Therefore, it
is not necessary to provide a sensor particularly for detecting
shock, whereby cost can be reduced and equipment can be
miniaturized.
[0338] In the present example, although the CPU 210 monitors the
change amount per predetermined time of an angle so as to detect
shock, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example,
the CPU 210 directly may monitor angular speed information from the
gyrosensor 252. The reason for monitoring in such a manner is as
follows: it can be determined that shock is applied in the case
where an angular speed is large.
[0339] Furthermore, in the present example, as the sensor for
detecting shock, the gyrosensor 252 for correcting hand shaking is
used, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For
example, a sensor for shock may be provided.
Embodiment 2
[0340] The camera 10 in Embodiment 1 switches an OVF mode to a live
view mode by a manual manipulation of the viewfinder switch 140e.
However, it is inconvenient if the OVF mode cannot be switched to
the live view mode without a manual manipulation at all times.
Particularly, in the case where it is highly necessary to switch to
the live view mode, if the OVF mode can be switched to the live
view mode automatically, the operability of the user can be
enhanced. In Embodiment 2, a camera capable of switching to the
live view mode automatically in accordance with various events is
realized.
[0341] The configuration of the camera 10 in Embodiment 2 is
similar to that of the camera 10 in Embodiment 1, so that the
description thereof will be omitted.
[0342] [2-1 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Diaphragm
Adjustment]
[0343] In the above-mentioned Embodiment 1, in order to observe a
depth of field when an image for recording is captured in a live
view mode, the stop-down button 140k and the LV preview button 140j
were provided. Consequently, regarding a subject image when an
image for recording is captured, the depth of field thereof can be
observed instantaneously using the liquid crystal monitor 130, so
that the operability is satisfactory. However, in Embodiment 1, the
stop-down button 140k and the LV preview button 140j become
effective when the microcomputer 110 is set in the live view mode.
Therefore, in order to observe a depth of field when an image for
recording is captured in an OVF mode, it is necessary to switch to
the live view mode once manually, and thereafter, press the
stop-down button 140k or the LV preview button 140j. The camera 10
shown in Embodiment 2 solves this problem.
[0344] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the LV
preview button 140j is pressed in the OVF mode.
[0345] In FIG. 25, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
OVF mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state A shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the LV preview button 140j is pressed
(S2501).
[0346] When the user presses the LV preview button 140j in this
state, the microcomputer 110 detects it, and starts measuring an
exposure amount using the AE sensor 133 (S2502).
[0347] The microcomputer 110 transmits the measurement results to
the CPU 210. The CPU 210 calculates an appropriate aperture value
of the diaphragm 240 when an image for recording is captured, based
on the received measurement results and the current opened state of
the diaphragm 240. Then, the CPU 210 controls the motor 241 based
on the calculated results. The motor 241 adjusts the diaphragm 240
based on the control of the CPU 210 (S2503).
[0348] Next, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror
box 120 from the state A to the state B (S2504).
[0349] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the microcomputer 110 displays a
region R2 that is a part of the image data generated by the CMOS
sensor 130 in an enlarged state (S2505). The part in a screen that
is set to be the enlarged region R2 can be changed by manipulating
the cross key 140b or the like.
[0350] Next, the microcomputer 110 continues a live view operation
(S2506).
[0351] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the LV preview
button 140j is pressed again during the live view operation
(S2507).
[0352] When the LV preview button 140j has been pressed again, the
microcomputer 110 allows the CPU 210 to open the diaphragm 240
(S2508).
[0353] Next, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror
box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S2509).
This can return the camera 10 to the state before the LV preview
button 140j is pressed first.
[0354] As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF
operation, owing to a simple operation of the LV preview button
140j, the camera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode, and the
depth of field of an image for recording can be checked easily in a
live view display.
[0355] In Embodiment 2, the case where the LV preview button 140j
is pressed in the OVF mode has been described. However, this
description also applies to the case where the stop-down button
140k is pressed in the OVF mode except for the following: in the
case where the LV preview button 140j is pressed, the region R2
that is a part of the image data is displayed in an enlarged state
as described above, whereas in the case where the stop-down button
140k is pressed, such an enlarged display is not performed.
[0356] [2-2 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Remote
Control Manipulation]
[0357] As shown in FIG. 2, the remote control receiving portion 155
is capable of receiving a control signal from a remote controller
(not shown). In the case of receiving a control signal from the
remote controller (not shown), the user is operating at a distance
from the camera 10 in many cases. At this time, it is inconvenient
to observe a subject image with an optical viewfinder. Therefore,
in the case of manipulating with the remote controller (not shown),
the user switches to the live view mode with the viewfinder switch
140e in many cases. However, when manipulating with the remote
controller (not shown), it is inconvenient to switch to the live
view mode manually. In the camera 10 according to Embodiment 2,
when the remote control receiving portion 155 receives a control
signal from the remote controller, the microcomputer 110 is shifted
to the live view mode.
[0358] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the case
of shifting to the live view mode by a remote control
operation.
[0359] In FIG. 26, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
OVF mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state A shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the remote control receiving portion 155
receives a control signal from the remote controller (not shown)
(S2601).
[0360] When the remote control receiving portion 155 receives a
control signal from the remote controller (not shown) in this
state, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box
120 from the state A to the state B (S2602).
[0361] After that, the microcomputer 110 continues a live view
operation (S2603).
[0362] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the
manipulation portion 140, the release button 141, and the like of
the camera body 100 are operated during the live view operation
(S2604).
[0363] When the user manipulates either one of them, the
microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the
state B to the state A via the state C (S2605). Consequently, the
camera 10 can be returned to the state before receiving the control
signal of the remote controller first.
[0364] As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF
operation, the camera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in
accordance with the manipulation of the remote controller. This
saves time and labor for switching to the live mode manually,
resulting in the enhancement of the operability.
[0365] The remote control receiving portion 155 may be provided on
the front and back surfaces of the camera body 100. In this case,
in the case where the remote control receiving portion 155 on the
front surface receives a control signal in the OVF mode, the camera
10 is not shifted to the live view mode. On the other hand, in the
case where the remote control receiving portion 155 on the back
surface receives a control signal, the camera 10 may be shifted to
the live view mode. In the case where the remote control receiving
portion 155 provided on the front surface of the camera body 100
receives a control signal, the user is positioned in front of the
camera 10, and is not observing the liquid crystal monitor 150 in
many cases. On the other hand, in the case where the remote control
receiving portion 155 provided on the back surface of the camera
body 100 receives a control signal, the user is positioned at the
back of the camera 10, and is observing the liquid crystal monitor
150 in many cases. Therefore, due to the above-mentioned operation,
in the case where the user is not watching the liquid crystal
monitor 150, excess power is not consumed by the liquid crystal
monitor 150 and the like, which results in the reduction in power
consumption.
[0366] [2-3 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Fixing
Tripod]
[0367] As shown in FIG. 2, the camera body 100 can be fixed to a
tripod (not shown) via the tripod fixing portion 147. In the case
of capturing an image by fixing the camera body 100 to the tripod
(not shown), an image can be grasped easier when the image is
captured with the electronic viewfinder (liquid crystal monitor
150) with a large screen size, rather than capturing the image with
the optical viewfinder. However, when the camera body 100 is fixed
to the tripod, it is inconvenient to switch to the live view mode
manually. In the camera 10 according to Embodiment 2, when the
tripod is fixed to the tripod fixing portion 147, the microcomputer
110 is shifted to the live view mode.
[0368] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the case
of shift to the live view mode by fixing the camera body 100 to the
tripod.
[0369] In FIG. 27, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
OVF mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state A shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the contact point 148 transmits information
indicating that the tripod is fixed to the tripod fixing portion
147 (S2701). When the contact point 148 detects that the camera
body 100 is fixed to the tripod in this state, the microcomputer
110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to the
state B (S2702). After that, the microcomputer 110 continues the
live view operation (S2703).
[0370] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the contact
point 148 transmits information indicating that the tripod is
removed during the live view operation (S2704). When the contact
point 148 detects that the tripod is removed, the microcomputer 110
shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the
state A via the state C (S2705). This can return the camera 10 to
the state before the camera body 100 is fixed to the tripod.
[0371] As described above, even when the camera 10 is in the OVF
operation, the camera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in
accordance with the fixation of the tripod. This saves time and
labor for switching to the live view mode manually, which enhances
the operability.
[0372] In the above, after being fixed to the tripod, the camera 10
is shifted to the live view mode. However, an autofocus operation
may be performed along with the shift to the live view. The
autofocus operation may be of a phase difference detection system
using the AF sensor 132, or a contrast system using the CMOS sensor
130. Because of this, when an image is captured using the tripod, a
focus can be adjusted to a subject quickly.
[0373] Furthermore, the autofocus operation may be performed
immediately after the camera 10 is fixed to the tripod, or after a
predetermined time elapses from the fixation to the tripod. The
autofocus operation is performed after the elapse of a
predetermined time, whereby a subject can be focused after the
camera 10 comes to a standstill exactly. Therefore, the camera 10
can be prevented from moving during focusing to make it necessary
to perform focusing again.
[0374] Furthermore, when the live view mode is set under the
condition that the camera 10 is fixed to the tripod and is operated
in the OVF mode, an autofocus operation may be performed once, and
thereafter, the camera 10 may be shifted to the live view mode.
Consequently, a subject can be focused rapidly when an image is
captured with the tripod.
[0375] Furthermore, in the above, the camera 10 is shifted to the
live view mode when it is fixed to the tripod. However, unlike
this, the camera 10 may be shifted to the live view mode in
accordance with the detection results of the gyrosensor 252. When
the output of the gyrosensor 252 is small and it is determined that
the camera 10 is at a standstill, the camera 10 is shifted to the
live view mode. When it can be determined that the camera 10 is at
a standstill, the user leaves the camera 10 at an immovable place
without holding it in many cases. In the case where the user does
not hold the camera 10, it is easier to observe a subject in a live
view mode, rather than observing the subject in the OVF mode.
Therefore, the camera 10 is shifted to the live view mode when it
is determined that the camera 10 is at a standstill. This saves
time and labor for switching to the live view mode manually, which
enhances the operability. The gyrosensor 252 is an example of the
shaking detection portion of the present invention.
[0376] Even in this case, an autofocus operation may be performed
along with the shift to the live view. Because of this, a subject
can be focused rapidly when the camera 10 comes to a
standstill.
[0377] Furthermore, the autofocus operation may be performed
immediately after it is determined that the camera 10 comes to a
standstill, or after a predetermined time elapses from the
determination. The autofocus operation is performed after an elapse
of a predetermined time, whereby a subject can be focused after the
camera comes to a standstill exactly. Therefore, the camera 10 can
be prevented from moving during focusing, which makes it necessary
to perform focusing again.
[0378] Furthermore, when the live view mode is set under the
condition that the camera 10 is allowed to come to a standstill and
is operated in the OVF mode, an autofocus operation may be
performed once, and thereafter, the camera 10 may be shifted to the
live view mode. Because of this, a subject can be focused rapidly
when the camera 10 is allowed to come to a standstill.
[0379] [2-4 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Rotation of
Liquid Crystal Monitor]
[0380] The liquid crystal monitor 150 can rotate as described
above. In the case of rotating the liquid crystal monitor 150, the
user observes a subject image displayed on the liquid crystal
monitor 150 in many cases. However, it is inconvenient to switch to
the live view mode manually, when the liquid crystal monitor 150 is
rotated. In the camera 10 according to Embodiment 2, when the
liquid crystal monitor 150 is rotated, the microcomputer 110 is
shifted to the live view mode.
[0381] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time
of shift to the live view mode due to the rotation of the liquid
crystal monitor 150.
[0382] In FIG. 28, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
OVF mode. Furthermore, the liquid crystal monitor 150 is
accommodated with the liquid crystal screen directed to the back
surface of the camera body 100 or with the reverse surface of the
liquid crystal screen directed to the back surface of the camera
body 100. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state A shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the contact point 151 detects the rotation
of the liquid crystal monitor 150 (S2801). When the contact point
151 detects the oration of the liquid crystal monitor 150 in this
state, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box
120 from the state A to the state B (S2802). After that, the
microcomputer 110 continues the live view operation (S2803).
[0383] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the liquid
crystal monitor 150 is accommodated in an original state during the
live view operation (S2804). When the liquid crystal monitor 150 is
accommodated in the original state, the microcomputer 110 shifts
the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A
via the state C (S2805). Because of this, the camera 10 can be
returned to the state before the liquid crystal monitor 150 is
rotated.
[0384] As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF
operation, the camera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in
accordance with the rotation of the liquid crystal monitor 150.
This saves time and labor for switching to the live view mode
manually, which enhances the operability.
[0385] [2-5 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Connection
of External Terminal]
[0386] As described above, the camera 10 can output an image
displayed in a live view by connecting a terminal from an external
apparatus (not shown) to the external terminal 152. In the case of
outputting a live view display to the external apparatus, it is
necessary to form a subject image on the CMOS sensor 130. More
specifically, this is because it is necessary that the subject
image is converted to image data with the CMOS sensor 130. However,
when the live view display is outputted to the external apparatus,
it is inconvenient to switch to the live view mode manually. In the
camera 10 according to Embodiment 2, when a terminal from the
external apparatus (not shown) is connected to the external
terminal 152, the microcomputer 110 is shifted to the live view
mode.
[0387] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time
of shift to the live view mode due to the connection of the
external terminal.
[0388] In FIG. 29, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
OVF mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state A shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the external terminal 152 and the terminal
connected to the external apparatus are connected to each other
(S2901). When the external terminal 152 and the terminal connected
to the external apparatus are connected to each other in this
state, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box
120 from the state A to the state B (S2902). After that, the
microcomputer 110 outputs a live view display to the external
apparatus via the external terminal 152 (S2903).
[0389] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the terminal
of the external apparatus is pulled out from the external terminal
152 during the output of the live view display to the external
apparatus (S2904). When the terminal of the external apparatus is
pulled out from the external terminal 152, the microcomputer 110
shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the
state A via the state C (S2905). Consequently, the state of the
camera 10 can be returned to the state before the terminal of the
external apparatus is connected to the external terminal 152.
[0390] As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF
operation, the camera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in
accordance with whether or not the external apparatus is connected
to the external terminal 152. This saves time and labor for
switching to the live view mode manually, which enhances the
operability.
[0391] In Step S2903, the live view display may be displayed on the
liquid crystal monitor 150 while being output to the external
apparatus. Furthermore, the live view display may not be displayed
on the liquid crystal monitor 150 while being output to the
external apparatus.
[0392] [2-6 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Setting of
Aspect Ratio Other than 4:3]
[0393] The aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder is fixed. Thus,
an image having a composition with an aspect ratio other than the
set aspect ratio cannot be displayed as a whole, and is too small
to see even when it can be displayed. Thus, the image having a
composition with an aspect ratio other than that of the optical
viewfinder can be observed more easily with the electronic
viewfinder. However, it is inconvenient to switch to live view mode
manually when an image having a composition with an aspect ratio
other than that of the optical viewfinder is displayed. In the
camera 10 according to Embodiment 2, in the case where the display
aspect ratio is set to be the one other than the aspect ratio of
the optical viewfinder, the camera 10 is shifted to the live view
mode automatically.
[0394] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time
of shift to a live view mode by setting of an aspect ratio.
[0395] In FIG. 30, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
OVF mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state A shown in FIG. 1. The composition of an image displayed by
the optical viewfinder is set to be 4:3. Furthermore, the
microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the aspect ratio is set
to be the one other than 4:3 (S3001). When the user manipulates the
menu button 140a and the like to set the composition of a display
image to a composition other than 4:3 (for example, a composition
of 16:9), the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box
120 from the state A to the state B (S3002). After that, the
microcomputer 110 displays a live view display on the liquid
crystal monitor 150 with the set composition (S3003).
[0396] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the aspect
ratio is set to be 4:3 again during the live view mode operation
(S3004). When the user operates the menu button 140a and the like
to set the composition of the display image to the composition of
4:3 again, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror
box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S3005).
Because of this, the camera 10 can be returned to the state before
the aspect ratio of the composition is changed.
[0397] As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF
operation, the camera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in
accordance with a change in the aspect ratio of the composition.
This saves time and labor for switching to the live view mode
manually, which enhances the operability.
[0398] [2-7 Operation of Shifting to Live View Mode by Manipulation
of Diaphragm Ring]
[0399] In Embodiment 1, in order to adjust the diaphragm minutely,
the diaphragm ring 242 was provided. It is preferable that a part
of a screen can be observed under the condition of being displayed
in an enlarged state, when the diaphragm is adjusted with the
diaphragm ring 242, because a depth of field is observed easily.
However, a part of the screen cannot be displayed in an enlarged
state when the depth of field is observed through the optical
viewfinder. In order to overcome this, when the diaphragm ring 242
is manipulated, a part of the screen is displayed in an enlarged
state along with the shift to the live view mode.
[0400] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at a time
of shift to a live view mode by the operation of the diaphragm ring
242.
[0401] In FIG. 31, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in an
OVF mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state A shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the diaphragm ring 242 is manipulated
(S3101). When the user operates the diaphragm ring 242 in this
state, the CPU 210 detects the operation of the diaphragm ring 242
and transmits the detection results to the microcomputer 110. The
microcomputer 110 receives the detection results, and shifts the
inside of the mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B
(S3102). Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the microcomputer 110 displays
the region R2 that is a part of the image data generated by the
CMOS sensor 130 in an enlarged state (S3103). Which part of the
screen is set to be the enlarged region R2 can be changed by
manipulating the cross key 140b and the like. After that, the
microcomputer 110 continues the live view mode operation.
[0402] As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the OVF
operation, the camera 10 can be shifted to the live view mode in
accordance with the manipulation of the diaphragm ring 242. This
saves time and labor for switching to the live view mode manually,
which enhances the operability. Furthermore, a place whose depth of
field is required to be checked can be enlarged instantaneously, so
that the depth of field can be checked easily.
Embodiment 3
[0403] In the camera 10 according to the above-mentioned Embodiment
1, by manually manipulating the viewfinder switch 140e, the live
view mode is switched to the OVF mode. However, it is inconvenient
if the live view mode cannot be switched without manual
manipulation at all times. Particularly, in the case where it is
highly necessary to come out of the live view mode, if the live
view mode can be switched automatically, the operability of the
user can be enhanced. The camera in Embodiment 3 is configured so
as to come out of the live view mode automatically in accordance
with various events.
[0404] The configuration of the camera 10 according to Embodiment 3
is similar to that of the camera 10 according to Embodiment 1, so
that the description thereof will be omitted.
[0405] [3-1 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode by Operation of
Menu Button]
[0406] In the above-mentioned Embodiment 1, when the menu button
140a is manipulated in the live view mode, a menu screen is
overlapped with the live view display. However, with such a display
method, the live view display or the menu screen is difficult to
see. In the camera 10 according to Embodiment 3, when the menu
button 140a is pressed, a real-time image is displayed by the
optical viewfinder, and a menu screen is displayed on the liquid
crystal monitor 150.
[0407] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled by the manipulation of the menu button
140a.
[0408] In FIG. 32, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
live view mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is
in the state B shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the menu button 140a has been manipulated
(S3201). When the user manipulates the menu button 140a in this
state, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box
120 from the state B to the state A via the state C (S3202).
Because of this, the movable mirror 121a guides an optical signal
input from the interchangeable lens 200 to the optical viewfinder
(S3203). Consequently, the user is capable of observing a subject
image through the eyepiece 136.
[0409] The microcomputer 110 allows the liquid crystal monitor 150
to display a menu screen for various settings in parallel with the
processing in Step S3203 (S3204). In this state, the user can
observe an image in real time using the optical viewfinder while
performing various settings using the menu screen displayed on the
liquid crystal monitor 150.
[0410] The microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not the menu
button 140a is pressed again during the OVF mode operation (S3205).
When the user presses the menu button 140a again, the microcomputer
110 completes the display of the menu screen on the liquid crystal
monitor 150, and shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the
state A to the state B (S3206). This can return the camera 10 to
the state before the menu screen is displayed.
[0411] As described above, even if the camera 10 is in the live
view mode, the camera 10 can come out of the live view mode
automatically in accordance with the manipulation of the menu
button 140a. This saves time and labor for switching to the OVF
mode manually, which enhances the operability.
[0412] [3-2 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode in Accordance
with Operation of Switching Off Power Supply]
[0413] When the camera 10 is turned off in the live view mode, the
movable mirror 121 is left being moved up. In this state, a subject
image cannot be observed through the camera 10. This is because the
subject image cannot be guided to the optical viewfinder since the
movable mirror 121 is moved up, and the subject image cannot be
displayed because the liquid crystal monitor 150 is not supplied
with a current. On the other hand, even if the power supply of the
camera 10 is in an OFF state, it is convenient if a subject image
can be observed through the optical viewfinder. In the present
configuration, before the camera 10 is turned off, the live view
mode is shifted to the OVF mode. By doing so, even if the power
supply of the camera 10 is in an OFF state, the movable mirror 121
is moved down, so that a subject image can be observed through the
optical viewfinder.
[0414] However, time and labor are needed for switching to the OVF
mode manually. In the camera 10 with the present configuration,
when the power supply switch 142 is operated in a direction of
turning off the power supply of the camera 10 when a live view mode
is set, the camera 10 comes out of the live view mode to allow the
movable mirror 121 to enter the optical path of the image pickup
optical system.
[0415] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled by turning off a power supply.
[0416] In FIG. 33, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
live view mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is
in the state B shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the power supply switch 142 is manipulated
in an OFF direction (S3301). When the user manipulates the power
supply switch 142 in the OFF direction in this state, the
microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the
state B to the state A via the state C (S3302). Then, when the
mirror box 120 is positioned in the state A, the power supply
controller 146 stops the supply of power to each site of the camera
10 (S3303).
[0417] As described above, the camera 10 is shifted to the OVF mode
to move down the movable mirror 121 before the power supply is
turned off. Therefore, even if the power supply is turned off
later, a subject image can be observed through the optical
viewfinder. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch to the OVF
mode manually, so that the operability becomes satisfactory.
[0418] In the case where the power supply of the camera 10 is
turned on after it is turned off, the microcomputer 10 may remember
the state before the power supply is turned off and recover the
state. Specifically, when the power supply of the camera 10 is
turned off in the live view mode, the power supply actually is
turned off after the camera 10 is shifted to the OVF mode. After
that, when the power supply is turned on again, the microcomputer
11 continues an operation after the camera 10 is set in the live
view mode. Consequently, the state before the power supply is
turned off is recovered automatically, which is convenient for the
user.
[0419] Furthermore, in the above example, the case where the user
turns off the power supply using the power supply switch 142 has
been described. However, the similar operation also is applicable
to a sleep function. Specifically, in the case where the state in
which the camera 10 is not manipulated continues for a
predetermined period of time or longer, the power supply controller
146 notifies the microcomputer 110 of the announcement showing that
the power supply will be turned off. Upon receiving the
announcement, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror
box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C. After
that, the power supply controller 146 stops the supply of power to
each site excluding a predetermined site. After that, when the
camera 10 receives some manipulation, the power supply controller
146 detects the manipulation, and restarts the supply of power to
each site to which the supply of power has been stopped. Then, the
microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the
state A to the state B to restart the operation in the live view
mode. Consequently, the camera 10 is shifted to the OVF mode before
entering the sleep state, thereby moving down the movable mirror
121. Therefore, even if the camera is positioned in the sleep state
later, a subject image can be observed through the optical
viewfinder. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch to the OVF
mode manually, which enhances the operability. Furthermore, the
same mode is set before and after the sleep state, so that the user
does not need time and labor for a manipulation after the
completion of the sleep period.
[0420] [3-3 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode in Accordance
with Operation of Opening Battery Cover]
[0421] When a battery 400 is removed in the live view mode, the
camera 10 is turned off with the movable mirror 121 moved up. When
the camera 10 is turned off in the live view mode, the movable
mirror 121 is left being moved up. In this state, a subject image
cannot be observed through the camera 10. This is because the
subject image cannot be guided to the optical viewfinder since the
movable mirror 121 is moved up, and the subject image cannot be
displayed since the liquid crystal monitor 150 is not supplied with
a current. On the other hand, even when the power supply of the
camera 10 is in an OFF state, it is convenient if the subject image
can be observed through the optical viewfinder. According to the
present configuration, before the battery 400 is removed, the
camera 10 is shifted from the live view mode to the OVF mode. By
doing so, even when the power supply of the camera 10 is in an OFF
state, the movable mirror 121 is moved down, so that the subject
image can be observed through the optical viewfinder.
[0422] However, time and labor are needed for switching to the OVF
mode manually. When the battery cover 144 is opened when the live
view mode is set, the camera 10 comes out of the live view mode to
allow the movable mirror 121 to enter the optical path of the image
pickup optical system.
[0423] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled by opening the battery cover 400.
[0424] In FIG. 34, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
live view mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is
in the state B shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the contact point 145 detects that the
battery cover 144 is opened (S3401). When the user opens the
battery cover 144 in this state, the microcomputer 110 shifts the
inside of the mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A via
the state C (S3402).
[0425] The battery 400 is engaged in the battery box 143 with a
member different from the battery cover 144. Therefore, even if the
battery cover 144 is opened, the power supply is not turned off
immediately.
[0426] As described above, before the battery 400 is removed from
the camera 10, the camera 10 is shifted to the OVF mode to move
down the movable mirror 121. Therefore, even if the power supply of
the camera 10 is turned off later, a subject image can be observed
through the optical viewfinder. Furthermore, it is not necessary to
switch to the OVF mode manually, which enhances the
operability.
[0427] [3-4 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode Based on
Detection of Low Battery]
[0428] The camera 10 turns off the power supply by itself to stop
the operation when the voltage of the battery reaches a
predetermined value or less, in order to prevent power-down while
an image is being captured. When the power supply of the camera 10
is turned off in the live view mode, the movable mirror 121 is left
being moved up. In this state, a subject image cannot be observed
through the camera 10. This is because the subject image cannot be
guided to the optical viewfinder since the movable mirror 121 is
moved up. This also is because the subject image cannot be
displayed since the liquid crystal monitor 150 is not supplied with
a current. On the other hand, even when the power supply of the
camera 10 is in an OFF state, it is convenient if the subject image
can be observed through the optical viewfinder. According to the
present configuration, when the voltage of the battery 400
decreases, the live view mode is shifted to the OVF mode. By doing
so, even if the power supply of the camera 10 is turned off along
with the decrease in a power supply voltage, the movable mirror 121
is moved down, so that the subject image can be observed through
the optical viewfinder.
[0429] However, time and labor are needed for switching to the OVF
mode manually. Thus, in order to solve this, when the voltage of
the battery 400 decreases when the live view mode is set, the
camera 10 comes out of the live view mode to allow the movable
mirror 121 to enter the optical path of the image pickup optical
system.
[0430] FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled based on the decrease in a power supply
voltage.
[0431] In FIG. 35, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
live view mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is
in the state B shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the power supply controller 146 detects
that the voltage of the battery 400 is lower than a predetermined
value (S3501). When the power supply controller 146 detects that
the voltage of the battery 400 is lower than the predetermined
value in this state, the power source controller 146 notifies the
microcomputer 110 that the voltage of the battery 400 is lower than
the predetermined value. Upon receiving the notification, the
microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from the
state B to the state A via the state C (S3502). The power supply
controller 146 turns off the power supply in the camera 10 after
the inside of the mirror box 120 becomes the state A (S3503).
[0432] As described above, since the movable mirror 121 can be
moved down before the power supply is turned off due to the
decrease in the voltage of the battery 400, a subject image can be
observed through the optical view finder even if the power supply
is in an OFF state. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch to
the OVF mode manually, which enhances the operability.
[0433] [3-5 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode in Accordance
with Removal of Lens]
[0434] When the interchangeable lens 200 is removed from the camera
body 100 in the live view mode, the protective material 138 is
exposed, and dust and the like are likely to adhere to the camera
10. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to shift the live
view mode to the OVF mode before the interchangeable lens 200 is
removed. However, time and labor are needed for switching to the
OVF mode manually. According to the present configuration, when the
interchangeable lens 200 placed on the camera body 100 is removed
when the live view mode is set, the camera body 100 comes out of
the live view mode to allow the movable mirror 121 to enter the
optical path of the image pickup optical system.
[0435] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled due to the decrease in the power supply
voltage.
[0436] In FIG. 36, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
live view mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is
in the state B shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the interchangeable lens 200 has been
removed from the lens mount portion 135 (S3601). When the
interchangeable lens 200 is removed from the lens mount portion
135, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120
from the state B to the state A via the state C (S3602).
[0437] As described above, when the interchangeable lens 200 is
removed from the camera body 100, the movable mirror 121 can be
moved down, so that foreign matter such as dust can be prevented
from adhering to the protective material 138. Furthermore, it is
not necessary to switch to the OVF mode manually, which enhances
the operability.
[0438] [3-6 Operation of Canceling Live View Mode in Accordance
with Connection of External Terminal]
[0439] When a terminal from an external apparatus is connected to
the external terminal 152, the camera 10 according to the
above-mentioned Embodiment 2 is shifted to the live view mode
automatically, and outputs the image data generated by the CMOS
sensor 130 to the external apparatus. In contrast, when the
terminal from the external apparatus is connected to the external
terminal 152 in the live view mode, the camera 10 according to
Embodiment 3 comes out of the live view mode automatically, and
outputs the image data stored in the memory card 300 to the
external apparatus.
[0440] In the case where the camera 10 is connected to the terminal
connected to the external apparatus, the user attempts to display
the image data stored in the camera 10 or in the memory card 300
placed in the camera 10 on the external apparatus in many cases. In
such a case, with the configuration in which a live view display is
performed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 while the image data is
being sent to the external apparatus, burden on the microcomputer
110 increases. Therefore, in the case of sending the image data to
the external apparatus, it is preferable that the camera 10 comes
out of the live view mode. However, when the camera 10 is connected
to the external apparatus, time and labor are needed for the camera
10 to come out of the live view mode manually. When the terminal
connected to the external apparatus is connected to the external
terminal 152, the camera 10 controls so as to allow the movable
mirror 121 to enter the optical path of the image pickup optical
system, and allow the image data stored in the memory card 300 to
be output to the external apparatus via the external terminal
152.
[0441] FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the
live view mode is cancelled due to the connection of the external
terminal 152.
[0442] In FIG. 37, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in a
live view mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is
in the state B shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the terminal of the external apparatus is
connected to the external terminal 152 (S3701). When the terminal
of the external apparatus is connected to the external terminal 152
in this state, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the
mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C
(S3702). Consequently, the movable mirror 121a guides an optical
signal from the interchangeable lens 200 to the optical viewfinder.
Along with this, the microcomputer 110 outputs the image data
stored in the memory card 300 or image data obtained by subjecting
the image data stored in the memory card 300 to predetermined
processing to the external apparatus via the external terminal 152
(S3704). The external apparatus displays an image based on the
image data sent from the camera 10.
[0443] In this state, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not
the terminal connected to the external terminal 152 is removed
(S3705). When the terminal connected to the external terminal 152
has been removed, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the
mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B (S3706). After that,
the microcomputer 110 continues the operation in the live view
mode.
[0444] As described above, the camera 10 can move out of the live
view mode automatically when the camera 10 is connected to the
external apparatus, so that the operability is satisfactory.
Simultaneously with this, the camera 10 is shifted to the OVF mode,
so that a real-time image also can be observed using the optical
viewfinder.
Embodiment 4
[0445] The camera 10 according to the above-mentioned Embodiment 1
performs an autofocus operation using the image data generated by
the CMOS sensor 130 in the live view display (state B), in the case
of capturing an image in the continuous focus mode in the live view
mode. Along with this, immediately before capturing an image (state
A), the camera 10 performs an autofocus operation using the
measurement results of the AF sensor 132. In contrast, when both
the live view mode and the continuous focus mode are set, the
camera 10 according to Embodiment 4 is shifted automatically from
the continuous focus mode to the single focus mode, or from the
live view mode to the OVF mode.
[0446] [4-1 Operation of Shift from Continuous Focus Mode to Single
Focus Mode]
[0447] FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of shift to
the signal focus mode involved in the shift to the live view
mode.
[0448] In FIG. 38, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
OVF mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is in the
state A show in FIG. 1. The microcomputer 110 is operated in the
continuous focus mode. Thus, the microcomputer 110 transmits the
measurement results of the AF sensor 132 to the CPU 210
continuously. Then, the CPU 210 performs the autofocus operation
based on the measurement results of the AF sensor 132 received from
the microcomputer 110. In this state, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the viewfinder switch 140e is switched to
the live view mode (S3801).
[0449] When the viewfinder switch 140e is switched to the live view
mode, the microcomputer 110 allows the AF sensor to measure a
distance, and transmits the measurement results to the CPU 210. The
CPU 210 performs the autofocus operation based on the measurement
results of the AF sensor 132 received from the microcomputer 110
(S3802). Thus, by performing an autofocus operation immediately
before entering the OVF mode, an image especially focused on a
subject can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150.
[0450] Next, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror
box 120 from the state A to the state B (S3803).
[0451] The microcomputer 110 continues an operation in the live
view mode (S3804). During this time, the microcomputer 110 does not
give an instruction regarding an autofocus operation until the
release button 141 is pressed halfway.
[0452] In this state, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not
the viewfinder switch 140e is switched to the OVF mode (S3805).
[0453] When the viewfinder switch 140e is switched to the OVF mode,
the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the mirror box 120 from
the state B to the state A via the state C (S3806). Then, the
microcomputer 110 returns to the operation in the continuous focus
mode.
[0454] As described above, when both the live view mode and the
continuous focus mode are set, the camera 10 is shifted from the
continuous focus mode to the single focus mode automatically.
Therefore, an autofocus operation can be realized only with the
autofocus operation using the AF sensor 132, without using the
image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130. Furthermore, since the
continuous focus mode can be shifted to the single focus mode
automatically, the operability is satisfactory.
[0455] [4-2 Operation of Shift from Live View Mode to OVF Mode]
[0456] FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a shift operation to the
OVF mode involved in the shift to the continuous focus mode.
[0457] In FIG. 39, the microcomputer 110 originally is set in the
live view mode. At this time, the inside of the mirror box 120 is
in the state B shown in FIG. 5. The microcomputer 110 is operated
in the single focus mode. Thus, the microcomputer 110 does not give
an instruction regarding an autofocus operation until the release
button 141 is pressed halfway. In this state, the microcomputer 110
monitors whether or not the focus mode switch 140f is switched to
the continuous focus mode (S3901).
[0458] When the focus mode switch 140f is switched to the
continuous focus mode, the microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of
the mirror box 120 from the state B to the state A via the state C
(S3902). Then, the microcomputer 110 continues the operation in the
OVF mode. During this time, the microcomputer 110 is operated in
the continuous focus mode (S3903).
[0459] In this state, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not
the focus switch 140f is switched to the single focus mode (S3904).
When the focus mode switch 140f is switched to the single focus
mode, the microcomputer 110 gives an instruction regarding the
autofocus operation based on the measurement results of the AF
sensor 132 (S3905). The microcomputer 110 shifts the inside of the
mirror box 120 from the state A to the state B (S3906). Then, the
microcomputer 110 returns to the operation in the live view
mode.
[0460] As described above, when both the live view mode and the
continuous focus mode are set, the camera 10 according to
Embodiment 4 is shifted from the live view mode to the OVF mode
automatically. Therefore, an autofocus operation can be realized
only with the autofocus operation using the AF sensor 132 without
using the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130. Furthermore,
since the live view mode can be shifted to the OVF mode
automatically, the operability is satisfactory.
Embodiment 5
[0461] The camera 10 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 1
is configured so as to display a real-time image over the entire
surface of the optical viewfinder or the liquid crystal monitor
150. In contrast, the camera 10 according to Embodiment 5 has a
configuration in which a plurality of real-time images are
displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150 by pressing a
multi-display button 140p, as shown in FIG. 40. At this time, the
lightness of a plurality of images to be displayed is assumed to be
varied for each image by electrical adjustment. Furthermore, the
information representing the difference in lightness is displayed
in an upper portion of each image reduced in size.
[0462] FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-display
operation in a live view.
[0463] In FIG. 41, the microcomputer 110 monitors whether or not
the multi-display button 140p is pressed (S4101).
[0464] The microcomputer 110 detects whether or not a currently set
mode is a live view mode when the multi-display button 140p is
pressed (S4102). If the currently set mode is a live view mode, the
microcomputer 110 is shifted to Step S4104.
[0465] On the other hand, when the currently set mode is not in the
live view mode such as the OVF mode, the inside of the mirror box
120 is shifted from the state A to the state B (S4103), and after
that, the microcomputer 110 is shifted to Step S4104.
[0466] In Step S4104, the CMOS sensor 130 captures a subject image
to generate image data. The A/D converter 131 converts the
generated image data from the analog data to the digital data. The
microcomputer 110 subjects the image data obtained from the A/D
converter 131 to YC conversion, and further resizes the resultant
image data to generate an image reduced in size (S4105).
[0467] The microcomputer 110 duplicates the generated image reduced
in size, and allows the buffer 111 to store three images reduced in
size (S4106). The microcomputer 110 changes the brightness of the
three images reduced in size stored in the buffer 111. The
brightness is changed so as to obtain E-1 for the first image, EV0
for the second image, and EV+1 for the third image.
[0468] Next, the microcomputer 110 stores these images reduced in
size in a storage space in the buffer so that they are arranged
appropriately (S4108).
[0469] Finally, the microcomputer 110 allows the liquid crystal
monitor 150 to display the image data stored in the buffer 111
(S4109).
[0470] A live view display of a multi-screen can be realized by
repeating the operations in Steps S4104 to S4109.
[0471] The EV value of each image reduced in size can be selected
by pressing the menu button 140a to allow a menu screen to be
displayed. As described above, since a plurality of images reduced
in size are displayed as a live view screen, the respective images
reduced in size can be compared with each other easily. In
particular, by electronically realizing the difference in image
pickup conditions, an image obtained by capturing an image for
recording can be grasped easily.
[0472] In Embodiment 5, although images with different EV values
are produced to be displayed in simulation by electronic
processing, the present invention is not limited thereto. For
example, images with different white balances may be produced to be
displayed in simulation, by electronically changing a
color-difference component of the image data.
Embodiment 6
[0473] As embodiments for carrying out the present invention,
Embodiments 1-5 have been illustrated. However, the embodiments for
carrying out the present invention are not limited thereto. Another
embodiment of the present invention will be summarized as
Embodiment 6.
[0474] In Embodiments 1-5, the optical viewfinder of the present
invention includes the focusing glass 125, the prism 126, and the
eyepiece 136. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto. For example, a reflector may be used in place of the prism
126. Furthermore, a subject image may be output to an upper surface
of the camera body 100, without using the prism 126. Furthermore,
an image pickup element may be used in place of the focusing glass
125, and an electronic viewfinder may be used in place of the
eyepiece 136. In this case, a camera body includes two electronic
viewfinders. In the case of using an electronic viewfinder in place
of an optical electronic viewfinder as described above, although
some of the inventions disclosed in the present specification
cannot be carried out, there are still inventions that can be
carried out. In particular, the invention that attaches importance
to the presence of the movable mirror can be carried out.
[0475] In Embodiments 1-5, although a 4-group image pickup optical
system has been illustrated as the image pickup optical system, the
present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the zoom
lens 230 is not an essential member, and the interchangeable lens
200 may be configured as a monofocal lens. Furthermore, the
correction lens 251, the unit 250, and the gyrosensor 252 are not
essential members, and the interchangeable lens 200 may be
configured as an interchangeable lens having no hand vibration
correction function.
[0476] Furthermore, the arrangement of each member included in the
image pickup optical system can be changed appropriately. For
example, the image pickup optical system may be placed in such a
manner that the diaphragm 240 and the hand shaking correction unit
250 are replaced with each other. Furthermore, the image pickup
optical system may be placed in such a manner that the hand shaking
correction unit 250 and the focus lens 260 are replaced with each
other. The image pickup optical system may be configured so as to
include a lens group that functions as the hand shaking correction
unit 250 and the focus lens 260.
[0477] Furthermore, the objective lens 220, the zoom lens 230, the
correction lens 251, and the focus lens 260 may be composed of a
single lens, respectively, or configured as a lens group including
a combination of a plurality of lenses.
[0478] Furthermore, a partial member constituting the image pickup
optical system may include the camera body 100. Furthermore, the
camera 10 may include a lens fixed to the camera body 100, instead
of having an interchangeable lens system.
[0479] In Embodiments 1-5, although the zoom lens 230, the
diaphragm 240, and the focus lens 260 are manipulated mechanically,
which is accomplished by driving the zoom motor 231, the motor 241,
and the focus motor 261, respectively, and synchronized
mechanically with the zoom ring 232, the diaphragm ring 242, and
the focus ring 262, the present invention is not limited thereto.
For example, Embodiments 1-5 may be configured in such a manner
that only a mechanical manipulation by the zoom ring 232, the
diaphragm ring 242, and the focus ring 262 can be performed,
without providing the zoom motor 231, the motor 241, and the focus
motor 261. It should be noted that an autofocus operation is
difficult when the focus motor 261 is not provided. Furthermore, in
the case where the motor 241 is not provided, the automatic
adjustment of the diaphragm 240 by pressing the LV preview button
140j, the diaphragm button 140k, or the AV button 140m becomes
difficult. Alternatively, for example, the zoom lens 230, the
diaphragm 240, and the focus lens 206 may be driven only with the
zoom motor 231, the motor 241, and the focus motor 261 without
having the zoom ring 232, the diaphragm ring 242, and the focus
ring 262. Alternatively, although the zoom ring 232, the diaphragm
ring 242, and the focus ring 262 are provided, the movements
thereof may be converted into electric signals, and the electric
signals may be transmitted to the CPU 210. In this case, the CPU
210 may drive the zoom motor 231, the motor 241, and the focus
motor 216 in accordance with the electric signals.
[0480] In Embodiments 1-5, the CMOS sensor 130 is illustrated as an
image pickup element. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto. The image pickup element may be any means for capturing a
subject image to generate image data. For example, the image pickup
element also can be realized with a CCD image sensor.
[0481] In Embodiments 1-5, the liquid crystal monitor 150 is
illustrated as the display portion. However, the present invention
is not limited thereto, and any means for displaying an image can
be used as the display portion. Furthermore, the display portion
may be means for displaying various pieces of information as well
as images. For example, the display portion may be realized with an
organic EL display.
[0482] In Embodiment 1-5, the microcomputer 110 is illustrated as
the control portion. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto, and any means for controlling the camera 10 may be used.
Furthermore, the control portion may include a plurality of
semiconductor devices. The control portion may include electronic
components such as a resistor, a capacitor, and the like which are
not semiconductor devices. Furthermore, the control portion may
include a memory, if required. Furthermore, the control portion may
include software or may be composed only of hardware. A program
contained in the control portion may be changeable or fixed without
change permitted. Furthermore, as the control portion, anything
that is capable of controlling a battery can be used.
[0483] Furthermore, in Embodiments 1-5, although the microcomputer
110 controls the camera body 100, and the CPU 210 controls the
interchangeable lens 200, the present invention is not limited
thereto. For example, the control portion provided on the camera
body 110 side may control both the camera body 100 and the
interchangeable lens 200. In this case, the interchangeable lens
200 may not be provided with the control portion.
[0484] In Embodiments 1-5, the LV preview button 140j is
illustrated as the diaphragm adjustment instruction receiving
portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and
any means used for instructing the camera 10 to perform a diaphragm
adjustment may be used. For example, the diaphragm adjustment
instruction receiving portion may be realized with a slide-type or
touch-type switch. Furthermore, the diaphragm adjustment
instruction receiving portion may be realized with a manipulation
key or the like for giving an instruction regarding a diaphragm
adjustment from the menu screen. Furthermore, the diaphragm
adjustment instruction receiving portion may be realized with the
remote control receiving portion 155 that receives a control signal
from a remote controller.
[0485] In Embodiments 1-5, although the microcomputer 110 is
illustrated as the image processing means, the present invention is
not limited thereto, and any means may be used as long as it can
perform image processing such as YC conversion processing. For
example, the image processing means may be composed of hardware
such as a DSP (digital signal processor). Furthermore, the image
processing means may be composed of one semiconductor device or a
plurality of semiconductor devices. Furthermore, the image
processing means may include electronic components such as a
resistor and a capacitor that are not semiconductor devices.
Furthermore, a program contained in the image processing means can
be changeable or fixed without change permitted. Furthermore, the
image processing means and the control portion may be composed of
one semiconductor device, or separate semiconductor devices.
Furthermore, the image processing means may include a memory, if
required.
[0486] In Embodiments 1-5, the release button 141 is illustrated as
the release portion. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto, and any means for giving an instruction regarding the
start of capturing an image for recording may be used. For example,
the release portion may be realized with a slide-type or touch-type
switch. Furthermore, the release portion may be realized with a
manipulation key or the like for giving an instruction regarding a
diaphragm adjustment from a menu screen. Furthermore, the release
portion may be realized with the remote control receiving portion
155 that receives a control signal from the remote controller.
Furthermore, the release portion may be composed of a touch screen.
Furthermore, the release portion may be realized with a microphone
that receives a voice. In this case, the user gives an instruction
regarding the start of capturing an image for recording with a
voice. Furthermore, the release operation by the release portion
also includes a release operation in a self-timer mode.
[0487] In Embodiments 1-5, the AF sensor 132 is illustrated as the
distance-measuring portion. However, the present invention is not
limited thereto, and any means for obtaining information on the
distance from the camera 10 to a subject may be used. For example,
the distance-measuring portion may be realized with a sensor used
for active autofocusing. Herein, according to the present
invention, the information on the distance from the subject to the
camera 10 is a concept including a defocus amount of the subject
image.
[0488] In Embodiments 1-5, the memory card 300 is illustrated as
the recording portion. However, the present invention is not
limited thereto, and any means for recording an image for recording
may be used. For example, the recording portion may be realized
with a memory contained in the camera 10 without being
attachable/detachable to the camera 10. Furthermore, the recording
portion may be realized with a flash memory, a ferroelectric
memory, a DRAM, or an SRAM with a power supply, or the like.
Furthermore, the recording portion may be realized with a hard disk
or an optical disk. Furthermore, the recording portion may be
realized with a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk recording
portion.
[0489] In Embodiments 1-5, the release button 141 is illustrated as
the AF start instruction receiving portion. However, the present
invention is not limited thereto, and any means for giving an
instruction regarding the start of an autofocus operation may be
used. For example, the AF start instruction receiving portion may
be realized with a slide-type or touch-type switch. Furthermore,
the AF start instruction receiving portion may be realized with a
manipulation key or the like for giving an instruction regarding
the start of an autofocus operation from the menu screen.
Furthermore, the AF start instruction receiving portion may be
realized with the remote control receiving portion 155 that
receives a control signal from a remote controller. Furthermore,
the AF start instruction receiving portion may be realized with a
touch screen. Furthermore, the AF start instruction receiving
portion may be realized with a microphone that receives a voice. In
this case, the user gives an instruction regarding the start of an
AF operation with a voice.
[0490] In Embodiments 1-5, although AF sensor 132 is provided, the
AF sensor 132 is not necessarily required. In the case where the AF
sensor is not provided, for example, an autofocus operation is
performed using a contrast value of the image data generated by the
CMOS sensor 130.
[0491] In Embodiments 1-5, although the AE sensor 133 is provided,
the AE sensor 133 is not necessarily required. In the case where
the AE sensor 133 is not provided, for example, a photometric
operation is performed using the image data generated by the CMOS
sensor 130.
[0492] In Embodiments 1-5, regarding the photometric system,
although whether only the AE sensor is used, only the CMOS sensor
130 is used, or both the AE sensor 133 and the CMOS sensor 130 are
used can be selected from the menu screen, the present invention is
not limited thereto. For example, only one of the above-mentioned
photometric systems may be used at all times, or a selection can be
performed among any two of them. Furthermore, a photometric system
may be selected from the other photometric systems as well as the
above.
[0493] In Embodiments 1-5, the supersonic vibration generator 134
is illustrated as a foreign matter removing portion. However, the
present invention is not limited thereto, and any means for
removing foreign matter mixed in the protective material 138 or the
mirror box 130 may be used. For example, the foreign matter
removing portion may be realized with means for spraying air.
Furthermore, the foreign matter removing portion may be realized
with means for removing foreign matter with a brush or the like.
Furthermore, the foreign matter removing portion may be realized
with means for moving foreign matter using static electricity.
[0494] In Embodiments 1-5, the diaphragm ring 242 is illustrated as
the diaphragm manipulation portion. However, the present invention
is not limited thereto, and manipulation means for driving the
power of the diaphragm 240 may be used. Furthermore, the diaphragm
manipulation portion may be provided on the camera body 100
side.
[0495] In Embodiments 1-5, the menu button 140a is illustrated as
the setting manipulation portion. However, the present invention is
not limited thereto, and any means for displaying the menu screen
on the liquid crystal monitor 150 may be used. For example, the
setting manipulation portion may be realized with a slide-type or
touch-type switch. Furthermore, the setting manipulation portion
may be realized with the remote control receiving portion 155 that
receives a control signal from a remote controller. Furthermore,
the setting manipulation portion may be realized with a touch
screen. Furthermore, the setting manipulation portion may be
realized with a microphone that receives a voice. In this case, the
user gives an instruction that the menu screen will be displayed
with a voice.
[0496] In Embodiments 1-5, the power supply switch 142 is
illustrated as the power supply manipulation portion. However, the
present invention is not limited thereto, and any means for turning
on/off the power supply of the camera 10 may be used. For example,
the power supply manipulation portion may be realized with a push
button or a touch-type switch. Furthermore, the power supply
manipulation portion may be realized with the remote control
receiving portion 155 that receives a control signal from a remote
controller. Furthermore, the power supply manipulation portion may
be composed of a touch screen. Furthermore, the power supply
manipulation portion may be realized with a microphone that
receives a voice. In this case, the user gives an instruction that
the power supply is turned on/off with a voice.
[0497] In Embodiment 1, in the case where an image is captured
using the single focus mode in the live view mode, when the release
button 141 is pressed fully before a predetermined time elapses
after the release button 141 is pressed halfway, the camera 10 is
shifted to an image pickup operation without returning to the live
view display operation once. However, the present invention is not
limited thereto. For example, irrespective of the lapse of a
predetermined time, the camera 10 may return to the live view
display operation first after the release button 141 is pressed
halfway.
[0498] In Embodiments 1-5, although an image file pursuant to the
Exif specification is illustrated as the image for recording, the
present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the image
for recording may be a TIFF (tagged image file format) image file,
an RGB signal image file, an image file pursuant to the MPEG
(Motion Picture Expert Group) specification, or an image file
pursuant to the Motion-JPEG (JPEG: Joint Photographic Expert Group)
specification.
[Note 1]
[0499] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a diaphragm that adjusts an amount of
light of the subject image formed by the image pickup optical
system; and a control portion having a live view mode controlling
so that the generated image data or the image data obtained by
subjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing is
displayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time,
wherein the control portion controls, in the live view mode, an
aperture size of the diaphragm so that lightness of the subject
image incident upon the image pickup element is equal to that at a
time when an image for recording is captured.
[0500] According to the above configuration, the diaphragm is set
in the live view in the same way as that at a time when the image
for recording is captured. Therefore, the depth of field of the
image for recording can be checked easily in the live view display
before the image is captured. Thus, the user can obtain a favorite
image easily with a simple manipulation.
[Note 2]
[0501] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a diaphragm that adjusts an amount of
light of the subject image formed by the image pickup optical
system; a diaphragm adjustment instruction receiving portion that
receives an instruction of a user regarding an adjustment of an
aperture size of the diaphragm so that lightness of the subject
image incident upon the image pickup element is equal to that at a
time when an image for recording is captured; and a control portion
having a live view mode controlling so that the generated image
data or the image data obtained by subjecting the generated image
data to predetermined processing is displayed on the display
portion as a moving image in real time, wherein the control portion
controls so as to open, in the live view mode, the diaphragm so
that the lightness of the subject image incident upon the image
pickup element is different from that at a time when the image for
recording is captured, and when the diaphragm adjustment
instruction receiving portion is manipulated, the control portion
controls so as to adjust an aperture size of the diaphragm so that
the lightness of the subject image incident upon the image pickup
element is equal to that at a time when the image for recording is
captured and display a part of the image data to be displayed on
the display portion in an enlarged state.
[0502] According to the above configuration, with the simple
manipulation of manipulating the diaphragm adjustment instruction
receiving portion, the depth of field of the image for recording
can be checked easily in the live view display before the image is
captured, and the depth of field can be checked in detail by
enlarging a part of a display image.
[Note 3]
[0503] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; image processing means that generates
an image file including a header portion based on the image data
generated by the image pickup element; and a control portion having
a live view mode controlling so that the generated image data or
the image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a
moving image in real time, wherein in a case where the image
processing means generates the image file based on the image data
generated in the live view mode, the header portion included in the
image file to be generated stores information indicating that the
image data is generated in the live view mode.
[0504] According to the above configuration, by analyzing the
header portion of the generated image file, whether the image data
included in the image file is generated in the live view mode or in
the OVF mode can be grasped easily. The user can grasp the
relationship between the quality of an image captured by the user
and a finder mode. This can be used for enhancing a photographic
technique, and the like.
[Note 4]
[0505] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion that
receives the subject image and obtains information on a distance
from the subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path; manual focus means that
adjusts the image pickup optical system in accordance with a
manipulation of the user to change a focus of the subject image;
and a control portion having a live view mode controlling so that
the generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting
the generated image data to predetermined processing is displayed
on the display portion as a moving image in real time, wherein when
the manual focus means is manipulated under a condition that the
movable mirror guides the subject image to the optical viewfinder,
the control portion controls so as to display measurement results
of the distance-measuring portion or information based on the
measurement results on the display portion.
[0506] According to the above, the user can check if a focus has
been adjusted based on the information displayed on the display
portion as well as the image during a manual focus manipulation.
Therefore, a focus can be adjusted exactly even with the manual
focus manipulation.
[Note 5]
[0507] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; image processing means that performs
predetermined image processing with respect to the image data
generated by the image pickup element; a recording portion that
records the image data processed by the image processing means; and
a control portion having a live view mode controlling so that the
generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting the
generated image data to predetermined processing is displayed on
the display portion as a moving image in real time, wherein the
control portion controls so as to stop the live view mode while the
image processing is being performed by the image processing means
and/or while the image data for recording is being recorded by the
recording portion.
[0508] According to the above configuration, during the image
processing or recording processing, the control portion and the
image processing means do not need to take the processing ability
for the live view display, so that the image processing and
recording processing can be performed rapidly.
[Note 6]
[0509] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; manual focus means that adjusts the
image pickup optical system in accordance with a manipulation of a
user to change a focus of the subject image; and a control portion
having a live view mode controlling so that the generated image
data or the image data obtained by subjecting the generated image
data to predetermined processing is displayed on the display
portion as a moving image in real time, wherein when the manual
focus means is being manipulated under a condition that the movable
mirror is not positioned in the optical path of the optical image
pickup system, the control portion controls so as to display a
contrast value of the image data generated by the image pickup
element or information based on the contrast value on the display
portion.
[0510] According to the above configuration, the user can check
whether or not a focus has been adjusted based on the information
displayed on the display portion as well as the image during the
manual focus manipulation. Therefore, a focus can be adjusted
exactly even with the manual focus manipulation.
[Note 7]
[0511] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a diaphragm that adjusts an amount of
light of the subject image formed by the image pickup optical
system;
[0512] a distance-measuring portion that receives the subject image
and obtains information on a distance from the subject to the
digital camera in a state where the movable mirror is positioned in
the optical path; an autofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the
subject image by adjusting the image pickup optical system in
accordance with measurement results of the distance-measuring
portion; and a control portion that controls so as to start
adjusting an aperture value of the diaphragm after the measurement
by the distance-measuring portion and before the completion of the
adjustment of the focus of the subject image by the autofocus
portion.
[0513] According to the above configuration, the diaphragm is
driven without waiting for the completion of the autofocus
operation, so that a time required for setting the diaphragm can be
shortened.
[Note 8]
[0514] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion that
receives the subject image and obtains information on a distance
from the subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that
adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup
optical system in accordance with measurement results of the
distance-measuring portion; an AF start instruction receiving
portion that receives an instruction of a user regarding activation
of the autofocus portion; and a control portion having a live view
mode controlling so that the generated image data or the image data
obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predetermined
processing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in
real time, wherein when the AF start instruction receiving portion
receives an instruction regarding start of the autofocus operation
in the live view mode, the control portion controls so as to allow
the movable mirror to enter the optical path to measure the
distance by the distance-measuring portion, and thereafter, allow
the movable mirror to retract from the optical path to return the
digital camera to the live view mode.
[0515] According to the above configuration, operations from the
autofocus operation using the distance-measuring portion to the
live view display can be performed easily with a simple
manipulation of manipulating the AF start instruction receiving
portion. Therefore, the user can adjust a composition in the live
view display under the condition that the subject is focused with a
simple manipulation.
[Note 9]
[0516] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a release portion that receives an
instruction of a user regarding start of capturing an image for
recording by the image pickup element; a distance-measuring portion
that receives the subject image and obtains information on a
distance from the subject to the digital camera in a state where
the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path; an autofocus
portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjusting the
image pickup optical system in accordance with measurement results
of the distance-measuring portion; an AF start instruction
receiving portion that receives an instruction of the user
regarding activation of the autofocus portion; and a control
portion having a live view mode controlling so that the generated
image data or the image data obtained by subjecting the generated
image data to predetermined processing is displayed on the display
portion as a moving image in real time, wherein after allowing the
autofocus portion to start an autofocus operation in accordance
with a manipulation of the AF start instruction receiving portion,
the control portion determines whether to control to shift the
digital camera directly to an image pickup operation of an image
for recording in accordance with a timing at which the release
portion receives the instruction regarding the start of capturing
an image, or to control to shift the digital camera to the live
view mode once and thereafter, shift the digital camera to the
image pickup operation of the image for recording when the release
portion receives the instruction regarding the start of capturing
an image.
[Note 10]
[0517] The digital camera according to Note 9, wherein when the
release portion receives the instruction regarding the start of
capturing an image within a predetermined time after the control
portion allows the autofocus portion to start an autofocus
operation in accordance with the manipulation of the AF start
instruction receiving portion, the control portion controls so as
to shift the digital camera directly to the image pickup operation
of the image for recording, and when the release portion does not
receive the instruction regarding the start of capturing an image
within the predetermined time, the control portion controls so as
to shift the digital camera to the live view mode once, and
thereafter, shift the digital camera to the image pickup operation
of the image for recording when the release portion receives the
instruction regarding the state of capturing an image.
[0518] According to the above configuration, when the release
portion is manipulated immediately after the AF start instruction
receiving portion is manipulated, image pickup is started without
performing a live view display, so that a time from the
manipulation of the AF start instruction receiving portion to the
start of capturing an image can be shortened. This is because the
movable mirror is not moved up/down unnecessarily. Therefore, the
use can capture a favorite image without letting a shutter timing
slip away. On the other hand, when the user desires to change a
composition while watching the display portion after determining a
focus state, the digital camera may wait for the elapse of a
predetermined time after operating the AF start instruction
receiving portion.
[Note 11]
[0519] The digital camera according to Note 9, wherein when the
release portion receives the instruction regarding the start of
capturing an image before the autofocus operation is completed
after the control portion allows the autofocus portion to start the
autofocus operation in accordance with the manipulation of the AF
start instruction receiving portion, the control portion controls
so as to shift the digital camera directly to the image pickup
operation of the image for recording, and when the release portion
does not receive the instruction regarding the start of capturing
an image before the autofocus operation is completed, the control
portion controls so as to shift the digital camera to the live view
mode first, and thereafter, shift the digital camera to the image
pickup operation of the image for recording when the release
portion receives the instruction regarding the state of capturing
an image.
[Note 12]
[0520] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion that
receives the subject image and obtains information on a distance
from the subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that
adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup
optical system in accordance with measurement results of the
distance-measuring portion; and a control portion having a live
view mode controlling so that the generated image data or the image
data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a
moving image in real time, wherein the control portion controls so
as to vary a method for displaying an image on the display portion
or a method for not displaying an image on the display portion
between a case where the control portion allows the movable mirror
to enter the optical path so as to allow the autofocus portion to
perform an autofocus operation and a case where the control portion
allows the moveable mirror to enter the optical path so as to
prepare for capturing an image for recording by the image pickup
element.
[0521] According to the above configuration, a display on the
display portion is varied, so that it is easy to recognize whether
the digital camera is in an autofocus operation or an image pickup
operation. Therefore, the problem that the user is likely to
confuse both the operations can be solved. The reason why the user
is likely to confuse both the operations is that patterns of sounds
generated from the movable mirror in both the operations are
similar to each other (the movable mirror is moved down/up during
both the autofocus operation and the image pickup operation).
[Note 13]
[0522] The digital camera according to Note 12 further includes
storage means that stores the image data generated by the image
pickup element or image data obtained by subjecting the generated
image data to predetermined processing, wherein when the control
portion allows the movable mirror to enter the optical path so as
to allow the autofocus portion to perform an autofocus operation,
the control portion controls so that the image data stored in the
storage means or the image data obtained by subjecting the image
data stored in the storage means to predetermined processing is
displayed on the display portion, and when the control portion
allows the movable mirror to enter the optical path for preparing
for capturing an image for recording by the image pickup element,
the control portion controls so that the image data stored in the
storage means or the image data obtained by subjecting the image
data stored in the storage means to predetermined processing is not
displayed on the display portion
[0523] According to the above, it becomes easy to recognize whether
or not the digital camera is in an autofocus operation or an image
pickup operation more clearly.
[Note 14]
[0524] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion that
receives the subject image and obtains information on a distance
from the subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that
adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup
optical system using measurement results of the distance-measuring
portion, or contrast of the image data generated by the image
pickup element or image data obtained by subjecting the image data
generated by the image pickup element to predetermined processing;
and a control portion having a live view mode controlling so that
the generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting
the generated image data to predetermined processing is displayed
on the display portion as a moving image in real time, wherein when
the movable mirror is not positioned in the optical path, the
control portion controls the autofocus portion so that an autofocus
operation is performed using contrast, and when the movable mirror
is positioned in the optical path, the control portion controls the
autofocus portion so that an autofocus operation is performed using
the measurement results of the distance-measuring portion.
[0525] According to the above, an autofocus operation can be
performed both when the movable mirror is not positioned in the
optical path and the movable mirror is positioned in the optical
path.
[Note 15]
[0526] The digital camera according to Note 14, wherein when the
control portion controls the autofocus portion so that an autofocus
operation is performed continuously using contrast, when the
digital camera is shifted to the image pickup operation of the
image for recording in the image pickup element, the control
portion controls so that the movable mirror is positioned in the
optical path, and the autofocus operation is performed using the
measurement results of the distance-measuring portion, before being
shifted to the image pickup operation.
[0527] According to the above configuration, before the release
portion receives an instruction regarding the start of capturing an
image, autofocus based on the image data generated by the image
pickup element is performed, whereby a live view can be displayed
on the display portion continuously while the continuous focus
operation is being performed. On the other hand, when the release
portion receives the instruction regarding the start of capturing
an image, an autofocus operation based on the measurement results
of the distance-measuring portion is performed, so that focus can
be adjusted more exactly immediately before image pickup. In
particular, in the case of capturing a subject moving fast, a time
from the last autofocus operation to the image pickup operation can
be shortened, so that focus is likely to be adjusted.
[Note 16]
[0528] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion that
receives the subject image and obtains information on a distance
from the subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that
adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup
optical system using measurement results of the distance-measuring
portion; a control portion having a live view mode controlling so
that the generated image data or the image data obtained by
subjecting the generated image data to the predetermined processing
is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in real time;
and a setting portion that sets the control portion to be in the
live view mode, wherein the control portion controls so as to shift
the digital camera to the live view mode after controlling the
autofocus portion first so that the autofocus operation is
performed, in accordance with setting of the live view mode by the
setting portion.
[0529] According to the above configuration, the autofocus
operation is performed at a time of switch to the live view mode,
so that the observation of a subject image can be started using the
display portion under a condition that the subject is focused
immediately after the start of a live view. Therefore, a time
required from the switch to the live view to the setting of a
composition can be shortened, so that the operability is
satisfactory for the user.
[Note 17]
[0530] The digital camera according to claim 16, wherein after the
measurement in the distance-measuring portion is performed in
accordance with the setting of the live view mode by the setting
portion, the control portion controls so as to shift the digital
camera to the live view mode, and controls so that at least a part
of the autofocus operation by the autofocus portion is performed in
parallel with the live view mode.
[0531] According to the above configuration, before the autofocus
operation is completed, the digital camera can be shifted to the
live view mode, so that a time from the setting by the setting
portion to the shift to the live view mode can be shortened.
Therefore, the operability becomes satisfactory for the user.
[Note 18]
[0532] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; an autofocus portion that adjusts a
focus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup optical
system, using contrast of the image data generated by the image
pickup element or image data obtained by subjecting the image data
generated by the image pickup element to predetermined processing;
a control portion having a live view mode controlling so that the
generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting the
generated image data to predetermined processing is displayed on
the display portion as a moving image in real time; and a setting
portion that sets the control portion to be in the live view mode,
wherein the control portion controls so that the autofocus portion
performs an autofocus operation once in accordance with the setting
of the live view mode by the setting portion, and thereafter,
controls so that the digital camera is shifted to the live view
mode.
[Note 19]
[0533] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion that
receives the subject image and obtains information on a distance
from the subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that
adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup
optical system in accordance with measurement results of the
distance-measuring portion: and a control portion having a live
view mode controlling so that the generated image data or the image
data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to the
predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a
moving image in real time; wherein when the movable mirror is
positioned in the optical path, the control portion controls so
that a point focused in the autofocus portion is displayed on the
display portion.
[0534] According to the above configuration, in a case where the
autofocus operation is performed when the movable mirror is
positioned in the optical path, the focused point is displayed on a
screen of the display portion. Therefore, even when a live view
display is not performed on the display portion, which subject is
focused can be grasped.
[Note 20]
[0535] The digital camera according to claim 19 further includes
storage means that stores the image data generated by the image
pickup element or image data obtained by subjecting the generated
image data to predetermined processing, wherein when the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path, the control portion
controls so that the image data stored in the storage means or the
image data obtained by subjecting the image data stored in the
storage means to predetermined processing is displayed on the
display portion, and the point focused in the autofocus portion is
displayed on the display portion.
[0536] According to the above configuration, which subject is
focused can be grasped more easily.
[Note 21]
[0537] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a foreign matter removing portion that
removes foreign matter present in the optical path of the image
pickup optical system; and a control portion having a live view
mode controlling so that the generated image data or the image data
obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predetermined
processing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in
real time; wherein when the control portion determines whether or
not foreign matter is present in the optical path of the image
pickup optical system based on the image data generated in the live
view mode or image data obtained by subjecting the image data
generated in the live view mode to predetermined processing, and
controls so that the foreign matter removing portion is activated
when the control portion determines that foreign matter is
present.
[0538] According to the above, foreign matter in the optical path
can be removed easily with a simple manipulation.
[Note 22]
[0539] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a photometric portion that measures an
amount of light from the subject when the movable mirror is
positioned in the optical path of the image pickup optical system;
an illumination portion that illuminates the subject with light; a
diaphragm that adjusts an amount of light of the subject image
formed by the image pickup optical system; and a control portion
having a live view mode controlling so that the generated image
data or the image data obtained by subjecting the generated image
data to predetermined processing is displayed on the display
portion as a moving image in real time; wherein after the amount of
light from the subject is obtained based on the image data
generated by the image pickup element, the control portion controls
so as to allow the movable mirror to enter the optical path of the
image pickup optical system, allow the illumination portion to
flash light, and obtain measurement results of the photometric
portion.
[0540] As described above, stationary light is measured with the
image pickup element, while pre-flash is measured with the
photometric portion. Therefore, stationary light is measured
immediately after the full depression, while the pre-flash can be
measured more exactly.
[Note 23]
[0541] The digital camera according to claim 22, wherein the
control portion sets an aperture value of the diaphragm and/or an
exposure time of the image pickup element, based on the amount of
light from the subject obtained based on the image data generated
by the image pickup element and the measurement results of the
photometric portion.
[Note 24]
[0542] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a shock detecting portion that detects
shock applied to the digital camera; and a control portion having a
live view mode controlling so that the generated image data or the
image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a
moving image in real time, wherein the control portion controls so
that, in a case where a live view mode is set, the digital camera
comes out of the live view mode first and is shifted to the live
view mode again, in accordance with detection results of the shock
detecting portion.
[0543] As described above, the live view mode is reset as a result
of the detection of shock, so that the digital camera can be
recovered automatically from a state where a live view display is
interrupted by the shock. This can prevent the user from
misunderstanding that the digital camera is out of order.
Furthermore, when the live view display is interrupted, it is not
necessary to perform a manipulation of recovering the live view
display manually, so that the operability is satisfactory.
[Note 25]
[0544] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a diaphragm that adjusts an amount of
light of the subject image formed by the image pickup optical
system; a diaphragm adjustment instruction receiving portion that
receives an instruction of a user regarding adjustment of an
aperture size of the diaphragm so that lightness of the subject
image incident upon the image pickup element is equal to that at a
time when an image for recording is captured; and a control portion
having a live view mode controlling so that the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as
a moving image in real time, wherein when the diaphragm adjustment
instruction receiving portion is manipulated when the movable
mirror guides the subject image to the optical view finder, the
control portion controls so as to adjust the aperture size of the
diaphragm so that the lightness of the subject image incident upon
the image pickup element is equal to that at a time when the image
for recording is captured and to shift the digital camera to the
live view mode.
[0545] According to the above configuration, the digital camera is
shifted to the live view mode even during the OVF operation, and
the depth of field of the image for recording can be checked easily
in a live view display before the image is captured, with a simple
manipulation of manipulating the diaphragm adjustment instruction
receiving portion.
[Note 26]
[0546] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a receiving portion that receives a
control signal from a remote controller; and a control portion
having a live view mode controlling so that the generated image
data or the image data obtained by subjecting the generated image
data to predetermined processing is displayed on the display
portion as a moving image in real time, wherein when the receiving
portion receives the control signal from the remote controller, the
control portion controls so as to shift the digital camera to the
live view mode.
[0547] According to the above configuration, when a signal giving
an instruction regarding the autofocus operation, an image pickup
start signal, a self-timer setting signal, or the like is received
from the remote controller, the digital camera is shifted to the
live view mode automatically. When an image is captured with the
remote controller, the image is captured under the condition that
the digital camera is away from the hand (e.g., under the condition
that the digital camera is fixed to a tripod, the digital camera is
left on a desk, etc.) in many cases. In such a case, an image is
likely to be grasped if the image is captured with an electronic
viewfinder having a large screen, compared with the case where the
image is captured with the optical viewfinder. In the case of
receiving a signal from the remote controller, the digital camera
is shifted to the live view mode automatically as described above,
whereby the time and labor for switching to the live view mode
manually are saved, which enhances the operability.
[Note 27]
[0548] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a tripod fixing portion that fixes the
digital camera to a tripod; and a control portion having a live
view mode controlling so that the generated image data or the image
data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a
moving image in real time, wherein when the digital camera is fixed
to the tripod by the tripod fixing portion, the control portion
controls so as to shift the digital camera to the live view
mode.
[0549] According to the above configuration, in the case where the
digital camera is fixed to the tripod, the digital camera is
shifted to the live view mode automatically. When an image is
captured under the condition that the digital camera is fixed to
the tripod, an image is likely to be grasped if the image is
captured with an electronic viewfinder having a large screen,
compared with the case where the image is captured with the optical
viewfinder. When the digital camera is fixed to the tripod, the
digital camera is shifted to the live view mode automatically as
described above, whereby the time and labor for switching to the
live view mode manually are saved, which enhances the
operability.
[Note 28]
[0550] The digital camera according to Note 27 further includes a
distance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and
obtains information on a distance from the subject to the digital
camera in a state where the movable mirror is positioned in the
optical path, and an autofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the
subject image by adjusting the image pickup optical system in
accordance with measurement results of the distance-measuring
portion, wherein when the digital camera is fixed to the tripod by
the tripod fixing portion, the control portion controls the
autofocus portion first so that an autofocus operation is performed
immediately after the digital camera is fixed to the tripod or
after a predetermined time elapses from the time when the digital
camera is fixed to the tripod, and thereafter, the control portion
controls so that the digital camera is shifted to the live view
mode.
[Note 29]
[0551] The digital camera according to Note 28 further includes a
setting portion that sets the control portion in a live view mode,
wherein when the digital camera is fixed to the tripod by the
tripod fixing portion, the control portion controls the autofocus
portion so that the autofocus operation is performed once, and
thereafter, controls so that the digital camera is shifted to the
live view mode, in accordance with the setting of the live view
mode by the setting portion.
[Note 30]
[0552] The digital camera according to Note 27 further includes an
autofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by
adjusting the image pickup optical system, using contrast of the
image data generated by the image pickup element or image data
obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the image pickup
element to predetermined processing, wherein when the digital
camera is fixed to the tripod by the tripod fixing portion, the
control portion controls the autofocus portion so that the
autofocus operation is operated immediately after the digital
camera is fixed to the tripod by the tripod fixing portion or after
a predetermined time elapses from the time when the digital camera
is fixed to the tripod.
[Note 31]
[0553] The digital camera according to Note 30 further includes a
setting portion that sets the control portion in the live view
mode,
[0554] wherein when the digital camera is fixed to the tripod by
the tripod fixing portion, the control portion controls so as to
shift the digital camera to the live view mode and controls the
autofocus portion so that the autofocus operation is performed, in
accordance with the setting of the live view mode by the setting
portion.
[Note 32]
[0555] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a shaking detecting portion that
detects shaking of the digital camera; and a control portion having
a live view mode controlling so that the generated image data or
the image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a
moving image in real time, wherein the control portion controls so
as to shift the digital camera to the live view mode in accordance
with detection results of the shaking detecting portion.
[Note 33]
[0556] The digital camera according to Note 32 further includes a
distance-measuring portion that receives the subject image and
obtains information on a distance from the subject to the digital
camera in a state where the movable mirror is positioned in the
optical path, and an autofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the
subject image by adjusting the image pickup optical system in
accordance with measurement results of the distance-measuring
portion,
[0557] wherein the control portion controls so as to shift the
digital camera to the live view mode after controlling the
autofocus portion so that the autofocus operation is performed
first in accordance with the detection results of the shaking
detecting portion.
[Note 34]
[0558] The digital camera according to claim 33 further includes a
setting portion that sets the control portion in the live view
mode,
[0559] wherein the control portion controls so as to shift the
digital camera to the live view mode after controlling the
autofocus portion so that the autofocus operation is performed
first in accordance with the detection results of the shaking
detecting portion and the setting of the live view mode by the
setting portion.
[Note 35]
[0560] The digital camera according to Note 32 further includes an
autofocus portion that adjusts a focus of the subject image by
adjusting the image pickup optical system, using contrast of the
image data generated by the image pickup element or image data
obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the image pickup
element to predetermined processing,
[0561] wherein the control portion controls the autofocus portion
so that the autofocus operation is performed, in accordance with
the detection results of the shaking detecting portion.
[Note 36]
[0562] The digital camera according to Note 35 further includes a
setting portion that sets the control portion in the live view
mode,
[0563] wherein the control portion controls so as to shift the
digital camera to the live view mode and controls the autofocus
portion so that the autofocus operation is performed, in accordance
with the detection results of the shaking detecting portion and the
setting of the live view mode by the setting portion.
[Note 37]
[0564] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing, and that is held rotatably by the
digital camera; and a control portion having a live view mode
controlling so that the generated image data or the image data
obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predetermined
processing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in
real time, wherein the control portion controls so as to shift the
digital camera to the live view mode when the display portion is
rotated.
[0565] According to the above configuration, in the case where the
display portion is rotated, the digital camera is shifted to the
live view mode automatically. In the case where the display portion
is rotated, the user is intended to capture an image using the
display portion (electronic viewfinder) in many cases. The digital
camera is shifted to the live view mode automatically in the case
where the display portion is rotated, whereby time and labor for
switching to the live mode manually are saved, which enhances the
operability.
[Note 38]
[0566] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; an output terminal used to output the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing to an external apparatus; and a control
portion that controls in such a manner that, when a terminal from
the external apparatus is connected to the output terminal, the
movable mirror is not positioned in the optical path of the image
pickup optical system, the image pickup element captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data, and the generated image data or image data obtained by
subjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing are
output to the external apparatus via the output terminal.
[0567] According to the above configuration, when the terminal from
the external apparatus is connected to the digital camera, the
image data generated by the image pickup element can be output to
the external apparatus automatically. In the case where the
terminal from the external apparatus is connected to the digital
camera, the user attempts to display an image that is being
captured in real time on the external apparatus in many cases. In
the case where the terminal from the external apparatus is
connected to the digital camera, the digital camera is shifted to
the live view mode automatically, whereby time and labor for
switching to the live mode manually are saved, which enhances the
operability.
[Note 39]
[0568] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that is capable of displaying the
generated image data or image data obtained by subjecting the
generated image data to predetermined processing by selecting an
aspect ratio from a plurality of aspect ratios including an aspect
ratio of the optical viewfinder; and a control portion having a
live view mode controlling so that the generated image data or the
image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a
moving image in real time, wherein when the display aspect ratio is
set to be an aspect ratio other than the aspect ratio of the
optical viewfinder, the control portion controls so as to shift the
digital camera to the live view mode.
[0569] Since the aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder is set in a
fixed manner, an entire image having a composition other than the
set aspect ratio may not be displayed, and even if the image can be
displayed, it may be too small to see. Thus, an image having a
composition other than the aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder
can be observed more easily with the electronic viewfinder. In the
case where the display aspect ratio is set to be the one other than
the aspect ratio of the optical viewfinder, the digital camera is
shifted to the live view mode automatically, whereby time and labor
for switching to the live mode manually are saved, which enhances
the operability.
[Note 40]
[0570] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a diaphragm that adjusts an amount of
light of the subject image formed by the image pickup optical
system; a diaphragm manipulation portion that changes an aperture
size of the diaphragm in accordance with a manipulation of a user;
and a control portion having a live view mode controlling so that
the generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting
the generated image data to predetermined processing is displayed
on the display portion as a moving image in real time, wherein when
the diaphragm manipulation portion is manipulated, the control
portion controls so as to shift the digital camera to the live view
mode and display a part of the generated image data or image data
obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predetermined
processing on the display portion in an enlarged state.
[0571] According to the above configuration, the digital camera can
be shifted to the live view mode even during the OVF operation in
accordance with the manipulation of the diaphragm manipulation
portion. This saves the time and labor for switching to the live
view mode manually to enhance the operability. Furthermore, since a
place where the depth of field is required to be checked can be
enlarged instantaneously, so that the depth of field can be checked
easily.
[Note 41]
[0572] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a setting manipulation portion that receives an
instruction of a user regarding display of setting information on
the digital camera; a display portion that displays the generated
image data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image
data to predetermined processing, and displays the setting
information on the digital camera in accordance with a manipulation
of the setting manipulation portion; and a control portion having a
live view mode controlling so that the generated image data or the
image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing is displayed on the display portion as a
moving image in real time, wherein when the live view mode is set,
the control portion controls so that the digital camera comes out
of the live view mode and the setting information on the digital
camera is displayed on the display portion, in accordance with the
manipulation of the setting manipulation portion.
[0573] When the setting information display screen is displayed so
as to overlap the live view screen, the live view screen is
difficult to see. In such a case, it is convenient to display both
the screens separately so that the setting information display
screen is observed by the display portion, and the live view screen
is observed through the optical viewfinder. However, in such a
case, both the manipulation of the setting portion and the manual
switching to the optical viewfinder mode are required, which is
inconvenient. In accordance with the manipulation of the setting
manipulation portion, the digital camera comes out of the live view
mode, and the setting information on the digital camera is
displayed on the display portion, whereby the operability is
enhanced.
[Note 42]
[0574] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a control portion having a live view
mode controlling so that the generated image data or the image data
obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predetermined
processing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in
real time; and a power supply manipulation portion that turns
on/off a power supply of the digital camera, wherein when the power
supply manipulation portion is manipulated in a direction of
turning off the power supply of the digital camera under a
condition that the live view mode is set, the control portion
controls so that the digital camera comes out of the live view
mode, and the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of
the image pickup optical system.
[0575] According to the above configuration, the digital camera is
shifted to the OVF mode before the power supply is turned off,
thereby moving down the movable mirror. Therefore, even when the
power supply is turned off after that, the subject image can be
observed through the optical viewfinder. Furthermore, it is not
necessary to switch to the OVF mode manually, which enhances the
operability.
[Note 43]
[0576] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a battery cover that opens/closes a battery
accommodating portion accommodating a battery; a display portion
that displays the generated image data or image data obtained by
subjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing;
and a control portion having a live view mode controlling so that
the generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting
the generated image data to predetermined processing is displayed
on the display portion as a moving image in real time; wherein when
the battery cover is opened when the live view mode is set, the
control portion controls so that the digital camera comes out of
the live view mode, and the movable mirror is positioned in the
optical path of the image pickup optical system.
[0577] According to the above configuration, the digital camera is
shifted to the OVF mode before the battery is pulled out, whereby
the movable mirror is moved down. Therefore, even when the power
supply is turned off after that, the subject image can be observed
through the optical viewfinder. Furthermore, it is not necessary to
switch to the OVF mode manually, which enhances the
operability.
[Note 44]
[0578] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a control portion having a live view
mode controlling so that the generated image data or the image data
obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predetermined
processing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in
real time; and a battery accommodating portion accommodating a
battery, wherein when a voltage of the battery accommodated in the
battery accommodating portion decreases under a condition that the
live view mode is set, the control portion controls so that the
digital camera comes out of the live view mode, and the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path of the image pickup
optical system.
[0579] According to the above configuration, the movable mirror can
be moved down before the power supply is turned off due to the
decrease in the voltage of the battery. Therefore, even when the
power supply is turned off after that, the subject image can be
observed through the optical viewfinder. Furthermore, it is not
necessary to switch to the OVF mode manually, which enhances the
operability.
[Note 45]
[0580] A digital camera to which an interchangeable lens included
in an image pickup optical system is attachable/detachable, having
a movable mirror provided so as to enter or retract with respect to
an optical path of an image pickup optical system for purpose of
guiding a subject image to an optical viewfinder includes: an image
pickup element that captures the subject image formed by the image
pickup optical system to generate image data; a display portion
that displays the generated image data or image data obtained by
subjecting the generated image data to predetermined processing;
and a control portion having a live view mode controlling so that
the generated image data or the image data obtained by subjecting
the generated image data to predetermined processing is displayed
on the display portion as a moving image in real time, wherein when
the attached interchangeable lens is removed when the live view
mode is set, the control portion controls so that the digital
camera comes out of the live view mode, and the movable mirror is
positioned in the optical path of the image pickup optical
system.
[0581] When the interchangeable lens is removed in the live view
mode, the image pickup element is exposed, and dust and the like
are likely to adhere to the image pickup element. Therefore, it is
necessary to shift the digital camera from the live view mode to
the OVF mode before removing the interchangeable lens; however,
time and labor are needed for switching to the OVF mode manually.
When the attached interchangeable lens is removed when the live
view mode is set, the digital camera comes out of the live view
mode, and the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path of
the image pickup optical system, as described above. Consequently,
the movable mirror can be moved down automatically when the
interchangeable lens is removed, so that the operability becomes
satisfactory. Furthermore, the movable mirror can be moved down
exactly even without a manipulation of moving down the movable
mirror when the user removes the interchangeable lens. Therefore,
dust and the like become unlikely to adhere to the movable
mirror.
[Note 46]
[0582] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; storage means that stores image data
generated by the image pickup element or image data obtained by
subjecting the image data generated by the image pickup element to
predetermined processing; an output terminal used to output the
image data stored in the storage means to an external apparatus:
and a control portion controls so that, when a terminal from the
external apparatus is connected to the output terminal when the
image data generated by the image pickup element or image data
obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the image pickup
element to predetermined processing is displayed as a moving image
in real time, the movable mirror is positioned in the optical path
of the image pickup optical system, and the image data stored in
the storage means is output to the external apparatus via the
output terminal.
[0583] When the terminal from the external apparatus is connected
to the digital camera, the user attempts to display the image data
stored in the digital camera or in a memory card attached to the
digital camera on the external apparatus in many cases. In such a
case, if a live view display is performed on the display portion
while the image data is being sent to the external apparatus, the
burden on the control portion becomes large. Therefore, in the case
of sending the image data to the external apparatus, it is
preferable that the digital camera comes out of the live view mode.
However, time and labor are needed for allowing the digital camera
to come out of the live view mode manually when the digital camera
is connected to the external apparatus. Thus, as described above,
when the terminal from the external apparatus is connected to the
output terminal, the control portion controls so that the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path of the image pickup
optical system, and the image data stored in the storage means is
output to the external apparatus via the output terminal.
Consequently, the digital camera can comes out of the live view
mode automatically when the digital camera is connected to the
external apparatus, so that the operability is satisfactory.
Furthermore, since the digital camera is positioned in the OVF mode
simultaneously, it also is possible to observe a real-time image
through the optical viewfinder.
[Note 47]
[0584] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; a display portion that displays the generated image
data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data
to predetermined processing; a distance-measuring portion that
receives the subject image and obtains information on a distance
from the subject to the digital camera in a state where the movable
mirror is positioned in the optical path; an autofocus portion that
adjusts a focus of the subject image by adjusting the image pickup
optical system in accordance with measurement results of the
distance-measuring portion; an AF start instruction receiving
portion that receives an indication of a user regarding activation
of the autofocus portion; and a control portion having a live view
mode controlling so that the generated image data or image data
obtained by subjecting the generated image data to predetermined
processing is displayed on the display portion as a moving image in
real time and a continuous focus mode updating a focus state of the
subject image continuously by the autofocus portion when the AF
start instruction receiving portion receives an instruction,
wherein the control portion is capable of controlling the autofocus
portion in the continuous focus mode when the movable mirror guides
the subject image to the optical viewfinder, and does not control
the autofocus portion in the continuous focus mode in the live view
mode.
[0585] Consequently, the autofocus operation including the
continuous autofocus operation can be realized only with the
autofocus operation using the distance-measuring portion.
[Note 48]
[0586] A digital camera having a movable mirror provided so as to
enter or retract with respect to an optical path of an image pickup
optical system for purpose of guiding a subject image to an optical
viewfinder includes: an image pickup element that captures the
subject image formed by the image pickup optical system to generate
image data; storage means that stores the generated image data or
image data obtained by subjecting the generated image data to
predetermined processing; a display portion that displays the
generated image data or image data obtained by subjecting the
generated image data to predetermined processing; and a control
portion having a live view mode controlling so that the generated
image data or image data obtained by subjecting the generated image
data to predetermined processing is displayed on the display
portion as a moving image in real time, wherein the control portion
controls so as to generate a plurality of images reduced in size
based on the image data stored in the storage means, subject the
plurality of images reduced in size to image processings different
from each other, and arrange and display the plurality of images
reduced in size on the display portion as a moving image.
[0587] Since the plurality of images reduced in size are displayed
as a live view screen, the respective images reduced in size can be
compared with each other easily. In particular, by electronically
realizing the difference in image pickup conditions, an image
obtained by capturing an image for recording can be grasped
easily.
[0588] The present invention is applicable to a digital camera that
includes a movable mirror and enables a subject image to be
observed through an electronic viewfinder. For example, the present
invention is applicable to a single-lens reflex camera and the
like. The present invention also is applicable to a camera capable
of capturing a moving image as well as a camera for capturing a
still image.
* * * * *