JP2010016609A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device capable of satisfactorily confirming a captured image state, a camera setting state and photographing auxiliary information without missing a photo opportunity.
A first display area 191 for displaying an optical image of an object, a second display area 190d for displaying information, and a third display area for displaying information of a selected electronic image are displayed on the finder device 130. 190f is provided. The image displayed in the second display area is selected by the selection means. The first display area 191, the second display area 190d, and the third display area 190f can be simultaneously observed through the eyepiece window 168.
[Selection] Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that captures an electronic image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera that can switch between an optical viewfinder and an electronic viewfinder and facilitates a confirmation operation of a reproduced image without changing the shooting posture is known as this type of imaging device (see Patent Document 1). This camera has a first finder system that optically guides an object image that has passed through a photographing lens to a finder, and a second finder system that electronically guides the object image to the finder via an image sensor and a display device. The camera also has a finder switching unit that switches between the valid states of both finder systems. In addition, the camera includes a mode switching unit that switches between a recording mode that is recorded in the storage unit and a reproduction mode that is read from the storage unit and displayed on the display device, and a control unit that switches between these modes.

  In this camera, when the control unit switches from the recording mode to the playback mode, the finder switching unit forcibly switches the finder system to the valid state of the second finder system. When the control unit switches back to the recording mode again, the finder switching unit automatically returns to the finder system that has been enabled in the original recording mode.

In addition, a camera is known in which the photographer can know the ratio of the calculated appropriate exposure value and the exposure values before and after the exposure value in the shooting screen simply by looking through the viewfinder (see Patent Document 2). This camera is configured to display an object image on a focusing screen in the finder, and to display an object luminance distribution and camera exposure conditions such as a shutter speed and an aperture on a display device nearby. This camera divides an object image into a two-dimensional grid, measures the brightness for each eye, and processes it with a CPU in the camera. The camera displays the number of eyes with the optimum brightness for the designed exposure conditions in the center, the number of eyes with higher brightness on the right side, and the number of eyes with lower brightness on the left side as a histogram on the display device. is doing.
JP 2004-357123 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-282004

  However, the conventional imaging device has the following problems. In the camera described in Patent Document 1, when switching to the reproduction mode, a first finder system that optically guides an object image that has passed through the photographing lens to the finder, and the finder electronically via the image sensor and the display device. The second finder system that leads to the system was simply switched. Therefore, when the second finder system is used, the object image cannot be observed, and the occasional photo opportunity is often missed.

  Further, in the camera described in Patent Document 2, although the ratio of the appropriate exposure value calculated through the finder and the exposure values before and after that can be known in the shooting screen, various necessary for taking a preferable photograph are available. The correct conditions could not be confirmed. For example, whether or not an appropriate white balance is set, whether or not a shutter speed that does not cause image blurring is set, whether or not the subject is in focus, and the composition is intended as a result of image stabilization I couldn't confirm the conditions such as whether or not they were not off. Also, check whether there is any foreign matter such as dust on the optical low-pass filter, and whether it is not set to black and white photography mode unintentionally even though you are trying to take a color picture. could not.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an imaging apparatus that can check the state of a captured image, the setting state of the camera, and shooting assistance information without missing a photo opportunity. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes an image pickup element that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by a photographing lens, a first display region in which the subject image is observed as an optical image, and display means. A finder device capable of simultaneously observing, through an eyepiece window, a second display area where an electronic image photoelectrically converted by the imaging device displayed by the image sensor is observed and a third display area where information of the electronic image is observed And selection means for selecting an image to be displayed in the second display area.

  According to the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the state of an image taken with an electronic image, the setting state of the camera, and shooting auxiliary information are satisfactorily made possible while observing an optical image of an object without taking an eye off the viewfinder. It can be confirmed.

  An embodiment of an imaging device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The imaging apparatus of this embodiment is applied to a digital single lens reflex camera.

[First Embodiment]
The digital single-lens reflex camera of this embodiment is a still camera that captures an object image (subject image) with an image sensor such as a CMOS or a CCD. In this digital single-lens reflex camera, a release button for instructing the start of an imaging operation is provided on the exterior housing of the camera. Further, this camera has a continuous imaging mode (continuous shooting mode) in which the imaging operation is repeated while the release button is kept pressed as an imaging mode. While the release button is operated with the continuous shooting mode selected, the camera retracts the object image observation movable mirror out of the imaging optical path and performs photoelectric conversion of the object image (subject image) into an electronic image. The operation is repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of the digital single-lens reflex camera according to the first embodiment. The digital single-lens reflex camera 50 includes a CPU 141 that controls an operation sequence of the entire camera, an illumination unit 101, a photographing lens 120, a movable mirror 124, a shutter 126, and an image sensor 127. The imaging element 127 has a rectangular imaging unit with an aspect ratio of 3: 2.

  The digital single-lens reflex camera 50 includes a finder device 130, a focus detection device 139, a built-in printer 160, a zoom / focus / anti-vibration drive circuit 134, an aperture drive circuit 135, a mirror drive circuit 136, and an AF sensor drive circuit 137.

  The digital single-lens reflex camera 50 includes a shutter drive circuit 138, a dust removal mechanism drive circuit 169, a printer control circuit 161, an image sensor stabilization control circuit 172, a GPS circuit 162, a wireless communication circuit 163, and a digital TV tuner 164. The printer control circuit 161 controls the built-in printer 160. The image sensor stabilization control circuit 172 moves the position of the image sensor 127 to stop image blur. The GPS circuit 162 measures the position of the camera.

  The digital single-lens reflex camera 50 includes an infrared communication circuit 170, an audio processing circuit 165, and an image alteration detection data processing circuit 166. The infrared communication circuit 170 performs communication with a relatively small amount of data with a mobile phone or the like. The sound processing circuit 165 includes a microphone and a speaker.

  The digital single-lens reflex camera 50 includes a switch input unit 142, an EEPROM 143, a signal processing circuit 145, an illumination control circuit 146, an EPROM 147, an SDRAM 148, and a flash memory 150.

  The photographing lens 120 includes a plurality of lens groups 121, 167, and 123, and a diaphragm mechanism 122 is provided between these lens groups. The lens groups 121, 167, and 123 are driven by a zoom / focus / anti-vibration driving circuit 134. The aperture mechanism (simply referred to as aperture) 122 is driven by an aperture drive circuit 135.

  A movable mirror 124 is provided behind the lens groups 121, 167, and 123. The movable mirror 124 includes a half mirror and a holding mechanism thereof, and is movable to a mirror down position as a first position and a mirror up position as a second position. The movable mirror 124 jumps from the first position toward the focusing screen 131 to the second position, which is the mirror-up position, while rotating around the fixed shaft 124a during exposure (during imaging), and the imaging optical path Evacuate from. Further, a sub mirror 125 formed of a concave mirror is provided on the back of the central portion of the movable mirror 124 so as to reflect object light downward in the drawing.

  A re-imaging optical system 128 that separates an image with two lenses is provided below the reflected optical axis of the sub-mirror 125. Further, an AF sensor 129 is provided at an object image formation position by the re-imaging optical system 128. Is provided. An AF sensor driving circuit 137 is connected to the AF sensor 129.

  The sub mirror 125, the re-imaging optical system 128, and the AF sensor 129 constitute a focus detection device 139. The focus detection device 139 detects the imaging state of the object at a plurality of positions on the image sensor 127 by a known phase difference detection method.

  The zoom / focus / anti-vibration drive circuit 134 includes a drive source such as a known electromagnetic motor or ultrasonic motor, a driver circuit that controls these drive sources, an encoder device that detects the position of the lens, and the like. In zoom control and focus control, the positions of the lens groups 121, 167, and 123 in the optical axis direction are controlled. In the image stabilization control, the position of the lens group 167 in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis is controlled.

  A finder optical system is provided on the reflected light path of the movable mirror 124. The finder optical system includes a focusing screen 131, a pentaprism 132 made of optical glass, an eyepiece 133, and the like. The finder device 130 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal display 108, a prism 154, a photometric lens 155, a photometric sensor 156, and the like are added to the finder optical system.

  Object light (incident light) that has passed through the lens groups 121, 167, and 123 of the photographic lens 120 is reflected by the movable mirror 124 and imaged on the focusing screen 131. The observer visually recognizes the optical object image (optical image) formed on the focusing screen 131 through the single eyepiece window 168 via the pentaprism 132 and the eyepiece lens 133. The advantage of observing the optical image is that there is virtually no time delay.

  The photometric sensor 156 is a sensor for measuring the brightness of the object image on the focusing screen 131 via the photometric lens 155. The photometric sensor 156 is provided in the finder device 130 together with the photometric lens 155 at a position on the photometric axis that is decentered from the observation optical axis of the eyepiece lens 133. The photometric sensor 156 is formed of a photodiode having a light receiving surface divided into a plurality of parts. The CPU 141 performs a calculation according to the distance measurement position on the focusing screen 131 by the focus detection device 139 with respect to the luminance output individually output from the photodiode of the photometric sensor 156. Then, the CPU 141 obtains object luminance information (BV value) for performing exposure control from this calculation result.

  Behind the movable mirror 124, a shutter 126, a dust removing mechanism 169, and an image sensor 127 such as a CCD or a CMOS imager are provided.

  The shutter 126 is driven by the shutter drive circuit 138 and is opened for a predetermined time, and guides the object image to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 127. The movable mirror 124 is driven by the mirror drive circuit 136 and is raised to the second position in order to retract from the optical axis of the photographing lens 120, and the shutter 126 is driven by the shutter drive circuit 138 to be in the open state. As a result, an object image is guided to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 127, and an imaging operation is performed. At this time, the image sensor anti-vibration mechanism 171 connected to the image sensor anti-vibration control circuit 172 shifts and rotates the image sensor 127 in a direction to cancel the image blur, and the image flows and the sense of resolution is lost. prevent.

  Note that since the image sensor vibration isolating mechanism 171 is located closer to the image sensor 127 than the position where the optical path to the viewfinder device 130 is divided, the finder device 130 cannot confirm the composition change due to the shift or rotation of the image sensor 127. .

  The dust removing mechanism 169 mechanically vibrates the optical low-pass filter and the infrared cut filter, applies acceleration to the foreign matter attached thereto, and shakes off the foreign matter with the generated force.

  A zoom / focus / anti-vibration drive circuit 134, an aperture drive circuit 135, a mirror drive circuit 136, an AF sensor drive circuit 137, and a dust removal mechanism drive circuit 169 are connected to the CPU 141 constituted by a microprocessor via a data bus 152. Has been. The CPU 141 also includes a shutter drive circuit 138, a printer control circuit 161, an image sensor image stabilization control circuit 172, a GPS circuit 162, a wireless communication circuit 163, a digital TV tuner 164, and an infrared communication circuit 170 via the data bus 152. It is connected. The CPU 141 is also connected to the above-described audio processing circuit 165, image alteration detection signal processing circuit 166, and illumination control circuit 146 via the data bus 152. The CPU 141 is connected to a switch input unit 142 and an EEPROM 143 that is a nonvolatile memory via a data bus 152.

  The switch input unit 142 is linked to a first release switch that is turned on in response to a half-pressing operation of a release button (not shown) provided on the exterior casing of the camera, and a deep-pressing operation of the release button. A second release switch that is turned on; The switch input unit 142 includes a plurality of switches such as a switch for selectively displaying the display image of the liquid crystal display 108, a switch linked to a power switch of the camera, and a mode switch linked to various mode buttons in the camera. The switch input unit 142 supplies an operation signal based on any switch operation to the CPU 141.

  The EEPROM 143 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The EEPROM 143 stores adjustment values for each camera that are necessary for shipping in a production process while suppressing variations in individual cameras. The EEPROM 143 stores a coefficient indicating the relationship between the BV value and the backlight light amount for the CPU 141 to define the light amount of the backlight 108b, which will be described later, based on the output from the photometric sensor 156.

  When the first release switch is turned on, the CPU 141 controls the AF sensor driving circuit 137, calculates the distance between the two images on the AF sensor 129, and controls the zoom / focus / anti-vibration driving circuit 134 from the distance data. Then, the focus of the photographic lens 120 is adjusted.

  In addition, when the second release switch is turned on, the CPU 141 controls the mirror driving circuit 136 to retract the movable mirror 124 from the optical axis to the second position. The CPU 141 calculates an appropriate aperture value, shutter speed, and image sensor sensitivity based on the object luminance information based on the output of the photometric sensor 156 along with the retraction control. The CPU 141 drives the aperture mechanism 122 via the aperture drive circuit 135 with the obtained aperture value. The CPU 141 drives the shutter 126 via the shutter driving circuit 138 at the determined shutter time.

  Further, the CPU 141 refers to a coefficient indicating the relationship between the BV value stored in the EEPROM 143 and the backlight light amount, determines the amount of current to be supplied to the backlight 108b, and obtains a light amount appropriate for visual recognition.

  When the object image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 127 by the opening operation of the shutter 126, the object image is converted into an analog image signal, and further converted into a digital image signal in the signal processing circuit 145.

  The signal processing circuit 145 includes a RISC processor, a color processor, and a JPEG processor, and performs image processing such as digital image signal compression / expansion processing, white balance processing, and edge enhancement processing. Further, the signal processing circuit 145 performs a conversion process to a composite signal (luminance signal, color difference signal) output to the liquid crystal display 108.

  The CPU 141 and the signal processing circuit 145 are connected by a communication line 153. Via this communication line 153, control signals such as image signal capture timing and data are transmitted and received.

  The composite signal generated by the signal processing circuit 145 is output to the liquid crystal display 108 in the finder apparatus 130, and an electronic object image is displayed. The liquid crystal display 108 is provided between the pentaprism 132 and the eyepiece 133. The liquid crystal display 108 includes an LCD (liquid crystal display element) 108a that is a display element for displaying a color image, and a backlight 108b for illuminating the display surface of the LCD 108a from the rear. For the backlight 108b, for example, a white LED is used.

  The pentaprism 132 has a surface 154b obtained by extending the third reflecting surface 132a (see FIG. 3), and a prism 154 having the same refractive index as that of the pentaprism 132 is fixed by using an index matching adhesive. ing. The light beam emitted from the liquid crystal display 108 is reflected twice inside the prism 154 and guided toward the eyepiece lens 133. At this time, the display surface of the LCD 108a of the liquid crystal display 108 is in an optically equivalent position to the focusing screen 131 due to the curvature of the surface 154a. The image displayed on the LCD 108 a can be observed through the eyepiece window 168 regardless of whether the movable mirror 124 is in the first position or the second position. The brightness of the image displayed on the LCD 108a is adjusted to an appropriate brightness by changing the current supply amount of the white LED that is the backlight 108b.

  The signal processing circuit 145 is connected to the EPROM 147, the SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 148, and the flash memory 150 via the data bus 151.

  The EPROM 147 stores a program to be processed by a processor (CPU) included in the signal processing circuit 145. The SDRAM 148 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores image data before image processing and image data during image processing. The flash memory 150 is a non-volatile memory that stores finally finalized image data. The SDRAM 148 can perform high-speed operation, but when the power supply is stopped, the stored contents disappear. On the other hand, the flash memory 150 operates at a low speed, but the stored contents are preserved even when the camera is turned off.

  The lighting unit 101 includes a light-emitting panel 103, a reflector 118, and high-brightness LEDs 119 for each color of RGB. The light emitted from the high-intensity LED is reflected directly or by the reflector 118, passes through the light-emitting panel 103, and is irradiated toward the object. Even if the illumination unit 101 is removed from the camera body, the wireless communication circuit functions by a built-in battery (not shown). In other words, the illumination unit 101 is configured to communicate with the camera body (camera 50) via the wireless communication circuit 163 according to the UWB standard, for example, and can be remotely operated from the camera body side. The illumination control circuit 146 determines the light quantity balance of each RGB color under the control of the CPU 141, and controls the light emission instruction to the high brightness LED 119.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electric circuit of the signal processing circuit 145 and peripheral circuits connected thereto. The signal processing circuit 145 includes a CPU 500 serving as a control circuit that controls the signal processing operation, and a plurality of circuits that are connected to the CPU 500 and operate according to control signals from the CPU 500. The CPU 500 is connected to the camera sequence control CPU 141 via the communication line 153, and controls each circuit in the signal processing circuit 145 in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the CPU 141. In the signal processing circuit 145, a first image processing circuit 501, a thinning / extraction processing circuit 502, a second image processing circuit 506, and a third image processing circuit 503 are provided as a plurality of circuits. In the signal processing circuit 145, a video decoder 504, a white balance processing circuit 505, and a JPEG compression / decompression processing circuit 507 are provided.

  The first image processing circuit 501 drives the image sensor 127 according to the drive conditions set by the CPU 500, and performs pre-processing for generating a digital image signal by A / D converting the analog image signal output from the image sensor 127 Circuit. Further, the first image processing circuit 501 corrects the digital image signal based on the pixel signal of the light shielding portion of the image sensor 127.

  The thinning / extraction processing circuit 502 performs thinning processing on the digital image signal output from the first image processing circuit 501 and outputs the thinned image to the second image processing circuit 506 and the third image processing circuit 503. Here, the thinning-out process is a process for reducing the resolution. Note that the digital image signal output to the third image processing circuit 503 is a signal of an electronic object image displayed on the liquid crystal display 108.

  Here, the degree of thinning of the digital image signal output to the second image processing circuit 506 is instructed by the CPU 500 according to the resolution set by the user. Further, the degree of thinning of the digital image signal output to the third image processing circuit 503 is instructed by the CPU 500 so that the resolution is suitable for image display.

  The thinning / extraction processing circuit 502 extracts a part of the digital image signal and outputs it to a white balance processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as a WB processing circuit) 505. A method of extracting the digital image signal is instructed by the CPU 141.

  The WB processing circuit 505 is a circuit that outputs white balance information (WB information) for adjusting the color balance (white balance) of an image. This WB information is sent directly to the third image processing circuit 503, and is sent to the second image processing circuit 506 via the CPU 141.

  The third image processing circuit 503 is a circuit that generates a display image of the liquid crystal display 108. The third image processing circuit 503 is a simple post-processing circuit, and is a known post-processing circuit such as γ correction, reduction in the number of data bits, color adjustment based on WB information, conversion from RGB signals to YCbCr signals, and the like. Process. In general, when the captured image is repeatedly displayed on the liquid crystal display 108, the speed by software processing is often not in time. Accordingly, all the image processing for display is processed by hardware by the third image processing circuit 503.

  The video decoder 504 converts the YCbCr signal constituting the digital image signal into an NTSC signal to form an electronic object image, and displays the electronic object image on the LCD 108 a of the liquid crystal display 108. Note that the display surface of the LCD 108a is illuminated from behind by the backlight 108b with the amount of light defined by the CPU 141.

  The second image processing circuit 506 is a circuit that generates the digital image signal to be stored in the flash memory 150. The second image processing circuit 506 is, as a subsequent processing circuit, γ correction, reduction of the number of data bits of the digital image signal, color adjustment based on WB information, conversion from RGB signal to YCbCr signal, defective pixel of the image sensor 127 A known process such as correction, smear correction, hue or chromaticity is performed.

  The JPEG compression / decompression processing circuit 507 performs JPEG compression processing when the digital image signal processed by the second image processing circuit 506 is stored in the flash memory 150. The JPEG compression / decompression processing circuit 507 reads and decompresses the JPEG image stored in the flash memory 150.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the finder device 130. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the viewfinder device 130 when viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. A focusing screen 131, a condenser lens 180, and a pentaprism 132 are provided on the optical path reflected and branched by the movable mirror 124 shown in FIG. Object light imaged on the focusing screen 131 by the lens groups 121, 167, and 123 of the photographing lens 120 is transmitted through the condenser lens 180 and the pentaprism 132, and is directed from the surface 132b to the eyepiece window 168 surrounded by the eye cup 186. To inject. At this time, the object light passes through the dichroic mirror 182 and passes through the eyepiece lens 133 including the three lenses 133a, 133b, and 133c, and is observed by the eye of the observer looking through the eyepiece window 168 while being protected by the eyecup 186. Reach and re-image on the retina.

  The dichroic mirror 182 emits the organic EL display element 185 and reflects the light transmitted through the mirror 184 and the diopter matching lens 183 toward the eyepiece window 168. The field mask 179 has a rectangular opening indicating an object image range imaged by the image sensor 127. The finder observer can see the distance measuring point position information 197 (see FIG. 8) of the focus detection device 139 shown on the organic EL display element 185 superimposed on the object image in the field mask 179.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen of the LCD 108 a of the liquid crystal display 108. The LCD 108a of the liquid crystal display 108 has a color display unit 108c. The display unit 108c provides an LCD display area 108d, a flat horizontally long LCD display area 108e, and a rectangular LCD display area 1008f having the same 3: 2 aspect ratio as the image sensor 127 for displaying an electronic image within the viewfinder field. Yes.

  Light rays 193 emitted from the LCD display areas 108d and 108f of the LCD 108a enter the pentaprism 132 from the surface 132b of the pentaprism 132. A light beam incident on the pentaprism 132 is a light beam 192. The light beam 192 that has been refracted and changed in direction then enters the surface 132a. Silver vapor deposition is performed on the surface 132a. The light beam 192 is reflected here and enters the prism 154 fixed to the pentaprism 132 by adhesion. The light beam 192 is reflected again by the silver-deposited surface 154a, and is further reflected back to the silver-deposited surface 154b of the prism 154 that is continuous with the surface 132a of the pentaprism 132. The light beam 192 is emitted from the surface 132 b of the pentaprism 132 toward the eyepiece window 168.

  Thus, by configuring the reflection optical path in the prism 154, the optical path length from the eyepiece lens 133 to the LCD display areas 108d and 108f becomes close to the optical path length from the eyepiece lens 133 to the focusing screen 131. The diopter of the LCD display areas 108d and 108f and the diopter of the focusing screen 131 substantially match.

  Furthermore, by giving curvature to the surface 154a of the prism 154, the diopter of the LCD display areas 108d and 108f and the diopter of the focusing screen 131 can be matched more accurately. At this time, even if the surface 154a is a flat surface, the diopters of both surfaces are close to each other so that the curvature of the surface 154a may be very weak. Further, although the reflection optical path of the surface 154a is an eccentric system, the deterioration of various optical aberrations is negligible.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the incident state of light rays on the pentaprism 132. Of the light beam 193 emitted the LCD display area 108d of the LCD 108a, the green light 193g is the angle theta ₁ is obliquely incident on the surface 132b of the pentagonal prism 132 is refracted at the interface between air and glass, angle theta ₂ To go inside the pentaprism 132. Since the relationship between the angle θ ₁ and the angle θ ₂ varies depending on the wavelength of light due to the chromatic dispersion of the refractive index of the glass, when the LCD display area 108d is used for electronic image display, the color blur in the vertical direction is maintained. Occurs, resulting in an image with poor resolution. Therefore, the electronic image displayed in the LCD display area 108d is previously shifted from the RGB image by the amount of positional deviation caused by chromatic dispersion.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a positional shift state of the electronic image displayed in the LCD display area 108d. In the LCD display area 108d, a red electronic image 194r, a green electronic image 194g, and a blue electronic image 194b are vertically shifted in position. As a result, one light beam 193r, 193g, 193b emitted from the corresponding position of the red electronic image 194r, the green electronic image 194g, and the blue electronic image 194b is formed inside the pentaprism 132 as shown in FIG. The light beam 192 proceeds. Then, the light beam 192 finally reaches the eyes of the observer in a state where the color blur is almost eliminated.

  A light beam 194 (see FIG. 3) emitted from the display area 108e of the LCD 108a enters the pentaprism 132 from the bottom surface of the pentaprism 132 through the light guide prism 181 and is reflected inside the pentaprism 132 in the same manner as the object light. And it injects from the surface 132b.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display in the viewfinder field. The display in the viewfinder field includes a first display area 191, a second display area 190d, a third display area 190f, a fourth display area 190e, and distance measuring point position information 197. The first display area 191 shows an optical image of the object defined by the opening of the field mask 179. The second display area 190d is located above the first display area 191 and displays information by an image based on the LCD display area 108d of the LCD 108a. The third display area 190f is on the right side of the second display area and displays information related to the image in the second display area. The fourth display area 190e is below the first display area 191, and displays information using character strings and icons based on the LCD display area 108e of the LCD 108a. The distance measuring point position information 197 is inside the first display area 191 and is indicated by the organic EL display element 185. At this time, the display luminances of the second display area 190d, the third display area 190f, the fourth display area 190e, and the distance measuring point position information 197 are all based on the output of the photometric device including the photometric sensor 156 and the photometric lens 155. It is controlled to a value suitable for visual recognition.

The electronic image displayed in the second display area 190d in FIG. 8 is one obtained by extracting one image from the previous bracket shooting or continuous shooting image as one of the information displays. Normally, in the case of bracket shooting or continuous shooting, even if an electronic image can be displayed in real time in the second display area, it is impossible to confirm the image in detail, and a specific image, for example, the final image is shown. I could only do it. For this reason, it was necessary to determine whether or not shooting other than the image displayed anew after shooting was performed as intended. However, when checking the shooting status later, it is necessary to find the necessary images from the many images that have been taken so far, which is virtually impossible within the limited time of shooting. there were. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily find out an image to be confirmed from images taken in a short period of time immediately before and to display the images in the order of photographing at the same time so that the confirmation can be easily performed in a short time. effective.
According to this electronic image, it can be seen that a black spot 195 exists due to the appearance of a foreign substance adhering to the optical low-pass filter. Also, it can be seen that the image sensor image stabilization mechanism 171 has actuated, resulting in an object image with an unintentional composition with the upper portion of the subject missing. Furthermore, it can be seen that an appropriate white balance is set, the image is not blurred, and the focus is on the object.

  The third display area 190f displays a playback number when bracket shooting or continuous shooting is performed. This display corresponds to the image of the second display area 190d, and the image and the number can be changed simultaneously by operating the display content selection switch of the liquid crystal display 108 of the switch input unit 142. Here, in the present embodiment, this display number is not a serial number, but the first number at the time of bracket shooting or continuous shooting is the initial number, and the next image can be displayed easily by operating the button during playback. Has been. By configuring in this way, it is possible to instantly call up a plurality of related images taken immediately before from the information accumulated in the camera, and it is possible to accurately check the necessary images became. In addition, since the image information in the second display area can be displayed in a large size, it is possible to easily recognize numbers even when concentrated on the image, and it is possible to perform image confirmation with few erroneous judgments. .

  Furthermore, by displaying a predetermined mark corresponding to the attribute of the image at the same time as the image, information added to the image can be expressed. For example, a diamond-shaped mark 196 shown in FIG. 8 indicates that the tampering detection data processing circuit 166 has appropriately added tampering detection data to the previously captured image. In addition, when an image captured by another camera is displayed, the tampering detection determination result may be indicated by another mark.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 108 is used, but an organic EL display may be used instead. In this case, the backlight 108b is not necessary.

  In the digital single-lens reflex camera having the above configuration, an operation sequence of the CPU 141 is shown. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an imaging operation procedure executed after a half-press operation (first release on operation) of the release button of the switch input unit 142 with a digital single-lens reflex camera. This flowchart is a subroutine called in the main flowchart of the CPU 141. In addition, since the main flowchart of CPU141 is a conventionally well-known technique, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, the CPU 141 drives the photometric sensor 156 via the photometric lens 155, performs photometry, and measures the luminance of the object using the output from the photometric sensor 156 (step S1). The CPU 141 calculates the exposure amount (the aperture amount of the aperture mechanism 122, the shutter speed of the shutter 126, and the image sensor sensitivity) from the luminance information according to a predetermined arithmetic program.

  The CPU 141 reads an image selected by operating the liquid crystal display content selection switch of the switch input unit 142 from a plurality of image data (digital image signals) of bracket shooting or continuous shooting written last time from the flash memory 150. Next, a control signal instructing to display the electronic image on the second display area 190d of the finder apparatus 130 is sent to the signal processing circuit 145 (step S2). Upon receiving this control signal, the signal processing circuit 145 temporarily stores the digital image signal in the SDRAM 148 and performs processing for converting the image data into a composite signal. The signal processing circuit 145 supplies the composite signal to the liquid crystal display 108, and displays the captured electronic image on the LCD 108a. As a result, the previously captured electronic image is displayed in the second display area 190d of the viewfinder device 130. If an electronic image has already been displayed, the signal processing circuit 145 continues the display as it is.

  CPU141 adjusts the light quantity of the backlight 108b by changing the electric current supply amount to white LED which comprises the backlight 108b. The CPU 141 illuminates the electronic object image displayed on the LCD 108a with an appropriate amount of light based on the object luminance (luminance information) measured before imaging.

  The CPU 141 drives the AF sensor 129 via the AF sensor drive circuit 137, and measures the defocus amount (ranging value) of the imaging lens 120 (step S3). Further, the CPU 141 performs the focusing operation of the lens groups 121, 167, and 123 based on the distance measurement value.

  Thereafter, the CPU 141 determines whether or not the release button is pressed down by the camera operator, that is, whether or not the second release switch connected to the switch input unit 142 is turned on (step S4).

  When the second release switch is not turned on, the CPU 141 determines whether or not the release button is half-pressed by the camera operator, that is, whether or not the first release switch is turned on (step S15). . If the first release switch is on, the CPU 141 determines that the release button is half-pressed, and returns to the process of step S1. On the other hand, when the first release switch is not turned on, it is considered that the camera operator has released his / her finger from the release button, so the CPU 141 returns to the main routine shown in the main flowchart as it is.

  On the other hand, if the second release switch is turned on in step S4, the CPU 141 determines that the release button has been pressed down and moves the movable mirror 124 from the first position to the second position via the mirror drive circuit 136. Is retracted out of the imaging optical path at the position (step S5). After performing mirror up in step S5, the CPU 141 performs the aperture operation of the aperture mechanism 122 via the aperture drive circuit 135 based on the aperture amount calculated in step S1 (step S6).

  The CPU 141 sends a signal instructing the start of imaging to the signal processing circuit 145 (step S7). Upon receiving this signal, the signal processing circuit 145 starts the charge accumulation operation of the image sensor 127. The CPU 141 opens and closes the shutter 126 based on the shutter speed calculated in step S1 (step S8).

  After closing the shutter 126, the CPU 141 sends a signal instructing to stop imaging to the signal processing circuit 145 (step S9). Upon receiving this signal, the signal processing circuit 145 ends the charge accumulation operation in the image sensor 127. Further, the signal processing circuit 145 reads out an image signal from the image sensor 127, performs analog-digital (A / D) conversion, converts it into a digital image signal, and executes image processing associated therewith.

  The CPU 141 sends a control signal for instructing storage and display of the digital image signal to the signal processing circuit 145 (step S10). Upon receiving this signal, the signal processing circuit 145 temporarily stores the digital image signal in the continuous shooting data storage area of the SDRAM 148 in order and converts the data into a composite signal. The signal processing circuit 145 supplies the composite signal to the liquid crystal display 108 and displays an electronic image captured on the LCD 108a. As a result, the electronic image is displayed in the second display area 190d of the finder apparatus 130. At this time, the CPU 141 adjusts the amount of light of the backlight 108b by changing the amount of current supplied to the white LED constituting the backlight 108b. Then, the CPU 141 illuminates the electronic object image displayed on the LCD 108a with an appropriate amount of light based on the object brightness measured before imaging.

  The CPU 141 returns the aperture mechanism 122 from the aperture state to the open state via the aperture drive circuit 135 (step S11). The CPU 141 returns the movable mirror 124 to the imaging optical path as the first position via the mirror driving circuit 136 (step S12, mirror down).

  The CPU 141 determines whether or not the second release switch is off (step S13). If the second release switch is not off, the CPU 141 returns to the process of step S1, and repeats the processes from step S1 to step S12 until the second release switch is turned off. That is, if the second release switch is not turned off at this time, continuous shooting is continued. Then, the electronic object image captured immediately before is sequentially displayed on the finder device 130 like a moving image.

  On the other hand, if the second release switch is off in step S13, it is determined that the camera operator is about to end the continuous shooting. In this case, the CPU 141 instructs the signal processing circuit 145 to store the continuous shot image temporarily stored in the SDRAM 148 in a predetermined storage area of the flash memory 150 (step S14). Thereafter, the CPU 141 returns to the main routine.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the camera operation based on the operation sequence of the CPU 141. In the figure, after the release button is half-pressed, three shots are taken by pressing the release button deeply, and then the half-press operation of the release button is continued for a while. ing.

  First, when the first release switch is switched from OFF to ON at time T1, photometry and exposure amount calculation are performed immediately. Thereafter, the image S taken last time is displayed in the second display area 190 d of the viewfinder device 130.

  When the second release switch is switched from OFF to ON at time T2, the movable mirror 124 moves to the up position and the diaphragm 122 of the photographing lens 120 is narrowed.

  At time T3, the charge accumulation operation of the image sensor 127 for the image A is started, and the shutter 126 is opened and closed during that time. When the shutter 126 is closed, the charge accumulation operation of the image sensor 127 is stopped, and reading of the image signal of the image A and A / D conversion are started. Further, the opening operation of the diaphragm 122 and the moving operation of the movable mirror 124 to the down position are performed.

  When the reading of the image signal of the image A and the A / D conversion are completed, the digital image signal is temporarily stored in the continuous shooting data storage area of the SDRAM 148 in order. This image data is converted into a composite signal. When this composite signal is supplied to the liquid crystal display 108, the image A taken is displayed on the LCD 108a and can be viewed in the second display area 190d in the viewfinder device 130. It becomes. Note that the image S is continuously displayed from the time T1 in the second display area 190d of the finder apparatus 130 until an electronic image display update instruction for the image A is issued.

  Even at time T4, when the release button continues to be pressed deeply and the second release switch is on, the movable mirror 124 moves to the up position again, and the diaphragm 122 of the photographing lens 120 is narrowed.

  At time T5, the charge accumulation operation of the image sensor 127 for capturing the image B is started, and the shutter 126 is opened and closed during that time. When the shutter 126 is closed, the charge accumulation operation of the image sensor 127 is stopped, and reading of the image signal of the image B and A / D conversion are started. Further, the opening operation of the diaphragm 122 and the moving operation of the movable mirror 124 to the down position are performed.

  When the reading of the image signal of the image B and the A / D conversion are completed, the digital image signal is temporarily stored in the continuous shooting data storage area of the SDRAM 148 in order. This image data is converted into a composite signal. When this composite signal is supplied to the liquid crystal display 108, the image B is displayed on the LCD 108a and can be viewed in the second display area 190d in the viewfinder device 130. It becomes. Note that the image A is displayed in the second display area 190d of the viewfinder device 130 until an electronic image display update instruction for the image B is issued.

  Even at time T6, when the release button continues to be pressed deeply and the second release switch is on, the same operation as at times T4 and T5 is repeated, and the image C imaging operation is performed. Note that the image B is displayed in the second display area 190d of the finder apparatus 130 until an electronic image display update instruction for the image C is issued.

  At time T7, when the release button is fully pressed and the second release switch is turned off, the continuous shooting ends. However, reading of the image signal of the image C and A / D conversion are performed, and the display update operation to the image C is continuously performed.

  When the half-press operation of the release button is completed at time T8 and the first release switch is turned off, the electronic image display in the second display area 190d of the finder device 130 is stopped.

  In the above operation sequence, reading of the image signal, A / D conversion, storing of the image data in the memory (SDRAM 148), opening of the diaphragm 122, and return of the movable mirror 124 to the first position (down position) are performed. This is the shooting preparation operation for the next frame. The electronic image displayed in the second display area 190d is updated in synchronization with this shooting preparation operation.

  As described above, according to the camera of the first embodiment, it is possible to easily and instantaneously view a plurality of similar images taken immediately before, while allowing an optical image of an object to be observed without keeping an eye on the viewfinder. It became possible to choose. Also, by displaying the corresponding numbers at the same time, it is possible to prevent an erroneous image from being selected and to check the image state, the camera setting state, and the photographing auxiliary information. Therefore, it is possible to realize a new camera with few mistakes when checking the shooting state. More specifically, in the shooting situation in which a plurality of images taken immediately before are obtained, for example, in bracket shooting or continuous shooting, the electronic image shown together with the optical image in the finder can be switched instantaneously, thereby taking a shot image The time required for confirmation can be shortened. In addition, by adding identification numbers to a plurality of similar images, it is possible to accurately recognize even in situations where attention must be paid to many things such as during shooting. In addition, when checking the state of the photographed image, it is not necessary to keep an eye on the viewfinder while the optical image is visible, so that a photo opportunity is not missed. Further, since the optical image and the electronic image do not overlap each other, both can be seen well. In addition, since the electronic image is displayed in synchronization with the shooting preparation operation for the next frame, the above confirmation can be performed immediately after shooting.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the number indicating the order is displayed as the display of the third display area 190f is shown, but the display of this portion is not limited to the number indicating the order. For example, indications (I, II, III) other than arithmetic numbers indicating the order or symbols such as ABC may be used. Further, not only the concept of order but also a notation such as a numerical value (+2, +1, 0) corresponding to bracket shooting may be used.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a digital single-lens reflex camera according to the second embodiment. The difference in configuration from the first embodiment is that a fixed pellicle mirror is used to divide the optical path to the finder device, and accordingly, a mirror driving circuit is not required. In addition, focusing is performed by hill-climbing AF based on the output of the image sensor, and no AF sensor driving circuit is provided. In addition, by continuously driving the image sensor, not only a still image but also a moving image can be captured.

  The digital single-lens reflex camera 200 includes an illumination unit 201, a photographing lens 220, a fixed pellicle mirror 224, a shutter 226, an image pickup device 227 having a rectangular image pickup unit having an aspect ratio of 3: 2, a viewfinder device 230, and a built-in printer 260. In the configuration of the digital single-lens reflex camera according to the second embodiment, components not particularly illustrated are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used.

  The photographing lens 220 includes a plurality of lens groups 221, 267, and 223, and a diaphragm mechanism (simply referred to as a diaphragm) 222 is provided between these lens groups. A fixed pellicle mirror 124 is provided behind the plurality of lens groups 221, 267, and 223, and divides incident visible light (incident light) into transmitted light and reflected light at a ratio of about 1: 1. A finder optical system including a focusing screen 231, a pentaprism 232, an eyepiece lens 233, and the like is provided on the reflected light path of the fixed pellicle mirror 224. In addition to this finder optical system, the finder device 230 includes a liquid crystal display 208, a photometric lens 255, a photometric sensor 256, and the like.

  The object light transmitted through the lens groups 221, 267, and 223 of the photographing lens 220 is reflected by the fixed pellicle mirror 224 and imaged on the focusing screen 231. The observer visually recognizes the optical image (object image) formed on the focusing screen 231 through the eyepiece window 268 through the pentaprism 232 and the eyepiece lens 233. The advantage of observing the optical image is that there is virtually no time delay.

  The photometric sensor 256 is a sensor that measures the brightness of the object image on the focusing screen 231 via the photometric lens 255. The photometric sensor 256 is provided in the viewfinder device 230 and at a position on the photometric axis that is decentered from the observation optical axis of the eyepiece lens 233 together with the photometric lens 255. The photometric sensor 256 is formed of a photodiode having a light receiving surface divided into a plurality of parts, and object luminance information (BV value) when performing exposure control using luminance signals individually output from the photodiode. )

  Behind the fixed pellicle mirror 224, a shutter 226, a dust removal mechanism 269, and an image sensor 227 such as a CCD or CMOS imager are provided.

  The shutter 226 is opened in conjunction with the half-press operation of the release button, and guides the object image to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 227. When an object image is guided to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 227, the lens groups 221, 267, and 223 of the photographing lens 220 are driven using the output of the image sensor 227 to focus on the object. The functions of the dust removal mechanism 269 and the image sensor vibration isolation mechanism 271 are the same as the functions of the dust removal mechanism 169 and the image sensor vibration isolation mechanism 171 in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the configuration of the main part of the viewfinder device 230 as viewed from the direction of the arrow h in FIG. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the configuration of the main part of the finder device 230 viewed from the direction of arrow i in FIG.

  On the optical path reflected and branched by the fixed pellicle mirror 224, a focusing screen 231, a condenser lens 280, and a pentaprism 232 are provided. Object light imaged on the focusing screen 231 by the lens groups 221, 267, and 223 of the photographing lens 220 passes through the condenser lens 280 and the pentaprism 232, and is directed from the surface 232 c to the eyepiece window 268 surrounded by the eye cup 286. To inject. Further, the object light passes through the dichroic mirror 282, reaches the eyes of the observer looking through the eyepiece window 168 while being protected by the eye cup 286 via the eyepiece lens 233, and re-images on the retina.

  The dichroic mirror 282 reflects light emitted from an organic EL display element (not shown) toward the eyepiece window 268. The field mask 279 has a rectangular opening that indicates the object image range imaged by the image sensor 227, and the finder observer uses the distance measurement point position information indicated by the organic EL display element as an object in the field mask 279. You can see it superimposed on the statue.

  The liquid crystal display 208 includes an LCD 208a and a backlight 208b. The LCD 208a has a color display section (LCD display area) 208d having an aspect ratio of 16: 9, and is used for electronic image display within the viewfinder field of view.

  The light ray 293 emitted from the LCD display area 208d enters the pentaprism 232 from the surface 232b of the pentaprism 232 and exits from the surface 232c of the pentaprism 232. The optical path length from the eyepiece lens 233 to the LCD display area 208d is close to the optical path length from the eyepiece lens 233 to the focusing screen 231, and the diopter of the LCD display area 208d and the diopter of the focusing screen 231 substantially match.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display in the viewfinder field. The display in the viewfinder field includes a first display area 291, a second display area 290 d, a third display area 241, a fourth display area 240, and ranging point position information 297 that can be observed through the eyepiece window 268. The first display area 291 shows an optical image of an object that is a subject defined by the opening of the field mask 279. The second display area 290d is on the right side of the first display area 291 and displays information based on an image based on the LCD display area 208d of the LCD 208a. The third display area 241 is located on the lower right side of the first display area 291 and displays information in the second display area 290d with numbers. The fourth display area 240 is below the first display area 291 and displays information using character strings and icons. The distance measuring point position information 297 is inside the first display area 291 and is indicated by the organic EL display element.

  Here, as in the first embodiment, the third display area 241 is selected by operating the liquid crystal display content selection switch when a plurality of images are shot in a short time such as bracket shooting or continuous shooting. It is a display part which shows the numerical value corresponding to an image.

  At this time, the display luminances of the second display area 290d, the third display area 240, the fourth display area 241 and the distance measuring point position information 297 are all based on the output of the photometric device including the photometric sensor 256 and the photometric lens 255. It is controlled to a value suitable for visual recognition.

  The electronic image displayed in the second display area 290d having a vertically long shape is a real-time photographed image (EVF () that is thinned out by pixels and raised to a frame rate of about 60 frames per second as one of information displays. Electric viewfinder) image). In the second display area 290d, a partial image near the distance measuring point position information 297 is displayed. From this EVF image, it is possible to know the appearance of foreign matter adhering to the optical low-pass filter, the composition change due to the operation of the image sensor vibration isolation mechanism 271, the white balance, the focus of the image, and the like. In addition, a crop function for cutting out an imaging area from the entire screen of the imaging element 227 may be installed, and an EVF image may be used as the cut out image.

  FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the camera operation based on the operation sequence of the CPU 141. Here, after half-pressing the release button, three frames are shot by pressing the release button deeply, and then the half-pressing operation of the release button is continued for a while. ing.

  First, when the first release switch is switched from OFF to ON at time T1, photometry and exposure amount calculation are performed immediately. Thereafter, the shutter 226 is opened, and the real-time image R1 is picked up by the image pickup device 227 at a frame rate of about 60 frames per second and displayed on the second display area 290d of the viewfinder device 230.

  When the second release switch is switched from OFF to ON at time T2, the diaphragm 222 of the photographing lens 220 is narrowed.

  At time T3, the charge accumulation operation of the image sensor 227 for the image A is started, and when a predetermined time elapses, the charge accumulation operation of the image sensor 227 is stopped, reading of the image signal of the image A and A / D Conversion is performed, and the aperture 222 is opened. When the reading of the image signal of the image A and the A / D conversion are completed, the digital image signal is temporarily stored in the continuous shooting data storage area of the SDRAM 148 in order. The digital image signal (image data) is converted into a composite signal.

  When the composite signal is supplied to the liquid crystal display 208, the captured electronic image A is displayed on the LCD 208a and can be visually recognized in the second display area 290d in the viewfinder device 230. Note that the image R1 is continuously displayed from the time T1 in the second display area 290d of the finder device 230 until an electronic image display update instruction for the image A is issued.

  Also at time T4, the deep release operation of the release button continues and the second release switch is on, so that the diaphragm 222 of the photographing lens 220 is narrowed again.

  At time T5, the charge accumulation operation of the image sensor 227 for the image B is started, and when a predetermined time elapses, the charge accumulation operation of the image sensor 227 is stopped, and reading of the image signal of the image B and A / D Conversion is performed, and the aperture 222 is opened.

  When the reading of the image signal of the image B and the A / D conversion are completed, the digital image signal is temporarily stored in the continuous shooting data storage area of the SDRAM 248 in order. The digital image signal (image data) is converted into a composite signal.

  When the composite signal is supplied to the liquid crystal display 208, the captured electronic image B is displayed on the LCD 208a and can be visually recognized in the second display area 290d in the viewfinder device 230. Note that the image A is displayed in the second display area 290d of the viewfinder device 230 until an electronic image display update instruction for the image B is issued.

  At time T6, the release button continues to be pressed deeply and the second release switch is turned on, so that the same operation as that after time T4 is repeated, and the image C imaging operation is performed.

  At time T7, the deep release operation of the release button is finished and the second release switch is turned off, so that continuous shooting is finished. However, reading of the image signal of the image C and A / D conversion are continuously performed. Thereafter, the real-time image R2 is picked up by the image pickup device 227 again at a frame rate of about 60 frames per second and displayed on the second display area 290d in the viewfinder device 230.

  At time T8, the half-pressing operation of the release button is finished and the first release switch is turned off. Therefore, the electronic image display in the second display area 290d in the finder device 230 is stopped, and the shutter 226 is closed.

  In the above operation sequence, reading of the image signal, A / D conversion, storage of the image data in the memory, and opening of the aperture 222 are photographing preparation operations for the next frame.

  As described above, according to the camera of the second embodiment, the EVF image in the second display area reflects the foreign matter attached on the optical low-pass filter, the composition changes due to the operation of the image sensor vibration-proof mechanism, the white You can know the balance, image focus, etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent shooting failures. In addition, since it is not necessary to keep an eye on the viewfinder, the optical image remains visible, and a photo opportunity is not missed to confirm the state of the electronic image. Moreover, since the optical image and the electronic image do not overlap, both can be visually recognized satisfactorily. In addition, since the electronic image is displayed in synchronization with the shooting preparation operation for the next frame, the confirmation can be performed immediately after shooting.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a digital single-lens reflex camera according to the third embodiment. The difference in configuration from the second embodiment is that a prism-shaped beam splitter is used to divide the optical path to the finder device, and that visible light is guided to the finder device and infrared light is guided to the imaging device. That is. In addition, as in the second embodiment, the mirror drive circuit is not required and focus adjustment is performed by hill-climbing AF based on the output of the image sensor, so that no AF sensor drive circuit is provided.

  The digital single-lens reflex camera 300 includes an infrared illumination unit 301, a photographing lens 320, a prism beam splitter 324, a shutter 326, an image sensor 327 having a rectangular image pickup unit with an aspect ratio of 3: 2, a finder device 330, and a built-in printer 360. . The infrared illumination unit 301 includes a light-emitting panel 303, a reflector 318, and high-intensity LEDs 119 for each color of RGB for visible light and IR for infrared light. In the configuration of the digital single-lens reflex camera of the third embodiment, components that are not particularly illustrated are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used.

  The photographing lens 320 includes a plurality of lens groups 321, 367, and 323. A diaphragm mechanism (simply referred to as a diaphragm) 322 is provided between these lens groups.

  A prism beam splitter 324 is provided behind the lens groups 321, 367, and 323. The prism beam splitter 324 reflects visible light included in incident light and transmits infrared light included in incident light. A finder optical system including a focusing screen 331, a pentaprism 332 made of optical glass, an eyepiece 333, and the like is provided on the reflected light path of the prism beam splitter 324. The finder device 330 is configured by adding a liquid crystal display 308, a photometric lens 355, and a photometric sensor 356 to the finder optical system. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the finder device 330.

  The object light that has passed through the lens groups 321, 367, and 323 in the photographing lens 320 is reflected by the prism beam splitter 324 and imaged on the focusing screen 331. The observer visually recognizes the optical object image formed on the focusing screen 331 through the eyepiece window 368 via the eyepiece lens 333 including the pentaprism 332 and the lenses 333a, 333b, and 333c. The advantage of observing the optical image is that there is virtually no time delay and that the color of the object as it is by visible light can be observed.

  The photometric sensor 356 is a sensor for measuring the radiation intensity of the object image on the focusing screen 331 via the photometric lens 355, and outputs the visible light. In addition, the photometric sensor 356 is provided in the finder device 330, along with the photometric lens 355, at a position on the photometric axis that is decentered from the observation optical axis of the eyepiece lens 333. The photometric sensor 356 is formed of a photodiode having a light receiving surface divided into a plurality of parts, and obtains object luminance information for performing infrared exposure control on the luminance output individually output from the photodiode.

  Behind the prism beam splitter 324, a shutter 326, a dust removing mechanism 369, and an image sensor 327 such as a CCD or a CMOS imager are provided. The shutter 326 is opened in conjunction with the half-press operation of the release button, and guides the object image to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 327. When an object image is guided to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 327, the lens groups 320, 367, and 323 of the photographing lens 320 are driven using this output to focus on the object. The functions of the dust removal mechanism 369 and the image sensor vibration isolation mechanism 371 are the same as the dust removal mechanism 169 and the image sensor vibration isolation mechanism 171 in the first embodiment, respectively.

  On the optical path reflected and branched by the prism beam splitter 324, a focusing screen 331, a condenser lens 380 in which a prism and a convex lens are integrated, and a pentaprism 332 are provided.

  The object light imaged on the focusing screen 331 by the lens groups 321, 367, and 323 in the photographing lens 320 passes through the condenser lens 380 and the pentaprism 332, and passes through the eyepiece window 368 surrounded by the eye cup 386 from the surface 332 b. Inject in the direction. Further, the object light reaches the eyes of an observer looking through the eyepiece window 168 while being protected by the eye cup 386 via the eyepiece lens 333, and re-images on the retina.

  The lower surface 332 c of the pentaprism 332 is an inclined surface that follows the prism shape of the condenser lens 380, so that the optical axis from the condenser lens 380 to the pentaprism 332 is not inclined.

  The liquid crystal display 308 includes an LCD 308a and a backlight 308b. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display surface of the LCD 308a. The LCD 308a includes a color display unit 308c having an aspect ratio of 16: 9. The LCD display area 308d in the display unit 308c is used for electronic image display within the viewfinder field, the LCD display area 308e is used for information display using character strings and icons, and the LCD display area 308f is used for information display using numbers.

  Light rays 393 emitted from the LCD display areas 308d, 308e, and 308f in the LCD 308a are incident from the surface 354a of the prism 354 fixed to the pentaprism 332, reflected by the aluminum-deposited surface 354b, and enter the pentaprism 332. . Further, the light beam 393 is reflected twice inside the pentaprism 332, then totally reflected by the inclined surface 332c and emitted from the surface 332b.

  Here, the optical path length from the eyepiece lens 333 to the LCD display area 308d and the optical path length from the eyepiece lens 333 to the focusing screen 331 are substantially equal, and the diopter of the LCD display area 308d and the diopter of the focusing screen 331 are substantially equal. It matches.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display in the viewfinder field. The display within the viewfinder field includes a first display area 391, a second display area 390d, a third display area 390f, and a fourth display area 390e. The first display area 391 shows an optical image of an object that is a subject defined by the opening of the field mask. The second display area 390d is below the first display area 391 and displays information based on the LCD display area 308d of the LCD 308a. The third display area 390f is below the first display area 391 and displays information using numbers based on the LCD display area 308f of the LCD 308a. The fourth display area 390e is below the first display area 391, and displays information using character strings and icons based on the LCD display area 308e of the LCD 308a. At this time, the display luminances of the second display area 390d, the third display area 390f, and the fourth display area 390e are all suitable for visual recognition based on the visible light output of the photometric device including the photometric sensor 356 and the photometric lens 355. Controlled by value.

  The electronic image displayed in the second display area 390d having a horizontally long shape is a real-time photographed image (EVF image) obtained by thinning out pixels and increasing the frame rate to about 60 frames per second as one of information displays. . With this electronic image, confirmation of the appearance of the object image by infrared light, reflection of foreign matter adhering to the optical low-pass filter, composition change due to the operation of the image sensor vibration isolation mechanism 371, white balance, image focus, etc. I can know.

  FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing the camera operation based on the operation sequence of the CPU 141. Here, after half-pressing the release button, three frames are shot by pressing the release button deeply, and then the half-pressing operation of the release button is continued for a while. ing.

  First, when the first release switch is switched from OFF to ON at time T1, photometry and exposure amount calculation are performed immediately. Thereafter, the shutter 326 is opened, and the real-time image I1 is captured at a frame rate of about 60 frames per second by the image sensor 327 and displayed in the second display area 390d of the finder device 330.

  When the second release switch is switched from OFF to ON at time T2, the aperture 322 of the taking lens 320 is reduced.

  At time T3, the charge accumulating operation of the image sensor 327 for the image A is started, and when a predetermined time elapses, the charge accumulating operation of the image sensor 327 is stopped, reading of the image signal of the image A and A / D The conversion is performed, and the aperture 322 is opened.

  When the reading of the image signal of the image A and the A / D conversion are completed, the digital image signal is temporarily stored in the continuous shooting data storage area of the SDRAM 148 in order. During this time, the electronic image display is a frozen display at the last frame of the real-time image.

  Even at time T4, the deep release operation of the release button is continued and the second release switch is turned on, so that the aperture 322 of the taking lens 320 is again reduced.

  At time T5, the charge accumulation operation of the image pickup device 327 for the image B is started, and when a predetermined time elapses, the charge accumulation operation of the image pickup device 327 is stopped, the image signal reading of the image B and the A / D are performed. The conversion is performed, and the aperture 322 is opened.

  When the reading of the image signal of the image B and the A / D conversion are completed, the digital image signal is temporarily stored in the continuous shooting data storage area of the SDRAM 148 in order. During this time, the electronic image display remains frozen at the last frame of the real-time image.

  At time T6 as well, the release button continues to be pressed deeply and the second release switch is on, so that the operation after time T4 is repeated, and the image C is imaged.

  At time T7, the deep release operation of the release button is finished and the second release switch is turned off, so that continuous shooting is finished. However, reading of the image signal of the image C and A / D conversion are continuously performed. Thereafter, the real-time image I2 is captured again at a frame rate of about 60 frames per second and displayed on the second display area 390d of the viewfinder device 330.

  At time T8, the half-pressing operation of the release button is finished and the first release switch is turned off. Therefore, the electronic image display in the second display area 390d in the finder device 330 is stopped, and the shutter 326 is closed.

  In the above operation sequence, reading of the image signal, A / D conversion, storing of the image data in the memory, and opening of the aperture 322 are photographing preparation operations for the next frame.

  According to the infrared camera of the third embodiment, the EVF image reflects the image of the object image by infrared light, the reflection of the foreign matter adhering to the optical low-pass filter, the change of the composition due to the operation of the image sensor vibration-proof mechanism, You can know white balance, image focus, etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent shooting failures. In addition, since it is not necessary to keep an eye on the viewfinder, a photo opportunity is not missed for confirmation of the EVF image. In addition, by using an optical image, an object can be captured in a natural color with visible light. Further, since the optical image and the electronic image do not overlap each other, both can be seen well.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the electric circuit of the digital single-lens reflex camera in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of the signal processing circuit 145, and the peripheral circuit connected to it. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the finder apparatus 130. FIG. It is a side view which shows the structure of the finder apparatus 130 at the time of seeing from the arrow A direction of FIG. It is a figure which shows the screen of LCD108a of the liquid crystal display. It is a figure which shows the incident state of the light ray to the pentaprism 132. FIG. It is a figure which shows the position shift state of the electronic image displayed on LCD display area 108d. It is a figure which shows the display in a finder visual field. 6 is a flowchart showing an imaging operation procedure executed after half-pressing a release button of a switch input unit 142 with a digital single-lens reflex camera. 4 is a timing chart illustrating camera operations based on an operation sequence of a CPU 141. It is a figure which shows the structure of a part of digital single-lens reflex camera in 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure of the principal part of the finder apparatus 230 seen from the arrow h direction of FIG. It is a side view which shows the structure of the principal part of the finder apparatus 230 seen from the arrow i direction of FIG. It is a figure which shows the display in a finder visual field. 4 is a timing chart illustrating camera operations based on an operation sequence of a CPU 141. It is a figure which shows the structure of a part of digital single-lens reflex camera in 3rd Embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of a viewfinder device 330. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display surface of LCD308a. It is a figure which shows the display in a finder visual field. 4 is a timing chart illustrating camera operations based on an operation sequence of a CPU 141.

Explanation of symbols

50 Digital SLR Camera 127 Image Sensor 130 Finder Device 141 CPU
168 Eyepiece window 190d Second display area 191 First display area

Claims (3)

An image sensor that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the photographing lens;
The first display area where the subject image is observed as an optical image, the second display area where the electronic image photoelectrically converted by the imaging device displayed by the display means, and the information of the electronic image are observed. A finder device capable of simultaneously observing the third display area through the eyepiece window;
Selecting means for selecting an image to be displayed in the second display area;
An imaging apparatus having   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third display area displays a reproduction number of an electronic image displayed in the second display area.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third display area displays a number related to a shooting order of bracket shooting or continuous shooting.

Images