JP2000175100A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera that is provided with an image display device that displays an image signal acquired by a multi-pixel type image pickup element as a picture so as to optimally displays a still picture and a moving picture for confirmation. SOLUTION: The electronic camera is provided with a 1st image pickup means 30 for a still picture that has a photographing lens unit 15 having a photographing optical system 81 to form an object image and a 1st image pickup element 28 that applies photoelectric conversion to the object image and outputs a photoelectric converted image signal, with a 2nd image pickup means 55 for a moving picture that has a 2nd image pickup element 46 applying photoelectric conversion to the object image whose pixel number is less than that of the 1st image pickup element and outputs an image signal photoelectric converted by it, and with an image display means 53 that displays a picture based on an output signal from the 1st image pickup means or the 2nd image pickup means. Then the 2nd image pickup means is configured removably.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an image pickup device which photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by a photographing optical system. The present invention relates to an electronic camera having an image display device that displays an image based on an acquired image signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, a subject image formed by a photographing optical system such as a photographing lens has been used as a CCD (Charge Coupled).
An electronic still camera or the like (hereinafter simply referred to as a device) configured to photoelectrically convert an electric signal into an electric signal by using an imaging device including a device (charge; Electronic cameras) are widely used.

In such a conventional electronic camera,
Usually, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display; LCD) for displaying an image signal as an image is provided. This image display device reads, for example, an image signal recorded on a recording medium or the like, reproduces and displays the image signal, or receives and displays an image signal acquired by an image sensor at the time of shooting, and confirms an image signal to be recorded. It is used as a so-called electronic view finder that obtains an image signal generated by an image sensor at the time of shooting and sequentially displays the signal as a moving image.

Further, in an electronic still camera mainly configured to acquire a still image, in recent years, there has been a strong demand for a still image generated from an image signal obtained by an image pickup device, particularly for higher image quality. I have. For this reason, in a conventional electronic still camera, a multi-pixel type imaging device having a larger number of pixels tends to be used.

In general, in an electronic camera, the quality of an image generated based on an image signal obtained by an image sensor (so-called image quality) depends on the number of pixels of an applied image sensor. Thus, a high-quality image can be obtained in proportion to. Therefore, in order to obtain an image signal representing a higher quality image, it is desirable to use a multi-pixel type image sensor.

On the other hand, an image file constituting an image signal obtained by a multi-pixel type image pickup device has a large file size, which causes a problem when displaying an image on an image display device or the like. The display speed, the reading speed when reading (loading) the image file, and the recording speed on the recording medium are reduced.

That is, in the conventional electronic camera, when, for example, a shutter release operation is performed, an exposure operation is started, and a predetermined signal processing is performed on an image signal obtained at this time, and the image signal is transmitted to an image display device. It is output and displayed here as an image. At the same time, the image signal is recorded on a recording medium through a predetermined process. In this case, if the image file size is large,
The time required for the image display operation, the recording operation, and the like becomes longer. During the execution of this processing, no other operation or the like can be performed, and therefore, a state in which it is not possible to immediately shift to the next shutter release operation, that is, the shooting operation.

As described above, if a so-called time lag occurs after the shutter release operation and before the next shutter release operation becomes possible, problems such as disruption of the rhythm of photographing and so-called missed shutter chance. Occurs.

On the other hand, a general image display device provided in a conventional electronic camera sequentially receives image signals representing still images obtained by an image pickup device of the electronic camera, and receives them at a predetermined rate (for example, 30 images per second; In general, the image is displayed as a moving image by continuously displaying the image at fps). In addition, an image signal which is already recorded on a recording medium or the like and which can read and display a still image generated based on the image signal has been generally put to practical use. .

That is, the image display device in the conventional electronic camera functions as an electronic viewfinder for confirming the composition at the time of photographing and the state of the image as described above, and displays the recorded image. It also has a role as an image reproducing device to be made.

When an image is displayed using such an image display device, the following signal processing is generally performed. That is, a display circuit or the like that controls the image display device reads an image signal (image file) stored in a buffer memory or the like or a recording medium built in the electronic camera and displays the image signal. After performing a predetermined process to obtain an optimal form, the image is output to the image display device.
In response to this, the image display device displays an image on the display unit.

In this case, in the electronic camera to which the multi-pixel type image pickup device is applied, since the image file size per one image becomes large as described above, the reading speed and the processing speed of the image signal by the display circuit are slow. It will be. Due to this, the display speed and the like on the display unit of the image display device are also reduced.

When the display speed of one image is reduced as described above, for example, the following problem occurs. That is, during a shooting operation, a predetermined display speed for displaying an image signal obtained by the image sensor as a moving image cannot be ensured, so that a smooth moving image cannot be displayed. There is.

Further, when performing the reproduction display, if the display speed of the image is reduced, it takes time until the desired image is displayed, so that the usability of the electronic camera itself is impaired. Furthermore, since the image display apparatus mainly uses an LCD or the like, if the reproduction display speed is low, the time for driving the LCD becomes longer, which leads to wasteful power consumption. Also.

In the case where the file size of one image becomes large and the reading speed or processing speed of the image signal by the display circuit becomes slow, it is necessary to display a moving image at a predetermined speed during the photographing operation. Conventionally, for example, at the time of image processing for generating an image signal suitable for display by a display circuit, an image subjected to so-called thinning processing or the like is generated, thereby reducing an image file. Is also considered.

However, when such thinning processing is performed, deterioration of the image quality of the display image displayed on the image display device is unavoidable. Can be used to check the composition and the like, but cannot be used for purposes such as checking the exposure state and focus adjustment state.

The present applicant has previously filed Japanese Patent Application No. 9-2905.
No. 48 and Japanese Patent Application No. 9-281074 propose a means for improving the image display speed, particularly at the time of a photographing operation, and preventing the image quality of a display image from deteriorating in an image display device of an electronic camera. I have.

Further, as a technical means for improving the deterioration of the image quality caused by various kinds of signal processing such as a thinning-out processing for a display image, various proposals have been made conventionally in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-108130. ing.

As described above, in an electronic camera which has been generally popularized and put into practical use, an image pickup device having a small number of pixels is generally used. Therefore, a file of an image signal obtained by the image pickup device is used. The size is small,
Receiving an image signal generated based on this and displaying it as a moving image on the display unit of the image display device could be performed without any trouble, and it was sufficiently possible to always display a smooth moving image. .

[0020]

However, in an electronic camera using a multi-pixel type imaging device, which has been strongly demanded in recent years, an image signal of one image becomes large due to an increase in the size of an image file. The reading speed, processing speed, and the like of the image display device become slow, and when displaying an image on an image display device, various problems as described above have occurred. Fundamental countermeasures are desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to acquire an image signal using a multi-pixel type image sensor and to convert the acquired image signal into an image. In an electronic camera having an image display device that can be displayed as an image, it is possible to optimally and smoothly display a confirmation moving image, a still image, or the like to be displayed on the image display device during a shooting operation, and further improve operability. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional electronic camera that is excellent in quality.

[0022]

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic camera according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image, and a photographing optical system. A first image pickup device for receiving a formed image of the subject and photoelectrically converting the image into an electric image signal, and outputting a first image signal photoelectrically converted by the first image pickup device for a still image; An image pickup device, and an image pickup device that receives a subject image formed by the photographing optical system and photoelectrically converts an electric image signal, wherein the second image pickup includes a smaller number of pixels than the first image pickup device. A second imaging unit for a moving image that outputs an image signal photoelectrically converted by the second imaging device, and an output signal of the first imaging unit or the second imaging unit. Display the generated image Comprising an image display unit, the second
Is characterized in that it is detachably provided.

Therefore, the electronic camera according to the first aspect of the present invention receives an object image formed by the photographing optical system provided in the photographing lens unit, and converts the image into an electric image signal by the first image pickup device. The image signal converted and photoelectrically converted by the first image pickup device is output by the first image pickup means for a still image. In addition, a second image sensor having a smaller number of pixels than the first image sensor photoelectrically converts an electric image signal by receiving a subject image formed by the photographing optical system. The image signal photoelectrically converted by the second imaging device is output by the second imaging unit for moving images mounted on the electronic camera. And
The image display means displays an image generated based on the output signal of the first imaging means or the second imaging means. The second imaging means is detachably provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the second imaging means includes a driving means for driving the second imaging element, and a photoelectric conversion means provided by the second imaging element. Signal processing means for performing predetermined signal processing on the converted image signal.

Therefore, the second image pickup device is driven by the drive unit provided in the second image pickup unit, and the signal processing unit performs predetermined processing on the image signal photoelectrically converted by the second image pickup unit. Signal processing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect of the present invention, a light beam of a subject transmitted through the photographing optical system is guided to the second image pickup means. The above-mentioned second state attached to the main body.
An opening through which a subject light beam can be emitted toward the imaging means is provided, and a dustproof means capable of preventing intrusion of dust from the outside is provided in this opening.

Therefore, the subject light flux transmitted through the photographing optical system passes through an opening provided on the optical path guided to the second image pickup means, and is in a state of being mounted on the main body of the electronic camera. The light can be emitted toward the second imaging means. The dustproof means provided in the opening prevents dust from entering from outside.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the third aspect, the dustproof means comprises a transparent member capable of transmitting a subject light beam. Therefore,
The dustproof means made of a transparent member can transmit the subject light flux.

According to a fifth aspect, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the second imaging means includes a focus adjusting means. Therefore, the focus position of the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the second imaging unit can be adjusted by the focus adjustment unit.

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the first half and FIG. 2 shows the second half. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing only a part of a block constituting an optical system, an imaging system, and the like in the electronic camera.
FIG. 3 also shows an optical path of a subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system of the electronic camera. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing main members (optical system, imaging system, and the like) constituting the electronic camera in a see-through manner. In addition, FIG.
FIG. 7 shows an example of a display mode of an image on the display unit of the image display unit of the electronic camera.

The internal structure of the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. The present electronic camera 1
Is based on an image forming system that forms a desired subject image by optical means (optical system), and photoelectrically converts the formed subject image into an electric signal; AF processing and photometric operation
Blocks constituting an AF system and an AE system for performing AE processing and the like, and a signal processing system for performing predetermined processing on image signals obtained by an optical system and an imaging system and performing recording processing and reproduction processing, etc. The electronic camera 1 is configured by a control circuit 61 serving as a control unit. I have.

The first half block of the electronic camera 1 including the optical system, the image pickup system, the AF system, the AE system, and the like is configured as follows. That is, a photographing optical system 81 (refer to FIG. 3), which is an optical system capable of condensing a light beam from a subject (hereinafter, referred to as a subject light beam) and forming an image of the subject, and members constituting the photographing optical system 81 A photographing lens unit 15 including various driving units and driving means to be driven; and a first imaging means 30 for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by a photographing optical system 81 to obtain an image signal mainly representing a still image. Similarly, the second imaging means 55 that photoelectrically converts the subject image to obtain an image signal mainly representing a moving image, detects the focal position of the subject image formed by the photographing optical system 81, and performs a focusing operation and the like. Unit 54 constituting an AF system for performing
And an AE unit 23 that constitutes an AE system that performs a photometric operation on a desired subject based on the subject light flux transmitted through the photographing optical system 81, and a loupe lens 84 to optically observe a desired subject image. Eyepiece 85
(See FIG. 4) An optical finder unit 73 composed of an observation optical system composed of an optical system and the like, and a subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 81 is selected as one of the first imaging means 30 and the second imaging means 55. A first mirror 16 serving as an optical path changing unit for guiding the light, a second mirror 17 for changing the optical path of the subject light flux guided toward the second imaging unit 55 by the first mirror 16, A third mirror 18 that guides the unit to the AF unit 54, and a fourth mirror that is a finder optical path changing unit that selectively guides the subject light beam to the second imaging unit 55 or one of the AE unit 23 and the optical finder unit 73. 19, a magnifying relay optical system 7 including a lens and the like, which is provided between the second mirror 17 and the third mirror 18 and is fixed on the optical path of the luminous flux of the photographic subject and magnifies the photographic subject image. The components etc. is the electronic camera 1
Are arranged at predetermined positions inside the.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the fifth mirror 72 shown in FIG. 4 is a total reflection mirror for ultimately guiding the subject light beam to the optical finder unit 73 side. Is formed.

The photographing lens unit 15 includes the photographing optical system 8.
1, ie, a zoom lens group 12 as a variable power optical system, an AF lens group 14 as a focusing optical system (AF optical system), and a subject light beam condensed by a photographing optical system 81. Aperture unit 13 as a light amount limiting unit for limiting the light amount of the zoom lens, a zoom motor 24 for driving the zoom lens group 12, and an AF motor 26 for driving the AF lens group 14.
And a diaphragm actuator 25 for driving the diaphragm unit 13.

The zoom motor 24, the aperture actuator 25, and the AF motor 26 are controlled by a drive circuit 62, which is a drive means that is controlled in response to a command from a control circuit 61.

In a normal state, the first mirror 16 has an inclination of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis O of the photographing optical system 81, and its reflection surface is located on the photographing lens unit 15 on the optical path of the subject light beam. A so-called quick return mirror formed by a total reflection mirror arranged toward the side of the mirror. That is, the first mirror 16 has one end rotatably supported by a fixed member (not shown) inside the electronic camera 1, and is driven via a drive circuit 62 controlled by a control circuit 61. First mirror actuator 63
The drive is controlled by

Therefore, in a normal state, the first mirror 16 is on the optical path of the light beam of the object, totally reflects the light beam of the object irradiated on the reflection surface, and changes the light path by approximately 90 degrees.
The second mirror 1 (the second mirror 1).
7) to change the optical path of the same light beam, while being driven and controlled by the first mirror actuator 63 to rotate,
By retreating from the optical path of the subject light beam, it serves as an optical path changing means for guiding the light beam to the first imaging means 30.

The second mirror 17 is disposed on the optical path of the subject light beam bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees by the first mirror 16, and is fixed so as to have an inclination of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis O of the light beam. It is constituted by the provided total reflection mirror.

The third mirror 18 is disposed on the optical path of the subject light beam, which is further bent at an angle of about 90 degrees by the second mirror 17, and has an inclination of about 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis O of the light beam. It is composed of a fixed so-called half mirror or the like. Therefore, the third mirror 18 reflects a part of the subject light beam to bend the optical path of the same light beam at an angle of 90 degrees and guides the light beam to the AF unit 54 side, and at the same time, transmits the other part to transmit the AE unit 23. And the optical finder unit 73 is guided to the optical finder unit 73 side.

The fourth mirror 19 is positioned on the optical path of the luminous flux transmitted through the third mirror 18 by an arrow Y1 shown in FIG.
A total reflection mirror is provided so as to be movable in the direction and has an inclination of about 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis O of the subject light beam. And the movement is
The driving is controlled by a fourth mirror actuator 64 via a driving circuit 62 controlled by a control circuit 61.

As described above, the fourth mirror 19 is disposed so as to be able to move to a predetermined position on the optical path of the light beam of the subject and to a predetermined position retracted from the light beam as needed.
Then, when the fourth mirror 19 is arranged at a predetermined position on the optical path of the subject light beam, the same light beam is reflected by the fourth mirror 19, and the optical path is bent at an angle of 90 degrees to the second imaging means 55 side. It is led. On the other hand, the fourth mirror 1
When the light source 9 is retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam, the light beam passes through the fourth mirror 19 and is guided to the AE unit 23 and the optical finder unit 73.

The fourth mirror 19 corresponds to the arrow Y1 in FIG.
It is configured to be able to move in the direction, but the moving means is not limited to this, and for example, a quick return mirror system that is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the optical path by rotating one end as a support shaft is adopted. May be.

On the optical path of the subject light beam between the fourth mirror 19 and the optical viewfinder unit 73, a focusing screen 20 for confirming the in-focus state of the subject image observable by the optical viewfinder unit 73 is provided. Are located. The focusing screen 20 is the same as that applied to a general single-lens reflex camera or the like, and is made of, for example, a plate-shaped optical member having a ground glass-like mat surface.

The first image pickup means 30 is a photoelectric conversion element which receives a subject image formed by the photographing optical system 81 when the first mirror 16 is retracted and performs a photoelectric conversion process on the subject image. Multi-pixel type charge-coupled device (Charge
A first image sensor 28 composed of a Coupled Device (CCD) or the like; a low-pass filter (LPF) 82 for removing a high-frequency component from a light beam received by the first image sensor 28 among the light beams of the subject transmitted through the imaging optical system 81; IR cut filter 83 for removing infrared light components from the light beam
And a mechanical shutter 27 for limiting the light amount of a subject light beam irradiated on the light receiving surface of the first image sensor 28. For example, a mechanical shutter 27 including a focal plane type shutter and the like, and a command from a control circuit 61 Receiving first
And a signal processing means for generating an image signal mainly representing a still image by receiving output signals from the first imaging element 28 and performing predetermined signal processing. It is composed of a certain first imaging circuit 31 and the like. And the mechanical shutter 27
Are controlled by the shutter actuator 29 via a drive circuit 62 controlled in response to a command from the control circuit 61.

In the electronic camera 1 of this embodiment, the mechanical shutter 27 is constituted by a focal plane type shutter or the like. This is because it is desirable to provide the mechanical shutter 27 near the light receiving surface of the image sensor 28 in order to more effectively limit the amount of light received by the first image sensor 28 for acquiring a still image. This is the configuration. That is, the mechanical shutter 27 is located near the light receiving surface of the image sensor 28.
Is arranged, it is possible to more effectively prevent mixing of harmful light and the like, so that noise and the like in an image signal acquired by the image sensor 28 are suppressed, and thus a still image generated by this image signal is There is an effect that the image quality can be improved.

Further, as in the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment, in a so-called single-lens reflex system in which the photographing optical system and the observation optical system (finder optical system) are used in combination, the mechanical shutter 27 is used for imaging. By arranging it near the first image sensor 28, there is also an effect that it is possible to secure a situation where the observation optical system can always observe the subject image.

On the other hand, the second imaging means 55 receives an instruction from the control circuit 61 and a second imaging element 46 which is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD having a smaller number of pixels than the first imaging element 28. A second image pickup circuit that is a driving unit that drives the second image pickup device 46 and that performs a predetermined signal process in response to an output from the second image pickup device 46 to generate an image signal. 47 (not shown in FIG. 3)
A reduction optical system 45 for forming a subject image reduced by receiving the subject light beam guided by the fourth mirror 19 on the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 46; and a subject light beam to the second imaging means 55 And a transparent member 75b such as a protective glass, which is a dustproof means that can transmit the same light flux and prevent dust and foreign matter from entering the second imaging means 55. ing.

In the second image pickup element 46, similarly to the first image pickup element 28, the light receiving surface side has an I
An R-cut filter, a low-pass filter, and the like are provided, but illustration thereof is omitted.

As the second image pickup element 46, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS: C
and the like can be used. The CMOS has the same function as a general CCD or the like, but can be driven with lower power consumption than the CCD. Since it can be manufactured at a lower cost than a CCD, it is a photoelectric conversion element suitable for application to the second imaging element 46.

The second imaging means 55 is configured as a unit as shown in FIG. 3, and this unit is formed detachably from the main body of the electronic camera 1. That is, the second imaging means 55 is arranged so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow Y2 shown in FIG.

When the unit is mounted on the electronic camera 1, the moving image can be mainly acquired by receiving the subject light beam guided by the fourth mirror 19. In this state, the electrical connection between the second imaging means 55 and the internal circuit of the electronic camera 1 (for example, a second A / D conversion circuit 49 described later) is the second connection shown in FIGS. Electrical contact 76a on the unit side of the imaging means 55
And the corresponding electrical contact 76b on the electronic camera 1 side
(See FIG. 2).

On the other hand, when the unit of the second imaging means 55 is detached from the electronic camera 1, the above-mentioned electrical connection is cut off, and the unit can be completely detached from the electronic camera 1. It has become.

In a state where the unit of the second imaging means 55 is mounted on the main body of the electronic camera 1, the subject light flux is applied to the main body side of the electronic camera 1 facing the transparent member 75 b of the second imaging means 55. An opening is provided for transmitting the light beam and securing an optical path of the light beam. In this opening, a transparent member 75a, which is dust-proof means similar to the transparent member 75b of the second imaging means 55, is disposed to prevent dust and foreign matter from entering the inside of the main body of the electronic camera 1. .

When the unit of the second imaging means 55 is removed, a dummy adapter having substantially the same shape as the unit of the second imaging means 55 is provided at the same position on the main body side of the electronic camera 1 as shown in FIG. 100 can be attached.

Therefore, in the present electronic camera 1, the provision of the dummy adapter 100 and the transparent member 75a prevents entry of dust and the like into the inside of the main body from the portion where the second imaging means 55 is removed. . Further, a cover member made of, for example, rubber or the like may be attached to the opening on the main body side as dustproof means.

The electric contacts 76 of the second image pickup means 55
The second imaging means detection SW 48 is electrically connected to the electrical contact 76b on the main body side of the electronic camera 1 corresponding to a. The detection SW 48 is detection means for detecting whether or not the second imaging means 55 is attached to the electronic camera 1, and a detection signal generated by the SW 48 is output to the control circuit 61. ing.

The reduction optical system 45 includes the photographing lens unit 1
5, the first mirror 16, the second mirror 17, the magnifying relay optical system 71, the third mirror 18, the fourth mirror 19, and the second image pickup device 46 which converts the subject image by the subject light beam which has reached the second image pickup means 55. Is re-imaged on the light-receiving surface. The reduction optical system 45 is configured such that the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 46 is transmitted to the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the first image sensor 28 through the imaging optical system 81. This is for reducing and re-forming a substantially equivalent image, that is, a subject image corresponding to the number of pixels of the image sensor.

Thus, the angle of view (viewing angle or shooting range) of an image displayed on a display device 53 (see FIG. 2), which is image display means described later, based on the image signal obtained by the second image pickup means 55 And the angle of view (viewing angle or shooting range) of an image that can be displayed based on the image signal acquired by the first imaging unit 30. Therefore, it is possible to use the display device 53 as a finder for observing the subject image without any problem.

Further, the second image pickup element 46 can move in the direction indicated by arrow Y1 in FIG. That is, the second image sensor 46 is movably supported by the moving mechanism that is the focus adjusting means. This moving mechanism is configured as follows.

That is, the second image pickup element 46 is slidably supported in the direction of arrow Y1 by a lead screw 77 and a guide shaft 79 fixed inside the unit, and the lead screw 77 rotates. Thus, the second image sensor 46 can be moved in the arrow Y1 direction. A focus correction knob 78 protruding from the bottom side of the electronic camera 1 is connected to the lead screw 77.

The lead screw 77 has a spring 8
6 is wound, and thereby the second imaging element 46 is positioned. Then, the focus correction knob 78
Is rotated, the lead screw 77 is also rotated in conjunction therewith, and the second imaging element 46 is configured to move in the direction of the arrow Y1 in conjunction with this. .

Then, the second image sensor 46 is moved in the direction of arrow Y1 in FIG.
The in-focus state of the subject image formed on the image can be adjusted. This means that the second imaging unit 55 is detachable from the electronic camera 1 as a unit, so that the second imaging device 46 receives light when the unit of the second imaging unit 55 is mounted. Such a focus adjusting means is provided in consideration of a slight defocusing of a subject image formed on the surface.

The AF unit 54 is an AF mechanism used in a general single-lens reflex camera or the like, and is constituted by focus detection means (TTL-AF) of a phase difference detection system using a so-called separator lens. .

The structure of the AF unit 54 will be briefly described as follows. That is, a pupil splitting lens that splits an aerial image, which is substantially equivalent to the subject image formed on the light receiving surfaces of the first and second imaging elements 28 and 46, into two and forms a pair of subject images ( (Separator lens) 42, an AF sensor 43 composed of an image pickup device such as a CCD for receiving and photoelectrically converting a pair of subject images formed by the pupil division lens 42, and detecting the focus by receiving the output of the AF sensor 43. And an AF circuit 44 (shown only in FIG. 1) for performing a predetermined signal processing.

The AE unit 23 also employs an automatic exposure mechanism (AE mechanism) used for a general single-lens reflex camera or the like, and a condensing lens 80 for condensing a light beam of a subject.
And an AE sensor 21 including a light receiving element and the like, and an AE circuit 22 (shown only in FIG. 1) for detecting an output of the AE sensor 21 and performing predetermined signal processing.

On the other hand, the signal processing system of the electronic camera 1 is constituted by the following members. That is, the first A / D conversion circuit 3 that converts the image signal (analog signal) generated by the first imaging circuit 31 into a digital signal
2, a first DRAM 33 such as a buffer memory for temporarily storing a digitized image signal in response to the output of the first A / D conversion circuit 32, and a second imaging circuit 47. A second A / D conversion circuit 49 that converts an image signal (analog signal) into a digital signal, and temporarily stores the digitized image signal by receiving the output of the second A / D conversion circuit 49 Second D such as buffer memory
RAM 50 and first DRAM 33 or second DRAM
A switching circuit 34 for switching a transfer path of an image signal between 50 and a compression circuit 35 or a decompression circuit 38 described later;
One of the image signals temporarily stored in the first DRAM 33 or the second DRAM 50 is selectively read out via the switching circuit 34, and the read image signal is recorded on the recording medium 40. A compression circuit 35 for performing predetermined signal processing such as compression processing, encoding processing, data conversion processing and the like for obtaining an optimal form, and image data converted by the compression circuit 35 into a recording medium 4 in a predetermined procedure.
Recording circuit 36 for recording in a predetermined area of recording medium 4 and recording medium 4
Reproducing circuit 39 for reading image data recorded in 0
A decompression circuit 38 for performing signal processing such as a decoding process and a decompression process on the image data read by the reproduction circuit 39; and reading out the image signal temporarily stored in the first DRAM 33. A first display processing circuit 41 for generating an image signal in a form most suitable for executing image reproduction and display, and an image signal temporarily stored in a second DRAM 50 to read and display an image; Display processing circuit 5 that generates an image signal in a form most suitable for executing
1, a display device 53 which is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like and displays an image generated from an image signal, and output signals from the first display processing circuit 41 and the second display processing circuit 51 The selection / combination circuit 52 or the like, which is display control means for performing a predetermined process so as to obtain a predetermined display mode when receiving and outputting it to the display device 53.

As the recording medium 40, for example, a semiconductor memory having a card shape or a stick shape, or the like,
Magnetic recording media such as floppy disks, small hard disks, and magnetic tapes, and magneto-optical recording media such as MO (Magneto-Optical) disks and MDs (Mini Disks) can be applied.

The power supply system of the electronic camera 1 includes a power supply circuit 56 for controlling the entire power supply system,
A power supply battery 92 such as a storage battery for supplying power to the entire electronic camera 1 and a connection unit for electrically connecting the camera 1 and an external power supply to obtain the power supply to the electronic camera 1 from an external power supply device or the like. It comprises an external power supply terminal 91 and a battery state detection circuit 57 for detecting the state of the supplied power, for example, the remaining capacity of the battery 92 and the like.

Further, an operation system including various operation members and the like is connected to the control circuit 61. Various switches interlocked with the operation members constituting the operation system include a power SW 58 for turning on / off the power, and a recording for selectively switching between a recording mode and a reproduction mode, which are operation modes of the electronic camera 1. / Reproduction SW (REC / PLA
Y-SW) 59, an imaging unit switching SW 60 for switching which one of the first imaging unit 30 and the second imaging unit 55 is used to perform imaging, and an AE for starting an imaging operation. • First (1st.) Release SW 65 that generates a signal for instructing the start of the AF operation and the like.
And a second (2nd.) Release SW 66 for generating a signal for starting an exposure operation by controlling the image sensor, the mechanical shutter 27, the diaphragm unit 13, and the like, and a display mode of an image displayed on the display device 53. A mode SW 67 as an instructing means for generating a signal for instructing, and a zoom S for changing a photographing magnification by the zoom lens group 12.
There are various switches such as W68.

The operation of the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment thus configured will be described below. When the power supply state to the electronic camera 1 is turned on and the operation mode is set to the photographing mode, the photographing optical system 81
First, the light path of the subject light flux transmitted through the first mirror 16 is changed by the first mirror 16 and guided to the second imaging means 55 side.

That is, the subject light beam is bent by approximately 90 degrees by the first mirror 16 to the second mirror 17, and further bent by approximately 90 degrees by the second mirror 17. Next, the subject luminous flux passes through the magnifying relay optical system 71 and then travels to the third mirror 18.

The third mirror 18 is a half mirror as described above. Therefore, this third
A part of the light beam is reflected by the mirror 18 by the mirror 18 and guided to the AF unit 54. Another part of the subject light beam passes through the third mirror 18 and travels to the fourth mirror 19.

As described above, the subject light flux guided to the AF unit 54 by the third mirror 18 first enters the pupil splitting lens 42. Here, a pair of subject images are formed and formed on a pair of light receiving surfaces of the corresponding AF sensor 43.

The AF sensor 43 has, for example, the 1st. When an instruction signal is received from the release SW 65, an object image received on the light receiving surface is detected, and this is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal and output to the AF circuit 44. In response to this, the AF circuit 44 performs predetermined signal processing for focus detection, and outputs this to the control circuit 61.

On the other hand, the subject light beam transmitted through the third mirror 18 reaches the position of the fourth mirror 19,
At this time, when the fourth mirror 19 is disposed at a predetermined position on the optical path of the subject light beam, the following operation is performed.

That is, the subject light beam that has passed through the third mirror 18 and reached the fourth mirror 19 is reflected by the fourth mirror 19, and its optical path is bent at an angle of about 90 degrees. It is led to 55.

The subject light flux guided to the second image pickup means 55 passes through the transparent members 75a and 75b and the reduction optical system 45, and the second image pickup device 46
The subject image is re-imaged on the light receiving surface of. In response to this,
Image sensor 46 performs photoelectric conversion processing of the subject image to generate an image signal and outputs the image signal to the second image pickup circuit 47. The second imaging circuit 47 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal and outputs the same to a second A / D conversion circuit 49. The image signals converted into digital signals by the second A / D conversion circuit 49 are sequentially output to the second DRAM 50 and temporarily stored therein.

The image signals temporarily stored in the second DRAM 50 are sequentially output to the second display processing circuit 51 and are displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the display device 53. After the signal processing in the optimum predetermined form is performed, the signal is output to the display device 53 via the selection / synthesis circuit 52, and the predetermined image is displayed in the predetermined form. At this time, the image displayed on the display unit of the display device 53 is mainly a moving image for observation. Thereby, the display device 53 functions as a finder.

The fourth mirror 19 is disposed so as to be able to advance and retreat from the optical path of the luminous flux of the subject as described above, and the second imaging means 55 is disposed so as to be detachable from the electronic camera 1. ing. The state of whether or not the second imaging means 55 is mounted on the electronic camera 1 is detected by the second imaging means detection SW48. That is, the control circuit 61 controls the second imaging unit detection SW4
When it is determined that the second imaging means 55 is not mounted on the electronic camera 1 in response to the signal from the controller 8, the drive of the fourth mirror 19 is controlled by the fourth mirror actuator 64 via the drive circuit 62. Is retracted from the optical path of the luminous flux of the subject.

Therefore, when the second image pickup means 55 is detached from the electronic camera 1 and the fourth mirror 19 is retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam, the subject light beam transmitted through the third mirror 18 is transmitted to the fourth mirror 19. It passes through the position where it was provided and directly enters the focusing screen 20,
After this, the light goes to the optical finder unit 73 and the AE unit 23.

In this case, in the optical viewfinder unit 73, the subject image is re-formed, and is in a state where it can be visually recognized as an observation image for confirming the photographing range and the state of the subject at the time of photographing. In the AE unit 23, first, the subject light beam enters the AE sensor 21. A
The E sensor 21 is, for example, 1st. When receiving the instruction signal from the release SW 65, the luminous flux of the subject being received at that time is photoelectrically converted and the signal is output to the AE circuit 22. In response to this, the AE circuit 22 performs predetermined signal processing on the detected signal, and then outputs the signal to the control circuit 61 to execute the AE operation.

As described above, the optical viewfinder unit 73
Serves as a finder for observing the subject image when the second imaging means 55 is not mounted. At this time, the photometry and the AE operation are performed using the AE unit 23.

On the other hand, when the second imaging means 55 is mounted, an image (observation image) generated by the image signal acquired by the second imaging means 55 is displayed on the display device 53 as described above. The display device 53 functions as a finder.

At this time, since the subject light beam cannot reach the optical finder unit 73 and the AE unit 23, the necessary photometry and AE operation are performed by the second imaging means 55. What is necessary is just to carry out based on the image signal obtained by the two imaging elements 46.

Next, 2nd. When the instruction signal from the release SW 66 is generated, the control circuit 61 receives the instruction signal and controls the driving of the first mirror actuator 63 via the driving circuit 62 to move the first mirror 16 to a position where the optical path of the subject light flux is not obstructed. Evacuate. At the same time, the control circuit 61
The diaphragm actuator 25 and the AF motor 26 via the drive circuit 62 based on the calculation result by the E unit 23, the AF unit 54 and the like, the zoom signal from the zoom SW 68, and the like.
Drive control of the shutter actuator 29, the zoom motor 24, and the like completes the exposure operation. When the exposure operation is completed, the first mirror 16 returns to the original position on the optical path of the subject light beam.

That is, when the first mirror 16 is retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam, the subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 81 is guided to the first image pickup means 30, and
A subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 28 of FIG.

In this case, the luminous flux of the subject is firstly restricted to a predetermined light amount by the diaphragm 13 inside the taking lens unit 15. The high-frequency component is removed from the same light beam by the low-pass filter 82, and the infrared light component is removed by the IR cut filter 83. Then, the mechanical shutter 27 is opened at the same time as the start of the exposure operation, and is closed after a predetermined exposure time has elapsed. Light components such as noise components that become unnecessary by this
This prevents mixing in the image signal acquired by the first image sensor 28.

The light component which forms the subject image irradiated on the light receiving surface of the first image sensor 28 for a predetermined time in this manner is subjected to photoelectric conversion by the first image sensor 28 to generate an image signal. . This image signal is output to the first imaging circuit 31 and subjected to predetermined signal processing, and then output to the first A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is converted into a digital signal. Then, the digitized image signal is output to the first DRAM 33 and temporarily stored therein.

The image signal temporarily stored in the first DRAM 33 is output to the first display processing circuit 41, and the predetermined image signal optimally displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the display device 53 is displayed. Is applied to the display device 53 via the selection / synthesis circuit 52, where a predetermined image (still image for recording) is displayed in a predetermined form.

The first DRAM 33 and the second DR 33
The image signal temporarily stored in the AM 50 is transmitted to the switching circuit 3
4 to the compression circuit 35. At this time, the switching circuit 34 includes the first DRAM 33 and the second DRAM 50
The switching is controlled by the control circuit 61 so that the image signal from either one of the above is output to the compression circuit 35.

When the image signal is input, the compression circuit 35 performs predetermined signal processing on the image signal to convert it into data, and outputs the generated image data to the recording circuit 36. Then, the recording circuit 36 records the image data in a predetermined area of the recording medium 40.

The image data recorded on the recording medium 40 is set in the reproduction (PLAY) mode by the electronic camera 1 upon receiving an instruction signal from the REC / PLAY-SW 59, for example, to reproduce a desired image. When the predetermined operation is performed, image data forming an image signal representing a corresponding image is read out from a predetermined area of the recording medium 40 by the reproduction circuit 39. The read image data is output to the decompression circuit 38, where the image data is subjected to predetermined signal processing, and then the first DRAM 3 is switched via the switching circuit 34.
The data is output to the third or second DRAM 50 and is temporarily stored.

As described above, in the photographing mode (at the time of recording), the switching circuit 34 operates the first DRAM 33 or the second DRA.
Receiving the output from either one of M50
5 in the reproduction mode, and receives the output from the decompression circuit 38 to output the first
And a signal path for outputting an image signal to either one of the DRAM 33 or the second DRAM 50 suitable for the read image signal. In the electronic camera 1, the first DR
The AM 33 mainly deals with an image signal representing a still image, and the second DRAM 50 mainly deals with an image signal representing a moving image.

As described above, the first display processing circuit 41
Alternatively, the image signal output to the second display processing circuit 51 is output to the selection synthesis circuit 52. In the selection and synthesis circuit 52, the following processing is performed. The display mode of the image on the display unit 53a of the display device 53 at this time will be described below with reference to each example shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

First, the electronic camera 1 is provided with the second imaging means 5.
When the shooting mode is set with the camera 5 mounted, the luminous flux of the subject is changed to the second image pickup means 55 as described above.
It is led to.

At this time, since the image signal obtained by the second image pickup means 55 is continuously output to the display device 53, the moving image of the subject image is displayed on the display section of the display device 53. Thus, the display section 53a of the display device 53 is ready to observe a desired subject image. The state at this time is as shown in FIG.
Each is shown in FIG.

In this state, 1st. Release SW65 and 2nd. When the release SW 66 is turned on and a predetermined instruction signal is generated, the control circuit 61 receives the instruction signal.
Indicates that the operator operates the mode SW 67 (instruction means) to control the selection / combination circuit 52 so that the desired display mode selected and instructed from a plurality of preset display modes is displayed. The display mode of the unit 53a is changed.

This display mode will be specifically described. For example, as shown in FIG. Release SW65 and 2nd. When the release SW 66 receives the ON signal, the display on the display unit 53 a of the display device 53 is superimposed on the display while continuing to display the moving image generated based on the image signal acquired by the second imaging unit 55. At a predetermined position in the display screen of the display section 53a, an identification display 53b of a predetermined pictogram / character, etc., which can identify that the exposure operation has been performed, is displayed for a predetermined time (for two seconds in this example). Display continuously. Here, the selection and synthesis circuit 52 selects only the output from the second display processing circuit 51 and outputs it to the display device 53.

In the example shown in FIG. Release SW65 and 2nd. When an ON signal is generated by the release SW 66, the control circuit 61 receives the ON signal and causes the display unit 5 to operate.
The display 3a is acquired by the first imaging unit 30 for a predetermined time (only 10 seconds in this example) instead of the moving image generated based on the image signal acquired by the second imaging unit 55. A still image generated based on the image signal, that is, a still image based on an image signal to be exposed and recorded is displayed.

That is, in the state shown in FIG. 6A, the selection / combination circuit 52 selects only the output from the second display processing circuit 51 and outputs it to the display device 53. But,
When an instruction signal of both release SWs 65 and 66 is generated, the output from the first display processing circuit 41 is output to the display device 53 instead of the output from the second display processing circuit 51 for generating the moving image being displayed. Is output, and the display unit 53a of the display device 53 is in the state shown in FIG. 6B. Then, the display state of only the still image is continued for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, FIG.
The state shown in FIG. At this time, only the output from the second display processing circuit 51 is selected again and the display device 53
Is output to

In the example shown in FIG. 7, 1st. Release SW65 and 2nd. In response to the ON signal from the release SW 66, the control circuit 61 controls the selection / combination circuit 52 to continue displaying a moving image generated based on the image signal acquired by the second imaging unit 55. A still image 53c obtained by reducing an image generated based on the image signal acquired by the first image pickup means 30 at a predetermined position in the display screen of the display unit 53a so as to be superimposed on (Only 10 seconds).

That is, in the state shown in FIG. 7A, the selection / combination circuit 52 selects only the output of the second display processing circuit 51 and outputs it to the display device 53 as described above. At this time, when an instruction signal for both release SWs 65 and 66 is generated, the state shown in FIG. At this time, the selection synthesis circuit 52 receives the output from the first display processing circuit 41 in addition to the output from the second display processing circuit 51, and performs predetermined synthesis signal processing and the like on both image signals. Then, a composite image generated by the composite image signal generated as a result is output to the display device 53 for a predetermined time. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 7C, a state is returned in which only the output from the second display processing circuit 51 is selected and output to the display device 53 again.

FIG. 5B, FIG. 6B, and FIG.
In the state shown in (b), the switching control of the signal transmission path is performed so that the switching circuit 34 exchanges the signal between the first DRAM 33 and the compression circuit 35. Thus, separately from the image signal output to the first display processing circuit 41, the image signal temporarily stored in the first DRAM 33, that is, the still image acquired by the first imaging unit 30 is obtained. The represented image signal is recorded on the recording medium 40 as image data through a predetermined procedure.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the multi-pixel type first image sensor 28 and the second image sensor 46 having a smaller number of pixels than the first image sensor 28 are provided.
By displaying a plurality of image pickup devices, a moving image for observation (observation image) that ensures smooth movement based on an image signal acquired by using the second image pickup device 46 is displayed on the display device 53. And an image signal that can generate a high-quality still image using the first image sensor 28 can be obtained.

Further, by arranging the second image pickup element 46 as an image pickup means for a moving image, a fast-moving subject can be appropriately displayed, so that a good feeling of use can be easily ensured. it can.

Then, the first mirror 16 as an optical path changing means for selectively guiding the subject light flux transmitted through the photographing optical system 81 to either the first image pickup means 30 or the second image pickup means 55 is used. The imaging optical system 81 is configured by a so-called quick return mirror including a reflection mirror and the like.
The amount of light of the subject light flux condensed by the
There is no dimming before the light reaches the image pickup device 28 or the second image pickup means 55. Therefore, the first and second
It is possible to efficiently irradiate a predetermined image sensor among the respective image sensors 28 and 46 with a necessary subject light flux.

A display device 53 for displaying a moving image using the second imaging means 55 as a finder as a means for confirming a desired subject image at the time of a photographing operation.
And an optical finder unit 73 that has a high resolution and makes it easy to visually recognize the subject image.
Since either one of the two can be selected, it is possible to contribute to improvement in usability and operability.

When the optical finder unit 73 is selected, the display device 53 having relatively large power consumption is used.
Power can be stopped, which can contribute to power saving. As a result, the usable time of the electronic camera 1 itself is extended, so that more images can be obtained, which can further contribute to improving the usability.

Further, since the second imaging means 55 is detachable from the main body of the electronic camera 1, it is possible to determine whether or not to use the second imaging means 55 as required by the operator. further,
By making this optional, the electronic camera 1 itself can be provided at a low price without imposing a useless burden on the user.

In the photographing mode, the display device 5
3 can be displayed in a plurality of display modes of the image displayed on the display unit 3 and the mode switch 67
According to the desired display mode pre-selected by the (instruction unit), the image to be acquired and recorded by the first imaging unit 30 can be confirmed immediately after the exposure operation (shutter release operation). Mistakes can be prevented. Also, since the display mode can be properly used according to the situation, a good feeling of use and operability can be obtained.

Further, as the second image pickup element 46, C
Since a CMOS which is inexpensive compared to a CD or the like is used, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in manufacturing cost, and it is easy to save power by using a CMOS which has relatively low power consumption as compared to a CCD or the like. Can be contributed to.

The second imaging means 55 is a driving means for driving the second imaging element 46 and a signal processing means for processing the image signal photoelectrically converted by the second imaging element 46. Since the two image pickup circuits 47 are unitized, unnecessary unnecessary signals and the like are hardly mixed into the image signal that can be obtained, and it is easy to obtain an image signal representing a high-quality moving image. There are advantages.

On the other hand, the second imaging means 55 is connected to the electronic camera 1
When it is removed from, since sufficient dustproof means is provided by providing transparent members 75a, 75b, etc.,
A possible problem caused by making the second imaging unit 55 detachable, that is, the entry of dust and the like into the main body of the electronic camera 1 can be reliably suppressed.

Further, since a transparent member such as a protective glass is used as the dust-proof means, no special measures such as removal of the dust-proof means are required when attaching and detaching the second image pickup means 55, so that good operation can be achieved. Sex can be obtained.

On the other hand, since the focus adjusting means for easily correcting the defocus of the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the second image pickup element 46 is provided, the second image pickup means 55 is made detachable. Thus, problems such as displacement that may occur due to the above can be easily solved.

In the electronic camera 1 of the above-described embodiment, since the first mirror 16 is constituted by a quick return mirror, the luminous flux of the subject is converted into the first image pickup means 30 or the second image pickup means 55. Function as an optical path changing means for selectively guiding the light to one of them.

However, regarding the first mirror 16,
The configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration using, for example, a fixed half mirror may be adopted. In this case, the luminous flux transmitted through the photographing optical system 81 is transmitted to the first mirror 16.
As a result, one light beam is guided to the first image pickup means 30 and the other light beam is guided to the second image pickup means 55 side (second mirror 17) and the like. . Therefore, the first mirror 16 functions as a light beam splitting unit.

With such a configuration, the first
The drive mechanism such as the mirror actuator 63 becomes unnecessary,
Therefore, it is possible to simplify the internal mechanism and to contribute to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

Also, as in the above-described embodiment,
When the first mirror 16 is constituted by a quick return mirror, when the first mirror 16 is driven to guide the subject light beam to the first imaging means 30 during the actual exposure operation, The subject luminous flux disappears instantaneously. That is, light is shielded only for a moment. As a result, a phenomenon in which a moving image (observed image) displayed on the display device 53 or a subject image that can be observed by the optical viewfinder unit 73 disappears momentarily,
A so-called blackout phenomenon will occur.

However, when the first mirror 16 is constituted by a fixed half mirror, the luminous flux transmitted through the photographing optical system 81 is transmitted to both the first imaging means 30 and the second imaging means 55. Will always be guided. Therefore, the above-mentioned blackout phenomenon does not occur, and it is possible to always keep observing an image for observation without a sense of incongruity, and to obtain a good feeling of use.

When a half mirror is used as the first mirror 16, the light quantity of the subject light beam guided to the first image pickup means 30 or the second image pickup means 55 is larger than when the total reflection mirror is used. However, since this can be easily corrected by performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal acquired by the image sensor, it is not sufficient to deal with the problem such as sensitivity reduction. It is possible.

On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, the fourth mirror 19, which is the finder optical path changing means, is constituted by a total reflection mirror which is disposed so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the optical path of the subject light beam. , This fourth mirror 1
9 may be constituted by a fixed half mirror.

In this case, a part of the subject light beam transmitted through the third mirror 18 is guided to the second imaging means 55, and at the same time, another part of the subject light beam is transmitted through the fourth mirror 19. To the optical finder unit 73 and the AE unit 23. Therefore, the optical viewfinder unit 73 can always be used as a viewfinder for observing the subject image.

Furthermore, in this case, the AE unit 23
Can be used to perform the photometry and the AE operation, so that the power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case where the photometry and the AE operation are performed using the second imaging unit 55. This can contribute to power saving.

Further, by fixing the fourth mirror 19 to a fixing member (not shown) of the electronic camera 1, a moving mechanism for driving the fourth mirror 19 forward and backward, that is, each of the fourth mirror actuators 64 and the like is provided. The members can be omitted. This contributes to simplification of the mechanism and reduction in manufacturing cost, and also to power saving of the entire electronic camera 1.

Since two types of viewfinders, an optical viewfinder unit 73 and a display device 53 based on image signals obtained by the second image pickup means 55, are provided and these can be used without switching operation, ordinary photographing can be performed. When performing the photographing, the optical viewfinder unit 73 may be used with the power supply to the second imaging unit 55 in the paper feeding state. When performing special photographing such as close-up photographing, for example, the second imaging unit 55 may be used. And display device 5
By using 3, a reliable shooting result can be obtained. As a result, it is possible to contribute to improvement of the usability and operability of the electronic camera 1.

Note that the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment is applied to a so-called single-lens reflex camera which observes a subject image formed by a subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 81. Problems such as parallax during close-up photography have been solved.

On the other hand, when the fourth mirror 19 is constituted by a half mirror, the optical finder unit 73 and A
The light amount of the subject light flux guided to the E unit 23 or the second imaging means 55 is diminished as compared with the case where the total reflection mirror is used. This is the case when the first mirror 16 is constituted by a half mirror. Similarly to the above, since the correction can be easily performed by considering a predetermined correction coefficient in advance, it is possible to cope with a problem such as a decrease in sensitivity.

Further, the arrangement of the mechanical shutter, which is a mechanical component for limiting light reception to the first image sensor 28, is not limited to the configuration (focal plane shutter system) shown in the above-described embodiment. Alternatively, another method may be used.

For example, a so-called lens shutter mechanism (see reference numeral 27A shown by a dotted line in FIG. 3) and the like are arranged inside the taking lens unit 15 instead of the focal plane mechanical shutter 27 arranged in the first image pickup means 30. There is a means of doing so.

According to such a means, the member (mechanical shutter 27) arranged and driven in the first image pickup means 30
Can be omitted, so that the configuration of the first imaging unit 30, which is a relatively small member, can be simplified.
On the other hand, the arrangement of a mechanically driven member (lens shutter 27A) inside the taking lens unit 15, which is a relatively large member, is easier to manufacture than the former case. Therefore, there can be an effect that it is possible to contribute to a reduction in the overall manufacturing cost.

[0132]

As described above, according to the present invention, an electronic device having an image display device capable of acquiring an image signal using a multi-pixel type image sensor and displaying the acquired image signal as an image. Provided is a multifunctional electronic camera that can optimally and smoothly display a moving image, a still image, or the like for confirmation to be displayed on an image display device at the time of a shooting operation, and that is more excellent in operability. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the first half of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a rear half of the electronic camera according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing only the blocks constituting the optical system and the image pickup system in the electronic camera of the present embodiment, and an optical path diagram showing an optical path of a subject light beam transmitted through a photographing optical system of the electronic camera.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing main members (an optical system, an imaging system, and the like) constituting the electronic camera of the present embodiment as seen through.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing an example of a display mode of an image on a display unit of an image display unit in the electronic camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view showing another example of the display mode of the image on the display unit of the image display means in the electronic camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view showing another example of the display mode of the image on the display unit of the image display means in the electronic camera of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera 15 ... Photographing lens unit 16 ... 1st mirror (light path changing means; light beam splitting means) 19 ... 4th mirror (finder light path changing means) 27 / 27A ... mechanical shutter 28 ... 1st Of the imaging device (for still images) 30... First imaging means (for still images) 45... Reduction optical system 46... Second imaging device (for moving images) 47... Means, signal processing means) 52 selection synthesis circuit (display control means) 53 display device (image display means) 55 second imaging means (for moving images) 61 control circuit (control means) 62 ... Driving circuit (driving means) 63 first mirror actuator (optical path changing means; light beam splitting means) 64 fourth mirror actuator (finder optical path changing means) 73 optical finder unit 75 ... transparent member (dustproof means) 77 ...... lead screw (focusing means) 78 ...... focus correction knob (focusing means) 81 ...... photographing optical system 86 ...... spring (focus adjusting means) 100 ...... dummy adapter

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming an image of a subject, and a first lens that receives the subject image formed by the photographing optical system and photoelectrically converts the image into an electric image signal. A first image pickup unit for a still image, which has an image pickup device and outputs an image signal photoelectrically converted by the first image pickup device; An image sensor for photoelectrically converting an image signal, the image sensor having a second image sensor having a smaller number of pixels than the first image sensor, and outputting an image signal photoelectrically converted by the second image sensor. A second imaging unit for a moving image; and an image display unit for displaying an image generated based on an output signal of the first imaging unit or the second imaging unit. The imaging means is detachably provided. An electronic camera, characterized in that there. 2. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the second image pickup unit includes a driving unit that drives the second image pickup device, and a signal process that performs predetermined signal processing on the image signal photoelectrically converted by the second image pickup device. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. An optical path on which an object luminous flux transmitted through the photographing optical system is guided to the second imaging means, is directed toward the second imaging means mounted on a main body of the electronic camera. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein an opening through which the subject light beam can be emitted is provided, and the opening is provided with dustproof means capable of preventing intrusion of dust from outside. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein said dustproof means is made of a transparent member capable of transmitting a light beam of a subject. 5. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein said second imaging means includes a focus adjusting means.