Electronic camera

Abstract

An electronic camera having a plurality of functions including capturing and recording images is provided. The electronic camera includes an operation input unit for inputting external operations that designate corresponding functions of the camera to be performed, an image pickup unit for capturing the image of an object, and a recorder for recording the image captured by the image pickup unit. The electronic camera further includes a playback unit for at least playing back image information that is recorded on the recording medium and a mode selector for selecting one operation mode of the camera from a plurality of available operation modes that include an operation explanation mode. If the operation explanation mode is selected at the mode selector, the playback unit plays back an operation guide that is pre-stored in a memory, the operation guide explaining at least one of the camera operations and functions thereof.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Applications No. 09-001866, filed in Japan on Jan. 9, 1997 and No. 09-010154, filed in Japan on Jan. 23, 1997, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly, to an electronic camera that has an operation instruction mode and / or a diagnostics mode. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art [0005] In general, electronic cameras record still images and / or moving images using image pickup devices. In particular, digital cameras are popular among a wide range of users because they are easy to use for taking pictures due to the fact that digital cameras do not require film developing processes, which are necessary for conventional cameras employing silver-halide films. [0006] The fact that digital cameras are accepted by a wide range of users implies that there is increasing use of the el...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that allows users easily and quickly to understand the functions of the camera and makes advanced functions of the camera easy to learn for users.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that makes it possible to eliminate the trouble associated to a switching operation between an operation instruction mode and a normal use mode.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that is capable of checking each function of the camera easily and accurately.

Problems solved by technology

However, operation manuals are hard to understand and operators have to locate the necessary information in the operation manual every time they need help.

Therefore, learning camera operations takes effort and time for those who are inexperienced with mechanical operations in general.

In these electronic cameras, the number of operation buttons increases as the complexity and sophistication of the functions increase.

Therefore, the operation of the camera is becoming even more difficult.

Thus, learning camera's complicated and sophisticated functions takes an even longer time.

Since there is no second chance to take pictures for these trips and school events, camera users tend to feel anxious about whether the camera is working properly.

However, with this limited confirmation of camera operations during and / or after the photo shooting, there is a large possibility that even if the camera is broken, a user does not notice the problem and starts shooting pictures.

In reality, however, this is a very cumbersome task.

Moreover, even when the camera appears to be normally operating, malfunctions are occurring.

In general, it is difficult for the operator to judge whether all the functions of the camera are working properly.

Images