Digital camera

Abstract

To provide a digital camera that allows a user to easily recognize on which position in a set of images an image to be captured is arranged when handling a plurality of images as a set, and to consider a composition based on the position where the image is arranged.SOLUTION: A digital camera 10 comprises: an image pickup element 21 for imaging a subject; a card I / F 41 and a memory card 42 for recording images acquired by the image pickup element 21; a display 22 for displaying a preview image before it is recorded on the memory card 42; and a controller 31. The controller 31 displays the preview image on the display 22 and notifies a user of information regarding an arrangement position when the preview image is recorded and treated as one of a plurality of images included in a set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital camera that emulates a half - size camera for recording a plurality of photos on one frame of a photographic film.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a camera that uses a photographic film and can be switched between a normal shooting mode and a half - frame shooting mode by lever operation. In this camera, when the half - frame shooting mode is selected and shooting is performed, exposure is made at the left - half position of one frame (the screen size in the case of normal shooting) of the photographic film by the movement of a shutter and the feeding of a film - feeding motor, and a first half - frame is formed. After the first half - frame is formed in the half - frame shooting mode, when shooting is performed next, the photographic film is fed, and exposure is made at the right - half position of one frame, and a second half - frame is formed.

[0003] In the camera described in Patent Document 1, when the half - frame shooting mode is set, in addition to the number of shooting frames, a half - frame shooting mode symbol indicating the half - frame shooting mode is displayed. In this camera, when the half - frame shooting mode is set and only the first half - frame is shot, the left - half of the half - frame shooting mode symbol is displayed in black.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the camera described in Patent Document 1 above, although it is in the half-screen shooting mode and it is displayed that the first half-screen has been exposed within one frame, it does not display at which position the image is formed within one frame and which position will be exposed next. Therefore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above is not intended to determine at which position the next captured image will be placed.

[0006] In addition, the user may consider the composition of the image while the image acquired by the image sensor is being displayed on an image display unit such as a display. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above is a technology of a film camera, and it is impossible to simultaneously confirm the composition and the placement position of the photograph. It is impossible to consider the composition of the image on the premise of at which position the image is placed within one frame.

[0007] Also, in a digital camera, it is possible to record three or more images in one frame. However, in the camera described in Patent Document 1 above, exposing the photographic film three or more times in one frame is not considered.

[0008] The present invention is for solving the above problems, and when handling a plurality of images as a set, it is an object to provide a digital camera that can easily recognize at which position the captured image is placed within a set of image groups and can consider the composition on the premise of the position where the image is placed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] To solve the above problems, the digital camera of the present invention includes an image sensor, an image recording unit, an image display unit, and a processor, and is a digital camera that treats a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit as a set. The processor displays a preview image on the image display unit, and when the preview image is to be treated as one of the plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set, notifies the user of information regarding the arrangement position in the set of image groups. The image sensor images a subject. The image recording unit records the image acquired by the image sensor. The image display unit displays a preview image acquired by the image sensor and before being recorded in the image recording unit.

[0010] When the processor acquires a plurality of images included in a set, it is preferable to arrange the plurality of images and record them on a recording medium.

[0011] Provided with a camera body, it is preferable that the image display unit is a display display provided on the back of the camera body.

[0012] Provided with a camera body, it is preferable that the image display unit is an electronic viewfinder provided on the camera body.

[0013] It is preferable that the processor displays the arrangement position on the image display unit.

[0014] As the arrangement position, it is preferable that the processor displays information indicating the order of which image among the plurality of images included in a set is the image captured.

[0015] It is preferable that the processor displays the captured image on the image display unit and also displays the arrangement position on the image display unit.

[0016] The processor deletes the image recorded in the image recording unit. When deleting the image, if the image has not been deleted from the image recording unit, the processor calculates the arrangement position according to the number of images already recorded in the image recording unit, and preferably changes the arrangement of the images, which are handled as a set according to the calculated arrangement position.

[0017] The processor preferably transfers a plurality of images handled as a set to an external display device, and when transferring to the external display device, transfers all of the plurality of images handled as a set as one piece of data.

[0018] Having a video imaging function, the processor preferably records the video captured by the video imaging function as one of the plurality of images included in a set in the image recording unit.

[0019] The processor preferably switches the arrangement position between a display state and a non-display state.

[0020] The processor preferably changes the number of a plurality of images handled as a set.

[0021] The processor preferably changes at least one of the size and aspect ratio of the images handled as a set.

[0022] For each of the plurality of images handled as a set, the processor preferably changes the ratio of the display area.

[0023] When an image is captured and at least one image is obtained as one of the images included in a set, it is preferable that the set does not include the new image, and the newly obtained image is included in another set.

[0024] A camera body and a posture detection sensor for detecting the posture of the camera body are provided. When displaying a plurality of images handled as a set, the images are displayed according to the posture of the camera body detected when the plurality of images are captured, and information regarding the arrangement position where the plurality of images are arranged is attached according to the order in which the plurality of images are captured. This is preferable.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, when handling a plurality of images as a set, it is possible to easily recognize the position where the captured image is arranged among a group of images, and to consider the composition on the premise of the position where the image is arranged.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] [First Embodiment] [Overview of the Camera] As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 10 includes a camera body 11 and a lens barrel 12. The camera body 11 has a horizontally long box shape with a horizontal dimension longer than the vertical dimension in a front view.

[0028] A grip 11A is provided at the left end of the camera body 11 in a front view. The grip 11A has a semi-cylindrical shape connected to the front and back surfaces of the camera body 11 and is shaped to be easily gripped by the user. The lens barrel 12 is disposed on the front surface of the camera body 11, and an imaging optical system 13 is provided. The imaging optical system 13 forms an image of subject light on the imaging element 21.

[0029] On the upper surface of the camera body 11, a mode dial 14, a release switch 15, a power switch 16, a lever 17, etc. are provided. The digital camera 10 includes a full-size mode, a half-size mode, a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, etc., and these modes can be switched by, for example, the mode dial 14.

[0030] On the front surface of the camera body 11, in addition to the lens barrel 12, a flash device 18 and an illumination device 19 are provided. The flash device 18 irradiates illumination light to the subject in conjunction with the shutter release when the exposure value of the subject is less than a certain value or forcibly when the digital camera 10 is in the still image shooting mode. On the other hand, the illumination device 19 constantly irradiates illumination light to the subject when the digital camera 10 is in the moving image shooting mode.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the lever 17 is provided above the grip 11A. The lever 17 is provided in a stacked manner with the mode dial 14 and the release switch 15. The lever 17 is rotatably attached around the central axis CL of the mode dial 14.

[0032] When a recorded image is displayed on the display 22, the lever 17 is used for the image feed operation. For example, by repeatedly operating the user to rotate the lever 17 counterclockwise around the central axis CL, the recorded image displayed on the display 22 can be sequentially traced back from the latest recorded image and changed to a past recorded image. Alternatively, by repeatedly operating the user to rotate the lever 17 clockwise around the central axis CL, the recorded image displayed on the display 22 can be sequentially advanced from the recorded image captured in the past and changed to a newer recorded image.

[0033] The power switch 16 is a push-type switch and is arranged in the vicinity of the mode dial 14 and the lever 17. In response to the pressing of the power switch 16, the power on / off state of the digital camera 10 is alternately switched.

[0034] An image pickup device 21 (see FIG. 3) is built in the camera body 11. The image pickup device 21 is held by a holder (not shown) and fixed to the image plane side of the lens barrel 12. The image pickup device 21 has a still image and moving image pickup function, and is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, or an organic thin film image pickup device. The image pickup device 21 is a horizontally placed image pickup device, that is, the vertical length when the upper surface of the camera body 11 is vertically upward is shorter than the horizontal length. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the image pickup device 21 may be a vertically placed image pickup device, that is, the vertical length when the upper surface of the camera body 11 is vertically upward is longer than the horizontal length.

[0035] On the back of the camera body 11, a display 22 and an electronic viewfinder 23 are provided. The display 22 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OELD (Organic Electroluminescent Display), etc. The display 22 is used for live view display, recorded image display, setting menu display, etc. In the live view display, a recorded image obtained by imaging a subject with the imaging device 21 is displayed on the display 22 in real time.

[0036] The electronic viewfinder 23 is provided on the upper part of the camera body 11. Live view is displayed on the electronic viewfinder 23, and a recorded image obtained by imaging a subject with the imaging device 21 is displayed in real time. The electronic viewfinder 23 can be turned on and off as needed and switched to the display on the display 22. Hereinafter, the case where a preview image and a recorded image are displayed on the display 22 will be mainly described.

[0037] [Electrical Configuration of the Camera] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 31 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and parameters used by this CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as the work memory of the CPU (none of which are shown), etc., and controls each part of the digital camera 10.

[0038] When the lever 17 is rotated, a signal for detecting the amount of rotation is transmitted to the control unit 31. Further, a mode switching signal is input to the control unit 31 from the mode dial 14, a release signal is input from the release switch 15, and a power on / off signal is input from the power switch 16.

[0039] The shutter unit 32 is, for example, a focal plane shutter and is disposed between the imaging optical system 13 and the imaging device 21. The shutter unit 32 is provided so as to be able to block the optical path between the imaging optical system 13 and the imaging device 21 and changes between an open state and a closed state. The shutter unit 32 is in the open state during live view image and video shooting. The shutter unit 32 is variable from the open state to the closed state during still image shooting. Note that when shooting a preview image in the video shooting mode, the shutter unit 32 operates in the same manner as during video shooting, and when shooting a preview image in the still image shooting mode, the shutter unit 32 operates in the same manner as during still image shooting. This shutter unit 32 is driven by a shutter motor 33. A motor driver 34 controls the driving of the shutter motor 33.

[0040] The imaging device 21 is driven and controlled by the control unit 31. The imaging device 21 has a light receiving surface formed by a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element, and photoelectrically converts a subject image formed on the light receiving surface by the imaging optical system 13 to generate an imaging signal.

[0041] In addition, the imaging device 21 includes signal processing circuits (none of which are shown), such as a noise removal circuit, an auto gain controller, and an A / D conversion circuit. The noise removal circuit performs noise removal processing on the imaging signal. The auto gain controller amplifies the level of the imaging signal to an optimal value. The A / D conversion circuit converts the imaging signal into a digital signal and outputs it from the imaging device 21 to the bus line 36. The output signal of the imaging device 21 is image data (so-called RAW data) having one color signal for each pixel.

[0042] The image memory 35 stores image data for one frame output to the bus line 36. The image data processing unit 37 reads out image data for one frame from the image memory 35 and performs known image processing such as matrix calculation, demosaicing processing, γ correction, luminance / chrominance conversion, and resizing processing.

[0043] When the above-described full-size mode is selected, the digital camera 10 generates an imaging signal using all of the effective imaging area of the imaging device 21. On the other hand, when the half-size mode is selected, the digital camera 10 generates an imaging signal using half of the effective pixel area of the imaging device 21. Thereby, in the half-size mode, a recorded image having a size half that of the case of imaging in the full-size mode can be obtained. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and when a plurality of recorded images are arranged and recorded per frame, a recorded image having a reduced size may be obtained according to the number of recorded images arranged per frame. The process of recording a recorded image in the half-size mode will be described later.

[0044] The display driver 38 sequentially inputs image data for one frame (full size or half size) that has been image-processed by the image data processing unit 37 to the display 22 or the electronic viewfinder 23. The display 22 sequentially displays live view images, for example, at a fixed period. The case of displaying a recorded image on the display 22 will be described later.

[0045] The card I / F (Interface) 41 is incorporated in a card slot (not shown) provided in the camera body 11 and is electrically connected to the memory card 42 inserted into the card slot. The card I / F 41 and the memory card 42 correspond to the image recording unit in the claims and record the image acquired by the imaging device 21. Specifically, the card I / F 41 stores the image data that has been image-processed by the image data processing unit 37 in the memory card 42. When reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the memory card 42, the card I / F 41 reads out the image data from the memory card 42. Note that the image recording unit is not limited to a configuration that records on a recording medium such as a memory card, and a recording device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 31 is a processor, and by executing a program in a program memory (not shown), the functions of the image arrangement recording unit 43 and the arrangement position display control unit 44 are realized. The image arrangement recording unit 43 treats a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit as a set. Specifically, when the imaging element 21 acquires a plurality of recorded images, the image arrangement recording unit 43 executes an image arrangement recording process of arranging a plurality of recorded images for one frame and recording them by the image recording unit. "One frame" is, for example, an area where a set of images is arranged on the premise that a plurality of images are displayed as a set. Note that the "set of images" may be a state in which a plurality of images exist as independent data from each other and each data is associated with tag information or the like, or a state in which a plurality of images exist as one data together.

[0047] [Image Arrangement Recording Process] As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, "one frame" is an area where a set of recorded images 51 and 52 to be displayed are arranged on the premise that two images are displayed as a set, and is an imitation of the display for one frame in a half-size camera that records a plurality of photos for one frame of a photographic film. When the half-size mode is selected and the image arrangement recording unit 43 executes the image arrangement recording process, the card I / F 41 is controlled to arrange two recorded images 51 and 52 for one frame in 50 and record them on the memory card 42. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the image arrangement recording unit 43 may temporarily record them in an internal memory (not shown). A specific example of the image arrangement recording process will be described later.

[0048] Note that when the imaging element 21 captures an image in the full-size mode, one image is recorded for one frame in 50. That is, in the half-size mode, a first recorded image 51 and a second recorded image 52 having a size half that of the full-size mode are arranged in 50 for one frame and recorded on the memory card 42.

[0049] In this embodiment, the second recorded image 52 is the recorded image last captured by the imaging device 21, and the first recorded image 51 is the recorded image captured by the imaging device 21 before capturing the second recorded image 52. Also, in this embodiment, when one frame 50 has a landscape aspect ratio, the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 recorded in the half-size mode have a portrait aspect ratio. For example, as the landscape aspect ratio, the vertical:horizontal ratio is 16:9, and as the portrait aspect ratio, the vertical:horizontal ratio is set to 9:16.

[0050] When the arrangement position display control unit 44 causes the preview image to be displayed on the display 22 as an image display unit, when the preview image is to be treated as one of a plurality of images (the recorded images 51 and 52 in this embodiment) recorded in the image recording unit and included in one set, the user is notified of information regarding the arrangement position in the set of image groups. "When it is to be treated" hypothetically indicates the case where the preview image is to be treated as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in one set, and actually notifies the arrangement position in the set of image groups in the state before being recorded in the image recording unit. In this embodiment, when the arrangement position display control unit 44 plays back the recorded image acquired by the imaging device 21 and recorded in the image recording unit as one set when the release operation is performed after the display of the preview image, the arrangement position display control process for displaying the arrangement position indicating the position arranged within one frame is executed. Also, when the arrangement position display control unit 44 executes the arrangement position display control process, the display driver 38 is controlled to display the arrangement position superimposed on the preview image. Thereby, the user can be notified of the arrangement position. A specific example of the arrangement position display control process will be described later.

[0051] [Preview Image Display Process and Arrangement Position Display Control Process] The display 22 displays the image acquired by the imaging device 21. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the display 22 is displaying the preview image 61. Note that in this specification, the "preview image" is an image acquired by the imaging device 21 and before being recorded in the image recording unit (excluding the temporary recording in the image memory 35), which may be a still image or a moving image (including the case of live view display). Also, the "preview image" is preferably of lower image quality and lower resolution than the "recording image" obtained by imaging a subject with the imaging device 21 and recording it in the image recording unit.

[0052] In the half-size mode, when the release switch 15 is pressed after the preview image is displayed on the display 22, as described above, the image arrangement recording unit 43 arranges the first recording image 51 and the second recording image 52 for one frame 50 and records them on the memory card 42. In this case, after the first recording image 51 is captured, only the first recording image 51 may be temporarily recorded in the image memory 35 or the memory card 42 until the last second recording image 52 is captured.

[0053] As described above, while the preview image is being displayed on the display 22, the arrangement position display control unit 44 displays an arrangement position 65 indicating the position where the recording image acquired by the imaging device 21 will be arranged within one frame 50 when the recording image is reproduced after the preview image is displayed. In this embodiment, as the arrangement position 65, a character with the letter "R" indicating the right side or the letter "L" indicating the left side in one frame 50 is displayed. Note that the type of character used for the arrangement position 65 is not limited to this, and any character indicating the position may be used. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the arrangement position 65 with the letter "L" indicating the left side is superimposed on the preview image 61 and displayed on the display 22 by the arrangement position display control unit 44.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7(A), the arrangement position 65 is displayed on the display 22 so as to overlap the preview images 61 and 62. Note that the preview image 61 is a preview image before the first recorded image 51 is captured, while the preview image 62 is a preview image before the second recorded image 52 is captured.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7(B), when the release operation is performed after the preview image 61 is displayed, the first recorded image 51 is acquired by the imaging device 21 with the same subject and angle of view as the preview image 61. On the other hand, when the release operation is performed after the preview image 62 is displayed, the second recorded image 52 is obtained with the same subject and angle of view as the preview image 62. Note that the images recorded in the image recording unit (the recorded images 51 and 52 in the present embodiment) and the preview images do not have to be exactly the same. This is because it is arbitrary at which timing the user views the preview image and at which timing the release operation is performed, and in practice, it is rare for them to be exactly the same.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 7(C), after the preview image 61 with the arrangement position 65 marked with "L" indicating the left side is superimposed and displayed, the captured first recorded image 51 is arranged on the left side of one frame 50, while after the preview image 62 with the arrangement position 65 marked with "R" indicating the right side is superimposed and displayed, the captured second recorded image 52 is arranged on the right side of one frame 50 and recorded on the memory card 42.

[0057] Next, the operation when capturing a half-size still image using the digital camera 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. When the user operates the power switch 16 to turn on the power and operates the mode dial 14 to switch to the half-size mode and the still image capture mode (ST110), the control unit 31 drives the imaging device 21 to acquire the preview image 61 (ST120).

[0058] The control unit 31 (arrangement position display control unit 44) causes the preview image 61 to be displayed on the display 22, and superimposes and displays on the display 22 an arrangement position 65 marked with "L", which is the position where it is arranged within one frame 50 when reproducing the first recorded image 51 acquired by the imaging device 21 (ST130). After the preview image 61 is displayed, when the release switch 15 is pressed, the imaging device 21 captures the first recorded image 51 with the same subject and angle of view as the preview image 61 (ST140). After the first recorded image 51 is once recorded in the image memory 35 or the memory card 42, the control unit 31 drives the imaging device 21 to acquire a preview image 62 (ST150).

[0059] The control unit 31 (arrangement position display control unit 44) causes the preview image 62 to be displayed on the display 22, and superimposes and displays on the display 22 an arrangement position 65 marked with "R", which is the position where it is arranged within one frame 50 when reproducing the second recorded image 52 acquired by the imaging device 21 (ST160). After the preview image 62 is displayed, when the release switch 15 is pressed, the imaging device 21 captures the second recorded image 52 with the same subject and angle of view as the preview image 62 (ST170). The control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) arranges the first recorded image 51 on the left side of one frame 50 and arranges the second recorded image 52 on the right side of one frame 50, and records them on the memory card 42 (ST180).

[0060] And when continuing recording in the half-size mode and the still image shooting mode (Y in ST190), the control unit 31 starts acquiring the preview image 61 by the imaging device 21 (ST120). The display of the preview image 61 and the arrangement position 65 (ST130), the shooting of the first recorded image 51 (ST140), the acquisition of the preview image 62 (ST150), the display of the preview image 62 and the arrangement position 65 (ST160), the shooting of the second recorded image 52 (ST170), and arranging and recording the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 in one frame 50 (ST180) are repeated. When the recording in the half-size mode and the still image shooting mode ends (N in ST190), the acquisition of the preview image and the display process of the arrangement position also end.

[0061] As described above, in the digital camera 10, when the preview image is displayed on the display 22 and the preview image is handled as one of a plurality of images included in a set and recorded in the image recording unit, by displaying the arrangement position 65 in the set of image groups, the user can easily recognize at which position among the one-frame 50 the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 are arranged, and can consider the composition on the premise of the positions where the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 are arranged. Also, since the display 22 provided on the back surface of the camera body 11 is used as the image display unit, the user can easily visually recognize the preview images 61, 62. Further, since the arrangement position 65 is superimposed and displayed on the preview images 61, 62 displayed on the display 22, the arrangement position 65 can also be visually recognized while visually recognizing the preview images 61, 62. Therefore, it is possible to more easily recognize at which position in a set of image groups the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 captured after the display of the preview image are arranged, and it is possible to consider the composition on the premise of the positions where the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 are arranged.

[0062] [First Modification Example] In the above-described first embodiment, an example is shown in which the arrangement position display control unit 44 causes to be displayed an arrangement position with a character "R" indicating the right side or a character "L" indicating the left side in one frame 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 9, a diagram indicating the position where the recorded image is arranged in one frame 50 may be displayed as the arrangement position 70.

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the arrangement position 70 is a diagram in which the position 71 indicating the left side (the hatched portion) in one frame 50 is filled in. As a result, when the recorded image acquired by the imaging element 21 after the preview image 61 is displayed is handled as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set, for example, when the recorded image is reproduced and displayed, it indicates that the recorded image is arranged on the left side within one frame 50. Also, when the recorded image acquired by the imaging element 21 after the preview image is displayed is handled as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set and is arranged on the right side within one frame 50, the arrangement position 70 is a diagram in which the position indicating the right side in one frame 50 is filled in. With the above configuration, by displaying the preview image and the arrangement position 70, the user can easily recognize the position where the recorded image acquired by the imaging element 21 after the preview image is displayed is arranged within one frame, and can consider the composition on the premise of the positions where the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 are arranged. Note that the display of the arrangement position 70 is not limited to this, and the position where the recorded image is arranged within one frame may be blinked or the brightness may be adjusted to perform highlighting display.

[0064] [Second Modification Example] As the arrangement position to be displayed by the arrangement position display control unit 44, when it comes to being treated as one of a plurality of images included in a set and recorded in the image recording unit, the arrangement position 65 in the set of image groups is not limited to the above-described ones. As shown in FIG. 10, information indicating the order of which recording image among the plurality of images included in a set is the recording image captured at which position may be displayed as the arrangement position 72.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the arrangement position 72 is attached with the number "1" indicating the order of the recording image that is the first one captured among the plurality of images included in a set. Thereby, it shows that the recording image acquired by the image sensor 21 after the display of the preview image 61 is arranged as the first one within one frame 50 when being reproduced. Also, when the recording image acquired by the image sensor 21 after the display of the preview image is arranged as the second one within one frame 50 when being reproduced, the arrangement position 72 is attached with the number "2" indicating the order of the recording image that is the second one captured among the plurality of images included in a set. Also, in the case of this modification example, order position information indicating the relationship between the order and the position indicating which one among the plurality of images included in a set may be attached. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the digital camera 10 has the order position information 73 attached to the camera body 11. The order position information 73 is provided at a position that enters the field of view of the user viewing the display display 22.

[0066] The order position information 73 has the number "1" attached to the position 73A indicating the left side and the number "2" attached to the position 73B indicating the right side within one frame 50. As a result, when the recorded image acquired by the imaging element 21 after the preview image is displayed is handled as one of the plurality of images included in a set and recorded in the image recording unit, the user can easily recognize that the first image is arranged on the left side and the second image is arranged on the right side. Therefore, by displaying the preview image and the arrangement position 72, the user can easily recognize at which position in the set of image groups the recorded image captured after the preview image is displayed is arranged, and can consider the composition on the premise of the positions where the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 are arranged.

[0067] [Third Modification Example] In the above-described first embodiment and each modification example, the arrangement position display control unit 44 displays the preview image and superimposes and displays the arrangement position when the recorded image is handled as one of the plurality of images included in a set and recorded in the image recording unit on the preview images 61, 62 on the display 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 11, the display of the arrangement position 75 may be provided separately from the display.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the arrangement position 75 is a display lamp provided separately from the display 22. Of the 50 frames, the position 76 (the hatched part) indicating the left side emits light. This shows that when the recorded image acquired by the imaging device 21 after the preview image 61 is displayed is handled as one of a plurality of images included in a set and recorded in the image recording unit, it is arranged on the left side within one frame of 50. Note that the display lamp for displaying the arrangement position 75 is preferably arranged at a position in the vicinity visible to the user when the user views the display 22. Also, when the recorded image acquired by the imaging device 21 after the preview image is displayed is handled as one of a plurality of images included in a set and recorded in the image recording unit and is arranged on the right side within one frame of 50, as the arrangement position 75, it is only necessary to cause the position indicating the right side among the 50 frames to emit light. With the above configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and each modification can be obtained.

[0069] [Fourth Modification Example] In the first embodiment and each modification described above, the display 22 provided on the back surface of the camera body 11 is used as the image display unit for displaying the preview image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 12, an electronic viewfinder 23 provided on the camera body 11 may be used. The electronic viewfinder 23 is located, for example, above the display 22 and near the upper end of the camera body 11. Note that the inside of the circular shape indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 12 shows the display of the preview image and the arrangement position that can be viewed when the user looks into the electronic viewfinder 23.

[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the electronic viewfinder 23 displays a preview image 61 obtained by the imaging device 21 capturing a subject. Similar to the first embodiment, the arrangement position display control unit 44 causes the preview image to be displayed on the electronic viewfinder 23, and when the recorded image is to be treated as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set, it displays an arrangement position 65 indicating the position where the recorded image is arranged within one frame 50. In the example shown in FIG. 12, an arrangement position 65 marked with "L" indicating the left side is superimposed on the preview image 61 and displayed on the electronic viewfinder 23 by the arrangement position display control unit 44. Also, when the recorded image obtained by the imaging device 21 after the display of the preview image is to be treated as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set and is arranged on the right side within one frame 50, an arrangement position 65 marked with "R" indicating the right side may be displayed. Moreover, not limited to this, as the arrangement position displayed on the electronic viewfinder 23, it may be a diagram showing the position where the recorded image is arranged among a plurality of images included in a set, as in the first modification example, or information indicating the order of which recorded image is captured among a plurality of images included in a set, as in the second modification example. Alternatively, as in the third modification example, the display of the arrangement position may be a display lamp provided separately from the electronic viewfinder. With the above configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and each modification example can be obtained.

[0071] [Fifth Modification Example] In the first embodiment and each modification example described above, the image display unit (display display 22 or electronic viewfinder 23) displays a preview image, but does not display the captured recorded image captured by the imaging device 21. The present invention is not limited to this, and the captured recorded image may be displayed on the image display unit. As shown in FIG. 13, the captured recorded image may be displayed on the image display unit, and the arrangement position may also be displayed on the image display unit.

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 13, a display 22 as an image display unit displays a first recorded image 51 and a placement position 77. In this case, the display 22 has a size and aspect ratio in which the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image can be arranged according to one frame 50 recorded on the recording medium, and the first recorded image 51 has already been captured. The captured first recorded image 51 is displayed on the left side of the display 22, and the placement position 77 (the hatched frame portion) is displayed on the right side of the display 22. As a result, when the recorded image 51 captured by the imaging device 21 is recorded in the image recording unit and treated as one of a plurality of images included in one set, it is on the left side within one frame 50, and the second recorded image 52 to be captured next by the imaging device 21 is shown to be arranged on the right side within one frame 50 when being reproduced.

[0073] Note that the placement position 77 is not limited to this. The right side of the display 22 may be in a blank state (a state where no image is displayed and it is filled with one color), or a preview image may be displayed on the right side of the display 22. Also, before the first recorded image 51 is captured, the placement position 77 may be displayed on the left side of the display 22 to indicate that the first recorded image 51 to be captured next is arranged on the left side within one frame 50. With the above configuration, the user can obtain the same effects as those in the first embodiment and each modification example.

[0074] [Sixth Modification Example] In the first embodiment and each modification example above, an example is given in which when a recorded image is acquired by the imaging device 21, recorded in the image recording unit, and treated as one of a plurality of images included in one set, two recorded images are arranged per frame. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It has a deletion function for deleting recorded images, and when a recorded image is deleted, the placement position is calculated according to the number of recorded images that have not been deleted from the image recording unit, that is, the remaining recorded images, and the arrangement of the recorded images treated as one set may be changed. In the case of this modification example, the control unit 31 has a deletion function of controlling the card I / F 41 to delete the recorded image from the memory card 42.

[0075]

[0075] In the example shown in FIG. 14(A), the memory card 42 stores a first recorded image 51 and a second recorded image 52 that are arranged in one frame 50 (handled as one set), and a first recorded image 53 and a second recorded image 54 that are captured after the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 and are arranged in one frame 50 (handled as one set). In this example, the second recorded image 54 is the last captured recorded image.

[0076]

[0075] In the example shown in FIG. 14(B), the second recorded image 52 has been deleted by the deletion function of the control unit 31. And in this case, the control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) has not been deleted from the memory card 42, and calculates the arrangement position according to the number of recorded images 51, 53, and 54 recorded on the memory card 42, and changes the arrangement of the recorded images 51, 53, and 54 handled as one set according to the calculated arrangement position. That is, since the second recorded image 52 arranged in one frame 50 (handled as one set) has been deleted, the positions of the recorded images are packed by that amount, the first recorded image 51 and the first recorded image 53 are arranged in one frame 50, and the second recorded image 54 is arranged in another one frame 50. In the one frame 50 where the second recorded image 54 is arranged, a recorded image to be captured next may be arranged and recorded, or a blank without arranging a recorded image may be arranged.

[0077] [Seventh Modification Example]

[0075] The case of transferring a recorded image from the digital camera 10 to an external display device will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the digital camera 10 includes a communication unit 81. The communication unit 81 communicates with the external display device 82 by wire or wirelessly. The external display device 82 is a display device having a display screen and a communication function, such as a display device, a smartphone, or a personal computer. When the communication unit 81 transfers a recorded image to the external display device 82, it transfers all of a plurality of recorded images handled as one set (in the first embodiment, the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52) as one piece of data. Thereby, the external display device 82 can reproduce and display all of the plurality of recorded images arranged in one frame 50 (handled as one set).

[0078] [Eighth Modification Example] In the above-described first embodiment and each modification example, the case where the imaging device 21 captures a still image and records it in the image recording unit has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be applied when the imaging device 21 captures a moving image. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, among the two recorded images arranged at 50 per frame (handled as a set), the second recorded image 85 on the right side is a moving image. Note that the first recorded image 51 on the left side may be a still image or a moving image, similar to the above-described first embodiment and each modification example. Thus, the control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) records the moving image captured by the moving image capturing function as one of a plurality of images included in a set in the image recording unit.

[0079] The second recorded image 85 is a moving image captured by the imaging device 21 when the digital camera 10 is switched to the half-size mode and the moving image capturing mode. When the preview image is to be displayed, the arrangement position is superimposed and displayed. Therefore, the same effects as those in the above-described first embodiment and each modification example can be obtained. Note that when playing back the second recorded image 85 which is a moving image, video playback can be executed by operating an operation button (not shown) provided on the digital camera 10 or by touching the playback button 85A superimposed on the second recorded image 85 via a touch panel (not shown).

[0080] [Ninth Modification Example] In the above-described embodiments, while the preview image is being displayed on the image display unit, the arrangement positions 65, 70, 72, 75, 77 are always displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 17, the arrangement position 65 may be switched between a display state (see FIG. 17(A)) and a non-display state (see FIG. 17(B)). In this case, the control unit 31 switches the display state and the non-display state of the arrangement position 65 in response to an operation of an operation button (not shown) provided on the digital camera 10 or an operation of a touch panel (not shown). Note that in this case, the display of the arrangement position is not limited to the same as that in the above-described first embodiment, and may be the same as any of the modification examples.

[0081] [10th Modification Example] In the above-described first embodiment and each modification example, the number of recorded images recorded in the image recording unit and handled as a set is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of recorded images (handled as a set) arranged per frame may be changed according to a user's operation input. In this modification example, for example, as shown in FIG. 18(A), when arranging two recorded images (the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image) per frame 50, and as shown in FIG. 18(B), when arranging one recorded image (the first recorded image 51) per frame 50, it is possible to change between them. In this case, the control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) changes the number of recorded images arranged per frame according to an operation of an operation button (not shown) provided in the digital camera 10, or a touch panel (not shown). When arranging only one recorded image per frame 50, the remaining space may be left blank, or a preset template image or the like may be inserted.

[0082] [11th Modification Example] In the above-described first embodiment and each modification example, the image size and aspect ratio (vertical-horizontal ratio) of the recorded images arranged per frame (handled as a set) are determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 19, when being handled as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set, the image size and aspect ratio of the recorded images arranged per frame (handled as a set) may be changed. In this case, the control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) changes the image size and aspect ratio of the recorded images arranged per frame according to an operation of an operation button (not shown) provided in the digital camera 10, or a touch panel (not shown). FIG. 19(A) shows the state before the change, FIG. 19(B) shows the state after changing the aspect ratio, and FIG. 19(C) shows the state after changing the aspect ratio and size.

[0083] Specifically, as in the first embodiment, FIG. 19(A) shows two recorded images 51 and 52 arranged without gaps in one frame 50. One frame 50 has, for example, an aspect ratio of 16:9, and the recorded images 51 and 52 are set to have an aspect ratio of 9:16, which is the inverse value. On the other hand, in FIG. 19(B), for example, the horizontal widths of the recorded images 51 and 52 remain the same, and the aspect ratio is 1:1. Therefore, there are gaps above and below the recorded images 51 and 52 in one frame 50. In FIG. 19(C), for example, the horizontal widths of the recorded images 51 and 52 are doubled, and the aspect ratio is 1:1. Therefore, in order to fit into one frame 50, a part of the recorded images 51 and 52 becomes an overlapping part 86 (the hatched part), and there are gaps below the recorded image 51 and above the recorded image 52.

[0084] [12th Modification Example] In the first embodiment and the modification examples above, the ratio of the display areas of a plurality of recorded images handled as a set is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 20, when one of the plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set is to be handled, the ratio of the display areas of the plurality of recorded images arranged in one frame 50 (handled as a set) may be changed. In this case, the control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) changes the ratio of the display areas of the plurality of recorded images arranged in one frame in response to operations of operation buttons (not shown) provided on the digital camera 10, or a touch panel (not shown). FIG. 20(A) shows a state where the ratio of the display areas of the recorded images 51 and 52 is 50:50, and FIG. 20(B) shows a state where the ratio of the display areas of the recorded images 51 and 52 is 60:40(B).

[0085] Also, by combining the 11th modification example and the 12th modification example, it is possible to change the state from having a plurality of recorded images arranged at 50 per frame to a state where only one recorded image is arranged. In this case, for example, from a state where two recorded images are arranged at 50 per frame and the display area is 50:50, if the size and aspect ratio of the recorded image are changed and the display area is set to 100:0, a state where one recorded image is arranged at 50 per frame is obtained.

[0086] [13th Modification Example] In the above-described first embodiment and each modification example, a fixed number of recorded images are acquired for a plurality of images handled as a set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 21(A), when an image of a recorded image is captured and at least one recorded image 51 is acquired as one of the images included in a set, a new image is not included in the set, and the newly acquired image is included in another set. That is, when it is handled as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set, the recorded image is not arranged at the remaining positions of 50 per frame, and as shown in FIG. 21(B), the recorded image may be newly arranged in another 50 per frame. That is, the control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) sets the state to skip the arrangement of the recorded image. In this case, the control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) sets the state to skip the arrangement of the recorded image in response to an operation of an operation button (not shown) provided in the digital camera 10 or a touch panel (not shown).

[0087] Note that, as shown in FIG. 21(A), the remaining space in which the recorded image is not arranged out of 50 per frame may be in a blank state, or a preset template image or the like may be inserted. Also, in FIG. 21(B), after skipping the arrangement of the recorded image, recorded images 52 and 53 are arranged in another 50 per frame.

[0088] [14th Modification Example] In the first embodiment described above, regardless of the posture of the camera body 11, the recorded images acquired by the imaging device 21 and treated as a set are arranged within the set of image groups. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the posture of the camera body 11 may be detected, and the recorded images may be arranged according to the posture of the camera body 11 and the order of imaging. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 22, the digital camera 10 includes a posture detection sensor 88. The posture detection sensor 88 detects the posture of the camera body 11 and uses, for example, a gyro sensor or the like.

[0089] In this modification, when the control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) causes a plurality of recorded images arranged in one frame 50 (treated as a set) to be displayed, and when a plurality of recorded images are captured, the control unit 31 causes the recorded images to be displayed according to the posture of the camera body 11 detected by the posture detection sensor 88, and attaches information regarding the arrangement position for arranging the plurality of recorded images within one frame 50 according to the order in which the plurality of recorded images are captured.

[0090] FIG. 23(A) illustrates a case where the digital camera 10 is in a vertically shooting state (the longitudinal direction of the camera body 11 is arranged along the vertical and horizontal directions), and the grip 11A side is located above. The posture detection sensor 88 detects that the grip 11A side is located above. The control unit 31 (image arrangement recording unit 43) records the posture of the camera body 11 with the grip 11A side located above and the order of imaging, and attaches information regarding the arrangement position for arranging the recorded images 51 and 52 in one frame 50.

[0091] Specifically, when the camera body 11 is oriented with the grip 11A side facing upward, the single frame 50 has a portrait aspect ratio, and the recorded images 51 and 52 are arranged with a landscape aspect ratio. The first recorded image 51 is arranged at the bottom of the single frame 50, and the last recorded image 52 is arranged at the top of the single frame 50. Information regarding such arrangement positions is recorded on the recording medium, for example, as one piece of tag information attached to the recorded image. Note that in FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B), the arrangement position 70 indicates a position 71 (hatched portion) indicating the bottom of the single frame 50.

[0092] On the other hand, FIG. 23(B) illustrates an example in which vertical shooting is performed and the grip 11A side is positioned downward. The attitude detection sensor 88 detects that the grip 11A side is positioned downward. The control unit 31 (image layout recording unit 43) records the attitude of the camera body 11 in which the grip 11A side is positioned downward and the order in which the images were captured, and adds information regarding the layout positions of the recorded images 51 and 52 in one frame 50. Specifically, when the camera body 11 is positioned with the grip 11A side positioned downward, one frame 50 has a portrait aspect ratio, and the recorded images 51 and 52 are positioned with a landscape aspect ratio. The first recorded image 51 is positioned at the bottom of the frame 50, and the last recorded image 52 is positioned at the top of the frame 50. With the above configuration, regardless of the attitude of the camera body 11, the recorded images are positioned in the orientation and order in which they were captured by the image sensor 21, allowing the user to obtain recorded images in a layout desired without feeling uncomfortable.

[0093] [Second embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment and each modification, when it is handled as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in one set, two recorded images 51 and 52 are arranged per frame 50 and recorded on the recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 24, when it is handled as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in one set, three recorded images 91, 92, and 93 may be arranged per frame 50 and recorded on the recording medium. Note that FIG. 25 shows an example of a digital camera 90 to which this embodiment is applied. Also, in FIG. 24, similar to the first embodiment, an example of recording a plurality of recorded images on a memory card 42 as a recording medium is given. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the images may be recorded in an internal memory provided in the digital camera 90 or the like. In the digital camera 90, the same components as those of the digital camera 10 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the image arrangement recording unit 43 is to be handled as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in one set, the image arrangement recording unit 43 executes an image arrangement recording process of arranging three recorded images 91, 92, and 93 side by side per frame 50 in the order in which they are captured by the image sensor 21 and recording them on the recording medium. Among the three recorded images 91, 92, and 93, the recorded image 91 is the first recorded image, the recorded image 92 is the recorded image captured after the recorded image 91, and the recorded image 93 is the recorded image captured after the recorded image 92.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 25, in the digital camera 90 of the present embodiment, in the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode, a preview image 94 is displayed on the display 22. Then, when the arrangement position display control unit 44 causes the preview image 94 to be displayed on the display 22, when the recorded images 91, 92, 93 that are captured after the display of the preview image 94 and recorded on the recording medium are handled as one of a plurality of images included in a set and recorded by the image recording unit, an arrangement position display control process is executed to display an arrangement position 95 indicating the position arranged within one frame 50. In the example shown in FIG. 25, after the display of the preview image 94, the recorded image to be captured is the recorded image 92 captured second, and at the arrangement position 95, a position 96 indicating the center (the hatched part) among one frame 50 is displayed.

[0096] As described above, by displaying the preview image and the arrangement position 95 when the preview image is handled as one of the plurality of recorded images 91, 92, 93 included in a set and recorded by the image recording unit, the user can easily recognize at which position among one frame 50 the recorded images 91, 92, 93 captured after the display of the preview image are arranged, and can consider the composition on the premise of the positions where the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 are arranged. Also, since the display 22 is used as the image display unit for displaying the preview image, and the arrangement position 95 is superimposed and displayed on the preview image displayed on the display 22, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Also, similar to the first embodiment, regarding the display of the arrangement position and the recorded image, the same configurations as those of the above-described respective modification examples can be combined.

[0097] [Third Embodiment] When it comes to being treated as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set, the number of recorded images arranged in 50 frames per frame is not limited to those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and each modification example. As shown in FIG. 26, when it comes to being treated as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set, four recorded images 101 to 104 may be arranged in 50 frames per frame and recorded on the recording medium. Note that FIG. 27 shows an example of a digital camera 100 to which this embodiment is applied. Also, in FIG. 26, similar to the first embodiment, an example of recording a plurality of recorded images on a memory card 42 as a recording medium is given, but it is not limited to this, and it may be recorded in an internal memory provided in the digital camera 100 or the like. In the digital camera 100, the same components as those of the digital camera 10 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0098] In this embodiment, when the image arrangement recording unit 43 comes to be treated as one of a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in a set, the image arrangement recording unit 43 executes an image arrangement recording process of arranging four recorded images 101 to 104 in a matrix (matrix) in 50 frames per frame in the order in which they are captured by the imaging device 21 and recording them on the recording medium. Among the four recorded images 101, the recorded image 101 is the first recorded image captured, the recorded image 102 is after the recorded image 101, the recorded image 103 is after the recorded image 102, and the recorded image 104 is after the recorded image 103.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 27, in the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, in the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode, a preview image 105 is displayed on the display 22. Then, when the arrangement position display control unit 44 causes the preview image 105 to be displayed on the display 22, when the recorded images 101 to 104 that are captured after the display of the preview image 105 and recorded on the recording medium are handled as one of a plurality of images included in one set and recorded in the image recording unit, an arrangement position display control process is executed to display an arrangement position 106 indicating a position arranged within 50 frames. In the example shown in FIG. 27, after the display of the preview image 105, the recorded image to be captured is the recorded image 103 captured third, and at the arrangement position 106, a position 107 (hatched portion) indicating the lower right is displayed out of 50 frames.

[0100] As described above, by displaying the preview image and displaying the arrangement position 106 when the preview image is handled as one of the plurality of recorded images 101 to 104 included in one set and recorded in the image recording unit, the user can easily recognize at which position among 50 frames the recorded images 101 to 104 captured after the display of the preview image are arranged, and can consider the composition on the premise of the positions where the first recorded image 51 and the second recorded image 52 are arranged. In addition, since the display 22 is used as the image display unit for displaying the preview image, and the arrangement position 95 is superimposed and displayed on the preview image displayed on the display 22, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be obtained. Also, similar to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, regarding the display of the arrangement position and the recorded image, the same configurations as those of the above-described respective modified examples can be combined.

[0101] In each of the above embodiments, the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes various processes such as the control unit 31 is various processors as described below. The various processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (program) and functions as various processing units, a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a programmable logic device (PLD) such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing various processes.

[0102] One processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU, etc.). Also, a plurality of processing units may be composed of one processor. Examples of composing a plurality of processing units with one processor include, firstly, a form in which one processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, and this processor functions as a plurality of processing units. Secondly, there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including a plurality of processing units with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as represented by a System On Chip (SoC). Thus, the various processing units are configured using one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure.

[0103] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is more specifically an electric circuit in a form that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0104] In each of the above embodiments, a digital camera in which the imaging optical system 13 is fixed to the camera body 11 is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be applied to a lens exchangeable digital camera in which the imaging optical system is exchangeable with respect to the camera body. In each of the above embodiments, a lens barrel 12 without a zoom lens is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging optical system 13 may include a zoom lens. Further, the present invention is applicable to cameras such as smartphones and video cameras in addition to the above digital cameras.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 10, 90, 100 Digital camera 11 Camera body 11A Grip 12 Lens barrel 13 Imaging optical system 14 Mode dial 15 Release switch 16 Power switch 17 Lever 18 Flash device 19 Lighting device 21 Image sensor 22 Display 23 Electronic viewfinder 31 Control unit 32 Shutter unit 33 Shutter motor 34 Motor driver 35 Image memory 36 Bus line 37 Image data processing unit 38 Display driver 41 Card I / F (Interface) 42 Memory card 43 Image arrangement recording unit 44 Arrangement position display control unit 50 One frame 51 First recorded image 52 Second recorded image 53 First recorded image 54 Second recorded image 61 Preview Image 62 Preview Image 65, 70, 72, 75, 77, 95, 106 Arrangement Positions 71 Position 73 Sequence Position Information 73A, 73B Positions 76 Position 81 Communication Unit 82 External Display Device 85 Second Recorded Image 85A Play Button 86 Overlapping Portion 88 Posture Detection Sensor 91, 92, 93 Recorded Images 94 Preview Image 96 Position 101 - 104 Recorded Images 105 Preview Image 106 Arrangement Position 107 Position CL Central Axis

Claims

1. An image sensor that captures a subject, An image recording unit that records an image acquired by the image sensor, An image display unit that displays a preview image acquired by the image sensor and recorded in the image recording unit before being recorded, A processor, Comprising, A digital camera that treats a plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit as a set, The processor, Displays the preview image on the image display unit, A digital camera that notifies the user of information regarding the arrangement position in the set of image groups when the preview image is to be treated as one of the plurality of images recorded in the image recording unit and included in the set.

2. The processor, The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of images included in the set are acquired, the plurality of images are recorded on a recording medium.

3. Comprising a camera body, The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit is a display display provided on the back surface of the camera body.

4. Comprising a camera body, The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit is an electronic viewfinder provided on the camera body.

5. The processor, The digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the arrangement position is displayed on the image display unit.

6. The processor, The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein as the arrangement position, information indicating the order of the image being the image captured as the number of the plurality of images included in the set is displayed.

7. The processor, The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the captured image is displayed on the image display unit, and the arrangement position is displayed on the image display unit.

8. The processor, Deletes the image recorded in the image recording unit, When the image is deleted, the digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the image has not been deleted from the image recording unit, the arrangement position is calculated according to the number of images already recorded in the image recording unit, and the arrangement of the image treated as the set is changed according to the calculated arrangement position.

9. The processor, Transfers the plurality of images treated as the set to an external display device, The digital camera according to claim 1, when transferring to the external display device, transfers all of the plurality of images handled as the one set as one piece of data.

10. having a video imaging function, The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the processor records a video imaged by the video imaging function as one of the plurality of images included in the one set in the image recording unit.

11. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the processor switches the arrangement position between a display state and a non-display state.

12. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the processor changes the number of the plurality of images handled as the one set.

13. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the processor changes at least one of the size and the aspect ratio of the images handled as the one set.

14. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the processor changes the ratio of the display area for each of the plurality of images handled as the one set.

15. The digital camera according to claim 1, when the images are captured and at least one of the images is acquired as one of the images included in the one set, the one set does not include the new image, and the newly acquired image is included in another one set.

16. a camera body, a posture detection sensor that detects the posture of the camera body, and The digital camera according to claim 1, when displaying the plurality of images handled as the one set, displays the images according to the posture of the camera body detected when the plurality of images are captured, and attaches information regarding the arrangement position for arranging the plurality of images according to the order in which the plurality of images are captured.

17. equipped with a camera body, The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the length in the vertical direction when the upper surface of the camera body is vertically upward is longer than the length in the horizontal direction of the image pickup device.

Images