Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus capable of facilitating consecutive photographing and autofocus operation.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit for imaging a subject image via an optical system to generate image data, a control unit for controlling continuous shooting and autofocus operation in the imaging unit, and a setting unit for setting one continuous shooting mode from a plurality of continuous shooting modes for performing continuous shooting in the imaging unit. The plurality of continuous shooting modes include a first continuous shooting mode in which a live view image is not displayed during continuous shooting, and a second continuous shooting mode in which a live view image is displayed during continuous shooting at a lower speed than in the first continuous shooting mode. When the first continuous shooting mode is set, the controller performs the continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode when the autofocus operation is executable by the predetermined detection method, and changes at least one of the continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode and the autofocus operation when the autofocus operation is not executable by the predetermined detection method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device that performs continuous shooting and autofocus operations. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device that captures and displays live view images between still image captures during continuous shooting, and displays a black image while still images are being captured. This imaging device is equipped with two image display methods during continuous shooting: a record view continuous shooting method that displays a reduced still image for recording, and a live view continuous shooting method that displays a live view image with fewer read pixels than a still image. With live view continuous shooting, a black image is displayed as a dummy image because a live view image cannot be obtained while still images are being captured.

[0003] The advantage of continuous shooting with RecView is that it is easy to increase the number of continuous shots because there is no need to switch the pixel readout drive mode. On the other hand, continuous shooting with LiveView reads fewer pixels than continuous shooting with RecView, resulting in less display delay. Even after switching from a LiveView image to a black image, the human brain still interpolates the subject's movement while the LiveView image was being displayed, and by displaying a black image instead of continuing to display the last LiveView image, the movement of the object appears smoother. For this reason, continuous shooting with LiveView is considered suitable for capturing images of moving subjects. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-006827 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-063142 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides an imaging device that can easily perform continuous shooting and autofocus operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The imaging device according to the present disclosure includes an imaging unit that captures a subject image via an optical system and generates image data; a control unit that controls continuous shooting and autofocus operations in the imaging unit; and a setting unit that selects one of multiple continuous shooting modes for the imaging unit. The multiple continuous shooting modes include a first continuous shooting mode that does not display a live view image during continuous shooting and a second continuous shooting mode that displays a live view image during continuous shooting at a slower speed than the first continuous shooting mode. When the first continuous shooting mode is selected by the setting unit, the control unit determines, based on the state of the imaging device, whether autofocus operation is possible using a predetermined detection method during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode. If autofocus operation is possible using the predetermined detection method, the control unit performs continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode. If autofocus operation is not possible using the predetermined detection method, the control unit changes at least one of continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode and autofocus operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the imaging device of the present disclosure, continuous shooting and autofocusing can be easily performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating sensor pixels in an image sensor of a digital camera. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an imaging operation in continuous shooting of a digital camera; [Figure 4] Flowchart for explaining the operation of a digital camera [Figure 5]Flowchart illustrating a photographing standby process in a digital camera [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a continuous shooting icon displayed on a digital camera. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a continuous shooting process in a digital camera; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example when taking continuous shots with a digital camera. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart for explaining operations according to an interchangeable lens in a digital camera according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a digital camera according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a digital camera according to a modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the inventor(s) provide the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) In the first embodiment, a digital camera that performs continuous shooting and autofocus (AF) operations will be described as an example of an imaging device according to the present disclosure.

[0011] 1. Configuration The configuration of the digital camera according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Digital camera 1 is made up of a camera body 100 and an interchangeable lens 200 that can be attached to and detached from the camera body 100.

[0013] 1-1.Camera body The camera body 100 includes an image sensor 110 , a liquid crystal monitor 120 , an operation unit 130 , a camera controller 140 , a body mount 150 , a communication module 155 , a power supply 160 , and a card slot 170 .

[0014] The camera controller 140 controls the overall operation of the digital camera 1 by controlling the components such as the image sensor 110 in response to instructions from the release button on the operation unit 130. The camera controller 140 transmits a vertical synchronization signal to the timing generator 112. In parallel with this, the camera controller 140 generates an exposure synchronization signal. The camera controller 140 periodically transmits the generated exposure synchronization signal to the lens controller 240 via the body mount 150 and the lens mount 250. The camera controller 140 uses the RAM 141 as a working memory during control operations and image processing operations.

[0015] The camera controller 140 includes a CPU and other components, and the CPU executes programs (software) to achieve predetermined functions. For example, the camera controller 140 performs data communication with the lens controller 240 of the interchangeable lens 200 via the body mount 150 and the lens mount 250, and controls the AF operation of the digital camera 1 by driving the focus lens driver 233. The camera controller 140 also controls the auto exposure (AE) operation, adjusting exposure by changing the shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and aperture value, for example. Furthermore, the camera controller 140 controls continuous shooting, which continuously captures still images, using the image sensor 110.

[0016] The image sensor 110 is an element that captures an image of a subject incident through the interchangeable lens 200 and generates imaging data. The imaging data constitutes image data that represents an image captured by the image sensor 110. The image sensor 110 is, for example, a CCD, a CMOS image sensor, or an NMOS image sensor. The generated imaging data is digitized by an AD converter (ADC) 113. The digitized image data is subjected to predetermined image processing by the camera controller 140. The predetermined image processing includes, for example, interpolation of light-shielded pixels corresponding to sensor pixels 111 in the image sensor 110 (described below), gamma correction, white balance correction, blemish correction, YC conversion, electronic zooming, and / or JPEG compression.

[0017] Furthermore, various image recognition processes are performed, for example, by the camera controller 140, based on the image data from the image sensor 110. For example, a subject area corresponding to a subject such as a person is recognized in an image represented by the image data by the image recognition process. The subject area may be recognized as a rectangular area surrounding the subject in the image. The recognized subject area is managed, for example, by its position in the image as an AF area to be focused on as a target for AF operation. Such an AF area may be automatically determined by the camera controller 140 based on, for example, its position in the image from the subject area recognition result, or may be specified by a user operation on the operation unit 130.

[0018] The timing of generating image data and the operation of the electronic shutter in the image sensor 110 are controlled by the camera controller 140. For example, the image sensor 110 operates at a timing controlled by the camera controller 140 via a timing generator (TG) 112. The image sensor captures still images, moving images, or through images for recording. The through images are mainly moving images, and are displayed on the LCD monitor 120 so that the user can decide the composition for capturing a still image. The image sensor 110 is an example of an imaging unit in this embodiment.

[0019] The image sensor 110 of this embodiment includes image plane phase difference sensor pixels 111. FIG.

[0020] The sensor pixels 111 of the image plane phase difference method are arranged in place of pixels for capturing images on the image plane of the image sensor 110, for example, as shown in Fig. 2. That is, the image sensor 110 has pixels that are shielded from light during image capture, the number of which is the same as the number of sensor pixels 111. The multiple sensor pixels 111 are arranged on the image plane of the image sensor 110 at positions to be used for distance measurement in the distance measurement function of the image plane phase difference method, and form distance measurement points of the image plane phase difference method. For example, the sensor pixel 111 includes a photoelectric conversion unit that is divided so as to form two optical images obtained by pupil division in the optical system of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0021] 1, the LCD monitor 120 displays images such as through images and various information such as menu screens. Instead of an LCD monitor, other types of display devices, such as an organic EL display device, may be used. The LCD monitor 120 displays, for example, through images captured by the image sensor 110 in real time as live view images.

[0022] The operation unit 130 is a general term for hardware keys that are provided on the exterior of the camera body 100 and that accept operations by the user. The operation unit 130 includes various operation members such as a release button for issuing an instruction to start shooting, a mode dial for setting the shooting mode, and a power switch. The operation unit 130 may include a touch panel superimposed on the LCD monitor 120, and may accept user operations on a menu screen or the like displayed on the LCD monitor 120. When the operation unit 130 accepts an operation by the user, it transmits an operation signal corresponding to the user operation to the camera controller 140.

[0023] RAM 141 is a recording medium realized by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and functions as, for example, a work memory for camera controller 140. Camera controller 140 may have various types of internal memory, and may have a built-in ROM, for example. The ROM stores various programs executed by camera controller 140. Camera controller 140 may also have a built-in RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU.

[0024] The card slot 170 can accommodate a memory card 171, and controls the memory card 171 under control of the camera controller 140. The digital camera 1 can store image data in the memory card 171 and read image data from the memory card 171.

[0025] The communication module 155 is a communication module (circuit) that performs communication in accordance with the communication standard IEEE802.11 or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The digital camera 1 can communicate with other devices via the communication module 155, for example, based on a control signal output from the camera controller 140. The digital camera 1 may communicate with other devices directly via the communication module 155, or may communicate via an access point. The communication module 155 may be connectable to a communication network such as the Internet. The communication module 155 may function as an interface for establishing a wired connection with an external device according to a predetermined standard, and may include a connection circuit that complies with the USB and / or HDMI (registered trademark) standard, for example.

[0026] The power supply 160 is a circuit that supplies power to each element within the digital camera 1 .

[0027] The body mount 150 can be mechanically and electrically connected to the lens mount 250 of the interchangeable lens 200. The body mount 150 can transmit and receive data to and from the interchangeable lens 200 via the lens mount 250. The body mount 150 transmits an exposure synchronization signal received from the camera controller 140 to the lens controller 240 via the lens mount 250. The body mount 150 also transmits other control signals received from the camera controller 140 to the lens controller 240 via the lens mount 250. The body mount 150 also transmits signals received from the lens controller 240 to the camera controller 140 via the lens mount 250. The body mount 150 also supplies power from the power source 160 to the entire interchangeable lens 200 via the lens mount 250.

[0028] 1-2.Interchangeable lenses The interchangeable lens 200 includes an optical system, a lens controller 240, and a lens mount 250. The optical system includes a zoom lens 210, a focus lens 230, and an aperture 260.

[0029] The zoom lens 210 is a lens for changing the magnification of a subject image formed by the optical system. The zoom lens 210 is composed of one or more lenses. The zoom lens 210 is driven by a zoom lens driving unit 211. The zoom lens driving unit 211 includes a zoom ring that can be operated by the user. Alternatively, the zoom lens driving unit 211 may include a zoom lever and an actuator or a motor. The zoom lens driving unit 211 moves the zoom lens 210 along the optical axis direction of the optical system in response to an operation by the user.

[0030] The focus lens 230 is a lens for changing the focus state of the subject image formed on the image sensor 110 by the optical system. The focus lens 230 is composed of one or more lenses. The focus lens 230 is driven by a focus lens driving unit 233.

[0031] Focus lens driver 233 includes an actuator or a motor, and moves focus lens 230 along the optical axis of the optical system under the control of lens controller 240. Focus lens driver 233 can be realized by a DC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, an ultrasonic motor, or the like.

[0032] The lens controller 240 comprehensively controls the operation of the interchangeable lens 200. The lens controller 240 includes a CPU and the like, and the CPU executes programs (software) to realize predetermined functions. The lens controller 240 controls each part of the interchangeable lens 200 based on control signals received from the camera controller 140 via, for example, the body mount 150 and the lens mount 250.

[0033] The RAM 241 is a recording medium realized by a DRAM or the like, and functions as, for example, a work memory for the lens controller 240. The lens controller 240 may have various types of internal memory, similar to the camera controller 140. The flash memory 242 is a non-volatile recording medium. For example, the flash memory 242 stores lens data unique to the interchangeable lens 200. The lens data includes, for example, optical characteristic information indicating the optical characteristics of the interchangeable lens 200, an identifier for the interchangeable lens 200, and the like.

[0034] The diaphragm 260 adjusts the amount of light incident on the image sensor 110. The diaphragm 260 is driven by a diaphragm driver 262, and the size of the opening is controlled. The diaphragm driver 262 includes a motor or an actuator.

[0035] The camera controller 140 and the lens controller 240 may be configured as hardwired electronic circuits, or may be configured as a microcomputer using a program. For example, the camera controller 140 and the lens controller 240 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSU, FPGA, or ASIC. Each controller 140, 240 may be configured as a single semiconductor chip together with RAM 141, 241, respectively, or may be configured as a separate semiconductor chip.

[0036] 1-3.AF control method In the digital camera 1 of this embodiment, the camera controller 140 can use either a phase difference detection method using image plane phase difference distance measurement or a contrast detection method to control the AF operation. Hereinafter, AF using the image plane phase difference method will be referred to as "PDAF," and AF using the contrast detection method will be referred to as "contrast AF."

[0037] In PDAF, the camera controller 140 performs image plane phase difference distance measurement based on sensor signals input from the sensor pixels 111 of the image sensor 110. Image plane phase difference distance measurement can be performed, for example, by calculating a defocus amount or the like corresponding to the difference between two types of optical images due to pupil division from the sensor signal for each distance measurement point by the sensor pixels 111. Publicly known techniques can be applied as appropriate to AF operations using image plane phase difference distance measurement (for example, Patent Document 2).

[0038] In contrast AF, camera controller 140 causes lens controller 240 to control focus lens driver 233 based on signals input from image capturing pixels of image sensor 110. For example, focus lens 230 is driven so as to maximize contrast in an image represented by image data generated based on the signals. Contrast AF is performed based on a live view image or the like that is separate from a still image to be recorded, in order to maximize contrast while changing the focus state of the subject image.

[0039] 2.Operation The operation of the digital camera 1 configured as above will now be described.

[0040] 2-1. Overview of continuous shooting operation The digital camera 1 of this embodiment can set a continuous shooting mode as an operating mode for performing continuous shooting. The imaging operation of the digital camera 1 during continuous shooting will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Below, an example will be described in which an operating mode is set in the digital camera 1 in which AF operation is performed to follow the movement of a subject during imaging operation of, for example, still images and through images during continuous shooting.

[0041] Digital camera 1 in this embodiment has multiple continuous shooting modes corresponding to continuous shooting speeds, etc., and sets the selected continuous shooting mode by, for example, accepting a user operation to select a continuous shooting mode via operation unit 130. The multiple continuous shooting modes include an H+ continuous shooting mode that performs continuous shooting at a relatively high speed (e.g., 10 frames / second), and an H continuous shooting mode that performs continuous shooting at a slower speed than the H+ continuous shooting mode (e.g., 7 frames / second).

[0042] 3A illustrates an example of an image capture operation in H continuous shooting mode. Digital camera 1 starts a pre-shooting standby process in response to a half-press of the release button on operation unit 130, and performs an AF operation for tracking the subject while repeatedly capturing live view (LV) images. Then, when continuous shooting starts in response to a full-press of the release button, in H continuous shooting mode, digital camera 1 alternately captures still images (STL) for recording and live view images to be displayed on LCD monitor 120.

[0043] FIG. 3B illustrates an example of imaging operation in H+ continuous shooting mode. For example, when digital camera 1 starts continuous shooting after the shooting standby control similar to H continuous shooting mode, in H+ continuous shooting mode, it repeatedly captures only still images without capturing live view images. For example, by omitting capturing live view images, H+ continuous shooting mode can perform continuous shooting faster than H continuous shooting mode. In the examples of FIGS. 3A and 3B, two still images are captured in H continuous shooting mode and three still images are captured in H+ continuous shooting mode within the same period of time from the start of continuous shooting.

[0044] In the H+ continuous shooting mode, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment performs relatively high-speed continuous shooting without capturing live view images, so that the live view image is not displayed during continuous shooting and AF operation is performed using PDAF. When the digital camera 1 is set to this H+ continuous shooting mode, PDAF may not be possible depending on the status of the digital camera 1, such as the shooting settings.

[0045] Therefore, when PDAF cannot be performed in H+ continuous shooting mode, as shown in Fig. 3(C), for example, digital camera 1 of this embodiment switches the continuous shooting imaging operation to imaging operation similar to that of H continuous shooting mode as shown in Fig. 3(A). Digital camera 1 then switches the AF operation from PDAF to contrast AF or the like. In this way, digital camera 1 of this embodiment can continue AF operation even when PDAF cannot be performed during continuous shooting in H+ continuous shooting mode.

[0046] 2-2. Overall operation The overall operation of the digital camera 1 of this embodiment when the H+ continuous shooting mode is set as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of digital camera 1. The processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 is started, for example, when a half-press operation of the release button is input on operation unit 130 of digital camera 1. Each process in this flowchart is executed by camera controller 140, for example.

[0048] During standby before continuous shooting, such as when the release button is pressed halfway, the camera controller 140 continuously performs AF operation using PDAF or contrast AF, and displays various information on the LCD monitor 120 depending on whether PDAF is possible (S1). In parallel with this standby processing (S1), the camera controller 140 causes the image sensor 110 to capture a live view image and displays the captured live view image on the LCD monitor 120. These displays can make it easier for the user to perform continuous shooting, for example. Details of the standby processing (S1) will be described later.

[0049] Next, camera controller 140 determines whether or not a full press operation of the release button has been input in operation unit 130 (S2). If a full press operation has not been input (NO in S2), camera controller 140 repeats the shooting standby process (S1).

[0050] If a full press operation is input (YES in S2), the camera controller 140 causes the image sensor 110 to continuously capture still images (S3), for example, so as to continue continuous shooting during the full press operation. In this embodiment, when PDAF cannot be performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(C), the camera controller 140 switches the continuous shooting imaging operation to an imaging operation similar to H continuous shooting mode, and causes the image sensor 110 to capture live view images in addition to still images. In this case, the camera controller 140 can continue the AF operation, for example, by contrast AF based on the live view images. Details of this continuous shooting processing (S3) will be described later.

[0051] According to the above operation, in the digital camera 1 in which the H+ continuous shooting mode is set, the shooting standby process (S1) is repeated until the release button is fully pressed (NO in S2), and after the full press is input (YES in S2), the continuous shooting process (S3) is performed.

[0052] 2-3.Shooting standby process The shooting standby process in step S1 of FIG. 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0053] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a shooting standby process (S1) in digital camera 1. The process of this flowchart is executed in a state where a live view image is being captured by image sensor 110 while the release button on operation unit 130 is pressed halfway.

[0054] The camera controller 140 determines whether PDAF is possible in the captured live view image (S11). For example, the camera controller 140 makes the determination in step S11 based on the recognition result of the AF area in the live view image. If PDAF is possible (YES in S11), the camera controller 140 controls the AF operation by PDAF (S12).

[0055] On the other hand, the camera controller 140 determines that PDAF is not feasible (NO in S11) if, for example, the position of the recognized AF area corresponds to outside the range of the area where PDAF is feasible in the image sensor 110. Such an area where PDAF is feasible in the image sensor 110 is set in advance according to, for example, the optical characteristics of the interchangeable lens 200, and stored in the flash memory 142, etc. In step S11, the camera controller 140 may acquire lens data from the interchangeable lens 200, and determine the area where PDAF is feasible based on the optical characteristic information of the lens data and / or the identifier of the interchangeable lens 200.

[0056] In addition to the above cases, the camera controller 140 also determines that PDAF is not feasible (NO in S11) when a detection result for calculating the defocus amount or the like by PDAF cannot be obtained based on the sensor signal from the sensor pixel 111. For example, it is conceivable that a PDAF detection result cannot be obtained due to factors such as excessively low contrast in the AF area.

[0057] If PDAF is not possible on the live view image (NO in S11), the camera controller 140 controls the AF operation by, for example, contrast AF (S13).

[0058] For example, in addition to the AF control (S12, S13) during the half-press operation of the release button as described above, the camera controller 140 determines (S14) whether PDAF is possible for still images captured when the continuous shooting process (S3) begins after the full-press operation (YES in S2). For example, the camera controller 140 makes the determination in step S14 based on the ISO sensitivity and aperture setting values ​​for capturing still images. The setting values ​​are determined during the half-press operation of the release button by user operation or by AE operation in a live view image, depending on, for example, various shooting modes of the digital camera 1.

[0059] In these shooting settings, camera controller 140 determines that PDAF is not possible when the ISO sensitivity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., "6400") or when the aperture value is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., "F8") (NO in S14). The predetermined values ​​for the sensitivity and aperture value are set according to the characteristics of image sensor 110 and the optical system, for example, from the perspective of performing PDAF with high accuracy, and are stored in flash memory 142 or the like.

[0060] In step S14, camera controller 140 further determines whether PDAF is possible, similarly to step S11, based on the AF area in the latest live view image. Camera controller 140 may manage the determination result of step S14 in RAM 141, for example, using a predetermined flag.

[0061] If the camera controller 140 determines that PDAF is possible when capturing still images in the continuous shooting process (S3) (YES in S14), it displays an H+ continuous shooting icon on the LCD monitor 120, for example, superimposed on a live view image (S15). The H+ continuous shooting icon indicates that continuous shooting will be performed using an imaging operation in H+ continuous shooting mode.

[0062] Fig. 6(A) shows an example of the display of the H+ continuous shooting icon 12 on the digital camera 1. The LCD monitor 120 displays the H+ continuous shooting icon 12 on a captured image Im, such as a live view image, as shown in the example of Fig. 6(A). The captured image Im in this example includes a subject 20, such as an AF target.

[0063] On the other hand, if the camera controller 140 determines that PDAF is not possible when capturing a still image (NO in S14), it causes an H continuous shooting icon to be displayed on the LCD monitor 120 (S16) instead of the H+ continuous shooting icon of step S15. The H continuous shooting icon indicates that continuous shooting will be performed by imaging operation in H continuous shooting mode.

[0064] Fig. 6(B) shows a display example of the H continuous shooting icon 13. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(B), the LCD monitor 120 displays the H continuous shooting icon 13 on a captured image Im, such as a live view image, in a display manner different from the H+ continuous shooting icon 12 in Fig. 6(A). In the example of Fig. 6, the continuous shooting icons 12, 13 are displayed with different shapes and colors, but either the shape or the color may be different, or the icons may be displayed in a different manner.

[0065] After displaying the H+ continuous shooting icon 12 or the H continuous shooting icon 13 (S15, S16), the camera controller 140 ends the processing of this flowchart and proceeds to step S2 in Fig. 4. If the release button is not fully pressed on the operation unit 130 (NO in S2), the camera controller 140 repeats the processing from step S11 onwards.

[0066] According to the above-described shooting standby process (S1), depending on whether PDAF can be performed in the live view image (S11), AF operation is controlled by PDAF or contrast AF (S12, S13), allowing tracking of a subject such as an AF target. Then, depending on whether PDAF can be performed when capturing still images in the subsequent continuous shooting process (S3) (S14), either the H+ continuous shooting icon 12 or the H continuous shooting icon is displayed (S15, S16). This allows the user to be notified of the behavior of the imaging operation during continuous shooting, for example, before continuous shooting begins.

[0067] In the above-described shooting standby process (S1), the camera controller 140 controlled the AF operation by switching between PDAF and contrast AF depending on whether PDAF can be performed (S11 to S13). The shooting standby process (S1) is not limited to the above example, and for example, only contrast AF may be performed, eliminating the determination in step S11. Furthermore, if PDAF cannot be performed (NO in S11), AF operation may be performed using another control method instead of contrast AF in step S13.

[0068] Furthermore, the camera controller 140 may acquire data indicating a state that changes due to various controls in the digital camera 1, for example, from the interchangeable lens 200, and may make the determinations in steps S11 and S14 based on that state. In step S14 above, the camera controller 140 may determine whether or not to perform PDAF based on either the ISO sensitivity or the aperture value, rather than on both the ISO sensitivity and the aperture value settings.

[0069] 2-4. Continuous shooting processing The continuous shooting process in step S3 of FIG. 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0070] 7 is a flowchart illustrating the continuous shooting process (S3) in digital camera 1. The process of this flowchart starts after the release button is fully pressed (YES in S2), with the determination result of step S14 in the shooting standby process (S1) before the full press being held in RAM 141 as a flag or the like according to whether PDAF is executable.

[0071] The camera controller 140 determines whether or not continuous shooting in the H+ continuous shooting mode (also referred to as "H+ continuous shooting") is possible, for example, by referring to a flag held depending on whether or not PDAF is possible (S21).

[0072] If H+ continuous shooting is possible (YES in S21), camera controller 140 performs H+ continuous shooting and causes image sensor 110 to capture still images, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(B) (S22). Camera controller 140 may determine the exposure for the next frame to be captured in continuous shooting, for example, based on the still image, by performing an AE operation. Furthermore, camera controller 140 causes, for example, the captured still image to be displayed on LCD monitor 120. Details of the display operation during continuous shooting will be described later.

[0073] Furthermore, the camera controller 140 performs various calculations for PDAF using the captured still image so as to control the AF operation using PDAF (S23). The camera controller 140 performs, for example, image recognition processing of the AF area in the image.

[0074] Camera controller 140 determines whether PDAF is possible for the image of the next frame to be captured by continuous shooting, for example, based on the still image captured in step S22 (S24). For example, camera controller 140 determines whether PDAF is possible by comparing the settings of ISO sensitivity and aperture value for exposure determined by AE operation based on that image with predetermined values ​​similar to those in step S14 of the shooting standby process (S1). Furthermore, camera controller 140 determines whether PDAF is possible, similar to step S11 of the shooting standby process (S1), based on the recognition result of the AF area on the still image in step S23 and the detection results of various PDAF calculations, for example.

[0075] For example, if camera controller 140 determines that PDAF is not possible when capturing the next frame (NO in S24), it switches the H+ continuous shooting icon that has been displayed since the shooting standby process (S1) to an H continuous shooting icon and displays it on LCD monitor 120 (S25). Camera controller 140 displays the H continuous shooting icon superimposed on the still image captured in step S22, for example. For example, in step S25, camera controller 140 changes a flag or the like held in RAM 141 depending on whether PDAF is possible to indicate that H+ continuous shooting is not possible.

[0076] After switching to the H continuous shooting icon (S25), camera controller 140 determines whether an instruction to end continuous shooting has been issued (S26). Camera controller 140 also makes the determination in step S26 when it determines that PDAF can be executed when shooting the next frame (YES in S24). For example, when the full press of the release button on operation unit 130 is released, camera controller 140 determines that an instruction to end continuous shooting has been issued (YES in S26), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0077] If an instruction to end the shooting is not given (NO in S26), the camera controller 140 repeats the processing from step S21 onwards.

[0078] If the camera controller 140 determines that H+ continuous shooting is not possible based on the held flag or the like (NO in S21), it performs continuous shooting using the same imaging operation as in the H continuous shooting mode (S27) instead of H+ continuous shooting (S22). In such H continuous shooting, the camera controller 140 causes the image sensor 110 to capture live view images and still images (S27), as shown in Fig. 3(C) as the operation after switching to continuous shooting. The camera controller 140 causes the LCD monitor 120 to display the captured live view images, for example.

[0079] The camera controller 140 determines whether PDAF is possible for the captured live view image, for example, in the same manner as in step S24 (S28). For example, in a shooting mode such as aperture priority mode in which the aperture value is specified by user operation, even if the aperture value is larger than the predetermined value at which PDAF is possible for capturing a still image, it may be possible to open the aperture value more than the predetermined value for capturing a live view image. In such a case, even if it is determined that PDAF is not possible for a still image (NO in S24), PDAF may be possible for a live view image (YES in S28).

[0080] If PDAF is possible for the live view image (YES in S28), the camera controller 140 controls the AF operation by PDAF for the live view image (S29).

[0081] On the other hand, if PDAF is not possible even in the live view image (NO in S28), the camera controller 140 controls the AF operation by contrast AF, for example, based on the live view image (S30).

[0082] After performing AF control (S29, S30), the camera controller 140 determines whether an instruction to end shooting has been issued (S31), similar to step S26. If an instruction to end shooting has been issued (YES in S31), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0083] If an instruction to end shooting is not given (NO in S31), in this embodiment, the camera controller 140 repeats the processing from step S27 onwards, such as H continuous shooting. In this way, after switching to H continuous shooting during continuous shooting in H+ continuous shooting mode, H continuous shooting is continued until shooting ends, regardless of whether PDAF can be performed.

[0084] According to the above-described continuous shooting process (S3), depending on whether H+ continuous shooting can be performed in accordance with whether PDAF can be performed on still images (S21, S24), either H+ continuous shooting without capturing live view images or H continuous shooting with capturing live view images is performed (S22, S27). Even if PDAF cannot be performed on still images (NO in S14, NO in S21, NO in S24), in H continuous shooting, contrast AF and the like can be performed using the captured live view images (S29, S30), and AF operation can continue.

[0085] Furthermore, if it is determined that PDAF cannot be performed when capturing the next frame during H+ continuous shooting (NO in S24), the H+ continuous shooting icon is replaced with an H continuous shooting icon (S25), thereby notifying the user that switching to H continuous shooting has been made.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, once a change to H continuous shooting is made during continuous shooting, H continuous shooting continues after the change regardless of whether PDAF can be performed (S27 to S31). This makes it possible to prevent frequent switching to H+ continuous shooting even if the availability of PDAF changes, for example, because the AF area changes during continuous shooting or the shooting settings change due to automatic or manual exposure control.

[0087] In the above example, if PDAF can be performed on the live view image (YES in S28), PDAF is performed using the live view image (S29). For example, camera controller 140 may not make the determination in step S28, and may perform contrast AF using the live view image in H-continuous shooting.

[0088] 2-4-1. Display behavior during continuous shooting The operation of displaying images captured during continuous shooting in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating examples of display in continuous shooting with digital camera 1. Fig. 8A shows an example of display in H continuous shooting mode. Fig. 8B shows an example of display of images captured by H+ continuous shooting (S22 in Fig. 7) in H+ continuous shooting mode. Fig. 8C shows an example of display of images captured by H continuous shooting (S27 in Fig. 7) in H+ continuous shooting mode.

[0090] When digital camera 1 is set to H continuous shooting mode, as shown in FIG. 8(A), for example, LCD monitor 120 displays a live view image while shooting standby processing (S1) is being executed, and after continuous shooting processing (S3) begins, displays a black image in addition to the live view image. The black image is stored in advance, for example, in flash memory 142. For example, the black image is displayed during a period when a live view image cannot be obtained by capturing still images (REC). This allows the movement of subject 20 to appear perceptually smooth in the live view images that are sequentially captured and displayed between still images.

[0091] When the H+ continuous shooting mode is set, in H+ continuous shooting where live view images are not captured, after the continuous shooting process (S3) starts, the LCD monitor 120 displays the still image captured immediately before until the next still image is captured, as shown in FIG. 8(B), for example.

[0092] Furthermore, when the continuous shooting process (S3) in H+ continuous shooting mode is switched from H+ continuous shooting to H continuous shooting, a live view image is displayed, for example, as shown in Fig. 8(C). In this case, during the period when, for example, still images are being captured, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment continues to display the live view image captured immediately before, instead of the black image displayed in H continuous shooting mode as shown in Fig. 8(A). This suppresses changes in the display before and after switching from H+ continuous shooting, for example, making it easier for the user to view the images captured during continuous shooting.

[0093] 2-5. Operation according to interchangeable lenses In relation to continuous shooting, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment performs operations following half-pressing of the release button as described above (S1 to S3, FIGS. 3 to 8), as well as operations according to the interchangeable lens 200 attached to the camera body 100. These operations will be explained using FIG. 9.

[0094] 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera 1 of this embodiment in accordance with the interchangeable lens 200. The processing of this flowchart is initiated, for example, when the digital camera 1 is started up with the H+ continuous shooting mode set, or when the interchangeable lens 200 is attached in that state. Alternatively, this processing is initiated when a user operation to select the H+ continuous shooting mode is input on the operation unit 130 via a settings menu or the like. Each process of this flowchart is executed by, for example, the camera controller 140.

[0095] The camera controller 140 acquires lens data from the interchangeable lens 200 attached to the camera body 100 via, for example, the body mount 150 and the lens mount 250 (S41).

[0096] The camera controller 140 determines, based on the lens data, whether PDAF is possible when capturing an image via the attached interchangeable lens 200 (S42). For example, it is determined that PDAF is not possible when the lens data does not include data referenced in PDAF control and / or when the open F-number of the diaphragm 260 is greater than a predetermined value (NO in S42).

[0097] If PDAF cannot be performed with the attached interchangeable lens 200 (NO in S42), the camera controller 140 changes the H+ continuous shooting mode set in the digital camera 1 to the H continuous shooting mode (S43).

[0098] The camera controller 140 notifies the user of the change in continuous shooting mode (S44) by, for example, displaying the H continuous shooting icon 13 (see FIG. 6(B)) on the LCD monitor 120. For example, in addition to the H continuous shooting icon 13, a message indicating the change in continuous shooting mode may be displayed.

[0099] On the other hand, if PDAF is executable (YES in S42), the camera controller 140 displays the H+ continuous shooting icon 12 (see FIG. 6A) on the LCD monitor 120 (S45).

[0100] After displaying, for example, the H continuous shooting icon 13 or the H+ continuous shooting icon 12 (S44, S45), the camera controller 140 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0101] According to the above processing, in digital camera 1 set to H+ continuous shooting mode, it is determined whether PDAF is possible based on lens data acquired from interchangeable lens 200 attached to camera body 100 (S41, S42). If PDAF is not possible with the interchangeable lens 200 (NO in S42), the continuous shooting mode of digital camera 1 is changed to H continuous shooting mode (S43). This makes it possible to perform AF operation to track a subject using contrast AF or the like based on the captured live view image when performing continuous shooting in H continuous shooting mode, for example. Furthermore, the continuous shooting mode can be notified to the user by displaying continuous shooting icons 12, 13 (S44, S45).

[0102] Although an example of notifying the change in continuous shooting mode (S44) has been described above, it is not necessary to notify the change according to the interchangeable lens 200, and step S44 may not be executed. Furthermore, regardless of whether PDAF according to the interchangeable lens 200 can be performed, an H+ continuous shooting icon may be displayed when the H+ continuous shooting mode is set.

[0103] 3. Summary As described above, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment includes an image sensor 110 as an example of an imaging unit, a camera controller 140 as an example of a control unit, and an operation unit 130 as an example of a setting unit. The image sensor 110 captures an image of a subject via an optical system to generate image data. The camera controller 140 controls continuous shooting and autofocus (AF) operations in the image sensor 110 (S1 to S3). The operation unit 130 accepts a user operation to set one of multiple continuous shooting modes for continuous shooting. The multiple continuous shooting modes include an H+ continuous shooting mode, an example of a first continuous shooting mode that does not display a live view image during continuous shooting, and an H continuous shooting mode, an example of a second continuous shooting mode that displays a live view image during continuous shooting at a slower speed than the first continuous shooting mode. When the H+ continuous shooting mode is set by the operation unit 130, the camera controller 140 determines, based on the state of the digital camera 1, whether or not AF operation can be performed by PDAF, which is an example of a predetermined detection method, during continuous shooting in the H+ continuous shooting mode (S14, S21, S24, S42). If AF operation can be performed by PDAF (YES in S14, YES in S21, YES in S24, YES in S42), the camera controller 140 performs continuous shooting in the H+ continuous shooting mode (S22). If AF operation cannot be performed by PDAF (NO in S14, NO in S21, NO in S24, NO in S42), the camera controller 140 changes the continuous shooting in the H+ continuous shooting mode and the AF operation, or the continuous shooting (S27, S28 to S30, S43).

[0104] According to the digital camera 1 described above, when the H+ continuous shooting mode, which does not display live view images during continuous shooting, is set, continuous shooting is performed in the H+ continuous shooting mode if PDAF is possible for the still images being shot. This allows relatively high-speed continuous shooting in the H+ continuous shooting mode while continuing AF operation using PDAF. On the other hand, if PDAF cannot be performed during continuous shooting, continuous shooting and AF operation, or continuous shooting is changed. This changes the continuous shooting mode to one that allows AF operation other than PDAF for still images (S27, S43), allowing AF operation to be performed continuously during continuous shooting (S28-S31).

[0105] In this embodiment, if AF operation cannot be performed using PDAF (NO in S14, NO in S21, NO in S24), camera controller 140 switches continuous shooting in H+ continuous shooting mode to H continuous shooting, which is an example of continuous shooting in which image sensor 110 captures live view images during continuous shooting (S27). This allows AF operation to be performed using live view images, for example, even if PDAF cannot be performed on still images during continuous shooting (S28, S29).

[0106] In this embodiment, the camera controller 140 switches from PDAF to PDAF or contrast AF using a live view image, as an example of a detection method for detecting the focus state based on a live view image, and continues AF operation during continuous shooting after the switch, such as H continuous shooting (S29, S30). This allows AF operation to track the subject even during continuous shooting, for example.

[0107] In this embodiment, digital camera 1 further includes LCD monitor 120, an example of a display unit that displays images. When H continuous shooting mode is set by operation unit 130, camera controller 140 causes LCD monitor 120 to display a black image, an example of a predetermined image, during a period when live view images are not being captured by image sensor 110 during continuous shooting in H continuous shooting mode, as shown in Fig. 8(A), for example. When camera controller 140 switches continuous shooting to H+ continuous shooting mode (S27) during continuous shooting in H continuous shooting mode, as shown in Fig. 8(C), for example, camera controller 140 causes LCD monitor 120 to display a live view image captured prior to the period when live view images are not being captured by image sensor 110 during H continuous shooting after the switch.

[0108] As described above, in the H continuous shooting mode display shown in Fig. 8(A), the user can view live view images sandwiched between black images during continuous shooting, making it easier to capture continuous shots while tracking a moving subject. On the other hand, after switching to H continuous shooting mode shown in Fig. 8(C), the previous live view image continues to be displayed until the next live view image is obtained, instead of the still image displayed in the H+ continuous shooting mode before switching, as shown in Fig. 8(B). This reduces the appearance change before and after switching, making it easier for the user to capture continuous shots.

[0109] In this embodiment, the predetermined detection method is an image plane phase difference AF operation (PDAF) performed on the image sensor 110. This allows for relatively high speed focusing by, for example, calculating the defocus amount, and further allows for AF operation to be performed on still images captured for recording, even if live view images are not captured in H+ continuous shooting mode or the like.

[0110] In this embodiment, the camera controller 140 determines whether or not AF operation can be performed by PDAF (S14, S24, S28) based on at least one of the aperture value in the optical system and the ISO sensitivity in the image sensor 110. This makes it possible to determine that PDAF is not possible when it is difficult to obtain accurate PDAF calculation results, for example, when the aperture value is relatively small and / or the ISO sensitivity is high.

[0111] In this embodiment, the digital camera 1 further includes a body mount 150 and a lens mount 250, which are examples of connectors for detachably connecting the interchangeable lens 200. The camera controller 140 acquires lens data stored in the interchangeable lens 200 from the interchangeable lens 200 connected via the body mount 150 and the lens mount 250 (S41), and determines whether AF operation can be performed using PDAF based on the lens data (S42). As a result, whether PDAF can be performed can be determined based on the interchangeable lens 200 attached to the digital camera 1, regardless of whether the image captured by the image sensor 110 is a still image or a live view image, for example.

[0112] In this embodiment, after changing the continuous shooting mode during continuous shooting in the H+ continuous shooting mode (S27), the camera controller 140 continues the changed H continuous shooting mode (S3). This makes it possible to suppress changes in behavior due to a re-change in continuous shooting mode, for example, even if the availability of PDAF changes after changing the continuous shooting mode.

[0113] In this embodiment, the camera controller 140 determines whether AF operation can be performed using PDAF when the digital camera 1 is started up (FIG. 9), when it is waiting before continuous shooting (S1), and when it is shooting continuous shooting (S3) (S42, S11, S14, S24, S28). The determination of whether PDAF can be performed is not limited to the above example, and may be performed at least one of when the digital camera 1 is started up, when it is waiting before continuous shooting, and when it is shooting continuous shooting. For example, if this determination is made only when it is waiting before continuous shooting, in the shooting standby process (S1) illustrated in FIG. 5, if PDAF cannot be performed on a still image (NO in S14), in addition to step S16, the continuous shooting mode can be changed to H continuous shooting mode as in step S43 of FIG. 9.

[0114] (Embodiment 2) A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In the first embodiment, a digital camera 1 was described that changes the continuous shooting mode to the H continuous shooting mode when the H+ continuous shooting mode is set and PDAF cannot be performed with the attached interchangeable lens 200 (NO in S42). In the second embodiment, a digital camera will be described that allows the user to select whether or not to change the continuous shooting mode when PDAF cannot be performed.

[0115] Below, the description of the configuration and operation similar to those of the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the digital camera 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0116] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera 1 of embodiment 2. In addition to the same processes (S41 to S45 in FIG. 9) as the digital camera 1 of embodiment 1, the digital camera 1 of this embodiment also executes processes (S51 to S53) related to the user's selection of whether or not to change the continuous shooting mode.

[0117] For example, if PDAF cannot be performed with the attached interchangeable lens 200 (NO in S42), the camera controller 140 displays a selection screen on the LCD monitor 120 to prompt the user to select whether or not to change the continuous shooting mode (S51). An example of the display of such a selection screen is shown in FIG. 11(A).

[0118] 11 shows an example of a display in the digital camera 1 of this embodiment. In step S51, the LCD monitor 120 displays a selection screen 41, for example, as shown in Fig. 11(A). The selection screen 41 displays the option of whether or not to change the continuous shooting mode to H continuous shooting mode.

[0119] The camera controller 140 determines whether or not a change in the continuous shooting mode has been selected, depending on whether or not a user operation to select a change in the continuous shooting mode has been input on the selection screen 41 in the operation unit 130 (S52).

[0120] If a change in continuous shooting mode is selected (YES in S52), the camera controller 140 changes the continuous shooting mode to the H continuous shooting mode (S43). When notifying the change in continuous shooting mode (S44), the camera controller 140 may display a continuous shooting change message 42 indicating the change to the H continuous shooting mode on the liquid crystal monitor 120, in addition to the H continuous shooting icon 13, as shown in FIG. 11(B), for example.

[0121] On the other hand, if a change in the continuous shooting mode is not selected (NO in S52), such as when a user operation that does not change the continuous shooting mode is input to the operation unit 130 on the selection screen 41, the camera controller 140 changes the AF operation in the H+ continuous shooting mode (S53). For example, the AF operation that tracks the subject is changed to an AF operation that does not change the focus state from the time the first frame is captured during continuous shooting. For example, the focus state of the first frame of continuous shooting may be determined by contrast AF or the like based on a live view image captured immediately before the start of continuous shooting.

[0122] In step S53, the camera controller 140 may display, on the LCD monitor 120, an AF change message 43 indicating that the focus state will be fixed during AF operation, in addition to the H+ continuous shooting icon 12, as shown in FIG. 11(C), for example.

[0123] According to the above processing, when the H+ continuous shooting mode is set in the digital camera 1 and PDAF cannot be performed with the attached interchangeable lens 200 (NO in S42), the user can select whether or not to change the continuous shooting mode (S51, S52). If the continuous shooting mode is not changed (NO in S52), the AF operation is changed in the H+ continuous shooting mode (S53). For example, when PDAF cannot be performed, the user can select to prioritize the continuous shooting speed of the H+ continuous shooting mode over continuous AF operation during continuous shooting. In this way, AF operation and continuous shooting can be easily performed according to the user's preferences.

[0124] In the above, an example has been described in which whether or not to change the continuous shooting mode is selected by a user operation when PDAF cannot be performed depending on the interchangeable lens 200. Such a selection by a user operation is not limited to the above example, and may be made as a setting before continuous shooting when, for example, H+ continuous shooting mode is set. Such a modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a digital camera 1 according to a modified example of this embodiment.

[0125] For example, as shown in Fig. 12, digital camera 1 of this modification displays options for when it is unable to track a subject using PDAF in H+ continuous shooting mode, as a setting menu or the like, on LCD monitor 120. For example, camera controller 140 accepts a user operation on operation unit 130 to select options corresponding to steps S43 and S53 in Fig. 10 using a menu screen such as that shown in Fig. 12. In the example of Fig. 12, the option indicating a change in continuous shooting mode corresponding to step S43 is selected.

[0126] According to the digital camera 1 of this modified example, even when PDAF cannot be performed due to various factors such as the interchangeable lens 200, changes in the shooting settings and / or the AF area during continuous shooting, it is possible to easily perform AF operation and continuous shooting according to the user's preferences.

[0127] As described above, in this embodiment, if AF operation cannot be performed using PDAF (NO in S42), camera controller 140 changes the AF operation (S53). This makes it possible to track a subject using an AF operation that can be performed while performing continuous shooting in H+ continuous shooting mode, for example. According to each of the above embodiments, if AF operation cannot be performed using PDAF (NO in S14, NO in S21, NO in S24, NO in S42), camera controller 140 changes at least one of continuous shooting in H+ continuous shooting mode and the AF operation (S27, S28 to S30, S43, S53).

[0128] In this embodiment, digital camera 1 further includes an operation unit 130 that accepts user operations. Camera controller 140 accepts, via operation unit 130, a user operation to select an option (one example of a first option and a second option) of whether to switch to H continuous shooting as an option for operation when AF operation cannot be performed by PDAF during continuous shooting in H+ continuous shooting mode (S51 to S52, see FIG. 11(A)). If AF operation cannot be performed by PDAF (NO in S42), and the option to switch to H continuous shooting has been selected (YES in S52), camera controller 140 switches continuous shooting in H+ continuous shooting mode to H continuous shooting in which live view images are captured by image sensor 110 (S43). When the option not to switch to H continuous shooting is selected (NO in S52), the camera controller 140 does not change the focus state by AF operation from the start of continuous shooting in H+ continuous shooting mode (S53, see FIG. 11(C)).

[0129] With the digital camera 1 described above, if PDAF cannot be performed during continuous shooting in H+ continuous shooting mode, for example, the user can choose whether to continue continuous shooting with the focus state of AF operation fixed from the start, or to switch to H continuous shooting and continue AF operation. This also makes it easier to perform continuous shooting and AF operation according to the user's preferences.

[0130] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first and second embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first and second embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0131] In the above embodiments, an example has been described in which, in PDAF, a defocus amount or the like is calculated according to the difference between two optical images formed by pupil division, based on sensor signals from the sensor pixels 111 of the image sensor 110. In this embodiment, the sensor pixels may be pupil-divided to form four optical images, for example, in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0132] In the above-described embodiments, examples have been described in which the image sensor 110 has sensor pixels 111 arranged in place of pixels for capturing images. In this embodiment, the image sensor may have pixels for capturing images that also function as distance measurement sensors. For example, all pixels of the image sensor may have both the image capturing and distance measurement functions.

[0133] In the above embodiments, it has been described that the AF operation by PDAF is performed based on the sensor signals from the sensor pixels 111 in the image sensor 110. In the present embodiment, the digital camera may include a phase difference sensor separate from the image sensor 110, instead of or in addition to the sensor pixels 111, and the AF operation may be performed based on the sensor signals from the phase difference sensor.

[0134] In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the digital camera 1 displays an image captured by the image sensor 110 on the LCD monitor 120. In the present embodiment, the digital camera may be connected to various displays, such as an external LCD monitor, via a connection circuit such as an HDMI in the communication module 155, and images may be displayed on the external display under control of the camera controller 140. In the present embodiment, the communication module 155 connected to such an external display may constitute the display unit of the digital camera, and the digital camera may not have a built-in LCD monitor 120.

[0135] In the first embodiment described above, an example has been described in which, after a change has been made to the H+ continuous shooting mode during continuous shooting in the H+ continuous shooting mode, the changed H continuous shooting continues (S3, S27 to S31). In this embodiment, for example, if PDAF becomes executable due to a change in the state of digital camera 1 after the change in continuous shooting, the H+ continuous shooting mode before the change may be executed again.

[0136] In the above embodiments, control is performed using contrast AF as a method for detecting the focus state based on a live view image (S13, S30). Contrast AF is not limited to live view images, and may be performed based on various images captured separately from still images for recording, for example.

[0137] In each of the above embodiments, the digital camera 1 performs control using PDAF as the predetermined detection method for AF operation (S12, S23, S29), and if PDAF cannot be performed, switches to contrast AF (S11, S13, S14, S21, S24, S30). The present disclosure is not limited to PDAF and contrast AF, and may be applied to control methods of AF operation that have a similar relationship to PDAF and contrast AF, among various distance measurement methods or control methods of AF operation that use distance information. For example, various control methods include, but are not limited to, a DFD (Depth from Defocus) method that uses distance measurement by DFD technology, a TOF (Time of Flight) method in which a distance measurement unit is located inside or outside the digital camera, and a distance measurement method that uses various active sensing methods such as a rangefinder.

[0138] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the digital camera 1 is illustrated as being equipped with an interchangeable lens 200. The imaging device of this embodiment may be a camera with a built-in lens that is capable of AF operation.

[0139] In addition, although a digital camera has been described as an example of an imaging device in each of the above embodiments, the imaging device is not limited to this. The imaging device of the present disclosure may be any electronic device (e.g., a video camera, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.) that has an image capturing function in multiple operation modes.

[0140] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, and for that purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided.

[0141] Therefore, the components shown in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only essential components for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are shown in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0142] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0143] Aspects of the present disclosure The following describes exemplary aspects of the present disclosure.

[0144] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides an imaging device including an imaging unit that captures a subject image via an optical system to generate image data, a control unit that controls continuous shooting and autofocus operation in the imaging unit, and a setting unit that sets one of multiple continuous shooting modes for performing continuous shooting in the imaging unit. The multiple continuous shooting modes include a first continuous shooting mode that does not display a live view image during continuous shooting, and a second continuous shooting mode that displays a live view image during continuous shooting at a slower speed than the first continuous shooting mode. When the first continuous shooting mode is set by the setting unit, the control unit determines, based on the state of the imaging device, whether autofocus operation is possible using a predetermined detection method during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode. If autofocus operation is possible using the predetermined detection method, the control unit performs continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode. If autofocus operation is not possible using the predetermined detection method, the control unit changes at least one of continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode and autofocus operation.

[0145] In a second aspect, in the imaging device of the first aspect, if autofocus operation cannot be performed using a predetermined detection method, the control unit switches continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode to continuous shooting in which the imaging unit captures a live view image during continuous shooting.

[0146] In a third aspect, in the imaging device of the second aspect, the control unit switches from a predetermined detection method to a detection method that detects the focus state based on a live view image, and continues autofocus operation during continuous shooting after the switching.

[0147] In a fourth aspect, the imaging device of the second or third aspect further includes a display unit that displays an image. When the setting unit has set the second continuous shooting mode, the control unit causes the display unit to display a predetermined image during a period in which no live view images are captured by the imaging unit during continuous shooting in the second continuous shooting mode. When the control unit switches continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode, during continuous shooting after switching, the control unit causes the display unit to display a live view image captured before that period in which no live view images are captured by the imaging unit.

[0148] In a fifth aspect, in the imaging device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the predetermined detection method is an image plane phase difference method in the imaging section.

[0149] In a sixth aspect, in an imaging device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit determines whether autofocus operation is possible using a predetermined detection method based on at least one of the aperture value in the optical system and the ISO sensitivity in the imaging unit.

[0150] In a seventh aspect, the imaging device of any one of the first to sixth aspects further includes a connector for detachably connecting an interchangeable lens. The control unit acquires lens data stored in the interchangeable lens from the connected interchangeable lens via the connector. The control unit determines whether autofocus operation is possible using a predetermined detection method based on the lens data.

[0151] In an eighth aspect, in the imaging device of any one of the first to seventh aspects, the control unit changes the continuous shooting mode during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode, and then continues the continuous shooting mode after the change.

[0152] In a ninth aspect, the imaging device of any of the first to eighth aspects further includes an operation unit that accepts user operation. The control unit accepts, via the operation unit, a user operation to select a first option or a second option as operation options to be used when autofocus operation is not possible using a predetermined detection method during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode. When autofocus operation is not possible using the predetermined detection method and the first option is selected, the control unit switches continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode to continuous shooting in which live view images are captured by the imaging unit. When autofocus operation is not possible using the predetermined detection method and the second option is selected, the control unit does not change the focus state achieved by autofocus operation from the start of continuous shooting during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode.

[0153] In a tenth aspect, in an imaging device of any of the first to ninth aspects, the control unit determines whether autofocus operation can be performed using a predetermined detection method at least one of when the imaging device is started, when waiting before continuous shooting, and when continuous shooting is performed. [Industrial Applicability]

[0154] The present disclosure is applicable to various imaging devices that perform continuous shooting and autofocus operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1. Digital camera 100 camera body 200 interchangeable lenses 110 Image Sensor 111 sensor pixels 120 LCD monitor 130 Operation section 140 Camera Controller

Claims

1. An imaging device, an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject via an optical system and generates image data; a control unit that controls continuous shooting and autofocus operations in the imaging unit; a setting unit that sets one of a plurality of continuous shooting modes for continuous shooting in the imaging unit, the plurality of continuous shooting modes include a first continuous shooting mode in which a live view image is not displayed during continuous shooting, and a second continuous shooting mode in which a live view image is displayed during continuous shooting at a speed slower than that of the first continuous shooting mode, When the first continuous shooting mode is set by the setting unit, the control unit: determining whether or not an autofocus operation can be performed by a predetermined detection method during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode based on a state of the imaging device; If the autofocus operation is possible using the predetermined detection method, continuous shooting is performed in the first continuous shooting mode; If the autofocus operation is not executable by the predetermined detection method, at least one of the continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode and the autofocus operation is changed. Imaging device.

2. When the autofocus operation is not executable by the predetermined detection method, the control unit switches the continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode to continuous shooting in which the imaging unit captures a live view image during continuous shooting. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit switches from the predetermined detection method to a detection method that detects a focus state based on the live view image, and continues autofocus operation during continuous shooting after the switching. The imaging device according to claim 2 .

4. Further comprising a display unit for displaying an image, The control unit when the second continuous shooting mode is set by the setting unit, displaying a predetermined image on the display unit during a period in which a live view image is not captured by the imaging unit during continuous shooting in the second continuous shooting mode; When the continuous shooting mode is switched during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode, a live view image captured before the period in which the image capturing unit does not capture a live view image is displayed on the display unit during the continuous shooting after the switching. The imaging device according to claim 2 .

5. The predetermined detection method is an image plane phase difference method in the imaging unit. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

6. The control unit determines whether the autofocus operation is executable using the predetermined detection method based on at least one of an aperture value in the optical system and an ISO sensitivity in the imaging unit. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

7. Further provided is a connection part for detachably connecting an interchangeable lens, The control unit acquiring lens data stored in the interchangeable lens from the interchangeable lens connected via the connection unit; Based on the lens data, it is determined whether the autofocus operation can be performed using the predetermined detection method. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

8. The control unit changes the continuous shooting mode during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode, and then continues the continuous shooting after the change. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

9. further comprising an operation unit that accepts user operations; The control unit accepts, via the operation unit, a user operation for selecting a first option or a second option as options for an operation when the autofocus operation is not executable by the predetermined detection method during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode; If the autofocus operation is not possible according to the predetermined detection method, when the first option is selected, switching the continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode to continuous shooting in which a live view image is captured by the imaging unit; When the second option is selected, during continuous shooting in the first continuous shooting mode, the focus state by the autofocus operation is not changed from the start of the continuous shooting. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

10. The control unit determines whether the autofocus operation is executable using the predetermined detection method at least one of when the imaging device is started, when the imaging device is in standby mode before the continuous shooting, and when the imaging device is in continuous shooting mode. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

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