Image capture device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an image capturing apparatus capable of increasing a time period over which a moving image can be photographed.SOLUTION: An image capturing apparatus 100 includes: an image capturing device 14; an image processing circuit 60 configured to perform predetermined processing on a moving image captured by the image capturing device 14; a grip portion 110 for gripping a body of the image capturing apparatus 100; a plurality of recording media 200 and 300 arranged inside the grip portion 110; an internal casing 130 provided inside the image capturing apparatus for supporting a structural members thereof; and a system control circuit 50 configured to control the image capturing apparatus. When causing moving image data, formed in a plurality of recording modes by the image processing circuit 60 using the moving image, to be recorded in the plurality of recording media 200 and 300, the system control circuit 50 causes image data having a large volume to be recorded in a recording medium 200 close to the internal casing 130 and causes image data having a small volume to be recorded in a recording medium 300 far from the internal casing 130.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus capable of shooting moving images and a control method thereof, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus that simultaneously records moving images on a plurality of recording media and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the temperature of the exterior or electrical components of an imaging device has increased with an increase in power consumption, which has resulted in a decrease in the time that video can be captured. The main heat-generating components in an imaging device are the image sensor and the image processing engine, and the amount of heat generated by the recording medium has also increased with the increase in power consumption due to the increased communication speed of the recording medium.

[0003] In order to extend the possible video capture time even if only slightly, various measures have been taken, such as diffusing the heat generated by electrical components within the imaging device to prevent localized high temperatures.

[0004] On the other hand, some imaging devices can be mounted with multiple recording media, and various methods for using multiple recording media in combination have been proposed. In such imaging devices, the same image data formed in one shooting can be recorded on multiple recording media, and it is also possible to record on multiple recording media in different formats selected by the user. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for detecting which of multiple recording medium mounting units a recording medium is mounted in, and determining a recording mode according to the detection result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-234291 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not take into consideration the heat generated by the recording media when multiple recording media are mounted and moving images are captured.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and a control method thereof that can extend the available moving image recording time when multiple recording media are mounted and moving images are recorded in different recording formats. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the imaging device described in claim 1 is characterized in having a first media slot that accommodates media for recording video captured by an imaging means, a second media slot that is closer to a grip portion for a user to hold than the first media slot, and a control means that issues a warning to a user when a second recording format that records data with a larger recording capacity than a first recording format for recording video in the first media slot is set in the second media slot in a setting for simultaneously recording video in different recording formats in the first media slot and the second media slot. The imaging device described in claim 12 is characterized in having a first media slot that accommodates media for recording moving images captured by an imaging means, a second media slot that is closer to a rear cover that is held by a user than the first media slot, and a control means that issues a warning to a user when a second recording format that records data with a larger recording capacity than a first recording format for recording moving images in the first media slot is set in the second media slot in a setting for simultaneously recording moving images in different recording formats in the first media slot and the second media slot. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the invention, image data with a large storage capacity is recorded on a storage medium closer to the chassis, and image data with a small storage capacity is recorded on a storage medium farther from the chassis. This allows a large amount of heat generated in the storage medium on which the image data with a large storage capacity is recorded to be dispersed throughout the entire imaging device via the chassis, thereby extending the available time for video shooting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG. [Diagram 3]4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first moving image recording process executed by the digital camera of FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a second moving image recording process executed by the digital camera of FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a third moving image recording process executed by the digital camera of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an imaging device (digital camera) according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a central cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal direction of an imaging device (digital camera) according to a third embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <First embodiment> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an imaging device according to a first embodiment, in which Fig. 1(a) is a front view of a digital camera 100 as an imaging device, and Fig. 1(b) is a central cross-sectional view of the digital camera 100 taken along the horizontal direction.

[0013] Digital camera 100 includes a grip unit 110 for holding the digital camera 100 body (imaging device body), a grip unit cover 115 against which the palm of the user's hand comes into contact when gripping grip unit 110, and an operation unit 80.

[0014] A card slot substrate 70 is disposed inside the grip portion 110. The card slot substrate 70 is disposed parallel to the photographing optical axis 10 represented by a dashed line. A first card slot 20 and a second card slot 30 are mounted on the front and back of the card slot substrate 70, respectively.

[0015] That is, the first card slot 20 and the second card slot 30 are arranged parallel to the photographing optical axis 10 and inside the grip part 110. The first card slot 20 is arranged closer to the photographing optical axis 10 than the second card slot 30, and the second card slot 30 is arranged closer to the grip part cover 115 than the first card slot 20. A recording medium 200 is mounted in the first card slot 20, and a recording medium 300 is mounted in the second card slot 30.

[0016] The digital camera 100 also includes a rear cover 120 and an internal housing 130. The rear cover 120 is a member that protects the rear surface of the digital camera 100. The internal housing 130 is a chassis that is made entirely or partially of metal, and is a member that ensures the mechanical strength of the imaging device body. The internal housing 130 is also a member for mounting the various components of the imaging device 100, including the card slot board 70. Heat transferred to the internal housing 130 is diffused throughout the entire imaging device 100.

[0017] Since the first card slot 20 is closer to the internal housing 130 than the exterior, heat generated by the recording medium 200 attached to the first card slot 20 is easily transferred to the internal housing 130. On the other hand, since the second card slot 30 is disposed on the exterior side, heat generated by the recording medium 300 mounted in the second card slot 30 is easily transferred to the grip portion cover 115.

[0018] A main board 40 as a circuit board and an image sensor 14 are arranged so as to be perpendicular to the photographing optical axis 10 at approximately the center of the digital camera 100, in other words, parallel to the rear cover 120. An image capturing shutter 12 is also arranged parallel to the image sensor 14. An image processing circuit 60 and a system control circuit 50 are mounted on a first surface 42 of the main board 40 facing the rear cover 120.

[0019] In the digital camera 100 configured as described above, the internal housing 130 is made partially or entirely of metal, and heat transferred to the internal housing 130 is diffused approximately uniformly throughout the entire digital camera 100 (entire imaging device). On the other hand, if the exterior parts including the grip part cover 115 are made of metal, heat generated inside the digital camera 100 is diffused to the outside via the exterior parts.

[0020] Therefore, in order to efficiently disperse the heat generated in the recording medium 200 and the recording medium 300 and extend the video shooting time, it is effective to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the grip part cover 115 as much as possible and increase the amount of heat transferred to the internal housing 130. This also prevents the grip part 110 from becoming temporarily overheated, preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0021] For this reason, in this embodiment, it is preferable to record image data that generates a high amount of heat and has a large recording capacity on the recording medium 200 closer to the internal housing 130, and record image data that generates a low amount of heat and has a small recording capacity on the recording medium 300 closer to the grip portion cover 115.

[0022] Next, the internal configuration of the imaging device (digital camera) in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the imaging device (digital camera) of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the digital camera 100 includes a system control circuit 50 and an image processing circuit 60.

[0024] The system control circuit 50 is connected to the photographing lens 16 via a distance measurement control unit 58, and is connected to the aperture 18 via an aperture control unit 57. The system control circuit 50 is also connected to the imaging shutter 12 via an SH control unit 56, and is connected to a power supply 92 via a power supply control unit 90. The system control circuit 50 is also connected to the image sensor 14, memory 52, display unit 54, power switch 86, operation unit 80, video button 82, live view switch (LVSW) 84, grip detection unit 88, and mounting detection units 26 and 36.

[0025] The image processing circuit 60 is connected to the image sensor 14, the system control circuit 50, the first card slot 20, and the second card slot 30 via an address bus or a data bus. The first card slot 20 is equipped with a storage medium 200, and the second card slot 30 is equipped with a storage medium 300. The first card slot 20 is connected to the system control circuit 50 via an attachment detection unit 26, and the second card slot 30 is connected to the system control circuit 50 via an attachment detection unit 36. The storage medium 200 and the storage medium 300 are the same type of storage medium.

[0026] The imaging shutter 12 is a light blocking member, and opens and closes to control the amount of exposure to the imaging element 14. The imaging element 14 converts an optical image into an electrical signal. A light beam incident on the photographing lens 16 is guided to the imaging element 14 via the aperture 18 and the imaging shutter 12, and an optical image is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element 14.

[0027] The first card slot 20 is a card slot for the recording medium 200, and when the recording medium 200 is loaded into the first card slot 20, it is detected by a loading detection unit 26. The second card slot 30 is a card slot for the recording medium 300, and when the recording medium 300 is loaded, it is detected by a loading detection unit 36.

[0028] The recording media 200 and 300 are, for example, recording media made up of memory cards. These storage media are equipped with a recording area made up of a semiconductor memory or the like, an interface with the digital camera 100, and a connector for connecting to the digital camera 100. The larger the recording capacity of the image data to be recorded, the longer the recording media 200 and 300 will operate, the higher the power consumption will be, and the more heat will be generated.

[0029] The system control circuit 50 is a control circuit that controls the entire digital camera 100, and the memory 52 is a memory that stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for the operation of the system control circuit 50.

[0030] The system control circuit 50 is used as a determination means and a control means in various operations of the digital camera 100. In addition, the system control circuit 50 controls the imaging shutter 12, the photographing lens 16, and the aperture 18 based on the results of calculations performed by the image processing circuit 60 on image data captured by the image sensor 14, to perform AF processing and AE processing.

[0031] The display unit 54 is a display unit that displays operating conditions and warning messages using characters, images, sounds, etc. in response to execution of a program in the system control circuit 50, and displays live view images and captured images. The display unit 54 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and also has a sound generation function such as a speaker that generates operating sounds, warning sounds, etc.

[0032] The image processing circuit 60 performs pixel interpolation processing, color conversion processing, and predetermined image processing according to preset moving image recording settings (moving image recording quality, moving image recording format, etc.) on the image data captured by the imaging element 14. In the 1-slot recording mode, the image processing circuit 60 creates one type of moving image data (image data) from one moving image, and in the 2-slot recording mode, creates two types of moving image data (image data) from one moving image. The image processing circuit 60 also reads out the image data recorded on the recording media 200 and 300, and performs processing to display the image on the display unit 54.

[0033] The operation unit 80 is made up of various buttons and switches, and is used to select and set various functions when performing shooting and playback, and to give instructions related to shooting and playback. The operation unit 80 also functions as a setting means when setting the recording mode. The operation unit 80 is also used when setting movie recording settings such as movie recording quality and movie recording format, and sets movie recording settings for the first card slot 20 and the second card slot 30, respectively.

[0034] The moving image button 82 is a button for starting capturing moving images. When the moving image button 82 is turned on, the system control circuit 50 controls the image sensor 14 to start capturing images. In response to an instruction from the system control circuit 50, the image processing circuit 60 performs predetermined image processing on the captured image data and records the processed image data in the recording medium 200 or 300.

[0035] When the live view switch 84 is turned ON, the system control circuit 50 controls the image sensor 14 to start capturing images, and the image processing circuit 60 performs image processing for live view on the captured image data. When the live view switch 84 is turned ON, the system control circuit 50 displays a live view by sequentially displaying image data on the display unit 54. When the live view switch 84 is turned OFF, the system control circuit 50 stops the live view display.

[0036] The power switch 86 is a switch for turning on and off the power of the digital camera 100. The grip detection unit 88 is a detection means for detecting gripping of the grip unit 110, which will be described later, and is composed of a sensor for detecting changes in capacitance, a tactile sensor, or the like.

[0037] The moving image recording modes of the digital camera 100 include a 1-slot recording mode and a 2-slot recording mode. The 1-slot recording mode is a mode in which one type of moving image data is created from captured image data and recorded on one recording medium, while the 2-slot recording mode is a mode in which two types of moving image data are simultaneously created from captured image data and recorded on two recording media, respectively.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a first moving image recording process executed by the digital camera 100 of Fig. 1. The first moving image recording process is executed by a CPU (not shown) built into the system control circuit 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as "system control circuit 50") in accordance with a moving image recording processing program stored in a ROM (not shown). This moving image recording process relates to a moving image recording process when moving images are recorded simultaneously on multiple recording media.

[0039] 3, when the moving image recording process is started, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not live view has been started by turning on the live view switch (LVSW) 84 (step S101). If the result of the determination in step S101 is that the live view switch 84 is not turned on ("NO" in step S101), the system control circuit 50 waits until the live view switch 84 is turned on, and repeats the determination operation.

[0040] As a result of the determination in step S101, if the live view switch 84 is turned ON to start the live view ("YES" in step S101), the system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S102. That is, the system control circuit 50 controls the image sensor 14 to start capturing images, controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing for live view on the captured image data, and displays a live view (LV) on the display unit 54 (step S102).

[0041] After displaying a live view on the display unit 54 (step S102), the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the video recording mode is set to the two-slot recording mode (step S103). If the result of the determination in step S103 is that the two-slot recording mode is set as the video recording mode ("YES" in step S103), the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the video button 82 is turned ON (step S107). If the result of the determination in step S107 is that the video button 82 is not turned ON ("NO" in step S107), the system control circuit 50 waits until the video button 82 is turned ON.

[0042] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S107 is that the movie button 82 is turned on ("YES" in step S107), the system control circuit 50 starts movie shooting (step S108). After starting movie shooting, the system control circuit 50 controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing in accordance with two preset movie recording settings to create two pieces of image data, and records the image data on a recording medium (step S109). At this time, the system control circuit 50 records image data with a large recording capacity on the recording medium 200 of the first card slot 20 that is closer to the internal housing 130, and image data with a small recording capacity on the recording medium 300 of the second card slot 30 that is farther from the internal housing 130. For example, if the movie recording format in the movie recording setting in the two-slot recording mode is two types, RAW and MPEG-4, the RAW data with a large recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 200, and the MPEG-4 data with a small recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 300. Image data with a large recording capacity that generates a large amount of heat is stored in the recording medium 200 close to the inner housing 130, and the generated heat is quickly transferred to the inner housing 130 and dispersed throughout the digital camera 100. This makes it possible to suppress the effect of heat on the available video recording time.

[0043] After recording the image data on the recording medium (step S109), the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the moving image button 82 has been turned OFF (step S110). If the result of the determination in step S110 is that the moving image button 82 has not been turned OFF ("NO" in step S110), the system control circuit 50 waits until the moving image button 82 is turned OFF, and repeats the determination operation.

[0044] If it is determined in step S110 that the moving image button 82 is turned OFF (YES in step S110), the system control circuit 50 stops moving image shooting (step S111) and ends the first moving image recording process.

[0045] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S103 is that the 2-slot recording mode is not set and that the 1-slot recording mode is set ("NO" in step S103), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S104. That is, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the moving image button 82 is turned ON (step S104). If the result of the determination in step S104 is that the moving image button 82 is not turned ON ("NO" in step S104), the system control circuit 50 waits until the moving image button 82 is pressed.

[0046] If the result of the determination in step S104 is that the moving image button 82 is turned ON ("YES" in step S104), the system control circuit 50 starts moving image shooting (step S105). That is, the system control circuit 50 controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing according to a preset moving image recording setting, and records the moving image data after image processing on either the recording medium 200 or the recording medium 300 (step S106).

[0047] At this time, if the attachment detection unit 26 or 36 detects that a recording medium is attached to only one of the card slots 20 or 30, the system control circuit 50 records the video data in the card slot in which the recording medium is attached. After recording the video data, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S110, and then repeats the above-mentioned processes.

[0048] 3, a video with a large recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 200 close to the internal housing 130, which is advantageous for heat diffusion within the digital camera 100, and a video with a small recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 300, which is far from the internal housing 130 and close to the grip cover 115. This makes it possible to diffuse a large amount of heat generated in the recording medium 200 almost evenly throughout the digital camera 100 via the internal housing 130, thereby mitigating its effects. This makes it possible to extend the time during which video can be captured, and also to prevent the grip cover 115 from becoming locally hot.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the second moving image recording process executed by the digital camera 100 of Fig. 1. The second moving image recording process is executed by a CPU (not shown) built into the system control circuit 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as "system control circuit 50") in accordance with a second moving image recording process program stored in a ROM (not shown). The second moving image recording process is a moving image recording process that simultaneously records moving images on multiple recording media, and relates to handling the case where the set recording mode is different from a predetermined one.

[0050] 4, when the second moving image recording process is executed, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not live view has been started by turning on the live view switch 84 (step S201). If the result of the determination in step S201 is that the live view switch 84 is not turned on ("NO" in step S201), the system control circuit 50 waits until the live view switch 84 is turned on, and repeats the determination operation.

[0051] If the result of the determination in step S201 is that the live view switch 84 has been turned on to start the live view ("YES" in step S201), the system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S202. That is, the system control circuit 50 controls the image sensor 14 to start capturing an image, controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing for live view on the captured image data, and displays the live view on the display unit 54 (step S202).

[0052] After displaying a live view (LV) on the display unit 54 (step S102), the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the two-slot recording mode is set as the moving image recording mode (step S203).

[0053] If the result of the determination in step S203 is that the 2-slot recording mode is set as the moving image recording mode ("YES" in step S203), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S204. That is, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the settings are set as predetermined to record image data with a large recording capacity on the recording medium 200 in the first card slot 20 and image data with a small recording capacity on the recording medium 300 in the second card slot 30 (step S204). That is, for example, when the moving image recording setting in the 2-slot recording mode has two types of moving image recording formats, RAW and MPEG-4, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the settings are set as predetermined to record RAW data with a large recording capacity on the recording medium 200. The system control circuit 50 also determines whether or not the settings are set as predetermined to record MPEG-4 data with a small recording capacity on the recording medium 300.

[0054] If the result of the determination in step S204 is that the recording destination of the moving image data has been set as specified ("YES" in step S204), the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the moving image button 82 has been turned ON (step S207). If the result of the determination in step S207 is that the moving image button 82 has not been turned ON ("NO" in step S207), the system control circuit 50 waits until the moving image button 82 is turned ON, and repeats the determination operation. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S207 is that the moving image button 82 has been turned ON ("YES" in step S207), the system control circuit 50 starts shooting moving images (step S208).

[0055] After starting video shooting (step S208), the system control circuit 50 controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing in accordance with a preset video recording setting to create image data. Then, the system control circuit 50 records the image data according to a preset combination of card slot and video recording setting (step S209). That is, if the 2-slot recording mode is set as the video recording mode as determined in step S203, the system control circuit 50 creates and records two sets of image data. Note that if the 1-slot recording mode is set as the video recording mode as determined in step S203, only one set of image data is created and recorded, as described below.

[0056] After recording the moving image (step S209), the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the moving image button 82 has been turned OFF (step S210). If the result of the determination in step S210 is that the moving image button 82 has not been turned OFF ("NO" in step S210), the system control circuit 50 waits until the moving image button 82 is turned OFF, and repeats the determination operation. If the result of the determination in step S210 is that the moving image button 82 has been turned OFF ("YES" in step S210), the system control circuit 50 stops capturing moving images (step S211) and ends this second moving image recording process.

[0057] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S204 is that the recording destination of the moving image data is not set as specified ("NO" in step S204), the system control circuit 50 displays a warning on the display unit 54 that the setting will reduce the available time for moving image shooting (step S205). Then, after displaying the warning (step S205), the system control circuit 50 determines whether the moving image button 82 has been turned on by the user (step S206). If the result of the determination in step S206 is that the moving image button 82 has not been turned on ("NO" in step S206), the system control circuit 50 returns the process to step S204. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S206 is that the moving image button 82 has been turned on ("YES" in step S206), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S208 and executes the processes in and after step S208. This is to respect the immediacy based on the user's intention.

[0058] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S203 is that the 1-slot recording mode is set instead of the 2-slot recording mode ("NO" in step S203), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S207. At this time, the system control circuit 50 creates and records one image data.

[0059] 4, it is determined whether or not the settings are such that image data with a large recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 200 close to the internal casing 130 which is advantageous for heat diffusion, and image data with a small recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 300 far from the internal casing 130 (step S204). That is, when there are two types of moving image recording formats, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the settings are such that image data with a large recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 200 which is advantageous for heat diffusion, and image data with a small recording capacity is recorded on the other recording medium 300, as specified. Then, if the recording destination of the moving image data is not set as specified above ("NO" in step S204), a warning is displayed to the user (step S205).

[0060] This makes it possible to avoid settings that may shorten the available video recording time, and encourage the user to change the settings to ones that will increase the available video recording time by dispersing heat from the recording medium evenly throughout digital camera 100. Also, in combinations of the recording capacity of video data and the recording medium to be used, it is possible to prevent, for example, grip portion cover 115 from becoming locally hot.

[0061] Next, the third moving image recording process will be described.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a third moving image recording process executed by digital camera 100 of Fig. 1. The third moving image recording process is executed by a CPU (not shown) built into system control circuit 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as "system control circuit 50") in accordance with a third moving image recording process program stored in a ROM (not shown). This moving image recording process is a moving image recording process that simultaneously records moving images on multiple recording media, and relates to a process for detecting whether or not the user is gripping the grip portion, and changing the combination of the moving image data to be recorded and the recording media based on the detection result.

[0063] 5, when a moving image recording process is executed, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not live view has been started by turning on the live view switch 84 (step S301). If the result of the determination in step S301 is that the live view switch 84 is not turned on ("NO" in step S301), the system control circuit 50 waits until the live view switch 84 is turned on, and repeats the determination operation.

[0064] If the result of the determination in step S301 is that the live view switch 84 has been turned on to start the live view ("YES" in step S301), the system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S302. That is, the system control circuit 50 controls the image sensor 14 to start capturing images, controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing for live view on the captured image data, and displays a live view (LV) on the display unit 54 (step S302).

[0065] After displaying the live view on the display unit 54 (step S302), the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the two-slot recording mode is set as the moving image recording mode (step S303).

[0066] If the result of the determination in step S303 is that the 2-slot recording mode is set as the moving image recording mode ("YES" in step S303), system control circuit 50 determines whether moving image button 82 is turned ON (step S307). If the result of the determination in step S307 is that moving image button 82 is not turned ON ("NO" in step S307), system control circuit 50 waits until moving image button 82 is turned ON, and repeats the determination operation.

[0067] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S307 is that the video button 82 is ON ("YES" in step S307), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S308. That is, the system control circuit 50 starts video capture, controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing in accordance with two preset video recording settings, and creates two pieces of image data (step S308). After creating the image data (step S308), the system control circuit 50 monitors the grip detection unit 88 to determine whether the user is gripping the grip unit 110 (step S309).

[0068] If the result of the determination in step S309 is that the user is holding the grip portion 110 ("YES" in step S309), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S310. That is, the system control circuit 50 records image data with a large recording capacity in the recording medium 200 of the first card slot 20 that is closer to the internal housing 130. Also, the system control circuit 50 records image data with a small recording capacity in the recording medium 300 of the second card slot 30 that is farther from the internal housing 130 (step S310). For example, if the moving image recording format in the moving image recording setting in the two-slot recording mode is two types, RAW and MPEG-4, the system control circuit 50 records the RAW data with a large recording capacity in the recording medium 200 and the MPEG-4 data with a small recording capacity in the recording medium 300. This makes it possible to disperse the heat generated in the storage medium 200 throughout the digital camera 100 via the internal housing 130 and mitigate its effects.

[0069] After recording the image data (step S310), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S312. That is, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the moving image button 82 has been turned OFF (step S312). If the result of the determination in step S312 is that the moving image button 82 has not been turned OFF ("NO" in step S312), the system control circuit 50 waits until the moving image button 82 is turned OFF, and repeats the determination operation. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S312 is that the moving image button 82 has been turned OFF ("YES" in step S312), the system control circuit 50 stops moving image capture (step S313), and then ends this third moving image recording process.

[0070] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S309 is that the grip portion 110 is not being held by the user ("NO" in step S309), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S311. That is, the system control circuit 50 records image data with a small recording capacity on the recording medium 200 in the first card slot 20 that is closer to the internal casing 130. Also, the system control circuit 50 records image data with a large recording capacity on the recording medium 300 in the second card slot 30 that is farther from the internal casing 130 (step S311).

[0071] As a result, when the user is not holding the grip portion 110, image data with a large recording capacity can be recorded on the recording medium 300 in the second card slot 30 close to the grip portion cover 115, and the generated heat can be diffused to the outside via the grip portion 110. In this case, since the user is not holding the grip portion 110, the user does not feel uncomfortable.

[0072] After recording the image data (step S311), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S312, and thereafter executes the same processes.

[0073] If the result of the determination in step S303 is that the 2-slot recording mode is not set and that the 1-slot recording mode is set ("NO" in step S303), system control circuit 50 determines whether or not moving image button 82 is turned ON (step S304). If the result of the determination in step S304 is that the moving image button 82 is not turned ON ("NO" in step S304), system control circuit 50 waits until moving image button 82 is turned ON and repeats the determination operation.

[0074] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S304 is that the video button 82 is turned on ("YES" in step S304), the system control circuit 50 starts video shooting (step S305). That is, the system control circuit 50 starts video shooting, controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing with a preset video recording setting, and records the video data after image processing in either the recording medium 200 or 300 (step S306). At this time, if the mounting detection unit 26 or 36 detects that a recording medium is mounted in only one of the card slots 20 or 30, the system control circuit 50 records the video data in the card slot in which the recording medium is mounted. After recording the video data (step S306), the system control circuit 50 advances the process to step S312, and executes the same processes thereafter.

[0075] 5, when the user (photographer) is not holding the grip portion 110 ("NO" in step S309), video data with a large recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 300 closest to the grip portion cover 115 (step S311). As a result, heat generated in the recording medium that records the large amount of image data is transferred to the exterior via the grip portion cover 115, and exposure of the exterior to the outside air promotes heat dissipation to the outside of the digital camera 100, thereby enabling the video recording time to be extended.

[0076] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0077] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an imaging device according to a second embodiment, in which Fig. 6(a) is a front view of a digital camera 100 as an imaging device, and Fig. 6(b) is a central cross-sectional view of the digital camera 100 taken along the horizontal direction.

[0078] In this digital camera, the recording media 220 and 320 are arranged perpendicular to the photographing optical axis 10 of the digital camera 100, and the image processing engine 61 is mounted on the surface facing the rear cover 120 of the main board 40, which is a circuit board.

[0079] The digital camera according to the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the digital camera 100 in FIG.

[0080] In FIG. 6, the digital camera 100 includes a main board 40, a rear cover 120 which is an exterior part, and an internal housing .

[0081] The main board 40 is disposed perpendicular to the photographing optical axis 10 and parallel to the rear cover 120. A first surface 42 of the main board 40 faces the rear cover 120, and a second card slot 32 in which a second recording medium 320 is attached is mounted on the first surface 42. In addition, a first card slot 22 in which a first recording medium 220 is attached is mounted on a second surface 44 facing the first surface 42 of the main board 40. The storage medium 220 and the storage medium 320 are the same type of storage medium.

[0082] The main board 40 is held in contact with the internal housing 130 via the second surface 44. The first card slot 22 is closer to the internal housing 130 than the second card slot 32, and the second card slot 32 is closer to the rear cover 120 than the first card slot 22. For this reason, heat from the recording medium 320 attached to the second card slot 32 is easily transferred to the rear cover 120, and heat from the recording medium 220 attached to the first card slot 22 is easily transferred to the internal housing 130.

[0083] The internal housing 130 is made partially or entirely of metal, and heat transferred to the internal housing 130 is diffused approximately evenly throughout the digital camera 100. Therefore, by transferring heat generated within the digital camera 100 to the internal housing 130, it is possible to diffuse the heat approximately evenly throughout the digital camera 100, and it is possible to prevent shortening of the video shooting time due to localized high temperatures.

[0084] Next, a first moving image recording process executed by the digital camera of Fig. 6 will be described using the above-mentioned flowchart of Fig. 3. This moving image recording process is executed by a CPU (not shown) built into the system control circuit 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as "system control circuit 50") in accordance with a moving image recording process program stored in a ROM (not shown). This moving image recording process relates to a moving image recording process in which moving image data is recorded simultaneously on multiple recording media.

[0085] 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. After starting moving image shooting in step S108, the system control circuit 50 controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing in accordance with two preset moving image recording settings to create two pieces of image data, and records the image data on the recording medium (step S109).

[0086] At this time, the system control circuit 50 records image data with a large recording capacity in the recording medium 220 attached to the first card slot 22 far from the rear cover 120. The system control circuit 50 also records image data with a small recording capacity in the recording medium 320 attached to the second card slot 32 close to the rear cover 120 (step S109). This allows the large amount of heat generated in the recording medium 220 on which the image data with a large recording capacity is recorded to be efficiently dispersed within the digital camera 100 via the internal housing 130, thereby mitigating localized high temperatures and lengthening the video shooting time. The processing in each step after step S110 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0087] According to this embodiment, a video with a large recording capacity is recorded on recording medium 220 close to internal housing 130, which has an advantage in terms of heat diffusion within digital camera 100, and a video with a small recording capacity is recorded on recording medium 320 close to rear cover 120. This makes it easier for the large amount of heat generated in recording medium 220 to be diffused approximately evenly throughout digital camera 100, preventing rear cover 120 from becoming locally hot and enabling the possible video shooting time to be extended.

[0088] That is, in order to extend the video shooting time, it is effective to reduce the amount of heat transferred from the recording medium (220, 320) to the rear cover 120 as much as possible, increase the amount of heat transferred to the internal housing 130, and diffuse the heat approximately uniformly within the digital camera 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, image data with a low amount of heat generation and a small recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 320 closer to the rear cover 120, and image data with a high amount of heat generation and a large recording capacity is recorded on the recording medium 220 closer to the internal housing 130.

[0089] In this embodiment, a system control component 51 and an image processing engine 61 are mounted on the first surface 42 of the main board 40. A system control circuit 50 is formed in the system control component 51, and an image processing circuit 60 is formed in the image processing engine 61. The system control component 51 and the image processing engine 61 are heat-generating components that consume high power, and since both are mounted on the first surface 42 of the main board 40, heat is easily transferred to the rear cover 120.

[0090] In order to extend the video shooting time, it is necessary to reduce the amount of heat transferred from the recording medium (220, 320) to the rear cover 120 as much as possible, and therefore it is necessary to reduce the power consumption of the electronic components mounted on the first surface 42 of the main board 40. Therefore, image data with low power consumption (image data with small recording capacity) is recorded in the recording medium 320 mounted in the second card slot 32 mounted on the first surface 42 of the main board 40. On the other hand, image data with high power consumption (image data with large recording capacity) is recorded in the recording medium 220 mounted in the first card slot 22 mounted on the second surface 44 of the main board 40, and the large amount of heat generated by recording this is dispersed throughout the entire digital camera 100.

[0091] In this embodiment, image data with low power consumption is recorded as specified in the recording medium 320 of the second card slot 32 mounted on the first surface 42 of the main board 40. Also, image data with high power consumption is recorded in the recording medium 220 of the first card slot 22 mounted on the second surface 44 of the main board 40. If the combination of image data and recording medium is not as specified above, it is preferable to issue a warning to the user.

[0092] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0093] 7 is a central cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal direction of an imaging device according to a third embodiment. In this digital camera, recording media 240 and 340 are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis 10, and an image processing engine 61 is mounted on a second surface 44 of the main board 40 opposite to a first surface 42 facing the rear cover 120.

[0094] The digital camera according to the third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the digital cameras in FIGS.

[0095] In FIG. 7, the digital camera 100 includes a main board 40. The main board 40 is disposed perpendicular to the photographing optical axis 10 and parallel to the rear cover 120. The main board 40 includes a first surface 42 facing the rear cover 120 and a second surface 44 facing the first surface 42. The first surface 42 is provided with a first card slot 24 in which a first recording medium 240 is mounted, and the second surface 44 is provided with a second card slot 34 in which a second recording medium 340 is mounted. In addition, the second surface 44 is provided with a system control part 51 and an image processing engine 61. The storage medium 240 and the storage medium 340 are the same type of storage medium.

[0096] The imaging board 46 is disposed so as to face the second surface 44 of the main board 40, and the imaging element 14 is mounted on the surface of the imaging board 46 opposite to the surface facing the main board 40.

[0097] The system control component 51 and the image processing engine 61 are heat-generating components that consume a lot of power, and both are mounted on the second surface 44 of the main board 40. For this reason, heat generated by the system control component 51 and the image processing engine 61 is easily transferred to the image sensor 14 via the imaging board 46. If the temperature of the image sensor 14 rises, the image quality during video shooting deteriorates, so the available video shooting time is also limited by the temperature of the image sensor 14. That is, in the digital camera 100 of FIG. 7, in order to extend the available video shooting time, it is preferable not to increase the temperature of the image sensor 14.

[0098] Next, a first moving image recording process executed by the digital camera of Fig. 7 will be described using the flowchart of Fig. 3. This moving image recording process is executed by a CPU (not shown) built into the system control circuit 50 of the digital camera 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "system control circuit 50") in accordance with a moving image recording process program stored in a ROM (not shown). This moving image recording process relates to a moving image recording process when moving images are recorded simultaneously on multiple recording media.

[0099] 3 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. After starting moving image shooting in step S108, the system control circuit 50 controls the image processing circuit 60 to perform image processing in accordance with two preset moving image recording settings to create two pieces of image data, and records the image data on the recording medium (step S109).

[0100] At this time, the system control circuit 50 records image data with a large recording capacity in the recording medium 240 mounted in the first card slot 24 mounted on the first surface 42 of the main board 40 far from the imaging element 14. Also, the system control circuit 50 records image data with a small recording capacity in the recording medium 340 mounted in the second card slot 34 mounted on the second surface 44 of the main board 40 close to the imaging element 14 (step S109). This allows a large amount of heat generated in the recording medium 240 to be transferred to the first surface 42 of the main board 40 far from the imaging element 14, thereby mitigating the impact on the imaging element 14. Therefore, the video shooting time can be extended without being shortened. The processing in each step after step S110 is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[0101] According to this embodiment, image data with a large storage capacity is recorded on recording medium 240 far from imaging element 14, and moving images with a small storage capacity are recorded on recording medium 340 close to imaging element 14. This results in a relatively low power consumption of the electronic components mounted on second surface 44 of main board 40, reducing the thermal effect on imaging element 14 and extending the available time for moving image capture.

[0102] That is, in order to extend the video shooting time, it is necessary to reduce the power consumption of the electronic components mounted on the second surface 44 of the main substrate 40 facing the imaging substrate 46, thereby reducing the amount of heat transferred to the imaging substrate 46. Therefore, in this embodiment, image data with low power consumption (image data with small storage capacity) is recorded in the recording medium 340 of the second card slot 34 mounted on the second surface 44 of the main substrate 40 on which the image processing engine 61 is mounted. Also, image data with high power consumption (image data with large storage capacity) is recorded in the recording medium 240 of the first card slot 24 mounted on the first surface 42 of the main substrate 40.

[0103] In this embodiment, as described above, image data with low power consumption is recorded as specified on recording medium 340 in second card slot 34, and image data with high power consumption is recorded on recording medium 240 in first card slot 24. If the combination of image data and recording medium is not as specified above, it is preferable to issue a warning to the user.

[0104] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. In particular, in each of the above embodiments, there are two card slots and two video recording modes, a one-slot recording mode and a two-slot recording mode, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of card slots and video recording modes can be more than two. Also, the video recording format has been used as an example of differences in video recording capacity, but the present invention is not limited to this. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10. Shooting optical axis 14 Image sensor 20, 22, 24 1st card slot 30, 32, 34 Second Card Slot 40 Main Board 42 First side of main board 44 Second side of main board 46 Imaging Board 50 System control circuit 51 System control parts 60 Image processing circuit 61 Image Processing Engine 100 Digital Camera 110 Grip section 120 Rear cover 200, 220, 240, 300, 320, 340 Recording media

Claims

1. a first media slot for accommodating a medium for recording a moving image captured by an imaging means, and a second media slot located closer to a grip portion for a user to hold than the first media slot; and a control means for issuing a warning to a user when a second recording format for recording data with a larger recording capacity than a first recording format for recording moving images in the first media slot is set in the second media slot in a setting for simultaneously recording moving images in different recording formats in the first media slot and the second media slot.

2. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means issues the warning to the user by displaying a message on a display unit.

3. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the warning is a warning regarding a recording time of a moving image.

4. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the warning is a warning to the effect that a recording time of the moving image may be shortened.

5. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the warning is a warning regarding heat generation of the medium.

6. 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a chassis disposed at a position where heat generated from the first media slot is more easily transferred than heat generated from the second media slot.

7. 7. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording format is a RAW format.

8. 8. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second recording format is MPEG-4.

9. 9. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medium is a memory card.

10. 10. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the media slot is a card slot.

11. 1. A method for controlling an imaging device having a first media slot for accommodating a medium for recording a moving image captured by an imaging means and a second media slot that is closer to a grip portion to be held by a user than the first media slot, comprising: A control method for an imaging device, comprising: a control step of issuing a warning to a user when a second recording format for recording data having a larger recording capacity than a first recording format for recording moving images in the first media slot is set in the second media slot, in a setting for simultaneously recording moving images in different recording formats in the first media slot and the second media slot.

12. A first media slot for accommodating a medium for recording a video captured by an imaging means, and a second media slot closer to a rear cover for a user to hold than the first media slot; and a control means for issuing a warning to a user when a second recording format for recording data with a larger recording capacity than a first recording format for recording moving images in the first media slot is set in the second media slot in a setting for simultaneously recording moving images in different recording formats in the first media slot and the second media slot.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, characterized in that the control means issues the warning to the user by displaying the warning on a display unit.

14. The imaging device according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that the warning is a warning regarding the recording time of the video.

15. The imaging device according to claim 14, characterized in that the warning is a warning that the video recording time may be shortened.

16. The imaging device according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that the warning is a warning regarding heat generation in the media.

17. An imaging device as described in any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that it has a chassis positioned in a position where heat generated from the first media slot is more easily transferred than heat generated from the second media slot.

18. An imaging device as described in any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the first recording format is RAW.

19. The imaging device according to claim 18, wherein the second recording format is MPEG-4.

20. An imaging device as described in any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the medium is a memory card.

21. An imaging device as described in any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that the media slot is a card slot.

22. A method for controlling an imaging device having a first media slot for accommodating a medium for recording a video captured by an imaging means, and a second media slot closer to a rear cover for a user to hold than the first media slot, comprising: A control method for an imaging device, comprising: a control step of issuing a warning to a user when a second recording format for recording data having a larger recording capacity than a first recording format for recording moving images in the first media slot is set in the second media slot, in a setting for simultaneously recording moving images in different recording formats in the first media slot and the second media slot.

Images