JP3945052B2

JP3945052B2 - Interchangeable lens electronic camera, interchangeable lens unit and camera body

Info

Publication number: JP3945052B2
Application number: JP34734998A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 杉夫巻島; 和也小田; 充史三沢; 泉三宅; 晃治古林
Original assignee: Fujifilm Corp
Current assignee: Fujifilm Corp
Priority date: 1998-12-07
Filing date: 1998-12-07
Publication date: 2007-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-07
Also published as: JP2000175089A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明はレンズ交換式電子カメラ、交換レンズユニット及びカメラ本体に係り、特に交換レンズユニットの交換が可能なレンズ交換式電子カメラ及び該電子カメラを構成するための交換レンズユニット並びにカメラ本体に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に、デジタルカメラはＣＣＤ等の撮像素子を用いて光学像を電子画像信号に変換し、撮影画像データを記録媒体に記録するものである。近年、デジタルカメラは高画質化のニーズに応えるべくＣＣＤの高画素化が進み、より画素数の多い機種が次々と商品化されている。そのため、発売から１年も経過すれば、既に商品価値の低い旧型の機種となってしまう。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、撮像素子の高画素化は急速に進歩しても、カメラの他の部分はデザイン上の変更はあるものの、技術的観点からは余り変更が加えられていないことも多い。したがって、高画素化への対応を容易にするためには、撮像素子を含む撮像部のみを交換できるようにするのが効率的である。
【０００４】
なお、従来からレンズ部を標準レンズ、ズームレンズ、広角レンズのように交換できるカメラや、撮像素子とレンズを含む撮像部を交換できるカメラ、映像信号の処理系を交換できるカメラなどが提案されている（特開平６−３１５０００号公報、特開平８−１７２５６１号公報、特開平１０−８４５２３号公報）。
しかしながら、特開平６−３１５０００号公報に記載のカメラシステムは、レンズとＣＣＤ等の撮像素子を含むプラグインユニットと信号処理・記録部を持つカメラ部本体を分離交換可能とすることを特徴としているが、プラグインユニットの特性をカメラ部本体は機械的結像によってしか信号伝達しないため、信号処理・記録部を持つカメラ部本体は、個々のプラグインユニットの特性に合った処理ができないという問題がある。
【０００５】
特開平８−１７２５６１号公報に記載のものは、レンズユニットとカメラ本体とが分離・交換可能で、レンズユニットとカメラ本体がマイコン同士で通信可能であり、ネゴシエーションするが、通信内容はレンズ制御情報のみのため、レンズユニットに撮像素子まで含めた分離方式は取れない。
特開平１０−８４５２３号公報に記載のデジタルカメラは、撮像ユニット部とＩＣカード部（信号処理＋記録部）を分離・交換可能であるが、信号処理部以外の電源などの多くの機能を撮像ユニットに持ち、撮像ユニットが主であり、レンズ交換の目的には向かない。
【０００６】
本発明はこのような事情に鑑みてなされたもので、撮像素子の高画素化や駆動方式等に制限されずに、あらゆる撮像素子に対応でき、カメラ性能の向上、変更を容易にすることができるレンズ交換式電子カメラ、交換レンズユニット及びカメラ本体を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決する為の手段】
前記目的を達成するために本願請求項１に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラは、撮影レンズと、該撮影レンズを介して被写体像が結像される撮像素子と、カメラ本体側に設けられた中央処置装置用の制御プログラムが格納された不揮発性の記憶手段と、カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを有する交換レンズユニットと、前記交換レンズユニットが着脱自在なカメラ本体であって、前記交換レンズユニットと信号を送受信するカメラ側信号送受信手段と、前記撮像素子により光電変換された画像信号を前記レンズ側信号送受信手段及びカメラ側信号送受信手段を介して受入し、該画像信号を信号処理したのち記録媒体に記録する処理手段と、前記記憶手段から前記レンズ側信号送受信手段及びカメラ側信号送受信手段を介して受入する前記制御プログラムに基づいて少なくとも前記処理手段を制御する前記中央処理装置とを有するカメラ本体と、からなることを特徴としている。また、前記交換レンズユニットは、本願請求項２に示すように前記撮像素子を駆動する駆動手段と、ストロボ装置とを有し、前記中央処理装置は前記駆動手段及びストロボ装置を制御することを特徴としている。
【０００８】
即ち、コストをかけずにＣＣＤなどの撮像素子を高画質化していくためには、交換レンズユニット側に必要最小限の集積回路（ＩＣ）を載せ、高価な中央処理装置及び画像信号を処理する処理手段など、共通化できるＩＣは、カメラ本体側に配置する。この時、将来開発されるあらゆるＣＣＤにも対応できるように、ＣＣＤの駆動手段は交換レンズユニット側に搭載し、また、制御方法も異なってくるため、中央処理装置用の制御プログラムが格納される不揮発性の記憶手段（ＲＯＭ）も交換レンズユニット側に搭載する。更に、レンズ関係の仕様変更にも対応するため、ストロボ装置も交換レンズユニット側に搭載する。
【０００９】
このように高価部品である画像信号を処理する処理手段や中央処理装置などはカメラ本体に含めることにより、安価で交換可能な交換レンズユニットを設計でき、最新の交換レンズユニットだけを開発すればよいため、設計コストダウンを図ることができる。また、ユーザ側は、交換レンズユニットだけを交換すれば、最新レベルの画素の電子カメラを手にすることができる。
【００１０】
本願請求項３に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラは、撮影レンズと、該撮影レンズを介して被写体像が結像される撮像素子と、前記撮像素子に対応する信号処理プログラム及び前記撮像素子固有の欠陥情報のうちの少なくとも一方を記憶する不揮発性の記憶手段と、カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを有する交換レンズユニットと、
前記レンズユニットが着脱自在なカメラ本体であって、前記交換レンズユニットと信号を送受信するカメラ側信号送受信手段と、前記撮像素子により光電変換された画像信号を前記レンズ側信号送受信手段及びカメラ側信号送受信手段を介して受入するとともに、前記記憶手段から読み出される信号処理プログラム及び撮像素子固有の欠陥情報のうちの少なくとも一方を前記レンズ側信号送受信手段及びカメラ側信号送受信手段を介して受入し、該信号処理プログラム及び撮像素子固有の欠陥情報のうちの少なくとも一方に従って前記画像信号を処理する信号処理手段と、該信号処理手段によって処理した画像信号を記録媒体に記録する記録手段とを有するカメラ本体と、からなることを特徴としている。
本願請求項４に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラは、撮影レンズと、該撮影レンズを介して被写体像が結像される撮像素子と、カメラ本体側に設けられた中央処置装置用の制御プログラムが格納された不揮発性の記憶手段と、カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを有する交換レンズユニットと、前記交換レンズユニットが着脱自在なカメラ本体であって、前記交換レンズユニットと信号を送受信するカメラ側信号送受信手段と、前記撮像素子により光電変換された画像信号を前記レンズ側信号送受信手段及びカメラ側信号送受信手段を介して受入し、該画像信号を信号処理したのち記録媒体に記録する処理手段とを有するカメラ本体と、からなることを特徴としている。
本願請求項５に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラは、撮影レンズと、該撮影レンズを介して被写体像が結像される撮像素子と、カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを有する交換レンズユニットと、前記交換レンズユニットが着脱自在なカメラ本体であって、前記交換レンズユニットと信号を送受信するカメラ側信号送受信手段と、前記撮像素子により光電変換された画像信号を前記レンズ側信号送受信手段及びカメラ側信号送受信手段を介して受入し、該画像信号を信号処理したのち記録媒体に記録する処理手段とを有するカメラ本体と、からなり、前記レンズ側信号送受信手段は、拡張用の入出力端子を有することを特徴としている。
本願請求項６に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラは、撮影レンズと、該撮影レンズを介して被写体像が結像される撮像素子と、カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを有する交換レンズユニットと、前記交換レンズユニットが着脱自在なカメラ本体であって、前記交換レンズユニットと信号を送受信するカメラ側信号送受信手段と、前記撮像素子により光電変換された画像信号を前記レンズ側信号送受信手段及びカメラ側信号送受信手段を介して受入し、該画像信号を信号処理したのち記録媒体に記録する処理手段とを有するカメラ本体と、からなり、前記カメラ側信号送受信手段は、拡張用の入出力端子を有することを特徴としている。
本願請求項７に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラは、受光面積の小さな撮像素子と、該撮像素子に対して相対的に焦点距離の短い望遠レンズと、カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを有する望遠撮影に適した第１の交換レンズユニットと、受光面積の大きなＳ／Ｎのよい撮像素子と、開放Ｆ値の大きなレンズと、カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを有する高感度撮影に適した第２の交換レンズユニットと、少なくとも前記第１、第２の交換レンズユニットが着脱自在なカメラ本体であって、前記交換レンズユニットと信号を送受信するカメラ側信号送受信手段を有し、前記第１、第２の交換レンズユニットと組み合わせが可能なカメラ本体と、からなることを特徴としている。
本願請求項８に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラは、第１の撮影レンズと、該第１の撮影レンズを介して被写体像が結像されるカラー撮像素子と、カラー用の信号処理プログラムが格納された不揮発性の第１の記憶手段と、カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを有するカラー撮影用の第１の交換レンズユニットと、第２撮影レンズと、該第２の撮影レンズを介して被写体像が結像される白黒用撮像素子と、白黒用の信号処理プログラムが格納された不揮発性の第２の記憶手段と、カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを有する白黒撮影用の第２の交換レンズユニットと、少なくとも前記第１、第２の交換レンズユニットが着脱自在なカメラ本体であって、前記交換レンズユニットと信号を送受信するカメラ側信号送受信手段を有し、前記第１、第２の交換レンズユニットと組み合わせが可能なカメラ本体と、からなることを特徴としている。
【００１１】
本願請求項９に係る発明は、交換レンズユニットから画像信号を受入するとともに制御プログラムを受入し、該制御プログラムに基づいて前記画像信号を処理して記録媒体に記録するカメラ本体に着脱自在な前記交換レンズユニットであって、撮影レンズと、該撮影レンズを介して被写体像が結像される撮像素子と、前記制御プログラムを記憶する不揮発性の記憶手段と、前記カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを備えたことを特徴としている。
【００１２】
本願請求項１０に係る発明は、交換レンズユニットから画像信号を受入するとともに、信号処理プログラム及び撮像素子固有の欠陥情報のうちの少なくとも一方を受入し、前記信号処理プログラム及び撮像素子固有の欠陥情報のうちの少なくとも一方に従って前記画像信号を処理したのち記録媒体に記録するカメラ本体に着脱自在な前記交換レンズユニットであって、撮影レンズと、該撮影レンズを介して被写体像が結像される撮像素子と、前記撮像素子に対応する前記信号処理プログラム及び前記撮像素子固有の欠陥情報のうちの少なくとも一方を記憶する不揮発性の記憶手段と、前記カメラ本体と信号を送受信するレンズ側信号送受信手段とを備えたことを特徴としている。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下添付図面に従って本発明に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラ、交換レンズユニット及びカメラ本体の好ましい実施の形態について詳説する。
図１は本発明に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラの第１の実施の形態を示すブロック図である。同図に示すように、このレンズ交換式電子カメラ１０は、交換レンズユニット３０と、該交換レンズユニット３０が着脱自在なカメラ本体４０とから構成されている。
【００１４】
交換レンズユニット３０は、撮影レンズ１２、絞り１４、固体撮像素子（ＣＣＤ）１６、アナログ処理回路１８、ＣＣＤ駆動用のタイミングジェネレータ２０、Ｄ／Ａ変換部を有する電子ボリューム回路２２、調光センサ２４を有するストロボ装置２６、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ２７、ＲＯＭ２８、及びレンズ側コネクタ２９から構成されている。
【００１５】
一方、カメラ本体４０は、主として信号処理回路３２、中央処理装置（ＭＰＵ:microcomputer processing unit）３４、メモリカード４２が装着されるカードコネクタ３８、及び本体側コネクタ３９から構成されている。
上記交換レンズユニット３０のレンズ側コネクタ２９を本体側コネクタ３９に接続することにより両者は機械的に結合され、また電気的に接続されて両者間で信号の送受信が可能になる。また、図１には示されていないが、交換レンズユニット３０側には光学ファインダが設けられ、またカメラ本体４０側には液晶モニタ、電源部、操作部（レリーズスイッチ、モード選択スイッチ、上／下キー、左／右キー、実行キーなどの各種キー及びスイッチ等）が設けられている。
【００１６】
さて、交換レンズユニット３０に内蔵されているＥＥＰＲＯＭ２７には、交換レンズユニット３０固有の調整値など、撮像部の制御や画像信号の処理に必要な各種データが保存されている。具体的には、ＣＣＤ１６の欠陥情報、画素数、カラーフィルタ配列、色バランス、及び感度などのＣＣＤ特性データ、撮影レンズ１２のレンズ特性（シェーディング、歪み等）、ストロボの有無などの情報がＥＥＰＲＯＭ２７に格納されている。
【００１７】
一方、ＲＯＭ２８には、ＣＣＤ１６、ＣＣＤ駆動用のタイミングジェネレータ２０、ストロボ装置２６などの制御方法や信号処理回路３２での処理方法を示した制御プログラムが格納されている。
本例のレンズ交換式電子カメラ１０のように交換レンズユニット３０を交換できるカメラの場合、交換レンズユニットの制御方法を規定するプログラム及びデータを交換レンズユニット３０側に搭載しておく必要がある。従って、交換レンズユニット３０において、図１のようにＥＥＰＲＯＭ２７及びＲＯＭ２８等の記憶手段が設けられている。尚、記憶手段は、不揮発性のものであれば如何なるものでもよく、また、記憶手段の数はこの実施の形態に限らない。
【００１８】
上記構成のレンズ交換式電子カメラ１０は次のように動作する。
交換レンズユニット３０とカメラ本体４０がコネクタ２９、３９を介して接続されることにより、両者は相互に信号の送受信が可能になる。
ＭＰＵ３４は交換レンズユニット３０のＲＯＭ２８から制御プログラムをロードし、これを内蔵のＤＲＡＭ３６に格納するとともに、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ２７から交換レンズユニット３０の調整に必要な各種データを読み出し、これをＤＲＡＭ３６に格納する。
【００１９】
ＭＰＵ３４は、ＤＲＡＭ３６に記憶した前記制御プログラム及びデータに基づいてレンズ交換式電子カメラ１０の各回路を統括・制御するもので、交換レンズユニット３０の絞り１４、タイミングジェネレータ２０及び電子ボリューム回路２２、ストロボ装置２６などの交換レンズユニット３０の制御を行うとともに、信号処理回路３２において交換レンズユニット３０固有の情報に対応した適切な信号処理が施されるように制御するとともに、レリーズスイッチからの入力信号により撮影を行うための制御、メモリカード４２の読み書き制御等を行う。
【００２０】
即ち、レリーズスイッチが押されると、撮影レンズ１２及び絞り１４を通してＣＣＤ１６の受光面に結像した被写体像は、ここで光電変換されて画像信号として順次読み出される。この画像信号はゲインコントロール（ＧＣ）回路、色バランス調整回路、及びＡ／Ｄ変換器等を含むアナログ処理回路１８に加えられ、ここで所定の処理を経た後にデジタル信号に変換され、コネクタ２９、３９を介してカメラ本体４０の信号処理回路３２に転送される。
【００２１】
信号処理回路３２は、輝度信号生成回路、色差信号生成回路、ガンマ補正回路、圧縮／伸張回路、メモリコントローラ等を含み、これらの回路によって処理された画像データはカードコネクタ３８に装着されているメモリカード４２に記録される。なお、画像データを記録する媒体としては、スマートメディア、ＰＣカード、フラッシュメモリーカード、ＩＣカード、光磁気ディスク等、種々の形態が可能であり、着脱自在な外部記録媒体に限らずカメラ本体４０に内蔵された内部メモリでもよい。
【００２２】
メモリカード４２に保存された画像データはＭＰＵ３４の制御によって読み出しが可能であり、メモリカード４２から読み出された画像データは信号処理回路３２において伸張処理された後、図示しない液晶モニタに出力されるとともに、外部出力端子を介してビデオ信号など所定の信号形態により他の外部機器に出力することができる。
【００２３】
また、レリーズスイッチによって撮影開始指示を与える前からカメラが捉えている映像（ムービースルー画）を液晶モニタに表示させたり、外部出力端子からビデオ信号として取り出すことも可能であり、この場合、撮影者は液晶モニタに映し出されるムービー画を確認しながら画角を決定することができる。
このようにして交換レンズユニット３０とカメラ本体４０のインターフェース仕様を統一することにより、インターフェース部分が合致するものであれば、交換レンズユニットを自由に交換することができる。尚、コネクタ２９、３９は、何本かの拡張用の入出力端子をもっており、これにより将来のＣＣＤに対してもソフトを変更することにより対応できるようになっている。
【００２４】
図２は本発明に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラの第２の実施の形態を示すブロック図である。尚、図１と共通する部分には同一の符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。
図２に示すレンズ交換式電子カメラ５０は、図１に示したカメラ本体４０にズーム式の交換レンズユニット６０を適用した場合に関して示している。即ち、交換レンズユニット６０は、ズームレンズ６２が搭載されている。この実施の形態では、ズームレンズ６２のズーミングやフォーカシングもＭＰＵ３４からの制御ポートからの信号によって制御できるようになっている。
【００２５】
図３は本発明に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラの第３の実施の形態を示すブロック図である。同図に示すように、このレンズ交換式電子カメラ７０は、交換レンズユニット８０と、該交換レンズユニット８０が着脱自在なカメラ本体９０とから構成されている。
交換レンズユニット８０は、ズームレンズ７１、ＣＣＤ７２、アナログ処理回路７３、原発振器７４、ＣＣＤ駆動回路７５、レンズＭＰＵ７６、メモリ７７、ドライバ７８、７９、及びレンズ側コネクタ８１から構成されている。一方、カメラ本体９０は、信号処理回路８２、メモリコントローラ８３、画像メモリ８４、記録用メモリ８５、カメラＭＰＵ８６、メモリ８７、電源８８、ユーザインターフェース８９、及びカメラ側コネクタ９１から構成されている。
【００２６】
上記交換レンズユニット８０のレンズ側コネクタ８１を本体側コネクタ９１に接続することにより両者は機械的に結合され、また電気的に接続されて両者間で信号の送受信が可能になる。
この交換レンズユニット８０側には原発振器７４が搭載されており、原発振器７４は、クロックパルスをＣＣＤ７２を駆動するための駆動パルスを出力するＣＣＤ駆動回路７５に出力する。これにより、ＣＣＤ駆動回路７５は、ＣＣＤ７２の画素数等に適した駆動パルスを出力することができる。尚、図３では示されていないが、原発振器７４からのクロックパルスは、ＣＣＤ７２の出力をＣＤＳクランプ、サンプリングホールドする際にも使用される。
【００２７】
また、原発振器７４からのクロックパルスは、コネクタ８１、９１を介してカメラ本体９０に加えられ、これにより交換レンズユニット８０とカメラ本体９０との間で信号処理の同期がとられている。
一方、カメラ本体９０側には電源８８が搭載されており、この電源８８はコネクタ８１、９１を介して交換レンズユニット８０にも電源の供給ができるようになっている。
【００２８】
さて、交換レンズユニット３０に内蔵されている不揮発性のメモリ７７には、交換レンズユニット８０に搭載されているＣＣＤ７２の欠陥情報、画素数、カラーフィルタ配列、色バランス、及び感度などのＣＣＤ特性データや、ズームレンズ７１のシェーディング、歪み等のレンズ特性を示す各種の撮像処理データが格納されている。また、ＣＣＤ７２に対する最適な撮像処理プログラムが格納されている。
【００２９】
次に、上記構成のレンズ交換式電子カメラ７０の動作について、図４に示すフローチャートに従って説明する。
まず、交換レンズユニット８０とカメラ本体９０とをコネクタ８１、９１を介して結合する（ステップＳ１０）。これにより、カメラ本体９０の電源８８から交換レンズユニット８０に電源が供給され、また、交換レンズユニット８０内のメモリ７７から上述した撮像処理データ及び撮像処理プログラムがレンズＭＰＵ７６の制御によりカメラ本体９０のカメラＭＰＵ８６に転送され、カメラ本体９０の所定の領域にプログラムロードされる（ステップＳ１２）。
【００３０】
ここで、ユーザが撮影のためにシャッタを押すと、カメラＭＰＵ８６はユーザインターフェース部８９を介して撮影命令を検知し、レンズＭＰＵ７６に対してズームレンズ７１のフォーカス等の駆動命令を行う。これにより、レンズＭＰＵ７６は、ドライバ７９を介してズームレンズ７１をフォーカ動作させる。尚、ユーザが撮影前にズームボタン等を操作すると、上記と同様にカメラＭＰＵ８６はレンズＭＰＵ７６に対してズームレンズ７１のズーム駆動命令を行い、レンズＭＰＵ７６は、ドライバ７８、７９を介してズームレンズ７１をズーム動作させる。
【００３１】
シャッタレリーズ時にズームレンズ７１を通してＣＣＤ７２の受光面に結像した被写体像は、ここで光電変換されて画像信号として順次読み出される。この画像信号はゲインコントロール回路、色バランス調整回路、及びＡ／Ｄ変換器等を含むアナログ処理回路７３に加えられ、ここで所定の処理を経た後にデジタル信号に変換され、コネクタ８１、９１を介してカメラ本体９０の信号処理回路８２に転送される（ステップＳ１４）。
【００３２】
信号処理回路８２は、輝度信号生成回路、色差信号生成回路、ガンマ補正回路、圧縮／伸張回路等を含み、前記撮像処理プログラムに従って処理された画像データ（輝度信号Ｙ及びクロマ信号Ｃ）を、メモリコントローラ８３を介して一旦画像メモリ８４に格納し、続いて該画像メモリ８４に格納されたＹＣ信号をメモリコントローラを介して読み出し、所定のフォーマットで圧縮したのち、再びメモリコントローラ８３を介して記録用メモリ８５に記録する（ステップＳ１６）。
【００３３】
尚、画像圧縮用の処理プログラムもメモリ７７に格納しておけば、種々の規格の圧縮処理や新たな規格のものに容易に対応することができる。
また、交換レンズユニット内にレンズ、撮像素子及びこれらの固有の情報や処理プログラムを搭載することにより、非常に多くの交換レンズユニットのバリエーションが可能になり、例えば、以下の例に示すような撮影が可能になる。
【００３４】
(1)望遠撮影
受光面積の小さな撮像素子を用いれば、望遠レンズでも相対的に焦点距離が短くて済み、レンズがコンパクトになる。
(2)高感度撮影
感度、大きさを犠牲にしても受光面積が大きく、感度、Ｓ／Ｎの良好な撮像素子と、開放Ｆ値の大きなレンズを組み合わせたユニットにすることにより、高感度撮影が容易になる。
【００３５】
(3)白黒撮影
受光素子に白黒用を用い、白黒用の信号処理プログラムを持たせることにより、白黒専用の撮影が可能になる。
(4)ネガ撮影
ネガ／ポジ反転やネガフィルム用のガンマ補正等の信号処理プログラムを持たせることによりネガフィルムを撮影する専用の交換レンズユニットとすることができる。
【００３６】
更に、上記説明では静止画像を記録するカメラを例に説明したが、本発明はビデオカメラの如く動画を記録するカメラにも適用できる。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によれば、交換レンズユニット内にレンズ、撮像素子及びこれらの固有の情報や処理プログラムを搭載するようにしたため、撮像素子の高画素化や駆動方式等に制限されずに、あらゆる撮像素子に対応でき、カメラ性能の向上、変更を容易にすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラの第１の実施の形態を示すブロック図
【図２】本発明に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラの第２の実施の形態を示すブロック図
【図３】本発明に係るレンズ交換式電子カメラの第３の実施の形態を示すブロック図
【図４】図３に示したレンズ交換式電子カメラの動作を説明するために用いたフローチャート
【符号の説明】
１０、５０、７０…レンズ交換式電子カメラ
１２…撮影レンズ
１６、７２…撮像素子（ＣＣＤ）
１８、７３…アナログ処理回路
２０…タイミングジェネレータ
２２…電子ボリューム回路
２６…ストロボ装置
２７…ＥＥＰＲＯＭ
２８…ＲＯＭ
２９、３９、８１、９１…コネクタ
３０、６０、８０…交換レンズユニット
３２、８２…信号処理回路
３４…ＭＰＵ
３６…ＤＲＡＭ
３８…カードコネクタ
４０、９０…カメラ本体
４２…メモリカード
６２、７１…ズームレンズ
７４…原発振器
７５…ＣＣＤ駆動回路
７６…レンズＭＰＵ
７７、８７…メモリ
８５…記録用メモリ
８６…カメラＭＰＵ
８８…電源[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an interchangeable lens electronic camera , an interchangeable lens unit, and a camera body , and more particularly, to an interchangeable lens electronic camera that can replace the interchangeable lens unit , an interchangeable lens unit that constitutes the electronic camera, and a camera body .
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a digital camera converts an optical image into an electronic image signal using an image sensor such as a CCD, and records captured image data on a recording medium. In recent years, in order to meet the need for higher image quality in digital cameras, the number of pixels in CCDs has increased, and models with a larger number of pixels have been commercialized one after another. Therefore, if one year has passed since the release, it will become an old model with a low commercial value.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, even if the increase in the number of pixels of the image sensor rapidly progresses, the other parts of the camera are not changed much from the technical point of view although there are changes in the design. Therefore, in order to easily cope with the increase in the number of pixels, it is efficient to replace only the imaging unit including the imaging element.
[0004]
Conventionally, a camera in which the lens unit can be exchanged such as a standard lens, a zoom lens, and a wide-angle lens, a camera in which the imaging unit including the imaging element and the lens can be exchanged, and a camera in which the video signal processing system can be exchanged have been proposed. (JP-A-6-315000, JP-A-8-172561, JP-A-10-84523).
However, the camera system described in JP-A-6-315000 is characterized in that a camera unit body having a signal processing / recording unit and a plug-in unit including a lens and an image pickup device such as a CCD can be separated and replaced. However, since the camera unit main body transmits signals only through mechanical imaging, the camera unit main body with a signal processing / recording unit cannot perform processing that matches the characteristics of each plug-in unit. There is.
[0005]
JP-A-8-172561 discloses that the lens unit and the camera body can be separated and exchanged, and the lens unit and the camera body can communicate with each other between the microcomputers and negotiate. Therefore, the separation method including the image sensor in the lens unit cannot be taken.
The digital camera described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-84523 can separate and replace the imaging unit unit and the IC card unit (signal processing + recording unit), but images many functions such as a power source other than the signal processing unit. The main unit is an image pickup unit, which is not suitable for lens replacement purposes.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is not limited to the increase in the number of pixels of the image sensor, the driving method, etc., and can be applied to any image sensor, and can easily improve and change the camera performance. An object of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable lens electronic camera , an interchangeable lens unit, and a camera body .
[0007]
[Means for solving the problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an interchangeable lens type electronic camera according to claim 1 of the present application includes a photographing lens, an imaging element on which a subject image is formed via the photographing lens, and a central treatment provided on the camera body side. A non-volatile storage means storing a control program for the apparatus, an interchangeable lens unit having a lens side signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the camera body, and a camera body in which the interchangeable lens unit is detachable, Camera-side signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the interchangeable lens unit; and image signals photoelectrically converted by the imaging device are received via the lens-side signal transmission / reception means and camera-side signal transmission / reception means , and the image signals are signaled. processing means for recording on the recording medium after the treatment, through the lens-side signal transmitting and receiving means and the camera-side signal transmitting and receiving means from said storage means A camera body having said central processing unit for controlling at least said processing means based on the control program to be accepted, is characterized in that it consists of. In addition, the interchangeable lens unit includes a driving unit that drives the imaging device and a strobe device as shown in claim 2 of the present application, and the central processing unit controls the driving unit and the strobe device. It is said.
[0008]
In other words, in order to improve the image quality of an image pickup device such as a CCD without incurring costs, the minimum necessary integrated circuit (IC) is mounted on the interchangeable lens unit side, and an expensive central processing unit and image signals are processed. ICs that can be shared, such as processing means, are arranged on the camera body side. At this time, the CCD driving means is mounted on the interchangeable lens unit side so that it can correspond to any CCD developed in the future, and the control method is different, so the control program for the central processing unit is stored. Nonvolatile storage means (ROM) is also mounted on the interchangeable lens unit side. In addition, a strobe device is also mounted on the interchangeable lens unit side in order to cope with lens-related specification changes.
[0009]
By including processing means, a central processing unit, and the like for processing image signals, which are expensive parts, in the camera body, an interchangeable lens unit that can be exchanged at low cost can be designed, and only the latest interchangeable lens unit needs to be developed. Therefore, the design cost can be reduced. Further, if the user replaces only the interchangeable lens unit, the user can obtain an electronic camera with the latest level of pixels.
[0010]
The interchangeable-lens electronic camera according to claim 3 of the present application includes a photographic lens, an image sensor on which a subject image is formed via the photographic lens, a signal processing program corresponding to the image sensor, and a defect inherent to the image sensor. An interchangeable lens unit having non-volatile storage means for storing at least one of information, and a lens side signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the camera body;
A camera body in which the lens unit is detachable, a camera side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the interchangeable lens unit, an image signal photoelectrically converted by the imaging device, and the lens side signal transmitting / receiving unit and a camera side signal Receiving via the transmission / reception means, and receiving at least one of the signal processing program read from the storage means and the defect information specific to the image sensor via the lens-side signal transmission / reception means and the camera-side signal transmission / reception means, A camera body having signal processing means for processing the image signal in accordance with at least one of a signal processing program and defect information specific to the image sensor, and recording means for recording the image signal processed by the signal processing means on a recording medium; It is characterized by comprising.
The interchangeable-lens electronic camera according to claim 4 of the present application stores a photographic lens, an image sensor on which a subject image is formed via the photographic lens, and a control program for a central treatment device provided on the camera body side. An interchangeable lens unit having a non-volatile storage means, a lens-side signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the camera body, and a camera body to which the interchangeable lens unit is detachable, wherein Camera-side signal transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving, and image signals photoelectrically converted by the imaging device are received via the lens-side signal transmission / reception means and camera-side signal transmission / reception means, and the image signals are processed and then recorded on a recording medium. And a camera body having a processing means.
An interchangeable lens type electronic camera according to claim 5 of the present application includes an imaging lens, an imaging element on which a subject image is formed via the imaging lens, and a lens-side signal transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the camera body. A camera unit in which the interchangeable lens unit is detachable with a lens unit, a camera-side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the interchangeable lens unit, and an image signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor. And a camera body having processing means for receiving the image signal and processing the image signal and then recording the image signal on a recording medium. The lens side signal transmitting / receiving means It has an output terminal.
An interchangeable lens type electronic camera according to claim 6 of the present application includes an imaging lens, an imaging element on which a subject image is formed via the imaging lens, and a lens side signal transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the camera body. A camera unit in which the interchangeable lens unit is detachable with a lens unit, a camera-side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the interchangeable lens unit, and an image signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor. And a camera body having processing means for receiving the image signal and processing the image signal and then recording the image signal on a recording medium. The camera side signal transmitting / receiving means that it is characterized by having an output terminal.
An interchangeable-lens electronic camera according to claim 7 is an image sensor having a small light receiving area, a telephoto lens having a short focal distance relative to the image sensor, and lens-side signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the camera body. A first interchangeable lens unit suitable for telephoto shooting, an image sensor with a large light receiving area and a good S / N, a lens with a large open F value, and a lens-side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the camera body. A second interchangeable lens unit suitable for high-sensitivity photography, and a camera body in which at least the first and second interchangeable lens units are detachable, and transmits / receives signals to / from the interchangeable lens unit. And a camera body that can be combined with the first and second interchangeable lens units.
The interchangeable-lens electronic camera according to claim 8 of the present application stores a first photographing lens, a color image pickup device on which a subject image is formed through the first photographing lens, and a signal processing program for color. First non-volatile storage means, first interchangeable lens unit for color photography having lens side signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the camera body, second photographic lens, and second photographic lens A monochrome imaging device on which a subject image is formed, a non-volatile second storage means storing a monochrome signal processing program, and a lens side signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the camera body. And a camera body in which at least the first and second interchangeable lens units are detachable, and which transmits and receives signals to and from the interchangeable lens unit. Having a side signal transmitting and receiving means, the first, and a camera body which can be combined with the second interchangeable lens unit, characterized in that it consists of.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 9 of the present application accepts an image signal from the interchangeable lens unit and accepts a control program, processes the image signal based on the control program, and records the image signal on a recording medium. An interchangeable lens unit, a photographic lens, an imaging element on which a subject image is formed via the photographic lens, a non-volatile storage means for storing the control program, and a lens for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the camera body And a side signal transmission / reception means.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 10 of the present application receives an image signal from the interchangeable lens unit, and receives at least one of a signal processing program and defect information specific to the image sensor, and the defect information specific to the signal processing program and the image sensor. An interchangeable lens unit that is detachable from a camera body that processes the image signal according to at least one of them and then records the image signal on a recording medium, wherein the subject image is formed through the photographing lens. A non-volatile storage unit that stores at least one of an element, the signal processing program corresponding to the image sensor and defect information unique to the image sensor, and a lens-side signal transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the camera body. It is characterized by having .
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of an interchangeable lens electronic camera , an interchangeable lens unit, and a camera body according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of an interchangeable lens electronic camera according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the interchangeable lens electronic camera 10 includes an interchangeable lens unit 30 and a camera body 40 to which the interchangeable lens unit 30 is detachable.
[0014]
The interchangeable lens unit 30 includes a photographing lens 12, a diaphragm 14, a solid-state imaging device (CCD) 16, an analog processing circuit 18, a timing generator 20 for driving a CCD, an electronic volume circuit 22 having a D / A conversion unit, and a light control sensor 24. The flash device 26 has an EEPROM 27, an EEPROM 27, a ROM 28, and a lens side connector 29.
[0015]
On the other hand, the camera body 40 mainly includes a signal processing circuit 32, a central processing unit (MPU: microcomputer processing unit) 34, a card connector 38 to which a memory card 42 is attached, and a body side connector 39.
By connecting the lens side connector 29 of the interchangeable lens unit 30 to the main body side connector 39, both are mechanically coupled, and are electrically connected so that signals can be transmitted and received between them. Although not shown in FIG. 1, an optical finder is provided on the interchangeable lens unit 30 side, and a liquid crystal monitor, a power supply unit, an operation unit (release switch, mode selection switch, upper / lower) are provided on the camera body 40 side. Various keys such as a down key, a left / right key, an execution key, and a switch are provided.
[0016]
Now, the EEPROM 27 built in the interchangeable lens unit 30 stores various data necessary for control of the image pickup unit and image signal processing, such as adjustment values unique to the interchangeable lens unit 30. Specifically, information on the CCD 16 such as defect information, number of pixels, color filter array, color balance, sensitivity, and other CCD characteristic data, lens characteristics of the photographing lens 12 (shading, distortion, etc.), presence / absence of a strobe, etc. are stored in the EEPROM 27. Stored.
[0017]
On the other hand, the ROM 28 stores a control program indicating a control method for the CCD 16, the timing generator 20 for driving the CCD, the strobe device 26, and a processing method in the signal processing circuit 32.
In the case of a camera capable of exchanging the interchangeable lens unit 30 such as the interchangeable lens type electronic camera 10 of this example, it is necessary to install a program and data defining a control method of the interchangeable lens unit on the interchangeable lens unit 30 side. Accordingly, the interchangeable lens unit 30 is provided with storage means such as the EEPROM 27 and the ROM 28 as shown in FIG. The storage means may be anything as long as it is non-volatile, and the number of storage means is not limited to this embodiment.
[0018]
The lens-interchangeable electronic camera 10 having the above configuration operates as follows.
By connecting the interchangeable lens unit 30 and the camera body 40 via the connectors 29 and 39, both can transmit and receive signals to and from each other.
The MPU 34 loads a control program from the ROM 28 of the interchangeable lens unit 30, stores it in the built-in DRAM 36, reads various data necessary for adjustment of the interchangeable lens unit 30 from the EEPROM 27, and stores it in the DRAM 36.
[0019]
The MPU 34 controls and controls each circuit of the interchangeable lens electronic camera 10 based on the control program and data stored in the DRAM 36. The MPU 34 controls the aperture 14, the timing generator 20, the electronic volume circuit 22, and the strobe of the interchangeable lens unit 30. In addition to controlling the interchangeable lens unit 30 such as the device 26, the signal processing circuit 32 performs control so that appropriate signal processing corresponding to information unique to the interchangeable lens unit 30 is performed, and by an input signal from the release switch. Control for photographing, read / write control of the memory card 42, and the like are performed.
[0020]
That is, when the release switch is pressed, the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 16 through the photographing lens 12 and the diaphragm 14 is photoelectrically converted and sequentially read out as an image signal. This image signal is added to an analog processing circuit 18 including a gain control (GC) circuit, a color balance adjustment circuit, an A / D converter, and the like. After undergoing predetermined processing, the image signal is converted into a digital signal. The signal is transferred to the signal processing circuit 32 of the camera body 40 via 39.
[0021]
The signal processing circuit 32 includes a luminance signal generation circuit, a color difference signal generation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a compression / decompression circuit, a memory controller, and the like, and image data processed by these circuits is a memory attached to the card connector 38. Recorded on the card 42. The medium for recording image data can be various forms such as smart media, PC card, flash memory card, IC card, magneto-optical disk, etc., and is not limited to a removable external recording medium. A built-in internal memory may be used.
[0022]
The image data stored in the memory card 42 can be read out under the control of the MPU 34. The image data read out from the memory card 42 is decompressed by the signal processing circuit 32 and then output to a liquid crystal monitor (not shown). At the same time, it can be output to another external device in a predetermined signal form such as a video signal via the external output terminal.
[0023]
It is also possible to display the video (movie-through image) captured by the camera before giving a shooting start instruction with the release switch on the LCD monitor or take it out as a video signal from the external output terminal. Can determine the angle of view while checking the movie image displayed on the LCD monitor.
By unifying the interface specifications of the interchangeable lens unit 30 and the camera body 40 in this way, the interchangeable lens unit can be freely replaced as long as the interface portion matches. The connectors 29 and 39 have a number of input / output terminals for expansion, so that future CCDs can be accommodated by changing the software.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the interchangeable lens electronic camera according to the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in FIG. 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
The interchangeable lens electronic camera 50 shown in FIG. 2 shows a case where a zoom interchangeable lens unit 60 is applied to the camera body 40 shown in FIG. That is, the interchangeable lens unit 60 is equipped with a zoom lens 62. In this embodiment, zooming and focusing of the zoom lens 62 can also be controlled by a signal from the control port from the MPU 34.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the interchangeable lens electronic camera according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the interchangeable lens electronic camera 70 includes an interchangeable lens unit 80 and a camera body 90 to which the interchangeable lens unit 80 is detachable.
The interchangeable lens unit 80 includes a zoom lens 71, a CCD 72, an analog processing circuit 73, an original oscillator 74, a CCD driving circuit 75, a lens MPU 76, a memory 77, drivers 78 and 79, and a lens side connector 81. On the other hand, the camera main body 90 includes a signal processing circuit 82, a memory controller 83, an image memory 84, a recording memory 85, a camera MPU 86, a memory 87, a power supply 88, a user interface 89, and a camera side connector 91.
[0026]
By connecting the lens side connector 81 of the interchangeable lens unit 80 to the main body side connector 91, both are mechanically coupled and electrically connected to enable transmission and reception of signals between them.
An original oscillator 74 is mounted on the interchangeable lens unit 80 side, and the original oscillator 74 outputs a clock pulse to a CCD drive circuit 75 that outputs a drive pulse for driving the CCD 72. Thereby, the CCD drive circuit 75 can output drive pulses suitable for the number of pixels of the CCD 72 and the like. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the clock pulse from the original oscillator 74 is also used when the output of the CCD 72 is CDS clamped and sampled and held.
[0027]
Further, the clock pulse from the original oscillator 74 is applied to the camera body 90 via the connectors 81 and 91, thereby synchronizing the signal processing between the interchangeable lens unit 80 and the camera body 90.
On the other hand, a power supply 88 is mounted on the camera body 90 side, and this power supply 88 can supply power to the interchangeable lens unit 80 via connectors 81 and 91.
[0028]
A nonvolatile memory 77 built in the interchangeable lens unit 30 stores CCD characteristic data such as defect information, the number of pixels, a color filter array, a color balance, and sensitivity of the CCD 72 mounted on the interchangeable lens unit 80. In addition, various image processing data indicating lens characteristics such as shading and distortion of the zoom lens 71 are stored. In addition, an optimal imaging processing program for the CCD 72 is stored.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the lens-interchangeable electronic camera 70 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the interchangeable lens unit 80 and the camera body 90 are coupled via the connectors 81 and 91 (step S10). As a result, power is supplied from the power supply 88 of the camera body 90 to the interchangeable lens unit 80, and the above-described imaging processing data and imaging processing program from the memory 77 in the interchangeable lens unit 80 are controlled by the lens MPU 76. The program is transferred to the camera MPU 86 and loaded into a predetermined area of the camera body 90 (step S12).
[0030]
Here, when the user presses the shutter for shooting, the camera MPU 86 detects a shooting command via the user interface unit 89, and issues a drive command for focusing the zoom lens 71 to the lens MPU 76. Accordingly, the lens MPU 76 causes the zoom lens 71 to perform a focus operation via the driver 79. When the user operates the zoom button or the like before photographing, the camera MPU 86 issues a zoom drive command for the zoom lens 71 to the lens MPU 76 as described above, and the lens MPU 76 passes through the drivers 78 and 79 and the zoom lens 71 Operate the zoom.
[0031]
The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 72 through the zoom lens 71 during the shutter release is photoelectrically converted here and sequentially read out as an image signal. This image signal is added to an analog processing circuit 73 including a gain control circuit, a color balance adjustment circuit, an A / D converter, and the like. After undergoing predetermined processing, the image signal is converted into a digital signal and passed through connectors 81 and 91. Is transferred to the signal processing circuit 82 of the camera body 90 (step S14).
[0032]
The signal processing circuit 82 includes a luminance signal generation circuit, a color difference signal generation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a compression / decompression circuit, and the like, and stores image data (luminance signal Y and chroma signal C) processed according to the imaging processing program in a memory. Once stored in the image memory 84 via the controller 83, the YC signal stored in the image memory 84 is read out via the memory controller, compressed in a predetermined format, and then recorded again via the memory controller 83. Record in the memory 85 (step S16).
[0033]
If a processing program for image compression is also stored in the memory 77, it is possible to easily cope with compression processing of various standards and new standards.
In addition, by installing lenses, image sensors, and information and processing programs unique to these lenses in the interchangeable lens unit, a great number of variations of the interchangeable lens unit are possible. For example, photographing as shown in the following example Is possible.
[0034]
(1) Telephoto shooting If an image sensor with a small light receiving area is used, the focal length of the telephoto lens can be relatively short, and the lens becomes compact.
(2) High-sensitivity shooting High-sensitivity shooting is achieved by combining a high-sensitivity, S / N imaging device with a lens with a large open F value, with a large light-receiving area even at the expense of sensitivity and size. Becomes easier.
[0035]
(3) Black-and-white photography By using monochrome for the light receiving element and having a monochrome signal processing program, it is possible to shoot exclusively for monochrome.
(4) Negative shooting By having a signal processing program such as negative / positive reversal or gamma correction for negative film, a dedicated interchangeable lens unit for shooting negative film can be obtained.
[0036]
Furthermore, in the above description, a camera that records still images has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a camera that records moving images, such as a video camera.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the interchangeable lens unit is equipped with a lens, an image sensor, and information and processing programs unique to the lens, the image sensor, and is not limited to the increase in the number of pixels of the image sensor or the driving method. In addition, it can be applied to any imaging device, and the camera performance can be improved and changed easily.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of an interchangeable lens electronic camera according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the interchangeable lens electronic camera according to the present invention. 3 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the interchangeable lens electronic camera according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart used to explain the operation of the interchangeable lens electronic camera shown in FIG. ]
10, 50, 70 ... interchangeable lens electronic camera 12 ... photographic lens 16, 72 ... image sensor (CCD)
18, 73 ... Analog processing circuit 20 ... Timing generator 22 ... Electronic volume circuit 26 ... Strobe device 27 ... EEPROM
28 ... ROM
29, 39, 81, 91 ... Connector 30, 60, 80 ... Interchangeable lens unit 32, 82 ... Signal processing circuit 34 ... MPU
36 ... DRAM
38 ... Card connector 40, 90 ... Camera body 42 ... Memory card 62, 71 ... Zoom lens 74 ... Original oscillator 75 ... CCD drive circuit 76 ... Lens MPU
77, 87 ... Memory 85 ... Recording memory 86 ... Camera MPU
88 ... Power supply

Claims

A photographic lens, an image sensor on which a subject image is formed via the photographic lens, a non-volatile storage means storing a control program for a central treatment device provided on the camera body side, a camera body and a signal An interchangeable lens unit having lens side signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving
A camera body to which the interchangeable lens unit is detachable, a camera side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the interchangeable lens unit, an image signal photoelectrically converted by the imaging element, and the lens side signal transmitting / receiving unit and the camera side Processing means for receiving the signal through the signal transmission / reception means, processing the image signal and then recording it on a recording medium; and the control program received from the storage means via the lens-side signal transmission / reception means and the camera-side signal transmission / reception means. A camera body having at least the central processing unit for controlling the processing means based on
An interchangeable lens electronic camera.

The interchangeable lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the interchangeable lens unit includes a driving unit that drives the imaging device and a strobe device, and the central processing unit controls the driving unit and the strobe device. camera.

Non-volatile storage for storing at least one of a photographing lens, an image sensor on which a subject image is formed via the photographing lens, a signal processing program corresponding to the image sensor, and defect information unique to the image sensor An interchangeable lens unit having means and a lens-side signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the camera body;
A camera body in which the lens unit is detachable, a camera side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the interchangeable lens unit, an image signal photoelectrically converted by the imaging device, and the lens side signal transmitting / receiving unit and a camera side signal Receiving via the transmission / reception means, and receiving at least one of the signal processing program read from the storage means and the defect information specific to the image sensor via the lens-side signal transmission / reception means and the camera-side signal transmission / reception means, A camera body having signal processing means for processing the image signal in accordance with at least one of a signal processing program and defect information specific to the image sensor, and recording means for recording the image signal processed by the signal processing means on a recording medium; ,
An interchangeable lens electronic camera.

A photographic lens, an image sensor on which a subject image is formed via the photographic lens, a non-volatile storage means storing a control program for a central treatment device provided on the camera body side, a camera body and a signal An interchangeable lens unit having lens side signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving
A camera body to which the interchangeable lens unit is detachable, a camera side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the interchangeable lens unit, an image signal photoelectrically converted by the imaging element, and the lens side signal transmitting / receiving unit and the camera side A camera body having processing means for receiving the signal through the signal transmission / reception means, processing the image signal, and then recording the image signal on a recording medium;
An interchangeable lens electronic camera.

An interchangeable lens unit having a photographic lens, an imaging element on which a subject image is formed via the photographic lens, and a lens-side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the camera body;
A camera body to which the interchangeable lens unit is detachable, a camera side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the interchangeable lens unit, an image signal photoelectrically converted by the imaging element, and the lens side signal transmitting / receiving unit and the camera side A camera body having processing means for receiving the signal through the signal transmission / reception means, processing the image signal, and then recording the image signal on a recording medium,
The lens side signal transmission / reception means has an input / output terminal for expansion.

An interchangeable lens unit having a photographic lens, an imaging element on which a subject image is formed via the photographic lens, and a lens-side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the camera body;
A camera body to which the interchangeable lens unit is detachable, a camera side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits / receives a signal to / from the interchangeable lens unit, an image signal photoelectrically converted by the imaging element, and the lens side signal transmitting / receiving unit and the camera side A camera body having processing means for receiving the signal through the signal transmission / reception means, processing the image signal, and then recording the image signal on a recording medium,
The camera-side signal transmitting / receiving means has an input / output terminal for expansion.

A first interchangeable lens suitable for telephoto photography having an image pickup device having a small light receiving area, a telephoto lens having a short focal distance relative to the image pickup device, and a lens side signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the camera body. Unit,
A second interchangeable lens unit suitable for high-sensitivity imaging, having an image sensor with a large S / N with a large light receiving area, a lens with a large open F value, and a lens-side signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the camera body;
At least the first and second interchangeable lens units are detachable camera bodies, and have camera-side signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the interchangeable lens units, and the first and second interchangeable lens units A camera body that can be combined,
An interchangeable lens electronic camera.

A first imaging lens; a color imaging element on which a subject image is formed via the first imaging lens; a nonvolatile first storage means storing a color signal processing program; and a camera body A first interchangeable lens unit for color photography having a lens side signal transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving signals,
A second imaging lens; a monochrome imaging device on which a subject image is formed via the second imaging lens; a non-volatile second storage means storing a monochrome signal processing program; and a camera body And a second interchangeable lens unit for monochrome photography having a lens side signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving signals,
At least the first and second interchangeable lens units are detachable camera bodies, and have camera-side signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the interchangeable lens units, and the first and second interchangeable lens units A camera body that can be combined,
An interchangeable lens electronic camera.

The interchangeable lens unit detachably attached to a camera body that receives an image signal from the interchangeable lens unit and receives a control program, processes the image signal based on the control program, and records the image signal on a recording medium,
A photographic lens; an imaging device on which a subject image is formed via the photographic lens; a non-volatile storage means for storing the control program; and a lens-side signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the camera body. An interchangeable lens unit characterized by that.

An image signal is received from the interchangeable lens unit, and at least one of a signal processing program and image sensor specific defect information is received, and the image signal is received according to at least one of the signal processing program and image sensor specific defect information. The interchangeable lens unit is detachable from the camera body for recording on a recording medium after processing,
A non-volatile storage that stores at least one of a photographing lens, an image sensor on which a subject image is formed via the photographing lens, the signal processing program corresponding to the image sensor, and defect information unique to the image sensor An interchangeable lens unit comprising storage means and lens-side signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the camera body.