Patent ID: 7932950
Filing Date: 2011-04-26
Classification: G02B,G03B,H04N

Abstract:
1. An image taking apparatus configured to perform focusing a first automatic focusing method in which a focus signal corresponding to the contrast of an image is obtained from an output signal of an image pickup unit and lens drive control is performed based on the focus signal so that a focus lens is moved to an in-focus point, and a second automatic focusing method in which information corresponding to object distance is obtained and lens drive control is performed based on the information so that the focus lens is moved to an in-focus point, the apparatus comprising: a panning-state-completion detecting unit configured to detect whether or not a panning state of the image taking apparatus is completed; and a control unit configured to execute the lens drive control according to the second automatic focusing method in case where a moving direction of the focus lens according to the first automatic focusing method and the moving direction of the focus lens which corresponds to the object distance matches and also satisfying a predetermined condition in condition at a first time after completing the panning-state, and to execute the lens drive control according to the second automatic focusing method in case where satisfying the predetermined condition depending on whether or not the moving direction of the focus lens according to the first automatic focusing method and the moving direction of the focus lens which corresponds to the object distance matches in condition at a second time which is shorter than the first time after completing the panning-state.