Imaging apparatus

An imaging apparatus with improved convenience, which can perform various types of processing using an imaging device while performing phase difference detection, is provided.An imaging unit (1) includes an imaging device (10) for performing photoelectric conversion to convert light into an electrical signal, the imaging device (10) configured so that light passes through the imaging device (10), a phase difference detection unit (20) for receiving the light having passed through the imaging device (10) to perform phase difference detection, a focus lens group (72) for adjusting a focus position, and a body control section (5) for controlling the imaging device (10) and controlling driving of the focus lens group (72) at least based on a detection result of the phase difference detection unit. The body control section (5) performs a focus operation based on a detection result of the phase difference detection unit during exposure of the imaging device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2009/000671, filed on Feb. 18, 2009, which in turn claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2008-041576, filed on Feb. 22, 2008 and Japanese Application No. 2008-041578, filed on Feb. 22, 2008, the disclosures of which Applications are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus including an imaging device for performing photoelectric conversion.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, digital cameras that convert an object image into an electrical signal using an imaging device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or the like, digitizes the electrical signal, and records the obtained digital signal have been widely used.

Single-lens reflex digital cameras include a phase difference detection section for detecting a phase difference between object images, and have the phase difference detection AF function of performing autofocusing (hereinafter also simply referred to as “AF”) by the phase difference detection section. Since the phase difference detection AF function allows detection of defocus direction and defocus amount, the moving time of a focus lens can be reduced, thereby realizing fast-focusing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In known single-lens reflex digital cameras, provided is a movable mirror capable of moving in or out of an optical path from a lens tube to an imaging device in order to guide light from an object to a phase difference detection section.

In so-called compact digital cameras, the autofocus function by video AF using an imaging device (see, for example, Patent Document 2) is employed. Therefore, in compact digital cameras, a mirror for guiding light from an object to a phase difference detection section is not provided, thus achieving reduction in the size of compact digital cameras. In such compact digital cameras, autofocusing can be performed with light incident on the imaging device, i.e., with the imaging device being exposed to light. That is, it is possible to perform various types of processing using the imaging device, including, for example, obtaining an image signal from an object image formed on the imaging device to display the object image on an image display section provided on a back surface of the camera or to record the object image in a recording section, while performing autofocusing. In general, this autofocus function by video AF advantageously has higher accuracy than that of phase difference detection AF.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-163545PATENT DOCUMENT 2: Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-135140

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, as in a digital camera according to PATENT DOCUMENT 2, a defocus direction cannot be instantaneously detected by video AF. For example, when contrast detection AF is employed, a focus is detected by detecting a contrast peak, but a contrast peak direction, i.e., a defocus direction cannot be detected unless a focus lens is shifted to back and forth from its current position, or the like. Therefore, it takes a longer time to detect a focus. In view of reducing a time required for detecting a focus, phase difference detection AF is more advantageous. However, in an imaging apparatus such as a single-lens reflex digital camera according to Patent Document 1 employing phase difference detection AF, a movable mirror has to be moved to be on an optical path from a lens tube to an imaging device in order to guide light from an object to a phase difference detection section. Thus, various types of processing using the imaging device, such as, for example, exposure of the imaging apparatus cannot be performed while phase difference detection AF is performed. Also, the movable mirror has to be moved when an optical path of incident light is switched between a path toward the phase difference detection section and a path toward the imaging device. Thus, disadvantageously, a time lag and noise are generated by moving the movable mirror.

That is, a known imaging apparatus for performing phase difference detection AF has been not convenient in relation to performing various types of processing using the imaging apparatus.

In view of the above-described points, the present invention has been devised, and it is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the convenience of an imaging apparatus including an imaging device and a phase difference detection section in relation to performing various types of processing using the imaging device and phase difference detection using the phase difference detection section.

Solution to the Problem

An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging device for performing photoelectric conversion to convert light into an electrical signal, the device being configured so that light passes through the imaging device, a phase difference detection section for receiving light which has passed through the imaging device to perform phase difference detection, a focus lens for adjusting a focus position, and a control section for controlling the imaging device and controlling driving of the focus lens at least based on a detection result of the phase difference detection section to adjust the focus position.

An imaging apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention has been devised to realize fast-focusing on an image object while performing exposure of the imaging device. Specifically, the imaging apparatus includes an imaging device for performing photoelectric conversion to convert light into an electrical signal, the device being configured so that light passes through the imaging device, a phase difference detection section for receiving light which has passed through the imaging device to perform phase difference detection, a focus lens for adjusting a focus position, and a control section for controlling driving of the focus lens based on a detection result of the phase difference detection section to perform a focus operation to focus an image object on the imaging device, and the control section performs the focus operation based on the detection result of the phase difference detection section during exposure of the imaging device.

Advantages of the Invention

According to the present invention, an imaging device configured so that light passes through the imaging device, and a phase difference detection section for receiving light which has passed through the imaging device to perform phase difference detection are provided. Moreover, a control section controls the imaging device and also controls driving of the focus lens at least based on a detection result of the phase difference detection section. Thus, phase difference detection can be performed by the phase difference detection section using light which has passed through the imaging device, while causing light to enter the imaging device to perform various types of processing using the imaging device. Accordingly, various types of processing using the imaging device can be performed in parallel with phase difference detection by the phase difference detection section, or, switching between various types of processing using the imaging device and phase difference detection by the phase difference detection section can be performed quietly and quickly, so that the convenience of the imaging device can be improved.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an imaging device configured so that light passes through the imaging device, and a phase difference detection section for receiving light which has passed through the imaging device to perform phase difference detection are provided. Thus, phase difference detection can be performed by the phase difference detection section using light which has passed through the imaging device to focus an image object on the imaging device, while performing exposure of the imaging device. Accordingly, the imaging object can be quickly focused while the imaging device is exposed to light.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

A camera as an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

As shown inFIG. 1, a camera100according to the first embodiment is a single-lens reflex digital camera with interchangeable lenses and includes, as major components, a camera body4having a major function as a camera system, and interchangeable lenses7removably attached to the camera body4. The interchangeable lenses7are attached to a body mount41provided on a front face of the camera body4. The body mount41is provided with an electric contact piece41a.

—Configuration of Camera Body—

The camera body4includes the imaging unit1for capturing an object image as a shooting image, a shutter unit42for adjusting an exposure state of the imaging unit1, an optical low pass filter (OLPF)43, serving also as an IR cutter, for removing infrared light of the object image entering the imaging unit1and reducing the moire phenomenon, an image display section44, comprised of a liquid crystal monitor, for displaying a shooting image, a live view image and various pieces of information, and a body control section5. The camera body4serves as an imaging apparatus body.

In the camera body4, a power switch40afor turning on/off the camera system, a release button40boperated by a user when the user performs focusing and releasing operations, and setting switches40cand40ffor turning on/off various shooting modes and functions.

When the camera system is turned on by the power switch40a, power is supplied to each part of the camera body4and the interchangeable lens7.

The release button40boperates as a two-stage switch. Specifically, autofocusing, AE (Automatic Exposure) or the like, which will be described later, is performed by pressing the release button40bhalfway down, and releasing is performed by pressing the release button40ball the way down.

An AF setting switch40cis a switch for switching an autofocus function from one to another of three autofocus functions, which will be described later. The camera body4is configured so that the autofocus function is set to be one of the three autofocus functions by switching the AF setting switch40c.

A continuous shooting mode setting switch40dis a switch for setting/canceling a continuous shooting mode, which will be described later. The camera body4is configured so that a shooting mode can be switched between a normal shooting mode and a continuous shooting mode by operating the continuous shooting mode setting switch40d.

A during-exposure AF setting switch40eis a switch for turning on/off during-exposure AF, which will be described later. The camera body4is configured so that the shooting mode is switched between a during-exposure AF shooting mode in which exposure is performed while autofocusing is performed and a normal shooting mode in which the focus lens group72is halted and autofocusing is not performed while exposure is performed by operating the during-exposure AF setting switch40e. The during-exposure AF setting switch40eserves as a setting switch for switching the shooting mode between the during-exposure focusing shooting mode and the normal shooting mode.

A macro setting switch40fis a switch for setting/canceling a macro shooting mode, which will be described later. The camera body4is configured so that the shooting mode is switched between the normal shooting mode and the macro shooting mode which is suitable for close-up shooting by operating the macro setting switch40f.

Clearly, the setting switches40c-40fmay be selection items in a menu for selecting various camera shooting functions.

Furthermore, the macro setting switch40fmay be provided to the interchangeable lens7.

The imaging unit1, which will be described in detail later, performs photoelectric conversion to convert an object image into an electrical signal. The imaging unit1is configured to be movable in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis X by a blur correction unit45.

The body control section5includes a body microcomputer50, a nonvolatile memory50a, a shutter control section51for controlling driving of the shutter unit42, an imaging unit control section52for controlling the operation of the imaging unit1and performing A/D conversion of an electrical signal from the imaging unit1to output the converted signal to the body microcomputer50, an image reading/recording section53for reading image data from, for example, a card type recording medium or an image storage section58which is an internal memory and recording image data in the image storage section58, an image recording control section54for controlling the image reading/recording section53, an image display control section55for controlling display of the image display section44, a blur detection section56for detecting an amount of an image blur generated due to shake of the camera body4, and a correction unit control section57for controlling the blur correction unit45. The body control section5serves as a control section.

The body microcomputer50is a control device for controlling core functions of the camera body4, and performs control of various sequences. The body microcomputer50includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM and a RAM. Programs stored in the ROM are read by the CPU, and thereby, the body microcomputer50can execute various functions.

The body microcomputer50is configured to receive input signals from the power switch40a, the release button40band each of the setting switches40cand40fand output control signals to the shutter control section51, the imaging unit control section52, the image reading/recording section53, the image recording control section54, the correction unit control section57and the like, thereby causing the shutter control section51, the imaging unit control section52, the image reading/recording section53, the image recording control section54, the correction unit control section57and the like to execute respective control operations. The body microcomputer50performs inter-microcomputer communication with a lens microcomputer80, which will be described later.

For example, according to an instruction of the body microcomputer50, the imaging unit control section52performs A/D conversion of an electrical signal from the imaging unit1to output the converted signal to the body microcomputer50. The body microcomputer50performs predetermined image processing to the received electrical signal to generate an image signal. Then, the body microcomputer50transmits the image signal to the image reading/recording section53, and also instructs the image recording control section54to record and display an image, and thereby, the image signal is stored in the image storage section58and is transmitted to the image display control section55. The image display control section55controls the image display section44based on the transmitted image signal to cause the image display section44to display an image.

The body microcomputer50, which will be described in detail later, is configured to detect an object point distance to the object via a lens microcomputer80.

In the nonvolatile memory50a, various pieces of information (unit information) for the camera body4are stored. The unit information includes, for example, model information (unit specific information) provided to specify the camera body4, such as name of a manufacturer, production date and model number of the camera body4, version information for software installed in the body microcomputer50and firmware update information, information regarding whether or not the camera body4includes sections for correcting an image blur, such as the blur correction unit45, the blur detection section56and the like, information regarding a detection performance of the blur detection section56, such as a model number, detection capability and the like, error history and the like. Such information as listed above may be stored in a memory section of the body microcomputer50, instead of the nonvolatile memory50a.

The blur detection section56includes an angular velocity sensor for detecting the movement of the camera body4due to hand shake and the like. The angular velocity sensor outputs a positive/negative angular velocity signal according to the direction in which the camera body4is moved, using as a reference an output in a state where the camera body4stands still. In this embodiment, two angular velocity sensors are provided to detect two directions, i.e., a yawing direction and a pitching direction. After being subjected to filtering, amplification and the like, the output angular velocity signal is converted into a digital signal by the A/D conversion section, and then, is given to the body microcomputer50.

The interchangeable lens7serves as an imaging optical system for forming an object image on the imaging unit1in the camera body4, and includes, as major components, a focus adjustment section7A for performing focusing, an aperture adjustment section7B for adjusting an aperture, a lens image blur correction section7C for adjusting an optical path to correct an image blur, and a lens control section8for controlling an operation of the interchangeable lens7.

The interchangeable lens7is attached to the body mount41of the camera body4via a lens mount71. The lens mount71is provided with an electric contact piece71awhich is electrically connected to the electric contact piece41aof the body mount41when the interchangeable lens7is attached to the camera body4.

The focus adjustment section7A is comprised of a focus lens group72for adjusting focus. The focus lens group72is movable in the direction along the optical axis X in a zone from a closest focus position predetermined as a standard for the interchangeable lens7to an infinite focus position. When a focus position is detected using a contrast detection method, which will be described later, the focus lens group72has to be movable forward and backward from a focus position in the direction along the optical axis X. Therefore, the focus lens group72has a lens shift margin zone which allows the focus lens group72to move forward and backward in the direction along the optical axis X to a further distance beyond the zone ranging from the closest focus position to the infinite focus position. Note that the focus lens group72does not have to be comprised of a plurality of lenses, but may be comprised of a single lens.

The aperture adjustment section7B is comprised of an aperture section73for adjusting an aperture. The aperture section73serves as a light amount adjustment section.

The lens image blur correction section7C includes a blur correction lens74, and a blur correction lens driving section74afor moving the blur correction lens74in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis X.

The lens control section8includes a lens microcomputer80, a nonvolatile memory80a, a focus lens group control section81for controlling an operation of the focus lens group72, a focus driving section82for receiving a control signal of the focus lens group control section81to drive the focus lens group72, an aperture control section83for controlling an operation of the aperture section73, a blur detection section84for detecting a blur of the interchangeable lens7, and a blur correction lens unit control section85for controlling the blur correction lens driving section74a.

The lens microcomputer80is a control device for controlling core functions of the interchangeable lens7, and is connected to each component mounted on the interchangeable lens7. Specifically, the lens microcomputer80includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM and, when programs stored in the ROM are read by the CPU, various functions can be executed. For example, the lens microcomputer80has the function of setting a lens image blur correction system (the blur correction lens driving section74aor the like) to be a correction possible state or a correction impossible state, based on a signal from the body microcomputer50. Due to the contact of the electric contact piece71aprovided to the lens mount71with the electric contact piece41aprovided to the body mount41, the body microcomputer50is electrically connected to the lens microcomputer80, so that information can be transmitted/received between the body microcomputer50and the lens microcomputer80.

In the nonvolatile memory80a, various pieces of information (lens information) for the interchangeable lens7are stored. The lens information includes, for example, model information (lens specific information) provided to specify the interchangeable lens7, such as name of a manufacturer, production date and model number of the interchangeable lens7, version information for software installed in the lens microcomputer80and firmware update information, and information regarding whether or not the interchangeable lens7includes sections for correcting an image blur, such as the blur correction lens driving section74a, the blur detection section84, and the like. If the interchangeable lens7includes sections for correcting an image blur, the lens information further includes information regarding a detection performance of the blur detection section84such as a model number, detection capability and the like, information regarding a correction performance (a lens side correction performance information) of the blur correction lens driving section74asuch as a model number, a maximum correctable angle and the like, version information for software for performing image blur correction, and the like. Furthermore, the lens information includes information (lens side power consumption information) regarding necessary power consumption for driving the blur correction lens driving section74a, and information (lens side driving method information) regarding a method for driving the blur correction lens driving section74a. The nonvolatile memory80acan store information transmitted from the body microcomputer50. The information listed above may be stored in a memory section of the lens microcomputer80, instead of the nonvolatile memory80a.

The focus lens group control section81includes an absolute position detection section81afor detecting an absolute position of the focus lens group72in the direction along the optical axis, and a relative position detection section81bfor detecting a relative position of the focus lens group72in the direction along the optical axis. The absolute position detection section81adetects an absolute position of the focus lens group72provided in a case of the interchangeable lens7. For example, the absolute position detection section81ais comprised of a several-bit contact-type encoder substrate and a brush, and is capable of detecting an absolute position. The relative position detection section81bcannot detect the absolute position of the focus lens group72by itself, but can detect a moving direction of the focus lens group72. The relative position detection section81bemploys, for example, a two-phase encoder. As for the two-phase encoder, two rotary pulse encoders, two MR devices, two hall devices, or the like, for alternately outputting binary signals with an equal pitch according to the position of the focus lens group72in the direction along the optical axis are provided so that the phases of their pitches are different from each other. The lens microcomputer80calculates the relative position of the focus lens group72in the direction along the optical axis from an output of the relative position detection section81b.

The blur detection section84includes an angular velocity sensor for detecting the movement of the interchangeable lens7due to hand shake and the like. The angular velocity sensor outputs a positive/negative angular velocity signal according to the direction in which the interchangeable lens7moves, using as a reference an output in a state where the interchangeable lens7stands still. In this embodiment, two angular velocity sensors are provided to detect two directions, i.e., a yawing direction and a pitching direction. After being subjected to filtering, amplification and the like, the output angular velocity signal is converted into a digital signal by the A/D conversion section, and then, is given to the lens microcomputer80.

A blur correction lens unit control section85includes a moving amount detection section (not shown). The moving amount detection section is a detection section for detecting an actual moving amount of the blur correction lens74. The blur correction lens unit control section85performs feedback control of the blur correction lens74based on an output of the moving amount detection section.

An example in which the blur detection sections56and84and the blur correction units45and74aare provided to both of the camera body4and the interchangeable lens7has been described. However, such blur detection section and blur correction unit may be provided to either one of the camera body4and the interchangeable lens7. Also, a configuration in which such blur detection section and blur correction unit are not provided to either the camera body4or the interchangeable lens7may be employed (in such a configuration, a sequence regarding the above-described blur correction may be eliminated).

As shown inFIG. 2, the imaging unit1includes an imaging device10for converting an object image into an electrical signal, a package31for holding the imaging device10, and a phase difference detection unit20for performing focus detection using phase difference detection.

The imaging device10is an interline type CCD image sensor, and, as shown inFIG. 3, includes a photoelectric conversion section11made of a semiconductor material, vertical registers12, transfer paths13, masks14, color filters15, and microlenses16.

The photoelectric conversion section11includes a substrate11aand a plurality of light receiving sections (also referred to as “pixels”)11barranged on the substrate11a.

The substrate11ais made of a Si (silicon) based substrate. Specifically, the substrate11ais made of a Si single crystal substrate or a SOI (silicon-on-insulator wafer). In particular, an SOI substrate has a sandwich structure of Si thin films and a SiO2thin film, and chemical reaction can be stopped at the SiO2film in etching or like processing. Thus, in terms of performing stable substrate processing, it is advantageous to use an SOI substrate.

Each of the light receiving sections11bis made of a photodiode, and absorbs light to generate electrical charges. The light receiving sections11bare provided in micro pixel regions each having a square shape, arranged in matrix on the substrate11a(seeFIG. 4).

The vertical register12is provided for each light receiving section11b, and serves to temporarily store electrical charges stored in the light receiving section11b. The electrical charges stored in the light receiving section11bare transferred to the vertical register12. The electrical charges transferred to the vertical register12are transferred to a horizontal register (not shown) via the transfer path13, and then, to an amplifier (not shown). The electrical charges transferred to the amplifier are amplified and pulled out as an electrical signal.

The mask14is provided so that the light receiving sections11bis exposed toward an object while the vertical register12and the transfer path13are covered by the mask14, thereby preventing light from entering the vertical register12and the transfer path13.

The color filter15and the microlens16are provided in each micro pixel region having a square shape to correspond to an associated one of the light receiving sections11b. Each of the color filters15transmits only a specific color, and primary color filters or complementary color filters are used as the color filters15. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, so-called Bayer primary color filters are used. That is, assuming that four color filters15arranged adjacent to one another in two rows and two columns (or in four pixel regions) are a repeat unit throughout the entire imaging device10, two green color filters15g(i.e., color filters having a higher transmittance in a green visible light wavelength range than in the other color visible light wavelength ranges) are arranged in a diagonal direction, and a red color filter15r(i.e., a color filter having a higher transmittance in a red visible light wavelength range than in the other color visible light wavelength ranges) and a blue color filter15b(i.e., a color filter having a higher transmittance in a blue visible light wavelength range than in the other color visible light wavelength ranges) are arranged in another diagonal direction. When the entire set of the color filters15is viewed, every second color filter in the row and column directions is the green color filter15g.

The microlenses16collect light to cause the light to enter the light receiving sections11b. The light receiving sections11bcan be efficiently irradiated with light by the microlenses16.

In the imaging device10configured in the above-described manner, light collected by the microlens16enters the color filters15r,15gand15b. Then, only light having a corresponding color to each color filter transmits through the color filter, and an associated one of the light receiving sections11bis irradiated with the light. Each of the light receiving sections11babsorbs light to generate electrical charges. The electrical charges generated by the light receiving sections11bare transferred to the amplifier via the vertical register12and the transfer path13, and are output as an electrical signal. That is, the amount of received light having a corresponding color to each color filter is obtained from each of the light receiving sections11bas an output.

Thus, the imaging device10performs photoelectric conversion at the light receiving sections11bprovided throughout the entire imaging plane, thereby converting an object image formed on an imaging plane into an electrical signal.

In this case, a plurality of light transmitting portions17for transmitting irradiation light are formed in the substrate11a. The light transmitting portions17are formed by cutting, polishing or etching an opposite surface (hereinafter also referred to as a “back surface”)11cof the substrate11ato a surface thereof on which the light receiving sections11bare provided to provide concave-shaped recesses, and each of the light transmitting portions17has a smaller thickness than that of a part of the substrate11alocated around each of the light transmitting portions17. More specifically, each of the light transmitting portions17includes a recess-bottom surface17ahaving a smallest thickness and an inclined surfaces17bfor connecting the recess-bottom surface17awith the back surface11c.

Each of the light transmitting portions17in the substrate11ais formed to have a thickness which allows light to transmit through the light transmitting portion17, so that a part of irradiation light onto the light transmitting portions17is not converted into electrical charges and is transmitted through the photoelectric conversion section11. For example, by forming the substrate11aso that each of parts thereof located in the light transmitting portions17has a thickness of 2-3 μm, about 50% of light having a longer wavelength than that of near infrared light can be caused to transmit through the light transmitting portions17.

Each of the inclined surfaces17bis set to be at an angle at which light reflected by the inclined surfaces17bis not directed to condenser lenses21aof the phase difference detection unit20, which will be described later, when light is transmitted through the light transmitting portions17. Thus, formation of a non-real image on a line sensor24a, which will be described later, is prevented.

Each of the light transmitting portions17serves as a reduced-thickness portion, which transmits light entering the imaging device10, i.e., which allows light entering the imaging device10to pass therethrough. The term “passing” includes the concept of “transmitting” at least in this specification.

The imaging device10configured in the above-described manner is held in the package31(seeFIG. 2). The package31serves as a holding portion.

Specifically, the package31includes a flat bottom plate31aprovided with a frame32, and upright walls31bprovided in four directions. The imaging device10is mounted on the frame32to be surrounded by the upright walls31bin four directions, and is electrically connected to the frame32via bonding wires.

Moreover, a cover glass33is attached to ends of the upright walls31bof the package31to cover the imaging plane of the imaging device10(on which the light receiving sections11bare provided). The imaging plane of the imaging device10is protected by the cover glass33from dust and the like being attached thereto.

In this case, the same number of openings31cas the number of the light transmitting portions17are formed in the bottom plate31aof the package31to pass through the bottom plate31aand be located at corresponding positions to the positions of the light transmitting portions17of the imaging device10. With the openings31cprovided, light transmitted through the imaging device10reaches the phase difference detection unit20, which will be described later. The openings31cserves as light passing portions.

In the bottom plate31aof the package31, the openings31cdo not have to be necessarily formed to pass through the bottom plate31a. That is, as long as light transmitted through the imaging device10can reach the phase difference detection unit20, a configuration in which transparent portions or semi-transparent portions are formed in the bottom plate31a, or like configuration may be employed.

The phase difference detection unit20is provided in the back surface (an opposite surface to a surface facing an object) side of the imaging device10and receives light transmitted through the imaging device10to perform phase difference detection. Specifically, the phase difference detection unit20converts the received transmitted light into an electrical signal to be used for distance measurement. The phase difference detection unit20serves as a phase difference detection section.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, the phase difference detection unit20includes a condenser lens unit21, a mask member22, a separator lens unit23, a line sensor unit24, a module frame25to which the condenser lens unit21, the mask member22, the separator lens unit23and the line sensor unit24are attached. The condenser lens unit21, the mask member22, the separator lens unit23and the line sensor unit24are arranged in this order along the thickness direction of the imaging device10from the imaging device10side.

The plurality of condenser lenses21aintegrated into a single unit form the condenser lens unit21. The same number of the condenser lenses21aas the number of the light transmitting portions17are provided. Each of the condenser lenses21acollects incident light. The condenser lens21acollects light transmitted through the imaging device10and spreading out, and guides the light to a separator lens23aof the separator lens unit23, which will be described later. Each of the condenser lenses21ais formed so that an incident surface21bof the condenser lens21ahas a convex shape and a part thereof located close to the incident surface21bhas a circular column shape.

Since an incident angle of light entering each of the separator lenses23ais reduced by providing the condenser lenses21a, an aberration of the separator lens23acan be reduced, and a distance between object images on a line sensor24awhich will be described later can be reduced. As a result, the size of each of the separator lenses23aand the line sensor24acan be reduced. Additionally, when a focus position of an object image from the imaging optical system greatly diverges from the imaging unit1(specifically, greatly diverges from the imaging device10of the imaging unit1), the contrast of the image is remarkably reduced. According to this embodiment, however, due to the size-reduction effect of the condenser lenses21aand the separator lenses23a, reduction in contrast can be prevented, so that a focus detection range can be increased. If highly accurate phase difference detection around a focus position is performed, or if the separator lenses23a, the line sensors24aand the like are of sufficient dimensions, the condenser lens unit21does not have to be provided.

The mask member22is provided between the condenser lens unit21and the separator lens unit23. In the mask member22, two mask openings22aare formed in a part thereof corresponding to each of the separator lenses23a. That is, the mask member22divides a lens surface of each of the separator lenses23ainto two areas, so that only the two areas are exposed toward the condenser lenses21a. More specifically, the mask member22performs pupil division to divide light which has been collected by the condenser lenses21ainto two light beams and causes the two light beams to enter the separator lens23a. The mask member22can prevent harmful light from one of adjacent two of the separator lenses23afrom entering the other one of the adjacent two. Note that the mask member22does not have to be provided.

The separator lens unit23includes a plurality of separator lenses23a. In other words, the separator lenses23aare integrated into a single unit to form the separator lens unit23. Like the condenser lenses21a, the same number of the separator lens23aas the number of light transmitting portions17are provided. Each of the separator lenses23aforms two identical object images on the line sensor24afrom two light beams which have passed through the mask member22and has entered the separator lens23a.

The line sensor unit24includes a plurality of line sensors24aand a mounting portion24bon which the line sensors24aare mounted. Like the condenser lenses21a, the same number of the line sensors24aas the number of the light transmitting portions17are provided. Each of the line sensors24areceives an image formed on an imaging plane and converts the image into an electrical signal. That is, a distance between the two object images can be detected from an output of the line sensor24a, and a shift amount (defocus amount: Df amount) of a focus of an object image to be formed on the imaging device10, and the direction (defocus direction) in which the focus is shifted can be obtained based on the distance. (The Df amount, the defocus direction and the like will be hereinafter also referred to as “defocus information.”)

The condenser lens unit21, the mask member22, the separator lens unit23and the line sensor unit24, configured in the above-described manner, are provided in the module frame25.

The module frame25is a member formed to have a frame shape, and an attaching section25ais provided on an inner circumference surface of the module frame25to inwardly protrude. A first attaching portion25band a second attaching portion25care formed into a step-like shape at a part of the attaching section25alocated closer to the imaging device10. Moreover, a third attaching portion25dis formed at a part of the attaching section25alocated at an opposite side to the imaging device10.

The mask member22is attached to a side of the second attaching portion25cof the module frame25located closer to the imaging device10, and the condenser lens unit21is attached to the first attaching portion25b. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, the condenser lens unit21and the mask member22are formed so that their edge portions fit in the module frame25when the condenser lens unit21and the mask member22are attached to the first attaching portion25band the second attaching portion25c. Thus, the positions of the condenser lens unit21and mask member22are determined relative to the module frame25.

The separator lens unit23is attached to a side of the third attaching portion25dof the module frame25located opposite to the imaging device10. The third attaching portion25dis provided with positioning pins25eand direction reference pins25feach protruding at an opposite side to the condenser lens unit21side. The separator lens unit23is provided with positioning holes23band direction reference holes23ccorresponding respectively to the positioning pins25eand the direction reference pins25f. Respective diameters of the positioning pins25eand the positioning holes23bare determined so that the positioning pins25eclosely fit in the positioning holes23b. Respective diameters of the direction reference pins25fand the direction reference holes23care determined so that the direction reference pins25floosely fit in the direction reference holes23c. That is, the attitude of the separator lens unit23, such as the direction in which the separator lens unit23is arranged when being attached to the third attaching portion25d, is defined by inserting the positioning pins25eand the direction reference pins25fof the third attaching portion25din the positioning holes23band the direction reference holes23c, and the position of the separator lens unit23is determined relative to the third attaching portion25dby providing a close fit of the positioning pins25ewith the positioning holes23b. Thus, when the attitude and position of the separator lens unit23are determined and then the separator lens unit23is attached, the lens surface of each of the separator lenses23ais directed toward the condenser lens unit21and faces to an associated one of the mask openings22a.

In the above-described manner, the condenser lens unit21, the mask member22and the separator lens unit23are attached while being held in positions determined relative to the module frame25. That is, the positional relation of the condenser lens unit21, the mask member22and the separator lens unit23are determined by the module frame25.

Then, the line sensor unit24is attached to a side of the module frame25located closer to the back surface side of the separator lens unit23(which is the opposite side to the condenser lens unit21side). In this case, the line sensor unit24is attached to the module frame25while being held in a position which allows light transmitted through each of the separator lenses23ato enter an associated one of the line sensors24a.

Thus, the condenser lens unit21, the mask member22, the separator lens unit23and the line sensor unit24are attached to the module frame25, and thereby, the condenser lenses21a, the mask member22, the separator lenses23aand the line sensor24aare arranged to be located at determined positions so that incident light to the condenser lenses21ais transmitted through the condenser lenses21ato enter the separator lenses23avia the mask member22, and then, the light transmitted through the separator lenses23aforms an image on each of the line sensors24a.

The imaging device10and the phase difference detection unit20configured in the above-described manner are joined together. Specifically, the imaging device10and the phase difference detection unit20are configured so that the openings31cof the package31in the imaging device10closely fit the condenser lenses21ain the phase difference detection unit20. That is, with the condenser lenses21ain the phase difference detection unit20inserted in the openings31cof the package31in the imaging device10, the module frame25is bonded to the package31. Thus, the respective positions of the imaging device10and the phase difference detection unit20are determined, and then, the imaging device10and the phase difference detection unit20are joined together while being held in the positions. As described above, the condenser lenses21a, the separator lenses23aand the line sensors24aare integrated into a single unit, and then are attached as a signal unit to the package31.

The imaging device10and the phase difference detection unit20may be configured so that all of the openings31cclosely fit the condenser lenses21a. Alternatively, the imaging device10and the phase difference detection unit20may be also configured so that only some of the openings31cclosely fit associated ones of the condenser lenses21a, and the rest of the openings31cloosely fit associated ones of the condenser lenses21a. In the latter case, the imaging device10and the phase difference detection unit20are preferably configured so that one of the condenser lenses21aand one of the openings31clocated closest to the center of the imaging plane closely fit each other to determine positions in the imaging plane, and furthermore, one of the condenser lenses21aand one of the openings31clocated most distant from the center of the imaging plane closely fit each other to determine circumferential positions (rotation angles) of the condenser lens21aand the opening31cwhich are located at the center of the imaging plane.

As a result of joining the imaging device10and the phase difference detection unit20together, the condenser lens21a, the pair of the mask openings22aof the mask member22, the separator lens23aand the line sensor24aare arranged in the back surface side of the substrate11bto correspond to each of the light transmitting portions17.

As described above, relative to the imaging device10configured to transmit light therethrough, the openings31care formed in the bottom plate31aof the package31for housing the imaging device10, and thereby, light transmitted through the imaging device10is easily caused to reach the back surface side of the package31. Also, the phase difference detection unit20is arranged in the back surface side of the package31, and thus, a configuration where light transmitted through the imaging device10is received at the phase difference detection unit20can be easily realized.

As long as light transmitted through the imaging device10can pass through the openings31cformed in the bottom plate31aof the package31to the back surface side of the package31, any configuration can be employed for the openings31c. However, by forming the openings31cas through holes, light transmitted through the imaging device10can be caused to reach the back surface side of the package31without attenuating light transmitted through the imaging device10.

With the openings31cprovided to closely fit the condenser lenses21a, positioning of the phase difference detection unit20relative to the imaging device10can be performed using the openings31c. If the condenser lenses21aare not provided, the separator lenses23aare configured to fit the openings31c. Thus, positioning of the phase difference detection unit20relative to the imaging device10can be performed in the same manner.

In addition, the condenser lenses21acan be provided to pass through the bottom plate31aof the package31and reach a close point to the substrate11a. Thus, the imaging unit1can be configured as a compact size imaging unit.

The operation of the imaging unit1configured in the above-described manner will be described hereinafter.

When light enters the imaging unit1from an object, the light is transmitted through the cover glass33and enters the imaging device10. The light is collected by the microlenses16of the imaging device10, and then, is transmitted through the color filters15, so that only light of a specific color reaches the light receiving sections11b. The light receiving sections11babsorbs light to generate electrical charges. Generated electrical charges are transferred to the amplifier via the vertical register12and the transfer path13, and are output as an electrical signal. Thus, each of the light receiving sections11bconverts light into an electrical signal throughout the entire imaging plane, and thereby, the imaging device10converts an object image formed on the imaging plane into an electrical signal for generating an image signal.

In the light transmitting portions17, a part of irradiation light to the imaging device10is transmitted through the imaging device10. The light transmitted through the imaging device10enters the condenser lenses21awhich are provided to closely fit the openings31cof the package31. The light transmitted through each of the condenser lenses21aand collected is divided into two light beams, when passing through each pair of mask openings22aformed in the mask member22, and then, enters each of the separator lenses23a. Light subjected to pupil division is transmitted through the separator lens23a, and identical object images are formed at two positions on the line sensor24a. The line sensor24aperforms photoelectric conversion to generate an electrical signal from the object images and outputs the electrical signal.

In this case, the electrical signal output from the imaging device10is input to the body microcomputer50via the imaging unit control section52. The body microcomputer50obtains positional information of each of the light receiving sections11band output data corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving section11bfrom the entire imaging plane of the imaging device10, thereby obtaining an object image formed on the image plane as an electrical signal.

In this case, in the light receiving sections11b, even when the same light amount is received, the amount of accumulated charges are different among different lights having different wavelengths. Thus, outputs from the light receiving sections11bof the imaging device10are corrected according to the types of the color filters15r,15gand15bprovided to the light receiving sections11b. For example, a correction amount for each pixel is determined so that, when each of a R pixel11bto which the red color filter15ris provided, a G pixel11bto which the green color filter15gis provided, and a B pixel11bto which the blue color filter15bis provided receives the same amount of light corresponding to the color of each color filter, respective outputs of the R pixel11b, the G pixel11band the B pixel11bbecome at the same level.

In this embodiment, the light transmitting portions17are provided in the substrate11a, and thus, the photoelectric conversion efficiency is reduced in the light transmitting portions17, compared to the other portions. That is, even when the pixels11breceive the same light amount, the amount of accumulated charges is smaller in ones of the pixels11bprovided in positions corresponding to the light transmitting portions17than in the other ones of the pixels11bprovided in positions corresponding to the other portions. Accordingly, when the same image processing as image processing for output data from the pixels11bprovided in positions corresponding to the other portions is performed to output data from the pixels11bprovided in positions corresponding to the light transmitting portions17, parts of an image corresponding to the light transmitting portions17might not be able to be properly shot (for example, shooting image is dark). Therefore, an output of each of the pixels11bin the light transmitting portions17is corrected to eliminate or reduce the influence of the light transmitting portions17(for example, by amplifying an output of each of the pixels11bin the light transmitting portions17or like method).

Reduction in output varies depending on the wavelength of light. That is, as the wavelength increases, the transmittance of the substrate11aincreases. Thus, depending on the types of the color filters15r,15gand15b, the amount of light transmitted through the substrate11adiffers. Therefore, when correction to eliminate or reduce the influence of the light transmitting portions17on each of the pixels11bcorresponding to the light transmitting portions17is performed, the correction amount is changed according to the wavelength of light received by each of the pixels11b. That is, for each of the pixels11bcorresponding to the light transmitting portions17, the correction amount is increased as the wavelength of light received by the pixel11bincreases.

As described above, in each of the pixels11b, the correction amount for eliminating or reducing the difference of the amount of accumulated charges depending on the types of color of received light is determined. In addition to the correction to eliminate or reduce the difference of the amount of accumulated charges depending on the types of color of received light, correction to eliminate or reduce the influence of the light transmitting portions17is performed. That is, the correction amount for eliminating or reducing the influence of the light transmitting portions17is a difference between the correction amount for each of the pixels11bcorresponding to the light transmitting portions17and the correction amount for the pixels11bwhich correspond to the other portions than the light transmitting portions17and receive light having the same color. In this embodiment, different correction amounts are determined for different colors, based on the following relationship. Thus, a stable image output can be obtained.
Rk>Gk>Bk  [Expression 1]
where Rk is: a difference obtained by deducting the correction amount for R pixels in the other portions than the light transmitting portions17from the correction amount for R pixels in the light transmitting portions17, Gk is: a difference obtained by deducting the correction amount for G pixels in the other portions than the light transmitting portions17from the correction amount for G pixels in the light transmitting portions17, and Bk is: a difference obtained by deducting the correction amount for B pixels in the other portions than the light transmitting portions17from the correction amount for B pixels in the light transmitting portions17.

Specifically, since the transmittance of red light having the largest wavelength is the highest of the transmittances of red, green and blue lights, the difference in the correction amount for red pixels is the largest. Also, since the transmittance of blue light having the smallest wavelength is the lowest of the transmittances of red, green and blue lights, the difference in the correction amount for blue pixels is the smallest.

That is, the correction amount of an output of each of the pixels11bin the imaging device10is determined based on whether or not the pixel11bis provided on a position corresponding to the light transmitting portion17, and the type of color of the color filter15corresponding to the pixel11b. For example, the correction amount of an output of each of the pixels11bis determined so that the white balance and/or intensity is equal for an image displayed by an output from the light transmitting portion17and an image displayed by an output from some other portion than the light transmitting portion17.

The body microcomputer50corrects output data from the light receiving sections11bin the above-described manner, and then, generates, based on the output data, an image signal including positional information, color information and intensity information in each of the light receiving sections, i.e., the pixels11b. Thus, an image signal of an object image formed on the imaging plane of the imaging device10is obtained.

By correcting an output from the imaging device10in the above-described manner, an object image can be properly shot even by the imaging device10provided with the light transmitting portions17.

An electrical signal output from the line sensor unit24is also input to the body microcomputer50. The body microcomputer50can obtain a distance between two object images formed on the line sensor24a, based on the output from the line sensor unit24, and then, can detect an in-focus state of an object image formed on the imaging device10from the obtained distance. For example, when an object image is transmitted through an imaging lens and is correctly formed on the imaging device10(in focus), the two object images formed on the line sensor24aare located at predetermined reference positions with a predetermined reference distance therebetween. In contrast, when an object image is formed before the imaging device10in the direction along the optical axis (front focus), the distance between the two object images is smaller than the reference distance when the object image is in focus. When an object image is formed behind the imaging device10in the direction along the optical axis (back focus), the distance between the two object images is larger than the reference distance when the object image is in focus. That is, an output from the line sensor24ais amplified, and then, an operation by the arithmetic circuit obtains information regarding whether or not an object image has been brought into focus, whether the object is in front focus or back focus, and the Df amount.

According to this embodiment, three light transmitting portions17are formed in the imaging device10, and in the back surface side of each of the light transmitting portions17, the condenser lens21aof the phase difference detection unit20, a pair of mask openings22aof the mask member22, the separator lens23aand the line sensor24aare provided to be arranged along the optical axis. That is, the imaging unit1(specifically, the imaging device10and the phase difference detection unit20) includes three areas (hereinafter also referred to as “phase difference areas”) for detection of a phase difference, in which the condenser lens21a, a pair of the mask openings22aof the mask member22, the separator lens23aand the line sensor24aare arranged along the optical axis.

According to this embodiment, each of the light transmitting portions17is formed in the substrate11ato have a smaller thickness than that of a part of the substrate11alocated around the light transmitting portion17. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the thickness of the entire substrate11amay be determined so that a part of irradiation light onto the substrate11ain a sufficient amount is transmitted through the substrate11ato reach the phase difference detection unit20provided in the back surface side of the substrate11a. In such a case, the entire substrate11aserves as the light transmitting portion17.

Also, according to this embodiment, three light transmitting portions17are formed in the substrate11a, and three phase difference areas are provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of each of those components is not limited to three, but may be any number. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, nine light transmitting portions17may be formed in the substrate11a, and accordingly, nine sets of the condenser lens21a, the separator lens23aand the line sensor24amay be provided, thereby providing nine phase difference areas.

Furthermore, the imaging device10is not limited to a CCD image sensor but, as shown inFIG. 7, may be a CMOS image sensor.

An imaging device210is a CMOS image sensor, and includes a photoelectric conversion section211made of a semiconductor material, transistors212, signal lines213, masks214, color filters215, and microlenses216.

The photoelectric conversion section211includes a substrate211a, and light receiving sections211beach being comprised of a photodiode. The transistor212is provided for each of the light receiving sections211b. Electrical charges accumulated in the light receiving sections211bare amplified by the transistors212and are output to the outside via the signal lines213. Respective configurations of the masks214, the color filters215and the microlenses216are the same as those of the mask14, the color filter15and the microlens16.

As in the CCD image sensor, the light transmitting portions17for transmitting irradiation light are formed in the substrate211a. The light transmitting portions17are formed by cutting, polishing or etching an opposite surface (hereinafter also referred to as a “back surface”)211cof the substrate211ato a surface thereof on which the light receiving sections211bare provided to provide concave-shaped recesses, and each of the light transmitting portions17is formed to have a smaller thickness than that of a part of the substrate11alocated around each of the light transmitting portions17.

In the CMOS image sensor, an amplification rate of the transistor212can be determined for each light receiving section211b. Therefore, by determining the amplification rate of each transistor212based on whether or not each light receiving section11bis located at a position corresponding to the light transmitting portion17and the type of color of the color filter15corresponding to the light receiving section11b, parts of an image corresponding to the light transmitting portions17can be prevented from being not properly shot.

The configuration of an imaging device through which light passes is not limited to the configuration in which the light transmitting portions17are provided in the manner described above. As long as light passes (or is transmitted, as described above) through the imaging device, any configuration can be employed. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, an imaging device310including light passing portions318each of which includes a plurality of through holes318aformed in a substrate311amay be employed.

Each of the through holes318ais formed to pass through the substrate311ain the thickness direction of the substrate311a. Specifically, regarding pixel regions formed on the substrate311ato be arranged in matrix, when it is assumed that four pixel regions located in two adjacent columns and two adjacent rows are as a single unit, the light receiving sections11bare provided in three of the four pixel regions, and the through hole318ais formed in the other one of the four pixels.

In the three pixel regions of the four pixel regions in which the light receiving sections11bare provided, three color filters15r,15gand15bcorresponding to respective colors of the three light receiving sections11bare provided. Specifically, a green color filter15gis provided in the light receiving section11blocated in a diagonal position to the through hole318a, a red color filter15ris provided in one of the light receiving sections11blocated adjacent to the through hole318a, and a blue color filter15bis provided in the other one of the light receiving sections11blocated adjacent to the through hole318a. No color filter is provided in the pixel region corresponding to the through hole318a.

In the imaging device10, a pixel corresponding to each through hole318ais interpolated using outputs of the light receiving sections11blocated adjacent to the through hole318a. Specifically, interpolation (standard interpolation) of a signal of the pixel corresponding to the through hole318ais performed using an average value of outputs of the four light receiving sections11beach of which is located diagonally adjacent to the through hole318ain the pixel regions and in which the green color filters15gare provided. Alternatively, in the four light receiving sections11beach of which is located diagonally adjacent to the through hole318ain the pixel regions and in which the green color filters15gare provided, change in output of one pair of the light receiving sections11blocated adjacent to each other in one diagonal direction is compared to change in output of the other pair of the light receiving sections11blocated adjacent to each other in the other diagonal direction, and then, interpolation (slope interpolation) of a signal of a pixel corresponding to the through hole318ais performed using an average value of outputs of the pair of the light receiving sections11b, located diagonally adjacent, whose change in output is larger, or an average value of outputs of the pair of the light receiving sections11b, located diagonally adjacent, whose change in output is smaller. Assume that a pixel desired to be interpolated is an edge of a focus object. If interpolation is performed using the pair of the light receiving sections11bwhose change in output is larger, the edge is undesirably caused to be loose. Therefore, the smaller change is used when each of the changes are equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, and the larger change is used when each of the changes is smaller than the predetermine threshold so that as small change rate (slope) as possible is employed.

Then, after performing the interpolation of output data of the light receiving sections11bcorresponding to the through holes318a, intensity information and color information for the pixel corresponding to each of the light receiving sections11bare obtained using output data of each of the light receiving sections11band, furthermore, predetermined image processing or image synthesis is performed to generate an image signal.

Thus, it is possible to prevent parts of an image at the light passing portions318from becoming dark.

The imaging device310configured in the above-described manner can cause incident light to pass therethrough via the plurality of the through holes318a.

As described above, also by providing, instead of the light transmitting portions17, the light passing portions318made of the through holes318ain the substrate311a, the imaging device310through which light passes can be configured. Moreover, the imaging device310is configured so that light from the plurality of through holes318aenters a set of the condenser lens21a, the separator lens23aand the line sensor24a, and thus, advantageously, the size of one set of the condenser lens21a, the separator lens23aand the line sensor24ais not restricted by the size of pixels. That is, advantageously, the size of one set of the condenser lens21a, the separator lens23aand the line sensor24adoes not cause any problem in increasing the resolution of the imaging device310by reducing the size of pixels.

The light passing portions318may be provided only in each part of the substrate311acorresponding to the condenser lenses21aand the separator lens23aof the phase difference detection unit20, or may be provided throughout the entire substrate311a.

Furthermore, the phase difference detection unit20is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, as long as a configuration in which the positions of the condenser lenses21aand the separator lens23aare determined relative to the light transmitting portions17of the imaging device10is provided, the condenser lenses21ado not necessarily have to closely fit the openings31cof the package31. Also, a configuration which does not include a condenser lens may be employed. Alternatively, a configuration in which a condenser lens and a separator lens are integrated into a single unit may be employed.

As another example, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, a phase difference detection unit420in which a condenser lens unit421, a mask member422, a separator lens unit423and a line sensor unit424are provided so as to be arranged in parallel to the imaging plane of the imaging device10in the back surface side of the imaging device10may be employed.

Specifically, the condenser lens unit421is configured so that a plurality of condenser lenses421aare integrated into a single unit, and includes an incident surface421b, a reflection surface421cand an output surface421d. That is, in the condenser lens unit421, light collected by the condenser lenses421ais reflected by the reflection surface421cat an angle of about 90 degrees, and is output from the output surface421d. As a result, the light which has been transmitted through the imaging device10and has entered the condenser lens unit421is bent substantially at a right angle, and output from the output surface421dto be directed to a separator lens423aof a separator lens unit423. The light which has entered the separator lens423ais transmitted through the separator lens423a, and forms an image on the line sensor424a.

The condenser lens unit421, the mask member422, the separator lens unit423and the line sensor unit424, configured in the above-described manner, are provided within the module frame425.

The module frame425is formed to have a box shape, and a step portion425afor attaching the condenser lens unit421is provided in the module frame425. The condenser lens unit421is attached to the step portion425aso that the condenser lenses421aface outward from the module frame425.

Moreover, in the module frame425, an attachment wall portion425bfor attaching the mask member422and the separator lens unit423is provided so as to upwardly extend at a part facing the output surface421dof the condenser lens unit421. An opening425cis formed in the attachment wall portion425b.

The mask member422is attached to a side of the attachment wall portion425blocated closer the condenser lens unit421. The separator lens unit423is attached to a side of the attachment wall portion425blocated opposite to the condenser lens unit421.

Thus, the optical path of light which has passed through the imaging device10is bent in the back surface side of the imaging device10, and thus, the condenser lens unit421, the mask member422, the separator lens unit423, the line sensor unit424and the like can be arranged not in the thickness direction of the imaging device10but in parallel to the imaging plane of the imaging device10. Therefore, a dimension of the imaging unit401in the thickness direction of the imaging device10can be reduced. That is, an imaging unit401can be formed as a compact size imaging unit401.

As described above, as long as light which has passed through the imaging device10can be received in the back surface side of the imaging device10and then phase difference detection can be performed, a phase difference detection unit having any configuration can be employed.

The camera100configured in the above-described manner has various shooting modes and functions. The various shooting modes and functions of the camera100, and the operation thereof at the time of each of the modes and functions will be described hereinafter.

When the release button40bis pressed halfway down, the camera100performs AF to focus. To perform AF, the camera100has three autofocus functions, i.e., phase difference detection AF, contrast detection AF and hybrid AF. A user can select one of the three autofocus functions to be used by operating the AF setting switch40cprovided to the camera body4.

Assuming that a camera system is in a normal shooting mode, the shooting operation of the camera system using each of the autofocus functions will be described hereinafter. The “normal shooting mode” is not a during-exposure AF shooting mode, a macro shooting mode, or a continuous shooting mode, which will be described later, but a most basic shooting mode of the camera100for normal shooting.

First, the shooting operation of the camera system using phase difference detection AF will be described with reference ofFIGS. 11 and 12.

When the power switch40ais turned on (Step Sa1), communication between the camera body4and the interchangeable lens7is performed (Step Sa2). Specifically, power is supplied to the body microcomputer50and each of other units in the camera body4to start up the body microcomputer50. At the same time, power is supplied to the lens microcomputer80and each of other units in the interchangeable lens7via the electric contact pieces41aand71ato start up the lens microcomputer80. The body microcomputer50and the lens microcomputer80are programmed to transmit/receive information to/from each other at start-up time. For example, lens information for the interchangeable lens7is transmitted from the memory section of the lens microcomputer80to the body microcomputer50, and then is stored in the memory section of the body microcomputer50.

Subsequently, the body microcomputer50positions the focus lens group72at a predetermined reference position which has been determined in advance by the lens microcomputer80(Step Sa3), and also puts the shutter unit42into an open state (Step Sa4) in parallel with Step Sa3. Then, the process proceeds to Step Sa5, and the body microcomputer50remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user.

Thus, light which has been transmitted through the interchangeable lens7and has entered the camera body4passes through the shutter unit42, is transmitted through the OLPF43serving also as an IR cutter, and then enters the imaging unit1. An object image formed in the imaging unit1is displayed at the image display section44, so that the user can observe an erected image of an object through the image display section44. Specifically, the body microcomputer50reads an electrical signal from the imaging device10via the imaging unit control section52at constant intervals, and performs predetermined image processing to the electrical signal that has been read. Then, the body microcomputer50generates an image signal, and controls the image display control section55to cause the image display section44to display a live view image.

A part of the light which has entered the imaging unit1is transmitted through the light transmitting portions17of the imaging device10, and enters the phase difference detection unit20.

In this case, when the release button40bis pressed halfway down (i.e., S1switch, which is not shown in the drawings, is turned on) by the user (Step Sa5), the body microcomputer50amplifies an output from the line sensor24aof the phase difference detection unit20, and then an operation by the arithmetic circuit obtains information regarding whether or not an object image has been brought into focus, whether the object is in front focus or back focus, and the Df amount (Step Sa6).

Thereafter, the body microcomputer50drives the focus lens group72via the lens microcomputer80in the defocus direction by the Df amount obtained in Step Sa6(Step Sa7).

In this case, the phase difference detection unit20of this embodiment includes three sets of the condenser lens21a, the mask openings22a, separator lens23a, and the line sensor24a, i.e., has three phase difference areas at which phase difference detection is performed. In phase difference detection in phase difference detection AF or hybrid AF, the focus lens group72is driven based on an output of the line sensor24aof one of the sets corresponding to a distance measurement point arbitrarily selected by the user.

Alternatively, an automatic optimization algorithm may be installed in the body microcomputer50beforehand to select one of the distance measurement points located closest to the camera and drive the focus lens group72. Thus, the rate of the occurrence of focusing on the background of an object instead of the object can be reduced.

Application of this selection of the distance measurement point is not limited to phase difference detection AF. As long as the focus lens group72is driven using the phase difference detection unit2, this selection can be employed in AF using any method.

Then, whether or not an object image has been brought into focus is determined (Step Sa8). Specifically, if the Df amount obtained based on the output of the line sensor24ais equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that an object image has been brought into focus (YES), and then, the process proceeds to Step Sa11. If the Df amount obtained based on the output of the line sensor24ais larger than the predetermined value, it is determined that an object has not been brought into focus (NO), the process returns to Step Sa6, and Steps Sa6-Sa8are repeated.

In the above-described manner, detection of an in-focus state and driving of the focus lens group72are repeated and, when the Df amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, it is determined that an object image has been brought into focus, and driving of the focus lens group72is halted.

In parallel with phase difference detection AF in Steps Sa6-Sa8, photometry is performed (Step Sa9), and also image blur detection is started (Step Sa10).

Specifically, in Step Sa9, the amount of light entering the imaging device10is measured by the imaging device10. That is, in this embodiment, the above-described phase difference detection AF is performed using light which has entered the imaging device10and has been transmitted through the imaging device10, and thus, photometry can be performed using the imaging device10in parallel with the above-described phase difference detection AF.

More specifically, the body microcomputer50retrieves an electrical signal from the imaging device10via the imaging unit control section52, and measures the intensity of object light based on the electrical signal, thereby performing photometry. According to a predetermined algorithm, the body microcomputer50determines, from a result of photometry, a shutter speed and an aperture value, which correspond to a shooting mode at the time of exposure.

When photometry is terminated in Step Sa9, image blur detection is started in Step Sa10. Step Sa9and Step Sa10may be performed in parallel.

When the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user, various pieces of information for shooting are displayed as well as a shooting image at the image display section44, and thus, the user can confirm each piece of information through the image display section44.

In Step Sa11, the body microcomputer50remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed all the way down (i.e., a S2switch, which is not shown in the drawings, is turned on) by the user. When the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user, the body microcomputer50temporarily puts the shutter unit42into a close state (Step Sa12). Then, while the shutter unit42is kept in a close state, electrical charges stored in the light receiving sections11bof the imaging device10are transferred for exposure, which will be described later.

Thereafter, the body microcomputer50starts correction of an image blur based on communication information between the camera body4and the interchangeable lens7or any information specified by the user (Step Sa13). Specifically, the blur correction lens driving section74ain the interchangeable lens7is driven based on information of the blur detection section56in the camera body4. According to the intention of the user, any one of (i) use of the blur detection section84and the blur correction lens driving section74ain the interchangeable lens7, (ii) use of the blur detection section56and the blur correction unit45in the camera body4, and (iii) use of the blur detection section84in the interchangeable lens7and the blur correction unit45in the camera body4can be selected.

By starting driving of the image blur correction sections at a time when the release button40bis pressed halfway down, the movement of an object desired to be in focus is reduced, and thus, phase difference detection AF can be performed with higher accuracy.

In parallel with starting of image blur correction, the body microcomputer50stops down the aperture section73via the lens microcomputer80so as to attain an aperture value calculated based on a result of photometry in Step Sa9(Step Sa14).

Thus, when the image blur correction is started and the aperture operation is terminated, the body microcomputer50puts the shutter unit42into an open state based on the shutter speed obtained from the result of photometry in Step Sa9(Step Sa15). In the above-described manner, the shutter unit42is put into an open state, so that light from the object enters the imaging device10, and electrical charges are stored in the imaging device10only for a predetermined time (Step Sa16).

The body microcomputer50puts the shutter unit42into a close state based on the shutter speed, to terminate exposure (Step Sa17). After the termination of the exposure, in the body microcomputer50, image data is read out from the imaging unit1via the imaging unit control section52and then, after performing predetermined image processing to the image data, the image data is output to the image display control section55via the image reading/recording section53. Thus, a shooting image is displayed at the image display section44. The body microcomputer50stores the image data in the image storage section58via the image recording control section54as necessary.

Thereafter, the body microcomputer50terminates image blur correction (Step Sa18), and releases the aperture section73(Step Sa19). Then, the body microcomputer50puts the shutter unit42into an open state (Step Sa20).

When a reset operation is terminated, the lens microcomputer80notifies the body microcomputer50of the termination of the reset operation. The body microcomputer50waits to receive reset termination information from the lens microcomputer80and also a series of processings after exposure to be terminated. Thereafter, the body microcomputer50confirms that the release button40bis not in a pressed state, and terminates a shooting sequence. Then, the process returns to Step Sa5, and the body microcomputer50remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down.

When the power switch40ais turned off (Step Sa21), the body microcomputer50moves the focus lens group72to a predetermined reference position which has been determined in advance (Step Sa22), and puts the shutter unit42into a close state (Step Sa23). Then, respective operations of the body microcomputer50and other units in the camera body4, and the lens microcomputer80and other units in the interchangeable lens7are halted.

As described above, in the shooting operation of the camera system using phase difference detection AF, photometry is performed by the imaging device10in parallel with autofocusing based on the phase difference detection unit20. Specifically, the phase difference detection unit20receives light transmitted through the imaging device10to obtain defocus information, and thus, whenever the phase difference detection unit20obtains defocus information, the imaging device10is irradiated with light from an object. Therefore, photometry is performed using light transmitted through the imaging device10in autofocusing. By doing so, a photometry sensor does not have to be additionally provided, and photometry can be performed before the release button40bis pressed all the way down, so that a time (hereinafter also referred to as a “release time lag”) from a time point when the release button40bis pressed all the way down to a time point when exposure is terminated can be reduced.

Moreover, even in a configuration in which photometry is performed before the release button40bis pressed all the way down, by performing photometry in parallel with autofocusing, increase in processing time after the release button40bis pressed halfway down can be prevented. In such a case, a mirror for guiding light from an object to a photometry sensor or a phase difference detection unit does not have to be provided.

Conventionally, a part of light from an object to an imaging apparatus is directed to a phase difference detection unit provided outside the imaging apparatus by a mirror or the like. In contrast, according to this embodiment, an in-focus state can be detected by the phase difference detection unit20using light guided to the imaging unit1as it is, and thus, the in-focus state can be detected with very high accuracy.

Next, the shooting operation of the camera system using contrast detection AF will be described with reference toFIG. 13.

When the power switch40ais turned on (Step Sb1), communication between the camera body4and the interchangeable lens7is performed (Step Sb2), the focus lens group72is positioned at a predetermined reference position (Step Sb3), the shutter unit42is put into an open state (Step Sb4) in parallel with Step Sb3, and then, the body microcomputer50remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down (Step Sb5). The above-described steps are the same as Steps Sa1-Sa5.

When the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user (Step Sb5), the body microcomputer50drives the focus lens group72via the lens microcomputer80(Step Sb6). Specifically, the body microcomputer50drives the focus lens group72so that a focal point of an object image is moved in a predetermined direction (e.g., toward an object) along the optical axis.

Then, the body microcomputer50obtains a contrast value for the object image, based on an output from the imaging device10received by the body microcomputer50via the imaging unit control section52, to determine whether or not the contrast value is reduced (Step Sb7). If the contrast value is reduced (YES), the process proceeds to Step Sb8. If the contrast value is increased (NO), the process proceeds to Step Sb9.

Reduction in contrast value means that the focus lens group72is driven in an opposite direction to the direction in which the object image is brought into focus. Therefore, when the contrast value is reduced, the focus lens group72is reversely driven so that the focal point of the object image is moved in an opposite direction to the predetermined direction (e.g., toward the opposite side to the object) along the optical axis (Step Sb8). Thereafter, whether or not a contrast peak has been detected is determined (Step Sb10). If the contrast peak has not been detected (NO), reverse driving of the focus lens group72(Step Sb8) is repeated. If the contrast peak has been detected (YES), reverse driving of the focus lens group72is halted, and the focus lens group72is moved to a position where the contrast value has reached the peak. Then, the process proceeds to Step Sa11.

On the other hand, when the focus lens group72is driven in Step Sb6and the contrast value is increased, the focus lens group72is driven in the direction in which the object image is brought into focus. Therefore, driving of the focus lens group72is continued (Step Sb9), and whether or not a peak of the contrast value has been detected is determined (Step Sb10). If the contrast peak has not been detected (NO), driving of the focus lens group72(Step Sb9) is repeated. If the contrast peak has been detected (YES), driving of the focus lens group72is halted, and the focus lens group72is moved to a position where the contrast value has reached the peak. Then, the process proceeds to Step Sa11.

As has been described, in the contrast detection method, the focus lens group72is tentatively driven (Step Sb6). Then, if the contrast value is reduced, the focus lens group72is reversely driven to search for the peak of the contrast value (Steps Sb8and Sb10). If the contrast value is increased, driving of the focus lens group72is continued to search for the peak of the contrast value (Steps Sb9and Sb10).

In parallel with this contrast detection AF (Steps Sb6-Sb10), photometry is performed (Step Sb11), and also image blur detection is started (Step Sb12). Steps Sb11and Sb12are the same as Step Sa9and Step Sa10in phase difference detection AF.

In Step Sa11, the body microcomputer50remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user. A flow of steps after the release button40bis pressed all the way down is the same as that of phase difference detection AF.

In this contrast detection AF, a contrast peak can be directly obtained, and thus, as opposed to phase difference detection AF, various correction operations such as release back correction (for correcting an out-of-focus state due to the degree of aperture) and the like are not necessary, so that a highly accurate focusing performance can be achieved. However, to detect the peak of a contrast value, the focus lens group72has to be driven until the focus lens group72passes through a position where the contrast value reaches its peak. Accordingly, the focus lens group72has to be moved beyond the position where the contrast value reaches the peak first and then be moved back to the position corresponding to the peak of the contrast value, and thus, a backlash generated in a focus lens group driving system due to the operation of driving the focus lens group72in back and forth directions has to be removed.

Subsequently, the shooting operation of the camera system using hybrid AF will be described with reference toFIG. 14.

Steps (Steps Sc1-Sc5) from the step in which the power switch40ais turned on to the step in which the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down are the same as Steps Sa1-Sa5in phase difference detection AF.

When the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user (Step Sc5), the body microcomputer50amplifies an output from the line sensor24aof the phase difference detection unit20, and then performs an operation by the arithmetic circuit, thereby determining whether or not an object image has been brought into focus (Step Sc6). Furthermore, the body microcomputer50obtains information regarding whether the object is in front focus or back focus and the Df amount, and then, obtains defocus information (Step Sc7). Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step Sc10.

In parallel with Steps Sc6and Sc7, photometry is performed (Step Sc8), and also image blur detection is started (Step Sc9). Steps Sc6and Sc7are the same as Steps Sa9and Sa10in phase difference detection AF. Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step Sc10. Note that, after Step Sc9, the process may also proceed to Step Sa11, instead of Sc10.

As decried above, in this embodiment, using light which has entered the imaging device10and has been transmitted through the imaging device10, the above-described focus detection based on a phase difference is performed. Thus, in parallel with the above-described focus detection, photometry can be performed using the imaging device10.

In Step Sc10, the body microcomputer50drives the focus lens group72based on the defocus information obtained in Step Sc7.

The body microcomputer50determines whether or not a contrast peak has been detected (Step Sc11). If the contrast peak has not been detected (NO), driving of the focus lens group72(Step Sc10) is repeated. If the contrast peak has been detected (YES), driving of the focus lens group72is halted, and the focus lens group72is moved to a position where the contrast value has reached the peak. Then, the process proceeds to Step Sa11.

Specifically, in Steps Sc10and Sc11, it is preferable that, based on the defocus direction and the defocus amount calculated in Step Sc7, the focus lens group72is moved at high speed, and then, the focus lens group72is moved at lower speed than the high speed to detect the contrast peak.

In this case, it is preferable that an moving amount of the focus lens group72which is moved based on the calculated defocus amount (i.e., a position to which the focus lens group72is to be moved) is set to be different from that in Step Sa7in phase difference detection AF. Specifically, in Step Sa7in phase difference detection AF, the focus lens group72is moved to a position which is estimated as a focus position, based on the defocus amount. In contrast, in Step Sc10in hybrid AF, the focus lens group72is driven to a position shifted forward or backward from the position estimated as a focus position based on the defocus amount. Thereafter, in hybrid AF, the contrast peak is detected while the focus lens group72is driven toward the position estimated as the focus position.

In Step Sa11, the body microcomputer50remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user. A flow of steps after the release button40bis pressed all the way down is the same as that of phase difference detection AF.

As has been described, in hybrid AF, first, defocus information is obtained by the phase difference detection unit20, and the focus lens group72is driven based on the defocus information. Then, the position of the focus lens group72at which the contrast value calculated based on an output from the imaging device10reaches its peak is detected, and the focus lens group72is moved to the position. Thus, defocus information can be detected before driving the focus lens group72, and therefore, as opposed to contrast detection AF, the step of tentatively driving the focus lens group72is not necessary. This allows reduction in processing time for autofocusing. Moreover, an object image is brought into focus by contrast detection AF eventually, and therefore, particularly, an object having a repetitive pattern, an object having extremely low contrast, and the like can be brought into focus with higher accuracy than in phase difference detection AF.

Since defocus information is obtained by the phase difference detection unit20using light transmitted through the imaging device10, photometry by the imaging device10can be performed in parallel with obtaining defocus information by the phase difference detection unit20, although hybrid AF includes phase difference detection. As a result, a mirror for dividing a part of light from an object does not have to be provided for phase difference detection, and also, a photometry sensor does not have to be additionally provided. Furthermore, photometry can be performed before the release button40bis pressed all the way down, so that a release time lag can be reduced. In the configuration in which photometry is performed before the release button40bis pressed all the way down, photometry can be performed in parallel with obtaining defocus information, thereby preventing increase in processing time after the release button40bis pressed halfway down.

In the above description, after the release button40bis pressed all the way down, stopping down is performed immediately before exposure. In the following description, a variation configured so that, in phase difference detection AF and hybrid AF, before the release button40bis pressed all the way down, stopping down is performed before autofocusing will be described.

Specifically, first, the shooting operation of the camera system in phase difference detection AF according to the variation will be described with reference toFIG. 15.

Steps (Steps Sd1-Sd5) from the step in which the power switch40ais turned on to the step in which the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down are the same as Steps Sa1-Sa5in phase difference detection AF which have been described above.

When the release button40bis pressed half way down by a user (Step Sd5), image blur detection is started (Step Sd6), and in parallel with Step Sd6, photometry is performed (Step Sd7). Steps Sd5and Sd6are the same as Steps Sa9and Sa10in phase difference detection AF.

Thereafter, an aperture value at the time of exposure is obtained based on a result of photometry in Step Sd7, and whether or not the obtained aperture value is larger than a predetermined aperture threshold value is determined (Step Sd8). Then, when the obtained aperture value is larger than the predetermined aperture threshold value (YES), the process proceeds to Step Sd10. When the obtained value is equal to or smaller than the predetermined aperture threshold value (NO), the process proceeds to Step Sd9. In Step Sd9, the body microcomputer50drives the aperture section73via the lens microcomputer80to attain the obtained aperture value.

In this case, the predetermined aperture threshold value is set to be about an aperture value at which defocus information can be obtained based on an output of the line sensor24aof the phase difference detection unit20. That is, assuming that the aperture value obtained based on the result of photometry is larger than the aperture threshold value, if the aperture section73is stopped down to the aperture value, defocus information cannot be obtained by the phase difference detection unit20. Therefore, the aperture section73is not stopped down, and the process proceeds to Step Sd10. On the other hand, when the aperture value obtained based on the result of photometry is equal to or smaller than the aperture threshold value, the aperture section73is stopped down to the aperture value, and then, the process proceeds to Step Sd10.

In Steps Sd10-Sd12, similarly to Steps Sa6-Sa8in phase difference detection AF described above, the body microcomputer50obtains defocus information based on an output from the line sensor24aof the phase difference detection unit20(Step Sd10), drives the focus lens group72based on the defocus information (Step Sd11), and determines whether or not an object image has been brought into focus (Step Sd12). After an object image has been brought into focus, the process proceeds to Step Sa11.

In Step Sa11, the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user. A flow of steps after the release button40bis pressed all the way down is the same as that of phase difference detection AF described above.

It should be noted that only when it is determined in Step Sd8that the aperture value obtained based on the result of photometry is larger than the predetermined aperture threshold value, stopping down of the aperture section73is performed in Step Sa14. That is, when it is determined in Step Sd8that the aperture value obtained based on the result of photometry is equal to or smaller than the predetermined aperture threshold value, Step Sa14does not have to be performed because stopping down of the aperture section73is performed beforehand in Step Sd9.

As described above, in the shooting operation of the camera system in phase difference detection AF according to the variation, when the aperture value at the time of exposure obtained based on the result of photometry is about a value at which phase difference detection AF can be performed, the aperture section73is stopped down in advance of exposure before autofocusing. Thus, stopping down of the aperture section73does not have to be performed after the release button40bis pressed all the way down, so that a release time lag can be reduced.

Next, the shooting operation of the camera system in hybrid AF according to the variation will be described with reference toFIG. 16.

Steps (Steps Se1-Se5) from the step in which the power switch40ais turned on to the step in which the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down are the same as Steps Sa1-Sa5in phase difference detection AF which have been described above.

When the release button40bis pressed half way down by a user (Step Se5), image blur detection is started (Step Se6), and in parallel with Step Se6, photometry is performed (Step Se7). Steps Se6and Se7are the same as Steps Sa9and Sa10in phase difference detection AF.

Thereafter, an aperture value at the time of exposure is obtained based on a result of photometry in Step Se7, and whether or not the obtained aperture value is larger than a predetermined aperture threshold value is determined (Step Se8). Then, when the obtained aperture value is larger than the predetermined aperture threshold value (YES), the process proceeds to Step Se10. When the obtained value is equal to or smaller than the predetermined aperture threshold value (NO), the process proceeds to Step Se9. In Step Se9, the body microcomputer50drives the aperture section73via the lens microcomputer80to attain the obtained aperture value.

In this case, the predetermined aperture threshold value is set to be about an aperture value at which a peak of a contrast value calculated from an output of the imaging device10can be detected. That is, assuming that the aperture value obtained based on the result of photometry is larger than the aperture threshold value, if the aperture section73is stopped down to the aperture value, contrast peak detection, which will be described later, cannot be performed. Therefore, the aperture section73is not stopped down, and the process proceeds to Step Se10. On the other hand, when the aperture value obtained based on the result of photometry is equal to or smaller than the aperture threshold value, the aperture section73is stopped down to the aperture value, and then, the process proceeds to Step Se10.

In Steps Se10-Se12, similarly to Steps Sc6, Sc7, Sc10and Sc11in normal hybrid AF described above, the body microcomputer50defocus information based on an output from the line sensor24aof the phase difference detection unit20(Steps Se10and Se11), drives the focus lens group72based on the defocus information (Step Se12), and detects the contrast peak to move the focus lens group72to a position where the contrast value has reached the peak (Step Se13).

Thereafter, in Step Sa11, the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user. A flow of steps after the release button40bis pressed all the way down is the same as that of normal phase difference detection AF described above.

It should be noted that only when it is determined in Step Se8that the aperture value obtained based on the result of photometry is larger than the predetermined aperture threshold value, stopping down of the aperture section73is performed in Step Sa14. That is, when it is determined in Step Se8that the aperture value obtained based on the result of photometry is equal to or smaller than the predetermined aperture threshold value, Step Sa14does not have to be performed because stopping down of the aperture section73is performed beforehand in Step Se9.

As described above, in the shooting operation of the camera system in hybrid AF according to the variation, when the aperture value at the time of exposure obtained based on the result of photometry is about a value at which contrast detection AF can be performed, the aperture section73is stopped down in advance of exposure before autofocusing. Thus, stopping down of the aperture section73does not have to be performed after the release button40bis pressed all the way down, and therefore, a release time lag can be reduced.

In the above description, each time the release button40bis pressed all the way down, a single image is shot. The camera100has a continuous shooting mode in which a plurality of images are shot by pressing the release button40ball the way down once.

The continuous shooting mode will be described hereinafter with reference toFIGS. 17 and 18. In the following description, it is assumed that hybrid AF according to the variation is performed. Note that the continuous shooting mode is not limited to hybrid AF according to the variation, but can be employed in any configuration using phase difference detection AF, contrast detection AF, hybrid AF, phase difference detection AF according to the variation, or the like.

Steps (Steps Sf1-Sf13) from the step in which the power switch40ais turned on to the step in which a release button40bis pressed halfway down and the focus lens group72is moved to the position where the contrast value has reached the peak are the same as Steps Se1-Se13in hybrid AF according to the variation.

After the focus lens group72is moved to the position where the contrast value has reached the peak, the body microcomputer50causes the memory section to store a distance between two object images formed on the line sensor24aat that time (i.e., when an object image has been brought into focus using contrast detection AF) (Step Sf14).

Thereafter, in Step Sf15, the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user. When the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user, exposure is performed in the same manner as in Steps Sa12-Sa17in phase difference detection AF.

Specifically, the body microcomputer50temporarily puts the shutter unit42into a close state (Step Sf16), image blur correction is started (Step Sf17), and if the aperture section73is not stopped down in Step Sf9, the aperture section73is stopped down based on a result of photometry (Step Sf18). Thereafter, the shutter unit42is put into an open state (Step Sf19), exposure is started (Step Sf20), and the shutter unit42is put into a close state (Step Sf21) to terminate the exposure.

After the exposure is terminated, whether or not the release button40bhas been released from being pressed all the way down is determined (Step Sf22). When the release button40bhas been released (YES), the process proceeds to Steps Sf29and Sf30. On the other hand, when the release button40bis continuously pressed all the way down (NO), the process proceeds to Step Sf23to perform continuous shooting.

When the release button40bis continuously pressed all the way down, the body microcomputer50puts the shutter unit42into an open state (Step Sf23), and phase difference detection AF is performed (Steps Sf24-Sf26).

Specifically, an in-focus state of an object image in the imaging device10is detected via the phase difference detection unit20(Step Sf24), defocus information is obtained (Step Sf25), and the focus lens group72is driven based on the defocus information (Step Sf26).

In this case, in hybrid AF before the release button40bis pressed all the way down, a distance between two object images formed on the line sensor24ais compared to a reference distance which has been set beforehand to obtain the defocus information (Step Sf11). In contrast, in Steps Sf24and Sf25after the release button40bis pressed all the way down, the distance between two object images formed on the line sensor24ais compared to the distance of two object images formed on the line sensor24awhich has been stored in Step Sf14after contrast detection AF in hybrid AF to obtain an in-focus state and defocus information.

After phase difference detection AF is performed in the above-described manner, the body microcomputer50determines whether or not it is a timing of outputting a signal (i.e., an exposure start signal) for starting exposure from the body microcomputer50to the shutter control section51and the imaging unit control section52(Step Sf27). This output timing of the exposure start signal is a timing of performing continuous shooting in continuous shooing mode. When it is not the output timing of the exposure start signal (NO), phase distance detection AF is repeated (Steps Sf24-Sf26). On the other hand, when it is the output timing of the exposure start signal (YES), driving of the focus lens group72is halted (Step Sf28) to perform exposure (Step Sf20).

Note that after the focus lens group72is halted, it is necessary to sweep out, before starting exposure, electrical charges accumulated in the light receiving sections11bof the imaging device10during phase difference detection AF. Therefore, electrical charges in the light receiving sections11bare swept out using an electronic shutter, or the shutter unit42is temporarily put into a close state to sweep out electrical charges in the light receiving sections11b, and then the shutter unit42is put into an open state to start exposure.

After the exposure is terminated, whether or not the release button40bhas been released from being pressed all the way down is determined again (Step Sf22). As long as the release button40bis pressed all the way down, phase difference detection AF and exposure are repeated (Steps Sf23-Sf28and Steps Sf20and Sf21).

When the release button40bhas been released from being pressed all the way down, image blur correction is terminated (Step Sf29), and also, the aperture section73is opened up (Step Sf30) to put the shutter unit42into an open state (Step Sf31).

After completing resetting, when a shooting sequence is terminated, the process returns to Step Sa5, and the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down.

When the power switch40ais turned off (Step Sf32), the body microcomputer50moves the focus lens group72to a predetermined reference position which has been set beforehand (Step Sf33), and puts the shutter unit42into a close state (Step Sf34). Then, respective operations of the body microcomputer50and other units in the camera body4, and the lens microcomputer80and other units in the interchangeable lens7are halted.

As described above, in the shooting operation of the camera system in the continuous shooting mode, phase difference detection AF can be performed between exposures during continuous shooting, so that a high focus performance can be realized.

Also, since autofocusing is performed using phase difference detection AF in this case, the defocus direction can be instantly obtained, and thus, an object can be instantly brought into focus even in a short time between shootings continuously performed.

Furthermore, as opposed to a known technique, even in phase difference detection AF, a movable mirror for phase difference detection does not have to be provided. Thus, a release time lag can be reduced, and also, power consumption can be reduced. Moreover, according to the known technique, a release time lag corresponding to the vertical movement of the movable mirror is generated, and thus, when an object is a moving object, it is necessary to predict the movement of the moving object during the release time lag and then shoot an image. However, according to this embodiment, there is no release time lag corresponding to the vertical movement of the movable mirror, and therefore, focus can be achieved while following the movement of an object until immediately before exposure.

In phase difference detection AF during continuous shooting, as the reference distance between two object images formed on the line sensor24abased on which whether or not an object image has been brought into focus is determined, the distance between two object images formed on the line sensor24awhen the release button40bis pressed halfway down and an object image has been brought into focus by contrast detection AF is used. Thus, highly accurate autofocusing which corresponds to actual equipment and actual shooting conditions can be performed.

At the time of shooting for the first frame in the continuous shooting mode, the autofocusing method is not limited to hybrid AF. Phase difference detection AF or contrast detection AF may be used. However, as described above, if AF such as hybrid AF and contrast detection AF in which focus adjustment is eventually performed based on the contrast value is employed at the time of shooting for the first frame, phase difference detection AF at the time of shooting for second and subsequent frames can be performed based on a highly accurate in-focus state obtained at the time of shooting for the first frame. Note that when phase difference detection AF is used, Step Sf14is not performed, the distance between two object images formed on the line sensor24ais compared to the reference distance which has been set beforehand to obtain an in-focus state and defocus information.

Not only in the continuous shooting mode but also in normal shooting, the camera system may be configured so that when an object is a moving object, phase difference detection AF is performed until the release button40bis pressed all the way down even after an object image has been brought into focus.

The camera100of this embodiment is configured so that the autofocusing method is switched according to the contrast of an object. That is, the camera100has a low contrast mode in which shooting is performed under a low contrast condition.

The low contrast mode will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 19. In the following description, it is assumed that hybrid AF is performed. Note that the low contrast mode is not limited to hybrid AF, but can be employed in any configuration using phase difference detection AF, contrast detection AF, phase difference detection AF according to the variation, hybrid AF according to the variation, or the like.

Steps (Steps Sg1-Sg5) from the step in which the power switch40ais turned on to the step in which the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down are the same as Steps Sa1-Sa5in phase difference detection AF.

When the release button40bis pressed halfway down by a user (Step Sg5), the body microcomputer50amplifies an output from the line sensor24aof the phase difference detection unit20, and then performs an operation by the arithmetic circuit (Step Sg6). Then, whether or not a low contrast state has occurred is determined (Step Sg7). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a contrast value is high enough to detect respective positions of two object images formed on the line sensor24abased on the output from the line sensor24a.

When the contrast value is high enough to detect the positions of the two object images (NO), it is determined that a low contrast state has not occurred, and the process proceeds to Step Sg8to perform hybrid AF. Note that Steps Sg8-Sg10are the same as Steps Sc7, Sc10and Sc11in hybrid AF.

On the other hand, when the contrast value is not high enough to detect the position of the two object images (YES), it is determined that a low contrast state has occurred, and the process proceeds to Step Sg11to perform contrast detection AF. Note that Steps Sg11-Sg15are the same as Steps Sb6-Sb10in contrast detection AF.

After hybrid AF or contrast detection AF is preformed in the above-described manner, the process proceeds to Step Sa11.

In parallel with this autofocus operation (Steps Sg6-Sg15), photometry is performed (Step Sg16), and image blur detection is started (Step Sg17). Steps Sg16and Sg17are the same as Steps Sa9and Sa10in phase difference detection AF. Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step Sa11.

In Step Sa11, the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user. A flow of steps after the release button40bis pressed all the way down is the same as that of normal hybrid detection AF.

That is, in the low contrast mode, when the contrast at the time of shooting is high enough to perform phase difference detection AF, hybrid AF is performed. On the other hand, when the contrast at the time of shooting is so low that phase difference detection AF cannot be performed, contrast detection AF is performed.

In this embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not an in-focus state can be detected using phase difference detection based on the output of the line sensor24aof the phase difference detection unit20, and then, hybrid AF or contrast detection AF is selected. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the camera system may be configured so that after the release button40bis pressed halfway down, the contrast value is obtained from an output of the imaging device10to determine whether or not the contrast value obtained from the output of the imaging device10is higher than a predetermined value before a phase difference focus is detected (i.e., between Steps Sg5and Sg6inFIG. 19). The predetermined value is set to be about a contrast value at which a position of an object image formed on the line sensor24acan be detected. That is, the camera system may be configured so that, when the contrast value obtained from the output of the imaging device10is approximately equal to or larger than a value at which an in-focus state can be detected using phase difference detection, hybrid AF is performed and, on the other hand, when the contrast value obtained from the output of the imaging device10is smaller than the value at which an in-focus state can be detected using phase difference detection, contrast detection AF is performed.

Also, in this embodiment, when an in-focus state can be detected using phase difference detection, hybrid AF is performed. However, the camera system may be configured so that, when an in-focus state can be detected using phase difference detection, phase difference detection AF is performed.

As described above, in the camera100including the imaging unit1for receiving light transmitting through the imaging device10by the phase difference detection unit20, the movable mirror of the known technique for guiding light to the phase difference detection unit is not provided, but phase difference detection AF (including hybrid AF) and contrast detection AF can be performed. Thus, a highly accurate focus performance can be realized by selecting one of phase difference detection AF and contrast detection AF according to the contrast.

—AF Switching According to Interchangeable Lens—

Furthermore, the camera100of this embodiment is configured so that the autofocusing method is switched according to the type of the interchangeable lens7attached to the camera body4.

An AF switching function according to the type of the interchangeable lens will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 20. In the following description, it is assumed that hybrid AF is performed. Note that the AF switching function according to the interchangeable lens is not limited to hybrid AF, but can be employed in any configuration using phase difference detection AF, contrast detection AF, phase difference detection AF according to the variation, hybrid AF according to the variation, or the like.

Steps (Steps Sh1-Sh5) from the step in which the power switch40ais turned on to the step in which the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down are the same as Steps Sa1-Sa5in phase difference detection AF.

When the release button40bis pressed half way down by a user (Step Sh5), photometry is performed (Step Sh6), and in parallel with Step Sh6, image blur detection is started (Step Sh7). Steps Sh6and Sh7are the same as Steps Sa9and Sa10in phase difference detection AF. Note that the photometry and image blur detection may be performed in parallel with an autofocus operation, which will be described later.

Thereafter, the body microcomputer50determines whether or not the interchangeable lens7is a reflecting telephoto lens produced by a third party or a smooth trans focus (STF) lens based on information from the lens microcomputer80(Step Sh8). When the interchangeable lens7is a reflecting telephoto lens produced by a third party or a STF lens (YES), the process proceeds to Step Sh13to perform contrast detection AF. Note that Steps Sh13-Sh17are the same as Steps Sb6-Sb10in contrast detection AF.

On the other hand, when the interchangeable lens7is not either a reflecting telephoto lens produced by a third party or a STF lens (NO), the process proceeds to Step Sh9to perform hybrid AF. Note that Steps Sh9-Sh12are the same as Steps Sc6, Sc7, Sc10and Sc11in hybrid AF.

After contrast detection AF or hybrid AF is performed in the above-described manner, the process proceeds to Step Sa11.

In Step Sa11, the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user. A flow of steps after the release button40bis pressed all the way down is the same as that of hybrid AF.

That is, when the interchangeable lens7is a reflecting telephoto lens produced by a third party or a STF lens, phase difference detection might not be performed with high accuracy, and therefore, hybrid AF (specifically, phase difference detection AF) is not performed, but contrast detection AF is performed. On the other hand, when the interchangeable lens7is not either a reflecting telephoto lens produced by a third party or a STF lens, hybrid AF is performed. That is, the body microcomputer50determines whether or not it is ensured that an optical axis of the interchangeable lens7properly extends so that phase difference detection AF can be performed. Then, only when it is ensured that the optical axis of the interchangeable lens7properly extends so that phase difference detection AF can be performed, hybrid AF is performed. If it is not ensured that the optical axis of the interchangeable lens7properly extends so that phase difference detection AF can be performed, contrast detection AF is performed.

As described above, in the camera100including the imaging unit1for receiving light transmitting through the imaging device10by the phase difference detection unit20, the movable mirror of the known technique for guiding light to the phase difference detection unit is not provided, but phase difference detection AF (including hybrid AF) and contrast detection AF can be performed. Thus, a highly accurate focus performance can be realized by selecting one of phase difference detection AF and contrast detection AF according to the type of the interchangeable lens7.

According to this embodiment, it is determined which of hybrid AF and contrast detection AF is to be performed depending on whether or not the interchangeable lens7is a reflecting telephoto lens produced by a third party or a STF lens. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The camera system may be configured to determine which of hybrid AF and contrast detection AF is to be performed depending on only whether or not the interchangeable lens7is produced by a third party, regardless of whether or not the interchangeable lens7is a reflecting telephoto lens or a STF lens.

Also, according to this embodiment, the camera system is configured so that when the interchangeable lens7is not either a reflecting telephoto lens produced by a third party or a STF lens, hybrid AF is performed. However, the camera system may be configured so that when the interchangeable lens7is not either a reflecting telephoto lens produced by a third party or a STF lens, phase difference detection AF is performed.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the imaging device10is configured so that light passes through the imaging device10, and the phase difference detection unit20for receiving light which has passed through the imaging device10to perform phase difference detection is provided. Moreover, the body control section5controls the imaging device10and also controls driving of the focus lens group72at least based on a detection result of the phase difference detection unit20to perform focus adjustment. Thus, various types of processing using the imaging device10can be performed in parallel with autofocusing (phase difference detection AF and hybrid AF which have been described above) using the phase difference detection unit20, so that the processing time can be reduced.

Also, in the above-described configuration, when light enters the imaging device10, light also enters the phase difference detection unit20. Thus, even if various types of processing using the imaging device10are not performed in parallel with autofocusing the phase difference detection unit20, switching between various types of processing using the imaging device10and autofocusing the phase difference detection unit20can be performed in a simple manner by changing a control mode of the body control section5. That is, compared to a known configuration in which the direction in which light travels from an object is switched between the direction toward an imaging device and the direction toward a phase difference detection unit by moving a movable mirror forward/backward, the movable mirror does not have to be moved forward/backward, so that switching between various types of processing using the imaging device10and autofocusing the phase difference detection unit20can be quickly performed. Also, noise is not caused by moving the movable mirror forward/backward, and thus, switching between various types of processing using the imaging device10and autofocusing the phase difference detection unit20can be quietly performed.

Thus, the convenience of the camera100can be improved.

Specifically, the imaging device10is configured so that light passes through the imaging device10, and the phase difference detection unit20for receiving light which has passed through the imaging device10to perform phase difference detection is provided, so that AF using the phase difference detection unit20, such as the above-described phase difference detection AF, and photometry using the imaging device10can be performed in parallel. Thus, photometry does not have to be performed after pressing the release button40ball the way down, thus resulting in reduction in a release time lag. Even in the configuration in which photometry is performed before the release button40bis pressed all the way down, increase in processing time after the release button40bis pressed halfway down can be prevented by performing photometry in parallel with autofocusing. Furthermore, since photometry is performed using the imaging device10, there is no need to additionally provide a photometry sensor. Also, a movable mirror for guiding light from an object to the photometry sensor or the phase difference detection unit does not have to be provided. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

Also, the imaging device10is configured so that light passes through the imaging device10, and the phase difference detection unit20for receiving light which has passed through the imaging device10to perform phase difference detection is provided, so that the driving direction of the focus lens group72is determined based on a detection result of the phase difference detection unit20, and then, contrast detection AF based on an output of the imaging device10can be quickly performed as in the above-described hybrid AF. That is, switching from phase difference detection by the phase difference detection unit20to contrast detection using the imaging device10can be quickly performed by control of the body control section5without performing switching the optical path using a movable mirror, or the like, in a known manner, thereby reducing a time required for hybrid AF. A movable mirror is not needed, and therefore, noise caused by such a movable mirror is not generated and hybrid AF can be performed quietly.

Furthermore, the body control section5performs photometry using the imaging device10and controls the aperture section73based on the result of the photometry to adjust the amount of light, and then, phase difference detection is performed by the phase difference detection unit20. Thus, stopping down does not have to be performed after the release button40bis pressed all the way down, thus reducing a release time lag. Then, the imaging device10is configured so that light passes through the imaging device10, and the phase difference detection unit20for receiving light which has passed through the imaging device10to perform phase difference detection is provided, so that when photometry using the imaging device10and phase difference detection using the phase difference detection unit20are performed in succession, switching between photometry by the imaging device10and phase difference detection by the phase difference detection unit20can be performed quickly and quietly by control of the body control section5.

In the continuous shooting mode, the body control section5performs, based on the detection result of the phase difference detection unit20, phase difference detection AF at the time of shooting for second and subsequent frames. Thus, phase difference detection AF can be performed between frames during continuous shooting, so that the focusing performance can be improved. Then, the imaging device10is configured so that light passes through the imaging device10, and the phase difference detection unit20for receiving light which has passed through the imaging device10to perform phase difference detection is provided, so that switching between exposure by the imaging device10and AF by the phase difference detection unit20can be quickly and quietly performed. Thus, phase difference detection AF between frames during continuous shooting can be realized.

Also, since autofocusing is performed using phase difference detection AF in this case, the defocus direction can be instantly obtained, and thus, an object can be instantly brought into focus even in a short time between shootings continuously performed.

In shooting for the second and subsequent frames, phase difference detection AF is continuously performed until a next shooting timing, and thus, even if an object moves between shootings continuously performed, it is possible to follow the movement of the object and to bring the object in focus.

Furthermore, since there is no release time lag corresponding to the movement of a movable mirror in the forward/backward directions, it is possible to follow the movement of the object to bring an object in focus until immediately before exposure. Thus, even if an object is a moving object, the object can be brought into focus with high accuracy without performing moving object prediction.

At the time of shooting for a first frame in the continuous shooting mode, AF (i.e., contrast detection AF or hybrid AF) for eventually adjusting a focus based on a contrast value is performed. After an object image has been brought into focus, phase difference detection is performed by the phase difference detection unit20, and a result of the detection is stored. At the time of shooting for second and subsequent frames, phase difference detection AF is performed based on the detection result of the phase difference detection unit20after the focusing for the first frame. Thus, highly accurate autofocusing which corresponds to actual equipment and actual shooting conditions can be performed.

In the low contrast mode, the body control section5performs focus adjustment at least based on the detection result of the phase difference detection unit20when the contrast value of an object is a predetermined value or larger, and performs focus adjustment not using the detection result of the phase difference detection unit20but based on an output of the imaging device10when the contrast value of the object is smaller than the predetermined value. Thus, the object can be brought into focus with high accuracy using AF using a suitable autofocusing method according to the contrast of the object. Specifically, the body control section5performs AF (i.e., phase difference detection AF or hybrid AF) using the phase difference detection unit20when the contrast value of the object is large enough to perform phase difference detection AF, and performs contrast detection AF when the contrast value of the object is so low that phase difference detection AF cannot be performed. Thus, the object can be brought into focus by AF using a suitable method which corresponds to the contrast of the object, so that the object can be brought into focus with high accuracy.

The body control section5switches an AF method between AF at least based on a detection result of the phase difference detection unit20and AF based on an output of the imaging device10without using the detection result of the phase difference detection unit20according to the type of the interchangeable lens7. Thus, focus can be achieved by AF using a suitable method which corresponds to the interchangeable lens7. Specifically, the body control section5performs contrast detection AF when the interchangeable lens7is a reflecting telephoto lens produced by a third party (i.e., produced by a different manufacturer from a manufacturer of the camera body4), or a STF lens, and performs AF (i.e., phase difference detection AF of hybrid AF) at least using the phase difference detection unit20when the interchangeable lens7is not a product by a third party or a reflecting telephoto lens, and also not a STF lens. In other words, only when the interchangeable lens7ensured that an optical axis is so proper that phase difference detection AF can be performed is attached to the camera body4, hybrid AF is performed. If it is not ensured that the optical axis of the interchangeable lens7is so proper that phase difference detection AF can be performed, contrast detection AF is performed. Thus, the object image can be brought into focus by AF using a suitable method which corresponds to the interchangeable lens7, so that focus can be achieved with high accuracy.

In the known configuration in which light directed from an object to the imaging device10is guided to a phase difference detection unit provided at some other position than the back surface side of the imaging device10using a movable mirror or the like, accuracy in focus adjustment is not high because of a difference between the optical path at the time of exposure and the optical path at the time of phase difference detection, an arrangement error, and the like. In contrast, in this embodiment, the phase difference detection unit20receives light passing through the imaging device10to perform phase difference detection, and thus, phase difference detection can be performed using the same optical path as that at the time of exposure. Also, a member such as a movable mirror which causes an error is not provided. Thus, the accuracy of focus adjustment based on phase difference detection can be improved.

In the above-described normal shooting mode, driving of the focus lens group72is halted during exposure. However, the camera100has a during-exposure AF shooting mode in which autofocusing is also performed during exposure.

Specifically, the camera100is configured so that switching between the during-exposure AF shooting mode in which exposure is performed while performing AF and the normal shooting mode in which the focus lens group72is halted at the time of exposure can be performed by turning on/off the during-exposure AF setting switch40eby a user.

The shooting mode is switched to the during-exposure AF shooting mode by turning on the during-exposure AF setting switch40e, but is also automatically switched to the during-exposure AF shooting mode according to an object point distance (i.e., a distance from a lens to an object). That is, the camera body4is configured to be capable of calculating the object point distance and to perform, when the object point distance is smaller than a predetermined distance, during-exposure AF shooting even with the during-exposure AF setting switch being turned off. Specifically, the body microcomputer50calculates the object point distance based on a detection result from the absolute position detection section81aand lens information of the interchangeable lens7and sets, when the calculated object point distance is a predetermined threshold or smaller, the shooting mode to be the during-exposure AF shooting mode. On the other hand, when the calculated object point distance is larger than the predetermined threshold, the body microcomputer50sets the shooting mode to be the normal shooting mode. That is, the body control section5and the absolute position detection section81aserve as a distance detection section. Note that although the body control section5has both of the functions as the distance detection section for detecting a distance to an object and the control section for controlling the imaging device10, a separate distance detection section for detecting a distance to the object may be additionally provided.

As described above, the camera100is configured so that the shooting mode is switched between the during-exposure AF shooting mode and the normal shooting mode according to an operation by the user and also the shooting mode is automatically switched between the during-exposure AF shooting mode and the normal shooting mode according to the object point distance. Note that a method for detecting the object point distance is not limited to the above-described method, but any means and method can be employed.

Furthermore, in a macro shooting mode in which shooting (so-called close-up shooting) is performed with a setting suitable for shooting of an object close to a camera, the shooting mode is automatically switched to the during-exposure AF shooting mode. That is, the camera100has the macro shooting mode which is suitable for close-up shooting, and is configured so that the shooting mode can be switched between the macro shooting mode and the normal shooting mode by turning on/off the macro setting switch40fby the user.

Specifically, the camera100is in the normal shooting mode when the macro setting switch40fis in an off state, and sets a moving range of the focus lens group72at the time of autofocusing to be a range which allows focusing on an object at an object point distance of several cm to infinity. On the other hand, when the macro setting switch40fis in an on state, the camera100is in the macro shooting mode, and sets the moving range of the focus lens group72to be a range which allows focusing on an object at an object point distance of several cm to several tens cm. Shooting of an object at this object point distance is assumed as close-up shooting. That is, in the macro shooting mode, the range in which the focus lens group72is moved at the time of autofocusing is set to be a limited range which is assumed to be a range of close-up shooting, and thus, the moving distance of the focus lens group72can be reduced and fast-focusing can be realized. When the macro setting switch40fis in an on state, the shooting mode is automatically set to be the during-exposure AF shooting mode. That is, when an ON signal is input from the macro setting switch40f, the body microcomputer50sets the moving range of the focus lens group72at the time of autofocusing to be the above-described limited range, and the shooting mode to be the during-exposure AF shooting mode.

The shooting operation of the camera system in the during-exposure AF shooting mode will be described hereinafter with reference toFIGS. 21 and 22.

In the following description, it is assumed that hybrid AF is performed. Note that the during-exposure AF shooting mode is not limited to hybrid AF, but may be employed in any configuration using phase difference detection AF, contrast detection AF, phase difference detection AF according to the variation, hybrid AF according to the variation, or the like.

Steps (Steps Sk1-Sk11) from the step in which the power switch40ais turned on to the step in which the release button40bis pressed halfway down and then autofocusing is completed, i.e., the focus lens group72is moved to the position where the contrast value has reached the peak are the same as Steps Sc1-Sc11in hybrid AF in the normal shooting mode.

Thereafter, in Step Sk12, the body microcomputer50determines whether or not the during-exposure AF setting switch40eis in an on state. When an ON signal from the during-exposure AF setting switch40eis input (YES), the process proceeds to Step Sk16to set a during-exposure AF flag to 1. When an ON signal from the during-exposure AF setting switch40eis not input (NO), the process proceeds to Step Sk13.

In Step Sk13, the body microcomputer50determines whether or not the shooting mode is set to be the macro shooting mode, i.e., whether or not the macro setting switch40fis in an on state. When an ON signal from the macro setting switch40fis input (YES), the step proceeds to Step Sk16to set the during-exposure AF flag to 1. When an ON signal from the during-exposure AF setting switch40eis not input (NO), the process proceeds to Step Sk14.

In Step Sk14, the body microcomputer50calculates an object point distance from the focus lens group72to an object based on a detection result from the absolute position detection section81aand lens information of the interchangeable lens7to determine whether or not the calculated object point distance is a predetermined threshold or smaller. When the object point distance is the threshold or smaller (YES), the process proceeds to Step Sk16to set the during-exposure AF flag to 1. When the object point distance is larger than the threshold, the process proceeds to Step Sk15to set the during-exposure AF flag to 0. The threshold is set to be an object point distance with which close-up shooting is assumed to be performed.

Note that after setting the during-exposure AF flag in Steps Sk15and Sk16, the process proceeds to Step Sk17.

In Step Sk17, the body microcomputer50remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user. When the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user, whether or not the during-exposure AF flag is 1 is determined in Step Sk18. When the during-exposure AF flag is 0 (NO), the process proceeds to Step Sk19to perform exposure in the same manner as exposure in the above-described hybrid AF, i.e., as in Sa12-Sa17in phase difference detection AF.

When the during-exposure AF flag is 1 (YES), the process proceeds to Step Sk19to perform exposure, and also to Step Sk25to perform phase difference detection AF in parallel with Step Sk19.

Specifically, an output from the line sensor24aof the phase difference detection unit20is amplified, and then, an operation by the arithmetic circuit obtains information regarding whether or not an object image has been brought into focus, whether the object is in front focus or back focus, and the Df amount (Step Sk25). Thereafter, the focus lens group72is driven in the defocus direction by the obtained Df amount via the lens microcomputer80(Step Sk26). Then, whether or not the shutter unit42is put in a close state is determined (Step Sk27). If the shutter unit42is not in a close state (NO), the process returns to Step Sk25to repeat phase difference detection AF. If the shutter unit42is in a close state (YES), the process proceeds to Step Sk28to terminate phase difference detection AF. After terminating phase difference detection AF, the process proceeds to Step Sk31. Note that in phase difference detection AF, light from an object has to enter the imaging unit1, and therefore, phase difference detection AF is temporarily halted during Steps Sk19-Sk22in which the shutter unit42is in a close state.

Process in Steps Sk29-Sk34after exposure has been terminated is the same as process after exposure in the above-described hybrid AF, i.e., in Steps Sa18-Sa23in phase difference detection AF.

That is, in the during-exposure AF shooting mode, phase difference detection AF is executed during exposure of the imaging device10. The phase difference detection AF continuously performed while exposure is performed. Herein, “during exposure” can be also referred to as “during a period of still image shooting by the imaging device10”, “during a period of video signal storing by the imaging device10”, “during a period of electrical charge storing by the imaging device10”, or the like.

The during-exposure AF shooting mode is intentionally set by the user by operating the during-exposure AF setting switch40e, and also, is automatically set when the shooting mode is the macro shooting mode or when the object point distance is very short. In many cases, so-called close-up shooting in which the shooting mode is the macro shooting mode or in which the object point distance is very short is performed indoors, compared to normal shooting other than close-up shooting. That is, close-up shooting is performed in a dark environment in many cases, and thus, the shutter speed has to be reduced to set an exposure time to be long. In such a condition, the influence of the movement (hereinafter also referred to as “camera shake”) of the camera body4due to hand shake of the user and the like, and the movement of an object itself (hereinafter also referred to as “object shake”) on shooting is increased.

In general, it has been known that an image blur correction mechanism is provided to reduce the influence of camera shake on shooting. The image blur correction mechanism is a mechanism for correcting an image blur in an plane perpendicular to an optical axis, and does not correct an image blur in the direction along the optical axis. In this embodiment, the camera100includes the blur correction unit45for moving the imaging unit1in an plane perpendicular to the optical axis X, and the blur correction lens driving section74afor moving the blur correction lens74in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis X. The blur correction unit45and the blur correction lens driving section74acorrect an image blur in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis X, but cannot correct an image blur in the direction along the optical axis X.

Therefore, in the during-exposure AF shooting mode of this embodiment, autofocusing is performed during exposure. Thus, an imaging blur in the direction along the optical axis X during exposure is reduced. Since autofocusing during the exposure is performed using phase difference detection AF, the defocus direction can be instantly obtained, and thus, an object image can be instantly brought into focus even in a short time during which exposure is performed.

Then, as described above, the imaging device10is configured so that light passes through the imaging device10, and the phase difference detection unit20is configured to receive light which has passed through the imaging device10to detect a phase difference, and thus, phase difference detection AF while performing exposure of the imaging device10can be realized. Note that in the case of AF such as contrast detection AF and the like using a signal from the imaging device10, AF cannot be performed during exposure of the imaging device10, in other words, during a period of image signal storing by the imaging device10(i.e., the electrical charge storing period in this embodiment).

When each of the during-exposure AF setting switch40eand the macro setting switch40fis in an off state, whether or not to perform close-up shooting is determined based on the object point distance. Then, if it is determined to perform close-up shooting, the shooting mode is set to be the during-exposure AF shooting mode. Thus, even when the user does not realize that shooting is being performed in a condition where the influence of hand shake on the direction along the optical axis X is large, the camera100automatically determines that shooting is being performed in such a shooting condition to correct an image blur in the direction along the optical axis X. If close-up shooting is not to be performed, i.e., the object point distance is long, the influence of hand shake in the direction along the optical axis X on shooting is small, so that autofocusing during exposure is not performed, thus resulting in reduction in power consumption.

Note that although autofocusing performed before exposure, i.e., before the release button40bis pressed all the way down may be any one of phase difference detection AF, contrast detection AF and hybrid AF, autofocusing during exposure is phase difference detection AF.

Also, in this embodiment, the during-exposure AF flag determination is performed immediately after the release button40bis pressed all the way down, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the camera100may be configured so that the during-exposure AF flag determination is performed at the time of starting exposure and, if the shooting mode is the during-exposure AF shooting mode, phase difference detection AF is started simultaneously with the start of exposure.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the imaging device10is configured so that light passes through the imaging device10, and the phase difference detection unit20is configured to receive light which has passed through the imaging device10to perform phase difference detection, thus realizing phase difference detection AF while performing exposure of the imaging device10. In this case, autofocusing is phase difference detection AF, and thus, the defocus direction and the defocus amount can be instantly obtained, and an object can be quickly brought into focus. As a result, autofocusing can be performed even in a shot time during which exposure is performed.

Also, phase difference detection AF during exposure is continuously performed entirely during the exposure, and thus, highly accurate autofocusing can be performed.

Furthermore, by using exposure while performing phase difference detection AF in the macro shooting mode or in close-up shooting used when the object point distance is small, an image blur in the direction along the optical axis generated due to camera shake or object shake can be reduced.

Also, with the during-exposure AF setting switch40eprovided, the user can set the during-exposure AF shooting mode at the user's option. Therefore, the user can flexibly use the during-exposure AF shooting mode not only in close-up shooting but also when the user wants to reduce image blur in the direction along the optical axis.

Second Embodiment

Next, a camera as an imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described.

As shown inFIG. 23, a camera200according to the second embodiment includes a finder optical system6.

—Configuration of Camera Body—

A camera body204further includes, in addition to components of the camera body4of the first embodiment, a finder optical system6for viewing an object image through a finder65, and a semi-transparent quick return mirror46for guiding incident light from the interchangeable lens7to the finder optical system6.

The camera body204has a finder shooting mode in which shooting is performed while a user views an object image through the finder optical system6, and a live view shooting mode in which shooting is performed while a user views an object image through the image display section44. The camera body204is provided with a finder mode setting switch40g. The shooting mode is set to be the finder shooting mode is set by turning on the finder mode setting switch40g, and to be the live view shooting mode by turning off the finder mode setting switch40g.

The finder optical system6includes a finder screen61on which reflected light from the quick return mirror46forms an image, a pentaprism62for converting an object image projected on the finder screen61into an erected image, an eye lens63for enlarging the projected object image for viewing, an in-finder display section64for displaying various kinds of information in a finder viewing field, and a finder65provided on a back surface side of the camera body204.

That is, the user can observe an object image formed on the finder screen61through the finder65via the pentaprism62and the eye lens63.

A body control section205further includes, in addition to components of the body control section5of the first embodiment, a mirror control section260for controlling flip-up of the quick return mirror46, which will be described later, based on a control signal from the body microcomputer50.

The quick return mirror46is a semi-transparent mirror capable of reflecting and transmitting incident light, and is configured to be capable of pivotally moving in front of the shutter unit42between a reflection position (see a solid line ofFIG. 23) which is on an optical path X extending from an object to the imaging unit1and a retracted position (see a chain double-dashed line ofFIG. 23) which is off the optical path X and is located adjacent to the finder optical system6. At the reflection position, the quick return mirror46divides incident light into reflected light toward the finder optical system6and transmitted light to the back surface side of the quick return mirror46. The quick return mirror46serves as a movable mirror. The reflection position corresponds to a first position, and the retracted position corresponds to a second position.

Specifically, the quick return mirror46is arranged in front of the shutter unit42(i.e., at an object side), and pivotally supported about an axis Y which is located above and in front of the shutter unit42and horizontally extends. The quick return mirror46is biased toward a retracted position by a bias spring (not shown). The quick return mirror46is moved to the reflection position by the bias spring being wound up by a motor (not shown) for opening and closing the shutter unit42. The quick return mirror46which has been moved to the reflection position is engaged with an electromagnet or the like at the refection position. Then, this engagement is released, thereby causing the quick return mirror46to be pivotally moved to the retracted position by force of the bias spring.

That is, to guide a part of incident light to the finder screen61, the bias spring is wound up by the motor, thereby causing the quick return mirror46to be positioned at the reflection position. To guide the entire incident light to the imaging unit1, the engagement with the electromagnet or the like is released, thereby causing the quick return mirror46to be pivotally moved to the retracted position by elastic force of the bias spring.

As shown inFIGS. 24(A)-24(C), a light shielding plate47is connected to the quick return mirror46. The light shielding plate47is configured to interact with the quick return mirror46, and covers, when the quick return mirror46is positioned at the retracted position, the quick return mirror46from below (i.e., from a side closer to the optical path X extending from the object to the imaging unit1). Thus, when the quick return mirror46is positioned at the retracted position, light entering from the finder optical system6is prevented from reaching the imaging unit1. The light shielding plate47serves as a light shielding section.

Specifically, the light shielding plate47includes a first light shielding plate48pivotally connected to an end portion of the quick return mirror46located at an opposite side to the pivot axis Y, and a second light shielding plate49pivotally connected to the first shielding plate48. The first light shielding plate48includes a first cam follower48a. In the camera body204, a first cam groove48bwith which the first cam follower48ais to be engaged is provided. The second light shielding plate49includes a second cam follower49a. In the camera body204, a second cam groove49bwith which the second cam follower49ais to be engaged is provided.

That is, when the quick return mirror46is pivotally moved, the first light shielding plate48is moved to follow the quick return mirror46, and the second light shielding plate49is moved to follow the first light shielding plate48. In this case, the first and second light shielding plates48and49move in conjunction with the quick return mirror46while the first and second cam followers48aand49aare guided respectively by the first and second cam grooves48band49b.

As a result, when the quick return mirror46is positioned at the retracted position, as shown inFIG. 24(A), the first and second light shielding plates48and49are arranged as a single flat plate below the quick return mirror46, thereby shielding light between the quick return mirror46and the shutter unit42, i.e., the imaging unit1. In this case, similarly to the quick return mirror46, the first and second light shielding plates48and49are located off the optical path X. Therefore, the first and second light shielding plates48and49do not influence light entering the imaging unit1from the object.

As the quick return mirror46is moved from the retracted position to the reflection position, as shown inFIG. 24(B), the first and second light shielding plates48and49arranged as a single flat plane are bent. When the quick return mirror46is pivotally moved to the reflection position, as shown inFIG. 24(C), the first and second light shielding plates48and49are bent at an angle that allows them to face each other. In this state, the first and second light shielding plates48and49are off the optical path X and are located at an opposite side to the finder screen61across the optical path X. Therefore, when the quick return mirror46is positioned at the reflection position, the first and second light shielding plates48and49do not influence light reflected toward the finder optical system6by the quick return mirror46and light transmitting through the quick return mirror46.

As described above, with the semi-transparent quick return mirror46and the shielding plate47provided, in the finder shooting mode, the user can view an object image with the finder optical system6before shooting is performed, and light can be caused to reach the imaging unit1. Also, when shooting is performed, incident light from the finder optical system6can be prevented from reaching the imaging unit1by the light shielding plate47while light from an object is directed to the imaging unit1. In the live view shooting mode, incident light from the finder optical system6can be prevented from reaching the imaging unit1by the light shielding plate47.

The camera200configured in the above-described manner has the two shooting modes, i.e., the finder shooting mode and the live view shooting mode that employ different methods for viewing an object. The operations of the two shooting modes of the camera200will be described hereinafter.

First, the shooting operation of the camera system in the finder shooting mode will be described hereinafter with reference toFIGS. 25 and 26.

The power switch40ais turned on (Step Si1), the release button40bis pressed halfway down by a user (Step Si5), and then, the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user (Step Si11), so that the shutter unit42is temporarily put into a close state (Step Si12). The above-described Steps Si1-Si12are basically the same as Steps Sa1-Sa12in phase difference detection AF of the first embodiment.

When the power switch40ais turned on, the quick return mirror46is positioned at the reflection position on the optical path X. Thus, a part of light which has entered the camera body204is reflected and enters the finder screen61.

Light which has entered the finder screen61is formed as an object image. The object image is converted into an erected image by the pentaprism62, and enters the eye lens63. That is, as opposed to the first embodiment, the object image is not displayed at the image display section44, but the user can observe the erected image of the object through the eye lens63. In this case, the object image is not displayed, but various pieces of information regarding shooting are displayed at the image display section44.

Then, when the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user (Step Si5), various pieces of information (such as information regarding AF and photometry which will be described later, and the like) regarding shooting are displayed at the in-finder display section64which the user can observe through the eye lens63. That is, the user can identify each piece of information regarding shooting by not only the image display section44but also the in-finder display section64.

In this case, since the quick return mirror46is semi-transparent, a part of light which has entered the camera body204is directed to the finder optical system6by the quick return mirror46, but the rest of the light is transmitted through the quick return mirror46to enter the shutter unit42. Then, when the shutter unit42is put into an open state (Step Si4), light transmitted through the quick return mirror46enters the imaging unit1. As a result, viewing the object image through the finder optical system6is allowed, and autofocusing by the imaging unit1(Steps Si6-Si8) and photometry (Step Si9) can be performed.

Specifically, in Steps Si6-Si8, phase difference detection AF is performed based on an output from the phase difference detection unit20of the imaging unit1and, in parallel with phase difference detection AF, photometry can be performed based on an output of the imaging device10of the imaging unit1in Step Si9.

In phase difference detection in Step Si6, the object image light is transmitted through the quick return mirror46, and accordingly, an optical length is increased by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the quick return mirror46. Thus, a phase detection width of the phase difference detection section defers between when the quick return mirror46is retracted from an object image optical path and is put into an image capturing state and when the quick return mirror46is positioned at a reflection position. Therefore, in the finder shooting mode in which the quick return mirror46is interposed in the object image optical path, defocus information is output with a phase detection width obtained by changing the phase detection width in phase difference focus detection of the first embodiment (i.e., a phase detection width in phase difference focus detection of hybrid AF in the live view shooting mode which will be described later) by a predetermined amount. Note that the phase detection width means a reference phase difference used for determining that a calculated defocus amount is 0, i.e., an object is in focus.

Steps Si6-Si8of performing phase difference detection AF is the same as Steps Sa6-Sa8in phase difference detection AF of the first embodiment.

In Step Si9, the amount of light entering the imaging device10is measured by the imaging device10. Note that in this embodiment, as opposed to the first embodiment, not the entire light from an object enters the imaging device10, and therefore, the body microcomputer50corrects an output from the imaging device10based on reflection characteristics of the quick return mirror46to obtain the amount of light from the object.

Then, after the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user (Step Si11) and the shutter unit42is temporarily put into a close state (Step Si12), in parallel with starting of image blur correction (Step Si13) and stopping down of the aperture section73(Step Si14), the quick return mirror46is flipped up to the retracted position in Step Si15.

Thereafter, in Steps Si16-Si18, similarly to Steps Sa15-Sa17in phase difference detection AF of the first embodiment, exposure is performed.

After exposure is terminated, in parallel with terminating of image blur correction (Step Si19) and opening of the aperture section73(Step Si20), the quick return mirror46is moved to the reflection position in Step Si21. Thus, the user can view an object image through the finder optical system6again.

Thereafter, the shutter unit42is put into an open state (Step Si22). When a shooting sequence is terminated after resetting is completed, the process returns to Step Si5, and the body microcomputer remains in a standby state until the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user.

Steps Si23-Si25after the power switch40ais turned off are the same as Steps Sa21-Sa23in phase difference detection AF of the first embodiment.

As described above, the phase difference detection unit20for detecting a phase difference using light transmitted through the imaging device10is provided to the imaging unit1. Thus, even with the configuration in which light from an object is directed to the finder optical system6by the quick return mirror46and thereby an object image can be viewed through the finder optical system6, phase difference detection AF and photometry can be performed in parallel while allowing the object image to be viewed through the finder optical system6by employing the semi-transparent quick return mirror46and thus causing a part of light entering the quick return mirror46to reach the imaging unit1. Therefore, there is no need to additionally provide a reflecting mirror for phase difference detection AF and a sensor for photometry, and also, photometry can be performed in parallel with autofocusing, so that a release time lag can be reduced.

Next, the shooting operation of the camera system in a live view shooting mode will be described with reference toFIGS. 27 and 28.

First, in steps (Steps Sj1-Sj4) from the step in which the power switch40ais turned on to the step in which the shutter unit42is put into an open state, the same operation as the operation in hybrid AF of the first embodiment is performed.

In this case, in the camera200, immediately after the power switch40ais turned on, the quick return mirror46is positioned at the reflection position, and thus, in Step Sj5, the body microcomputer50flips up the quick return mirror46to the retracted position.

As a result, light entering the camera body204from an object is not divided to be directed to the finder optical system6, but passes through the shutter unit42, is transmitted through the OLPF43serving also an IR cutter, and then, enters the imaging unit1. An object image formed at the imaging unit1is displayed at the image display section44, so that the user can observe the object image through the image display section44. A part of light which has entered to the imaging unit1is transmitted through the imaging device10and enters the phase difference detection unit20.

Then, when the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user (Step Sj6), as opposed to the finder shooting mode, hybrid AF is performed. Steps Sj7, Sj8, Sj11and Sj12according to this hybrid AF are the same as Steps Sc6, Sc7, Sc10and Sc11in hybrid AF of the first embodiment.

Note that the autofocusing method employed in this case is not limited to hybrid AF, but contrast detection AF or phase difference detection AF may be performed.

In parallel with hybrid AF, photometry is performed (Step Sj9), and image blur detection is started (Step Sj10). Steps Sj9and Sj10are the same as Steps Sc8and Sc9in hybrid AF of the first embodiment.

Thus, when the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user, various pieces of information regarding shooting (such as information regarding AF and photometry and the like) are displayed at the image display section44.

Thereafter, the steps from the step (Step Sj13) in which the release button40bis pressed all the way down by the user to the step (Step Sj22) in which exposure is terminated to complete resetting are basically the same as Steps Si11-Si22in the finder shooting mode, except that the step (corresponding to Step Si15) of moving the quick return mirror46to the retracted position after the shutter unit42is put into a close state is not included, and that the step (corresponding to Step Si21) of moving the quick return mirror46to the reflection position after the shutter unit42is put into a close state to terminate exposure is not included.

According to this embodiment, when the power switch40ais turned off (Step Sj23), the focus lens group72is moved to the reference position (Step Sj24) and, in parallel with putting the shutter unit42into a close state (Step Sj25), the quick return mirror46is moved to the reflection position in Step Sj26. Thereafter, respective operations of the body microcomputer50and other units in the camera body204, and the lens microcomputer80and other units in the interchangeable lens7are halted.

The shooting operation of the camera system in the live view shooting mode is the same as the shooting operation of the camera100of the first embodiment, except the operation of the quick return mirror46. That is, although hybrid AF has been described in the description above, various shooting operations according to the first embodiment can be performed, and the same functional effects and advantages as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the camera200further includes the finder optical system6provided to the camera body204and the semi-transparent quick return mirror46, configured so that the position of the quick return mirror46can be switched between the reflection position located on an optical path from an object to the imaging device10and the retracted position located off the optical path, for reflecting a part of incident light at the reflection position to guide the part of the incident light to the finder optical system6and causing the rest of the incident light to pass therethrough to guide the rest of the incident light to the imaging device10. The body control section5is configured to be capable of switching a shooting mode between a finder shooting mode in which shooting is performed in a state where an object can be viewed through the finder optical system6and the live view shooting mode in which shooting is performed in a state in which an object can be viewed through the image display section. In the finder shooting mode, the quick return mirror46is positioned at the reflection position to guide a part of incident light to the finder optical system6, thereby allowing an object image to be viewed through the finder optical system6, and the rest of the incident light is guided to the imaging device10and focus adjustment is performed based on a detection result of the phase difference detection unit20which has received light which has passed through the imaging device10. In the live view shooting mode, the quick return mirror46is positioned at the retracted position to cause incident light from an object to enter the imaging device10, thereby causing the image display section44to display an image based on an output of the imaging device10, and focus adjustment is performed at least based on a detection result of the phase difference detection unit20. Thus, in the camera200including the finder optical system6, various types of processing using the imaging device10can be performed in parallel with autofocusing (the above-described phase difference detection AF or hybrid AF) using the phase difference detection unit20, regardless of which of the finder shooting mode and the live view shooting mode is selected, so that the processing time can be reduced and also switching between the various types of processing using the imaging device10and autofocusing the phase difference detection unit20can be performed quickly and quietly. As a result, the convenience of the camera200can be improved.

Moreover, with the semi-transparent quick return mirror46and the shielding plate47provided, in the finder shooting mode, before shooting is performed, an object image can be viewed through the finder optical system6, and light can be caused to reach the imaging unit1. Also, when shooting is performed, incident light from the finder optical system6can be prevented from reaching the imaging unit1by the light shielding plate47while light from an object is guided to the imaging unit1. In the live view shooting mode, incident light from the finder optical system6can be prevented from reaching the imaging unit1by the light shielding plate47.

Other Embodiments

In connection with the above-described embodiments, the following configurations may be employed.

Specifically, according to the second embodiment, the finder optical system6is provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration including an electronic view finder (EVF), instead of the finder optical system6, may be employed. More specifically, a compact image display section comprised of a liquid crystal display or the like is arranged in the camera body204to be located at a position where the user can view the image display section through the finder, and image data obtained in the imaging unit1is displayed at the image display section. Thus, even if the complex finder optical system6is not provided, shooting while viewing through the finder can be realized. In such a configuration, the quick return mirror46is not necessary. The shooting operation is the same as that of the camera100of the first embodiment, although two image display sections are provided.

In each of the above-described first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the imaging unit1is mounted on a camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the imaging unit1can be mounted on a video camera.

An example shooting operation of a video camera will be described. When the power switch40ais turned on, an aperture section and a shutter unit are opened, and image capturing is started in the imaging device10of the imaging unit1. Then, optimal photometry and white balance adjustment for displaying a live view are performed, and a live view image is displayed at the image display section. Thus, in parallel with image capturing by the imaging device10, an in-focus state is detected based on an output of the phase difference detection unit20mounted in the imaging unit1and driving of the focus lens group is continued according to the movement of an object or the like. In this manner, the video camera remains in a standby state until a REC button is pressed while continuing to display a live view image and to perform phase difference detection AF. When the REC button is operated, image data captured by the imaging device10is recorded while phase difference detection AF is repeated. Thus, an in-focus state can be maintained at all the time, and as opposed to a known digital camera, micro driving of a focus lens in an optical direction (wobbling) does not have to be performed, so that an actuator such as a motor and the like, which has a large electric load, does not have to be driven.

Also, the configuration in which when the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user (i.e., the S1switch is turned on), AF is started has been described. However, AF may be performed before the release button40bis pressed halfway down. Moreover, the configuration in which AF is terminated when it is determined that an object image has been brought into focus has been described. However, AF may be continued after focus determination, and also AF may be continuously performed without performing focus determination. A specific example will be described hereinafter. InFIGS. 11 and 12, after the shutter unit42is opened in Step Sa4, phase difference focus detection of Step Sa6and focus lens driving of Step Sa7are performed repeatedly. In parallel with this operation, determination of Step Sa5, photometry of Step Sa9, image blur detection of Step Sa10, and determination of Step Sa11are performed. Thus, an in-focus state can be achieved even before the release button40bis pressed halfway down by the user. For example, by using this operation with live view image display, display of a live view image in an in-focus state is allowed. If phase difference detection AF is used, live view image display and phase difference detection AF can be used together. The above-described operation may be added as a “continuous AF mode” to the function of a camera. A configuration in which the “continuous AF mode” is changeable between on and off may be employed.

In each of the above-described first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the imaging unit1is mounted in a camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration. The camera in which the imaging unit1is mounted is an example of cameras in which exposure of an imaging device and phase difference detection by a phase difference detection unit can be simultaneously performed. A camera according to the present invention is not limited thereto, but may have a configuration in which object light is guided to both of an imaging device and a phase difference detection unit, for example, by an optical isolation device (such as, for example, a prism, a semi-transparent mirror, and the like) for isolating light to the image device. Moreover, a camera in which a part of each microlens of an imaging device is used as a separator lens and is arranged so that pupil-divided object light can be received at light receiving sections may be employed.

Note that the above-described embodiments are essentially preferable examples which are illustrative and do not limit the present invention, its applications and the scope of use of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As has been described, the present invention is useful particularly for an imaging apparatus including an imaging device for performing photoelectric conversion.