Image pickup device and image display method

An image pickup device includes a first image sensor for photoelectrically converting subject light and generating an image, a second image sensor for photoelectrically converting the subject light and generating an image for a live view, a first optical member for transmitting the subject light and allowing the subject light to enter the first image sensor, and at the same time, reflecting the subject light, and a second optical member for leading the subject light reflected by the first optical member to the second image sensor and allowing the subject light to enter the second image sensor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technique relates to an image pickup device and an image display method.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, regarding a digital camera, a single-lens reflex camera which displays an output of an image sensor as a live view in order to observe a subject during photographing has been proposed other than a digital camera using an optical finder (Patent Document 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

Patent Document 1: JP 2007-243561 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The single-lens reflex camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a type which switches routes of light to a sensor for recording and a sensor for a live view (LV) by a movable mirror, and the single-lens reflex camera stops the sensor for LV and starts the sensor for recording at the timing of switching a state from a mirror-down state (live view) to a mirror-up state (recording). There is a problem in that the live view cannot be displayed during data transfer and a blackout occurs because the image for LV is displayed by the sensor for recording.

The present technique has been made in consideration of the problem. A purpose of the present technique is to provide an image pickup device and an image display method which can display a live view without interruption.

Solutions to Problems

To solve the above-mentioned problem, a first technique is an image pickup device including a first image sensor configured to photoelectrically convert subject light and generate an image, a second image sensor configured to photoelectrically convert the subject light and generate an image for a live view, a first optical member configured to transmit the subject light and allow the subject light to enter the first image sensor and at the same time reflects the subject light, and a second optical member configured to lead the subject light reflected by the first optical member to the second image sensor and allow the subject light to enter the second image sensor.

Also, a second technique is an image display method for displaying an image generated by a first image sensor and an image generated by a second image sensor as a live view image in an image pickup device including the first image sensor for photographically converting subject light and generating the image, the second image sensor for photographically converting the subject light and generating the image for the live view, a first optical member for transmitting the subject light and allowing the subject light to enter the first image sensor, a second optical member for leading the subject light reflected by the first optical member to the second image sensor and allowing the subject light to enter the second image sensor, and a display unit for displaying the image.

Effects of the Invention

A live view can be displayed without interruption according to the present technique.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present technique will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be in the following order.

[1-1. Structure of image pickup device]

[1-2. Live view display of image pickup device]

1-1. Structure of Image Pickup Device

First, a configuration of an image pickup device1000will be described.FIG. 1is a block diagram of a whole configuration of the image pickup device1000. The image pickup device1000includes an imaging optical system110, a first image sensor120, a second image sensor130, an auto focus (AF) sensor140, a preprocessing circuit150, a camera processing circuit160, an image memory170, a control unit180, a display unit190, an input unit200, a reader/writer (R/W)210, and storage media220.

The imaging optical system110includes a photographing lens111to collect subject light on the first image sensor120, a semi-transmissive film which reflects and transmits the subject light, a semi-transmissive mirror, an optical lens for the second image sensor130, and the like. Also, the imaging optical system110includes a drive mechanism for moving the lens to adjust the focus and perform zooming, a shutter mechanism, an iris mechanism, and the like. The subject light obtained via the imaging optical system110enters the first image sensor120, the second image sensor130, and the auto focus (AF) sensor.

The first image sensor120photoelectrically converts the incident light from the subject into a charge amount and outputs it as image data. The image data output from the first image sensor120is output to the preprocessing circuit150. A charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and the like are used as the first image sensor120. The first image sensor120is an image sensor to generate an image finally obtained by photographing.

The second image sensor130photoelectrically converts the incident light from the subject into the charge amount and outputs it as the image data. The CCD, the CMOS, and the like are used as the second image sensor130. The second image sensor130, which will be described below in detail, is an image sensor to generate an image for a live view.

The AF sensor140is a sensor for auto-focusing of, for example, a phase difference detection method and a contrast AF method. The incidence of the subject light into the first image sensor120, the second image sensor130, and the AF sensor140will be described below in detail.

The preprocessing circuit150performs a sampling hold relative to analog image signals output from the first image sensor120and the second image sensor130so as to excellently maintain a signal/noise (S/N) ratio by the correlated double sampling (CDS). In addition, the preprocessing circuit150controls a gain by performing auto gain control (AGC), and outputs a digital image signal by performing an analog/digital (A/D) conversion.

The camera processing circuit160performs signal processing relative to the image signal from the preprocessing circuit150. The signal processing is, for example, white balance adjustment processing, color correction processing, luminance correction, gamma correction processing, Y/C conversion processing, and auto exposure (AE) processing.

The image memory170is a volatile memory such as a buffer memory including a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The image memory170temporarily stores the image data to which predetermined processing is performed by the preprocessing circuit150and the camera processing circuit160.

The control unit180includes, for example, a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. A program to be read and operated by the CPU and the like is stored in the ROM. The RAM is used as a work memory of the CPU. The CPU controls the whole image pickup device1000by executing various processing according to the program stored in the ROM and issuing a command. Also, the control unit180controls a live view display on the display unit190. The live view display will be described below in detail.

The display unit190is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), and an organic electro luminescence (EL) panel. Under the control of the control unit180, the display unit190displays, for example, the live view, a through image, and an image recorded in the storage media220by displaying an image according to the image signal supplied from the control unit180.

The input unit200includes, for example, a power button to switch on/off of a power source, a shutter button to instruct the control unit180to start the recording of a picked-up image, an operation element for zoom adjustment, and a touch screen integrated with the display unit190. When an input has been performed relative to the input unit200, a control signal according to the input is generated and output to the control unit180. The control unit180performs arithmetic processing and control corresponding to the control signal.

The R/W210is an interface which is connected to a recording media22for recording the image data generated by imaging and the like. The R/W210writes the data supplied from the control unit180to the storage media220. Also, the R/W210outputs the data read from the storage media220to the control unit180. The storage media220is mass storage media such as a hard disk, a memory stick (registered trademark of Sony Corporation), and an SD memory card. The image is stored in a compressed state based on a standard such as JPEG. Also, information regarding the stored image and exchangeable image file format (EXIF) data including additional information such as the imaged data are associated with the image and stored.

Next, a mechanical structure of the imaging optical system, which is mainly the image sensor, the photographing lens111and the like, of the image pickup device1000will be described.FIG. 2is a cross sectional schematic view of an outline structure of the image pickup device1000according to the present technique.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, a lens barrel400which is exchangeable is attached to a housing300for configuring the image pickup device1000. The photographing lens111, a diaphragm, and the like are provided in the lens barrel400. The photographing lens111is driven by a focus driving system (not shown) and is able to perform AF operation. The lens barrel400may be integrated with the housing300.

The first image sensor120, which is the image sensor for generating the photographing image, is provided in the housing300. The first image sensor120is the image sensor such as the CCD and the CMOS as described above. The first image sensor120photographically converts the subject light for entering via the photographing lens111into the charge amount and generates the image. The predetermined signal processing such as the white balance adjustment processing and the gamma correction processing is performed to the image signal, and the image signal is finally stored in the storage media in the image pickup device1000, an external memory, and the like as the image data. Also, a shutter is provided in front of the first image sensor120. Either a mechanical shutter and an electric shutter can be applied to the present technique.

Also, the AF sensor140which is the image sensor for the AF is provided in the housing300. For example, an AF sensor of the phase difference detection method can be used as the AF sensor140. However, the AF sensor140is not limited to that of the phase difference detection method, and the AF sensor140may have a function of an AF sensor of the contrast AF method. As a method of the AF, the phase difference detection method and the contrast AF method may be combined. In order to successfully perform the AF to a subject having low contrast or a subject in a dark place, AF auxiliary light may be generated and an AF evaluation value may be formed from return light.

Also, in the housing300, the semi-transmissive film112is provided between the photographing lens111and the first image sensor120in the housing300. The subject light enters the semi-transmissive film112via the photographing lens111. A part of the subject light for entering via the photographing lens111is reflected by the semi-transmissive film112to a direction of the AF sensor140in the above, and the semi-transmissive film112transmits the other part of the subject light to the first image sensor120.

Also, an imaging optical system for the live view is provided in the housing300. The imaging optical system for the live view includes an optical lens113for the live view and the second image sensor130. The optical lens113for the live view allows the second image sensor130to form the image of the subject light. The second image sensor130is an image sensor for generating the live view image. The second image sensor130is the image sensor, for example, the CCD and the CMOS. The second image sensor130photographically converts the entering subject light into the charge amount and generates the image for the live view.

Also, a semi-transmissive mirror114is provided in the housing300. The semi-transmissive mirror114is provided so as to be positioned in a place above of the first image sensor120in the housing300. The semi-transmissive mirror114includes a reflection surface114A on the upper side (a direction apart from the first image sensor120). Apart of the subject light, which is reflected by the semi-transmissive film112to the direction of the AF sensor140above, is reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror114to the imaging optical system for the live view below. A detailed structure of the semi-transmissive mirror114will be described below.

A broken line indicates a luminous flux of the subject light for entering the first image sensor120inFIG. 2. Also, an alternate long and short dashed line indicates a luminous flux of the subject light for being reflected by the semi-transmissive film112and the semi-transmissive mirror114and entering the second image sensor130. In addition, a solid line indicates a luminous flux of the subject light for being reflected by the semi-transmissive film112and entering the AF sensor140.

A display191having a function as an electronic viewfinder is provided in the housing300of the image pickup device1000. The display191is a flat display and the like such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic EL (Electroluminescence: electroluminescent effect). The image data is obtained by performing processing to the image signal extracted from the first image sensor120or the second image sensor130by a signal processing unit (not shown). The obtained image data is supplied to the display191, and the display displays the data as a real-time image (so-called through image). The display191is provided on the backside of the housing inFIG. 2. However, the position of the display191is not limited to this, and the display191may be provided on the upper surface of the housing or may be a movable type or a removable type.

Further, an electronic viewfinder192(EVF: electronic view finder) is provided in the housing. The electronic viewfinder192includes, for example, the liquid crystal display and the organic EL display. The image data is obtained by performing the processing to the image signal extracted from the first image sensor120or the second image sensor130by the signal processing unit (not shown). The obtained image data is supplied to the electronic viewfinder192, and the electronic viewfinder192displays the data as the real-time image (through image).

The display191and the electronic viewfinder192correspond to the display unit190in the block diagram inFIG. 1. The display on the display191and the electronic viewfinder192of the image generated by the first image sensor120and the image generated by the second image sensor130will be described below in detail.

Next, a structure of the semi-transmissive mirror114will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the semi-transmissive mirror114has a predetermined radius of curvature and is formed in a curved shape in a side view (concave shape relative to an object). As illustrated inFIG. 3, it is preferable that the radius of curvature of the semi-transmissive mirror114satisfy the condition indicated by the formula 1 below while it is assumed that an air conversion distance between a position of an exit pupil of the photographing lens111and the surface of the semi-transmissive mirror114be D and an air conversion distance between a position of an exit pupil of the imaging optical system for the live view113and the semi-transmissive mirror114be D′.

The reason why the semi-transmissive mirror114has the radius of curvature in this way will be described with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B.FIG. 4Ais a diagram of a case where the semi-transmissive mirror114does not have the above-mentioned radius of curvature and has a flat shape.FIG. 4Bis a diagram of a case where the semi-transmissive mirror114has the radius of curvature.

The subject light reflected by the semi-transmissive film112is reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror114and enters the imaging optical system for the live view. However, when the semi-transmissive mirror114does not have the radius of curvature, the subject light which is reflected by the semi-transmissive film112and then reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror114in the direction of the imaging optical system for the live view does not enter the imaging optical system for the live view as illustrated inFIG. 4A. Then, decrease in light quantity in the peripheral region occurs.

On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG. 4B, when the semi-transmissive mirror114has the radius of curvature, the subject light which is reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror114and proceeds to the direction of the imaging optical system for the live view certainly enters the imaging optical system for the live view. Accordingly, the decrease in light quantity in the peripheral region can be prevented.

However, it is not enough for the semi-transmissive mirror114to have a curved surface, and it is necessary that the semi-transmissive mirror114have the radius of curvature for satisfying the above-mentioned formula 1.FIGS. 5A to 5Care diagrams to describe the decrease in light quantity in the peripheral region of the semi-transmissive mirror114. InFIGS. 5A to 5C, a region expressed by a number of dots is the luminous flux of the subject light after it has been reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror114.

FIG. 5Aindicates the semi-transmissive mirror114having the radius of curvature for satisfying the formula 1. In this case, the luminous flux of the subject light passes through the whole area of the exit pupil of the imaging optical system for the live view, and the decrease in light quantity in the peripheral region does not occur.

On the other hand,FIG. 5Bis a case where the radius of curvature of the semi-transmissive mirror114is smaller than the condition indicated by the formula 1. In this case, the luminous flux of the subject light reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror114does not enter the exit pupil of the imaging optical system for the live view, and the decrease in light quantity in the peripheral region occurs.

In addition,FIG. 5Cis a case where the radius of curvature of the semi-transmissive mirror114is larger than the condition indicated by the formula 1. Also in this case, the luminous flux of the subject light reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror114does not enter the exit pupil of the imaging optical system for the live view, and the decrease in light quantity in the peripheral region occurs.

Therefore, it is not enough for the semi-transmissive mirror114to simply have the radius of curvature and be formed in the curved shape in a side view, and it is necessary to satisfy the above-mentioned formula 1.

Next, the reflection surface114A of the semi-transmissive mirror114will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 2, it is preferable that the reflection surface114A of the semi-transmissive mirror114be provided on the side apart from the first image sensor120of the semi-transmissive mirror114. This point will be described with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIG. 6Aindicates a case where the reflection surface114A is provided on a lower side of the semi-transmissive mirror114, that is, a position close to the first image sensor120. In this case, as illustrated inFIG. 6A, there is a possibility that the subject light for entering via the photographing lens111is reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror114and enters the first image sensor120as harmful light.

As illustrated inFIG. 6B, the reflection surface114A is provided on the upper surface of the semi-transmissive mirror114, that is, a position farthest from the first image sensor120. Accordingly, as can be understood byFIG. 6B, the subject light for entering via the photographing lens111can be prevented from being reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror114and entering the first image sensor120. The reflection surface114A is made, for example, by providing a half mirror coat on the semi-transmissive mirror114by evaporation coating.

The entrance of the harmful light into the first image sensor120can be prevented by separating the position of the semi-transmissive mirror114itself from the first image sensor120. However, there is a possibility that this has an effect on the size of the image pickup device1000and interferes the miniaturization of the image pickup device1000. By separating the reflection surface114A from the semi-transmissive mirror114as described above, the entrance of the harmful light can be prevented without interfering miniaturization of the image pickup device1000.

Next, a transmittance of the semi-transmissive mirror114will be described. The semi-transmissive mirror114may have different transmittance for each predetermined region. This point will be described with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B.FIG. 7Ais a plan view of the semi-transmissive mirror114. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7A, the semi-transmissive mirror114may include a first transmission region114B and a second transmission region114C which has a different transmittance from that of the first transmission region114B. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the AF sensor140is provided in a direction in which the semi-transmissive mirror114transmits the subject light, and the subject light for having passed through the first transmission region114B of the semi-transmissive mirror114enters the AF sensor140.

In the example ofFIG. 7A, for example, a ratio between the transmission and the reflection of the first transmission region114B becomes 9:1. On the other hand, the ratio between the transmission and the reflection of the second transmission region114C becomes 5:5.

Accordingly, the subject light with high luminance, which has passed through the first region114B having high transmittance, can enter the AF sensor140, and auto-focusing processing can be certainly performed by the AF sensor140.

The above-mentioned ratio between the transmission and the reflection is only exemplary, and the present technique is not limited to the ratio. The ratio between the transmission and the reflection of the semi-transmissive mirror114may be appropriately set based on a low luminance performance of the AF sensor140and the like.

However, in a case where the low luminance performance of the AF sensor140can be improved and an AF function is not deteriorated even when the luminance of the entering subject light is low, it is not necessary to provide regions having different transmittances. In this case, it is preferable that a whole area of the semi-transmissive mirror114have the uniform transmittance as illustrated inFIG. 7B.

It is preferable that the semi-transmissive mirror114have a size which can capture an image having the same size as a subject image captured by the first image sensor120.

1-2. Live View Display of Image Pickup Device

Next, the live view display of the image pickup device1000configured as described above will be described. First, a problem in the live view display in the related art will be described with reference toFIGS. 8A and 8Bbefore the description on the live view display of the present technique.

FIG. 8Ais a diagram of a first example of the live view display of the related art.FIG. 8Bis a diagram of a second example of the live view display of the related art. The upper stages of bothFIGS. 8A and 8Brespectively indicate the operation of the image sensors for generating the photographing image and the live view image. A lower stage indicates the image displayed on the display unit such as the display.FIGS. 8A and 8Bindicates a case where three images are generated by continuous photographing. It is assumed that the time go from left to right inFIGS. 8A and 8B.

Generally, the image generated by the image sensor is displayed on the display unit as the image for the live view until a user performs shutter operation. Accordingly, the user can confirm the subject image in real time.

When the user performs the shutter operation, the image sensor performs a series of the operation to take a photograph. The series of the operation is to switch a mode from a live view display mode to an exposure mode, prepare for exposing, and then, expose, and further, transfer the generated image data to a predetermined processing circuit in the image pickup device.

While the image sensor prepares for exposing, exposes, and transfers the image data, the image generated by the image sensor is not supplied to the display unit and the live view is not displayed on the display unit. Therefore, as illustrated in the lower stage ofFIG. 8A, a so-called blackout occurs in which the live view image is not displayed during a period corresponding to the preparation for the exposure, the exposure, and the image data transfer.

FIG. 8Bis a diagram of a second example of the live view display of the related art. A point that the image sensor switches the mode from the live view display mode to the exposure mode, prepares for exposing, exposes, and then transfers the image data when the user performs the shutter operation is similar to that of the first example.

In the second example, the blackout occurs similarly to the first example ofFIG. 8Ain the period of the series of the operation including the preparation for the exposure, the exposure, and the transfer of the image data at a first photographing. However, in the second example, an image generated by the first photographing is displayed as the live view image during a period corresponding to a second photographing. In addition, an image generated by the second photographing is displayed as the live view image during a period corresponding to a third photographing. Accordingly, the occurrence of the blackout can be prevented at the time of the second photographing or later. This method is called as an “after-view”.

However, the blackout cannot be completely prevented even when the after-view is used. Also, there is a problem in that the subject does not operate and an uncomfortable feeling is generated in the live view display because a same still image is continuously displayed as the live view.

Next, the live view display according to the present technique will be described. The present technique prevents the blackout of the live view display as described above.FIG. 9is a diagram to describe the live view display according to the present embodiment. The upper stage ofFIG. 9indicates operation of the first image sensor120. The middle stage indicates operation of the second image sensor130. The lower stage indicates an image displayed on the display unit190.FIG. 9is a case where three images are generated by the continuous photographing. A live view display control which will be described below is performed under the control of the control unit180. However, the image pickup device1000may include a display control unit for performing the live view display control. Also, the display unit190itself may perform the live view display control which will be described below.

The image generated by the first image sensor120is displayed as the live view image on the display unit190until the user performs the shutter operation. Accordingly, the user can confirm the subject image in real time. When the user performs the shutter operation, the first image sensor120performs a series of the operation to take a photograph. The series of the operation is to switch a mode from a live view display mode to an exposure mode, prepare for exposing, and then, expose, and further, transfer the generated image data to a predetermined processing circuit in the image pickup device1000.

The second image sensor130is in an off-state until the user performs the shutter operation. When the user performs the shutter operation, the second image sensor130is turned on and generates the image for the live view. As illustrated in the lower state ofFIG. 9, the live view display on the display unit190is switched from the image by the first image sensor120to the image by the second image sensor130. Accordingly, since the live view is displayed by using the image by the second image sensor130during a period when the image by the first image sensor120cannot be displayed as the live view (period of the preparation for the exposure, the exposure, and the transfer of the image), the blackout does not occur in the live view display. Therefore, the live view display can be constantly performed without interruption.

When the photographing is finished, the live view display on the display unit190is switched from the image by the second image sensor130to the image by the first image sensor120, and the second image sensor130is turned off. The on/off the second image sensor130may be switched by the second image sensor130itself and may be switched under the control of the control unit180.

In the subject light for entering the first image sensor120, a loss of light quantity is generated when the subject light passes through the semi-transmissive film112. On the other hand, since the subject light for entering the second image sensor130has the loss of light quantity caused by the reflection by the semi-transmissive film112, the reflection by the semi-transmissive mirror114, and the transmission of the semi-transmissive film112, the subject light for entering the second image sensor130has smaller light quantity than that of the subject light for entering the first image sensor120. Therefore, there is a possibility that a difference is generated in image quality, especially in brightness and the user who views the live view has an uncomfortable feeling when the image by the first image sensor120is simply switched to the image by the second image sensor130.

When the image by the second image sensor130is displayed as the live view image, it is preferable that the image by the second image sensor130be brightly displayed, for example, by increasing a luminance level so that the image by the second image sensor130has the image quality, especially the brightness, which is equal to that of the image by first image sensor120. Accordingly, the brightness of the image by the first image sensor120becomes equal to that of the image by the second image sensor130, and there is no possibility that the user feels the uncomfortable feeling. The luminance level is adjusted, for example, by the camera processing circuit160which performs various processing relative to the image.

FIG. 10indicates a second aspect of the live view display according to the present embodiment. The upper stage ofFIG. 10indicates operation of the first image sensor120. The middle stage indicates operation of the second image sensor130. The lower stage indicates an image displayed on the display unit190.FIG. 10is a case where three images are generated by the continuous photographing.

In the second example, the image according to the second image sensor130is constantly displayed on the display unit190as the live view. Also according to the above, since the live view display is performed by using the image by the second image sensor130during a period when the image by the first image sensor120cannot be displayed as the live view, the blackout does not occur in the live view display. Therefore, the live view display can be constantly performed without interruption.

In the description with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, the example has been a case where the three images are continuously photographed by the continuous photographing. However, the present technique is not limited to this and can be applied to the continuous photographing of three or more images and a photographing other than the continuous photographing.

One embodiment of the present technique has been specifically described above. However, the present technique is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various kinds of variations based on technical ideas of the present technique are possible. The present technique may have a configuration below.

(1) An image pickup device including:

a first image sensor configured to photoelectrically convert subject light and generate an image;

a second image sensor configured to photoelectrically convert the subject light and generate an image for a live view;

a first optical member configured to transmit the subject light and allow the subject light to enter the first image sensor, and at the same time, reflect the subject light; and

a second optical member configured to lead the subject light reflected by the first optical member to the second image sensor and allow the subject light to enter the second image sensor.

(2) The image pickup device according to (1), further including:

a display unit configured to display the image generated by the first image sensor and the image generated by the second image sensor as a live view image.

(3) The image pickup device according to (2), wherein

the display unit displays the image generated by the second image sensor when the first image sensor is in exposure operation.

(4) The image pickup device according to (2) or (3), wherein

the display unit displays the image generated by the second image sensor when the first image sensor is transferring the image.

(5) The image pickup device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein

the display unit displays the image generated by the second image sensor when the first image sensor is in continuous photographing operation.

(6) The image pickup device according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein

the image generated by the second image sensor is displayed on the display unit so that an image quality of the image generated by the second image sensor becomes almost equal to that of the image generated by the first image sensor.

(7) The image pickup device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

the second optical member includes an optical surface having a predetermined radius of curvature.

(8) The image pickup device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein

the second optical member is a semi-transmissive mirror, and a surface apart from the first image sensor is a reflection surface.

(9) The image pickup device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein

the second optical member has a size capable of covering at least a subject image region captured by the first image sensor.

(10) The image pickup device according to any one of (1) to (9), further including a sensor for auto-focusing, wherein

the second optical member allows the subject light to enter the sensor for auto-focusing and the second image sensor by transmitting and reflecting the subject light.

(11) The image pickup device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein

the second optical member includes a first region and a second region having lower transmittance than that of the first region.

(12) An image display method, including displaying an image generated by a first image sensor and an image generated by a second image sensor as a live view image in an image pickup device including:

the first image sensor for photographically converting subject light and generating the image;

the second image sensor for photographically converting the subject light and generating the image for the live view;

a first optical member for transmitting the subject light and allowing the subject light to enter the first image sensor, and at the same time, reflecting the subject light;

a second optical member for leading the subject light reflected by the first optical member to the second image sensor and allowing the subject light to enter the second image sensor; and

a display unit for displaying the image.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST