Lens barrel and imaging apparatus

A lens barrel that configures an imaging apparatus by being detachably attached to an imaging apparatus main body includes a lens barrel in which an imaging lens is formed and a connecting section to the imaging apparatus main body is formed on one end side in an optical axis direction of the imaging lens and a grip section provided on a side surface of the lens barrel and gripped by a camera operator during imaging. The grip section projects from the side surface of the lens barrel further to a side surface of the apparatus main body than an end face on the connecting section side.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application JP 2007-230827 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Sep. 5, 2007, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and, more particularly to an imaging apparatus to which an imaging apparatus main body and a lens barrel including an imaging lens are detachably attachable and in which the lens barrel is replaceable and the lens barrel used in the imaging apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the past, in an imaging apparatus such as a video camera for business use, a lens barrel in which an imaging lens is disposed is detachably mounted on an apparatus main body in which a housing unit for a recording medium and a recording and reproducing unit that writes an information signal in and reads out the information signal from the recording medium are provided. Therefore, the imaging apparatus is used while lens barrels in which various imaging lenses are disposed are appropriately replaced as replacement lenses.

In the imaging apparatus of this type, a camera operator places an apparatus main body on the shoulder, holds the entire imaging apparatus, grips a grip section provided in the lens barrel to thereby adjust an angle of view, and performs operation of an operation unit provided in the grip section.

According to the technical development and demands of camera operators in these days, a reduction in size and weight of imaging apparatus main bodies and recording media are advanced. On the other hand, lens barrels are increased in size and weight according to an increase in magnification of imaging lenses. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus of this type, when the lens barrel is replaced, a weight distribution of the entire imaging apparatus changes and a burden on a camera operator increases.

In particular, whereas the weight of the imaging apparatus main body is fixed, sizes and weights of the lens barrels are different from one another. Therefore, weight balance changes every time a lens barrel is replaced. In addition, in the imaging apparatus, the camera operator grips the grip section provided in the lens barrel to thereby change a direction and adjust an angle of view of the lens barrel and perform operation for imaging. A burden on the camera operator further increases as the weight balance changes.

Moreover, in the video camera for business use and a high-end model for high-level amateur users, there is proposed a model for allowing a camera operator to replace a lens barrel even in a handy-type video camera that is gripped an entire image apparatus by one hand. In such a handy-type video camera, the influence of a change in weight balance in the entire imaging apparatus due to replacement of the lens barrel on the arm of the camera operator is considered to further increase.

In such a handy-type video camera, in the past, when the lens barrel used in the video camera for business use placed on the shoulder of the camera operator and handled is attached, since a grip is present in a position suitable for a shoulder-mounted type, such a grip and the center of gravity of the handy-type video camera deviate from each other. Therefore, it is difficult for the camera operator to hold the video camera with sufficient balance simply by gripping the grip.

An example of the technique in the past is disclosed in JP-A-2006-72245.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an imaging apparatus in which a burden on a camera operator during imaging can be reduced by suppressing a change in weight balance due to replacement of a lens barrel as much as possible and a lens barrel detachably attachable to the imaging apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lens barrel that configures an imaging apparatus by being detachably attached to an imaging apparatus main body. The lens barrel includes a lens barrel in which an imaging lens is formed and a connecting section to the imaging apparatus main body is formed on one end side in an optical axis direction of the imaging lens and a grip section provided on a side surface of the lens barrel and gripped by a camera operator during imaging. The grip section projects from the side surface of the lens barrel further to a side surface of the apparatus main body than an end face on the connecting section side.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus including an apparatus main body including a recording and reproducing unit that records information signal in and/or reproducing the information signal from a recording medium and a lens barrel detachably attached to the apparatus main body. The lens barrel includes a lens barrel in which an imaging lens is formed and a connecting section to the imaging apparatus main body is formed on one end side in an optical axis direction of the imaging lens and a grip section provided on a side surface of the lens barrel and gripped by a camera operator during imaging. The grip section projects from the side surface of the lens barrel further to a side surface of the apparatus main body than an end face on the connecting section side.

With the lens barrel and the imaging apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention, since the grip section is formed to further project to the apparatus main body side from an end face on the connecting section side to the apparatus main body, the grip section is extended to the side surface of the apparatus main body to be provided over the apparatus main body of the imaging apparatus and the lens barrel. Therefore, with the lens barrel and the imaging apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention, not matter which lens barrel is mounted, the grip section is located near the center of gravity of the imaging apparatus. Consequently, the camera operator supports near the center of gravity of the imaging apparatus by gripping the grip section. The camera operator can grip the entire apparatus while keeping balance and reduce a burden on the arm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A lens barrel according to an embodiment of the present invention and an imaging apparatus in which the lens barrel is used will be hereinafter explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An imaging apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus main body2and a lens barrel3that is detachably attachable to the imaging apparatus main body2and is mounted with an imaging lens. The imaging apparatus1is a so-called handy-type imaging apparatus that a camera operator holds with one hand by gripping a grip section provided in the lens barrel3. The imaging apparatus1is substantially reduced in size and weight compared with a shoulder-mounted-type imaging apparatus mounted and held on the shoulder of the camera operator adopted in an imaging apparatus of a lens barrel replacement type in the past.

The lens barrel3is detachably attachable to the imaging apparatus1. Plural kinds of the lens barrels3having different magnifications and the like are prepared as replacement lenses. An appropriate lens barrel3can be attached and used according to necessity. As described later, the grip section is formed in the lens barrel3. The lens barrel3including the grip section is detached from the apparatus main body.

Both the handy-type imaging apparatus1shown inFIG. 1and a shoulder-mounted-type imaging apparatus200shown inFIGS. 37A and 37Bare provided as high-end models for business use or for high-level amateur users. High-vision imaging is possible with the imaging apparatuses. In such imaging apparatuses1and200, a digital video tape including a tape-like recording medium such as a DV cassette capable of performing HDV recording is used as a main recording medium inserted in and detached from the apparatus main body. Images such as moving images and still images captured by an imaging lens are converted into electric signal by a solid-state imaging device such as a CMOS or a CCD and sound is converted into electric signals. The electric signals are recorded in a tape cartridge. The images converted into the electric signals are displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

As a main recording medium for the imaging apparatuses1and200, magnetic tapes other than a DV cassette, disk-like recording media including optical disks such as a CD, a DVD, and a BD, magneto-optical disks, and magnetic disks such as a hard disk, or recording media such as a semiconductor memory can also be used. Moreover, as described later, in the imaging apparatuses1and200, an auxiliary recording medium unit that houses a memory card is detachably mounted as an auxiliary recording medium separately from the main recording medium.

Details of the handy-type imaging apparatus1are explained below. Then, details of the shoulder-mounted-type imaging apparatus200are explained.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the imaging apparatus1includes the apparatus main body2of a substantially rectangular shape and the lens barrel3mounted with the imaging lens and detachably attachable to the apparatus main body2. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the imaging apparatus1is mounted with a battery pack4such as a lithium ion secondary battery serving as a driving power supply and an auxiliary recording medium unit5that is mounted on the apparatus main body2and houses an auxiliary recording medium other than a main recording medium. As external accessories, an external microphone6more excellent in directivity than a built-in microphone and a shoe adapter7provided with an accessory shoe to which other accessories are attached are mountable on the apparatus main body2. A lens hood9is attachable to the lens barrel3.

A lens mount10on which the lens barrel3is mounted is formed on a front surface2aof the apparatus main body2. The lens mount10has a mount ring11that is engaged with a body mount41formed in a rear surface3bof the lens barrel3. As shown inFIG. 6, in the mount ring11, an engaging section12that is engaged with an outer periphery of the body mount41is formed in an inner peripheral surface. When an operation lever13is operated to rotate, operation for engaging the mount ring11with and disengaging the mount ring11from the body mount41is performed.

A preload member14for preventing the engagement of the lens mount10and the lens barrel3from loosening is formed near the lens mount10. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the preload member14includes an operation piece16aextended from a part of a main body section16of a substantially disc shape and an elastic member17that is attached to a flat section provided in an outer periphery of the main body section16and is brought into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel3. The main body section16is pivotally attached to the front surface2aof the apparatus main body2. When the operation piece16ais operated by the camera operator, the main body section16is pivoted. The elastic member17attached to the main body section16is formed in a substantially arcuate shape. The outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel3mounted on the lens mount10is located on a pivoting locus of the elastic member17.

Before the lens barrel3is mounted on the lens mount10, the elastic member17of such a preload member14is pivoted to a position further retracted than a mounting position of the lens barrel3. When the lens barrel3is mounted, the operation piece16aof the preload member14is pivoted by the camera operator and the elastic member17thereof is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel3. Consequently, the preload member14can prevent the engagement of the lens barrel3and the lens mount10from loosening.

As shown inFIG. 2, an operation unit15for performing various kinds of operation of the imaging apparatus1is provided on a right side surface2bof the apparatus main body2.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, a recording and reproducing unit20that records and reproduces videos captured from the lens barrel3is formed on a left side surface2cof the apparatus main body2. When the lens barrel3is mounted on the apparatus main body2, a grip section42provided in the lens barrel3is extended to the left side surface2cof the apparatus main body2.

The recording and reproducing unit20includes a deck unit in which a tape cartridge such as a mini DV cassette serving as a main recording medium of the imaging apparatus1is inserted and driven and a head unit that records an information signal in and reproduces the information signal from the tape cartridge. In the recording and reproducing unit20, an inclined surface20athat is formed to swell on the left side surface2cof the apparatus main body2and inclines to the left side surface2cside over a rear surface2dside to the front surface2aside of the apparatus main body2is formed. When the lens barrel3is mounted on the apparatus main body2, the recording and reproducing unit20is brought close to the grip section42that extends to the left side surface2cof the apparatus main body2. In this case, since the inclined surface20ainclining to the left side surface2cis provided on the front surface2aside of the apparatus main body2, the recording and reproducing unit20does not interfere with fingers of a camera operator who grasps the grip section42. The camera operator can perform smooth grip operation and imaging operation.

In such a recording and reproducing unit20, when a lid member21forming an outer housing of the apparatus main body2is pivoted sideways according to slide operation of an opening button21a, the deck unit is exposed to the outside. The tape cartridge is inserted and detached from the rear surface2dside of the apparatus main body2. As shown inFIG. 3, the tape cartridge inserted in the deck unit is held to be inclined to the left side surface2cside toward the front surface2aside of the apparatus main body2in the same manner as the inclined surface20a.

In the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2, a battery housing section22in which the battery pack4serving as the driving source of the imaging apparatus1is housed and a mounting section23on which the auxiliary recording medium unit5described later is mounted are formed. The battery housing section22and the mounting section23are continuously formed from the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2to the front surface2aside. After the battery pack4is housed, the auxiliary recording medium unit5is mounted to cover the battery pack4from the rear surface2dside.

In such a battery housing section22, a hosing space is formed from an opening25provided in the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2to the front surface2aside. As shown inFIG. 5, an engaging protrusion26with which an engaging recess28formed in an outer peripheral surface of the battery pack4is engaged is formed on an inner side of the battery housing section22. When the battery pack4is inserted, the battery pack4is inserted from the opening25to the front surface2aside and slid to a lower surface side, whereby the engaging recess28engages with the engaging protrusion26. A not-shown main-body-side terminal section is formed on a lower surface section of the battery housing section22. When the battery pack4is inserted, the main-body-side terminal section is connected to a battery-side terminal section.

In the opening25, an inserting section27in which a finger of the camera operator can be inserted is formed on an upper surface side to extend to the inside of the battery housing section22. Consequently, the camera operator can pick up the battery pack4and insert and slide the battery pack4to the depth of the battery housing section22. As shown inFIG. 3, since the battery pack4is attached in the depth of the apparatus main body2, the battery pack4is attached further on the front surface2aside of the apparatus main body2and adjacent to the recording and reproducing unit20.

The batter pack4housed in the battery housing section22is formed by combining an upper case4ain which plural cells of a lithium ion secondary battery are housed and a lower case4bin which a battery terminal section including an electrode terminal that is connected to a protection circuit and to which positive and negative electrodes of the cells are connected and an information terminal that communicates various kinds of information such as remaining power and a capacity is exposed to the outside. The engaging recess28that engages with the engaging protrusion26formed in the battery housing section22is formed in the lower case4b.

As the battery pack4, a large-capacity L-size battery in which a large number of cells are housed and a small and light S-size battery in which a small number of cells are housed are prepared. Both the batteries can be housed in the battery housing section22and properly used according to uses.

The mounting section23formed on the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2is described in detail later together with the auxiliary recording medium unit5.

A handle section30is formed on an upper surface2eof the apparatus main body2. The handle section30is formed over a front to rear direction substantially in the center of a width direction of the upper surface2eof the apparatus main body2. The camera operator can hold the apparatus main body2with sufficient balance by gripping the handle section30during imaging and transportation. As shown inFIG. 2, the handle section30includes a front leg section30ainclined forward on the front surface2aside of the apparatus main body2, a rear leg section30bprovided on a rear surface side of the apparatus main body2, and a gripping section30cthat couples the front leg section30aand the rear leg section30b. In the gripping section30c, a recording button and a zoom lever that can be operated even when the gripping section30cis gripped are provided. An attachment hole30dto which a tripod and various accessories can be attached is also provided.

A pedestal section31including an operation board is formed in front of the gripping section30c. A liquid crystal display panel32that displays a video captured from the lens barrel3is pivotally provided on the pedestal section31. The liquid crystal display panel32is supported by a hinge mechanism provided at an end of the pedestal section31and is pivotable between a closed position where a display surface thereof is opposed to the operation board of the pedestal section31and a display position where the display surface is directed outward to expose the operation board. In the display position, the liquid crystal display panel32can be directed from above the apparatus main body2to arbitrary directions, i.e., front, below, and rear. It is possible to cope with any imaging posture and cause a person being imaged to visually recognize a video.

As shown inFIG. 4, a shoe attaching section33to which the shoe adapter7is attached is formed on a front surface of the pedestal section31. A microphone holder34to which the external microphone6is attached is formed to project on the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2of the pedestal section31. The shoe attaching section33and the microphone holder34are described in detail later together with the shoe adapter7and the external microphone6.

A finder unit35for visually recognizing a video captured from the lens barrel3is provided behind the gripping section30c. The finder unit35includes a display unit36that is provided to project to the rear surface2dside substantially in parallel to an optical axis direction of the apparatus main body2and incorporates a display panel such as an LCD that displays the captured video and an eyepiece member37provided to be detachably attachable to the display unit36. In the display unit36, the LCD is exposed to the outside and a coupling piece for coupling to the eyepiece member37and an operation button for operating the coupling piece are formed. In the eyepiece member37, a coupling section that is coupled to the display unit36, a lens group that changes a magnification of the LCD, a moving member that moves the lens group in an optical axis direction, and an eye cup on which the camera operator places an eye are formed.

Since the display unit36is pivotable to an upper part of a rear end of the gripping section30c, the finder unit35can cope with any imaging posture. In the finder unit35, since the eyepiece member37can be detachably attachable to the display unit36, various eyepiece units with different eye cups and lens groups can be used according to uses.

A screw hole (not shown) for attaching the tripod is provided closer to the front surface2ain a lower surface2fof the apparatus main body2. A lower surface opening38that continues to the opening25provided in the rear surface2dis formed on the rear surface2dside of the lower surfaced2f. The lower surface opening38forms, together with the inserting section27described above, a space in which a finger of the camera operator is inserted when the battery pack4is inserted and detached.

The lens barrel3that is attached to the front surface2aof such an apparatus main body2is explained. The lens barrel3is formed in a cylindrical shape. A hood mount110to which the lens hood9is attached is formed on the front surface3a. A body mount41that is mounted on the lens mount10formed on the front surface2aof the apparatus main body2is provided on the rear surface3bof the lens barrel3. The body mount41is inserted through the mount ring11of the lens mount10and can engage with the engaging section12formed in an inner peripheral surface of the mount ring11.

The grip section42serving as a grip section of the imaging apparatus1when the lens barrel3is mounted on the apparatus main body2is formed on the left side surface3cof the lens barrel3. The camera operator grips the grip section42with the right hand and performs imaging operation. In the grip section42, a grip main body43formed in a substantially rectangular shape and gripped by the palm and the fingers excluding the thumb of the camera operator and a supporting section44formed to swell sideways from a rear surface side of the grip main body43and supported between the thumb and the index finger of the camera operator are formed.

In the grip main body43, an imaging start button, a zoom lever for changing a magnification, and the like are disposed on an upper surface and a rear surface on which the fingers of the camera operator are located. The camera operator can hold the apparatus main body2with the right hand and perform various kinds of operation in that state. In the grip main body43, a grip belt45that supports the gripping of the imaging apparatus1by the camera operator is provided on a side thereof. The grip belt45is laid over between a front surface section of the grip main body43and the supporting section44to thereby support the back of the right hand of the camera operator who grips the grip main body43. Consequently, the camera operator can easily perform gripping and imaging operation of the imaging apparatus1with the right hand.

In such a grip section42, as shown inFIG. 3, a protrusion is formed further in a rear surface direction than the rear surface3bof the lens barrel3. When the lens barrel3is mounted on the apparatus main body2, the protrusion is extended to the left side surface2cof the apparatus main body2. Consequently, when the lens barrel3is mounted on the apparatus main body2, the grip section42is located near the center of gravity of the imaging apparatus1. Therefore, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, when the camera operator grips the grip section42, since the center of gravity of the imaging apparatus1is supported, it is possible to support the imaging apparatus1with sufficient balance and reduce a burden on the camera operator.

As described above, since the imaging apparatus1is a handy type for holding the entire imaging apparatus1simply by gripping the grip section42with one hand, it is desirable that the camera operator can hold the imaging apparatus1with sufficient balance. In the imaging apparatus1, the lens barrel3is detachably attachable to the apparatus main body2. Various lens barrels3having different magnifications can be mounted on the imaging apparatus1. Whereas there is only one apparatus main body2, the lens barrels3have different sizes and weights depending on types thereof. Therefore, a weight balance of the imaging apparatus1depends on the lens barrel3mounted on the apparatus main body2. However, no matter which lens barrel3is mounted, it is desired that the imaging apparatus1can be held with sufficient balance.

In this regard, since the grip section42projects further in the rear surface direction from the rear surface3band is extended to the left side surface2cof the apparatus main body2, the grip section42is provided over the apparatus main body2of the imaging apparatus1and the lens barrel3. No matter which lens barrel3is mounted, the grip section42is located near the center of gravity of the imaging apparatus1. Therefore, the camera operator supports near the center of gravity of the imaging apparatus1by gripping the grip section42. The camera operator can hold the imaging apparatus1while keeping a balance and reduce a burden on the arm.

As shown inFIG. 8A, in the imaging apparatus1, since the recording and reproducing unit20is formed on the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2to which the grip section42is extended, the center of gravity is present on the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2. Therefore, since the center of gravity is biased to the grip section42side, the camera operator supports the center of gravity of the imaging apparatus1by gripping the grip section42. The camera operator can grip the imaging apparatus1while keeping a balance and reduce a burden on the arm.

In the imaging apparatus1, the battery housing section22is provided further in the depth than the opening25formed in the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2. As shown inFIG. 3, the battery pack4having relatively large weight is attached further on the front surface2aside. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus1, the center of gravity is present further on the front surface2aside. The camera operator supports the center of gravity by gripping the grip section42.

In the imaging apparatus1, the microphone holder34is formed to project from the pedestal section31to the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2. As describe later, the external microphone6is attached to the left side surface2cside. Consequently, in the imaging apparatus1, since the center of gravity is further biased to the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2, the camera operator supports the center of gravity by gripping the grip section42extended to the left side surface2cside.

In this way, in the imaging apparatus1, a layout in which the center of gravity is biased to the front surface2aside on the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2to which the grip section42extends is adopted. Therefore, the camera operator supports the center of gravity by gripping the grip section42. The camera operator can reduce a burden on the arm of the camera operator while keeping a balance.

An inner side surface of the grip section42opposed to the left side surface2cof the apparatus main body2is designed to be generally flush with the left side surface2cof the apparatus main body2when the lens barrel3is mounted on the apparatus main body2. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus1, even when the lens barrel3is replaced, the grip section42projecting to the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2does not interfere with the apparatus main body2and the lens barrel3can be mounted on the apparatus main body2.

In the apparatus main body2, since the screw hole for attaching the tripod is provide on the front surface2aside of the lower surface2f, the tripod is attached near the center of gravity. Therefore, the imaging apparatus1can be attached to the tripod with sufficient balance and can perform stable imaging while preventing swinging.

The shoe attaching section33formed in the pedestal section31of the apparatus main body2and the shoe adapter7that is attached to the shoe attaching section33are explained. The shoe attaching section33is provided on a front surface of the pedestal section31. As shown inFIG. 9, the shoe attaching section33is attached and detached by sliding the shoe adapter7in an arrow S direction inFIG. 9from the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2.

The shoe attaching section33includes a supporting surface section33athat is formed in an elliptical shape and supports an adapter main body7aof the shoe adapter7and an engaging surface section33bthat engages with a guide section7bof the shoe adapter7. In the supporting surface section33a, a first screw hole50through which a first attaching screw56formed in the adapter main body7ais inserted is formed. The engaging surface section33bis inclined downward to the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2from the supporting surface section33a. In the engaging surface section33b, a guide protrusion51on which a guide rail58formed in the guide section7bslides is formed. The guide protrusion51is a rectangular protrusion. Recessed grooves with which the guide rail58engages are formed in an upper side and a lower side of the guide protrusion51. The shoe adapter7is attached to and detached from the shoe attaching section33when the guide rail58engages with the guide protrusion51and slides. In the guide protrusion51, a second screw hole52through which a second attaching screw59formed in the guide section7bof the shoe adapter7is inserted is formed in substantially the center of the guide protrusion51.

The shoe adapter7attached to and detached from such a shoe attaching section33includes, as shown inFIGS. 10A to 10DandFIG. 11, the adapter main body7ato which various accessories are attached and the guide section7bthat is guided by the shoe attaching section33. The adapter main body7ais formed in an elliptical shape in section, which is substantially identical with the supporting surface section33aof the shoe attaching section33. An accessory shoe55to which accessories are attached is formed on an upper surface of the adapter main body7a. In the accessory shoe55, a pair of engaging walls opposed to each other are formed over a front to rear direction of the apparatus main body2. Various accessories are inserted and detached from a front surface side formed as an open end.

A first attaching operation unit57for operating a first attaching screw56, which screws in the supporting surface section33aof the shoe attaching section33, is formed on a right side surface of the adapter main body7a. The first attaching screw56is exposed to the outside from an attaching surface with the supporting surface section33aof the shoe attaching section33and screwed with the first screw hole50, which is provided in supporting surface section33a, by the first attaching operation unit57. The first attaching operation unit57for operating the first attaching screw56is pivotally formed on the right side surface of the adapter main body7a. When the first attaching operation unit57is pivoted by the camera operator, the first attaching operation unit57rotates the first attaching screw56and screws the first attaching screw56in the first screw hole50formed in the supporting surface section33aor unscrews the first attaching screw56.

The guide section7bthat engages with the engaging surface section33bof the shoe attaching section33is extended to a left side surface of the adapter main body7a. In the guide section7b, the guide rail58that slides on the guide protrusion51formed in the engaging surface section33bis formed on a rear surface opposed to the engaging surface section33b. In the guide rail58, a pair of rail sections that engage with recessed grooves formed on an upper side and a lower side of the guide protrusion51are formed from lower left to upper right. The rail sections are engaged with the respective recessed grooves of the guide protrusion51and slid, whereby the shoe adapter7is attached to the shoe attaching section33.

In the guide section7b, the second attaching screw59that is screwed in the second screw hole52formed in the engaging surface section33bis formed between the pair of rail sections and a second attaching operation unit60for rotating the second attaching screw59is formed in a front surface. In the second attaching operation unit60, an operation dial is rotatably formed in the front surface of the guide section7b. When the second attaching operation unit60is rotated by the camera operator, the second attaching screw59is screwed in the second screw hole52or unscrewed.

As shown inFIG. 9, such a shoe adapter7engages the guide rails58with the guide protrusion51from the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2and slides the guide rails58to thereby bring the adapter main body7ainto contact with the supporting surface section33aof the shoe attaching section33and bring the guide section7binto contact with the engaging surface section33bof the shoe attaching section33. At this point, in the shoe adapter7, the first attaching screw56of the adapter main body7ais opposed to the first screw hole50provided in the supporting surface section33aand the second attaching screw59of the guide section7bis opposed to the second screw hole52provided in the engaging surface section33b. An inner side surface of the guide section7bis brought into contact with an end face of the guide protrusion51, whereby a slide area of the shoe adapter7is regulated.

Thereafter, the first and second attaching operation units57and60are rotated by the camera operator, whereby the first attaching screw56is screwed in the first screw hole50, the second attaching screw59is screwed in the second screw hole52, and the shoe adapter7is attached to the shoe attaching section33. When the shoe adapter7is removed, the first and second attaching operation units57and60are rotated to unscrew the first and second attaching screws56and59and the first and second screw holes50and52and, then, the guide rails58are slid from the guide protrusion51to the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2.

As shown inFIGS. 10A and 10C, in the shoe adapter7, various accessories are attached to the accessory shoe55.FIG. 10Ais an example of an accessory attached to the shoe adapter7and shows a receiver61of a wireless microphone. In the receiver61, a reception antenna62is vertically provided on an upper surface of a main body61aand an attaching section63with the accessory shoe55is formed on a lower surface of the main body61a.

In the attaching section63, an engaging section65that is engaged with the accessory shoe55and a locking ring66that holds the engagement of the engaging section65and the accessory shoe55are formed in a leg section64. In the engaging section65, a pair of engaging pieces that are engaged with a pair of engaging walls of the accessory shoe55are formed. The engaging pieces engage with the pair of engaging walls and slide, whereby engagement with and disengagement from the accessory shoe55are performed. The locking ring66is a ring-like member, in an inner peripheral surface of which a screw groove is cut. The engaging ring66is screwed in an outer peripheral surface of the leg section64, in which a screw groove is also cut, and rotated to be lifted and lowered. When the engaging section65is engaged with the accessory shoe55, the engaging ring66is lowered and presses the engaging section65against the accessory shoe55or covers the engaging section65to lock the engaging section65to the accessory shoe55.

In a state shown inFIG. 10Cin which an accessory such as the receiver61is attached to the accessory shoe55, the shoe adapter7can be attached to and detached from the shoe attaching section33. In other words, as shown inFIG. 9, the shoe adapter7is slid in an arrow S direction inFIG. 9, which is a width direction of the apparatus main body2, from the left side surface2cside of the apparatus main body2to be attached to and detached from the shoe attaching section33. The shoe adapter7is attached to and detached from the shoe attaching section33according to the operation of the first and second attaching operation units57and60. Both the first and second attaching operation units57and60are made operable in a state in which an accessory is attached to the accessory shoe55and is made operable in a state in which the shoe adapter7is attached to the shoe attaching section33. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus1, an accessory can be attached and detached together with the shoe adapter7by removing the shoe adapter7from the shoe attaching section33in a state in which the accessory is attached to the accessory shoe55.

As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, an external component such as a mat box70may be attached to a front surface side of the lens barrel3. The mat box70includes a base72in which an attaching screw71that is screwed in the screw hole for attaching the tripod formed in the lower surface2fof the apparatus main body2is formed, an arm73for adjusting length, a hood74provided on the front surface side of the lens barrel3, and a holder76to and from which a polarization filer75is inserted and detached on the front surface of the lens barrel3. An insertion opening76ais formed on an upper surfaced side of the holder76. The polarization filter75is inserted and detached in an up to down direction of the holder76.

In such a mat box70, the hood74is arranged in front of the shoe adapter7. Therefore, unless there is enough room in a space between the shoe adapter7and the mat box70, when an accessory attached to the accessory shoe55is slid forward, the accessory collides with the mat box70and may be unable to be removed. If the mat box70is removed every time the accessory is attached and detached, attaching and detaching work is complicated.

In this regard, in the imaging apparatus1, the shoe adapter7is slid in the width direction of the apparatus main body2to be attached to and detached from the shoe attaching section33. In the imaging apparatus1, the first attaching operation unit57for attaching and detaching the shoe adapter7to and from the shoe attaching section33is provided on the right side surface of the adapter main body7aand the second attaching operation unit60is provided on the front surface of the guide section7b. Since both the operation units can be operated even in a state in which the accessory is attached to the accessory shoe55and the mat box70is attached to the lens barrel3, the accessory can be removed from the apparatus main body2together with the shoe adapter7. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus1, the accessory can be attached and detached without interfering with the mat box70and workability can be improved.

When the polarization filter75is inserted and detached, since the accessory can be removed from the apparatus main body2together with the shoe adapter7, it is possible to simplify work compared with the removal of the shoe adapter7after the removal of the accessory from the accessory shoe55. In a state in which the shoe adapter7is not attached, since the shoe attaching section33is formed in a position retracted to a rear surface side from an insertion and detachment area of the polarization filter75, the polarization filter75can be inserted and detached without colliding with the shoe attaching section33.

The microphone holder34formed on the left side surface2cside of the pedestal section31is explained. An external microphone6that is used instead of the built-in microphone of the apparatus main body2is attached to the microphone holder34. The external microphone6has unidirectionality for making it possible to catch remote sound when a subject in a remote location is imaged. As shown inFIG. 14, the external microphone6includes a sound collecting section6aformed in a cylindrical shape, a gripping section6bformed in a cylindrical shape that is provided continuously from the sound collecting section6aand is thin compared with the sound collecting section6a, and a cable section6cthat is connected to an end of the gripping section6bon the opposite side of the sound collecting section6a. An end of the cable section6con the opposite side of the gripping section6bis detachably connected to a microphone terminal78exposed on a left side surface of the pedestal section31.

The microphone holder34that holds such an external microphone6includes, as shown inFIGS. 14 to 16, a first clamping piece80and a second clamping piece81having a shape obtained by dividing a cylindrical body into to in an axial direction thereof. Both the clamping pieces80and81are pivotally coupled by hinge means82in one contact portion at the time when the clamping pieces are joined into a cylindrical shape.

A coupling member83for coupling to the pedestal section31is connected to an outer periphery of the first clamping piece80. The first clamping piece80is connected to the pedestal section31via the coupling member83. Therefore, in the microphone holder34, the second clamping piece81is pivoted by the hinge means82with the contact portion in contact with the first clamping piece80as a fulcrum. Consequently, in the microphone holder34, the first clamping piece80and the second clamping piece81clamp the gripping section6bof the external microphone6from a lower side and an upper side, respectively.

In the first clamping piece80and the second clamping piece81, a lock mechanism85for clamping the external microphone6is formed. The lock mechanism85includes a locking arm86and an operation piece87for operating the locking arm86formed in an outer periphery of the first clamping piece80and a locking protrusion88, to which the locking arm86is locked, formed in an outer periphery of the second clamping piece81.

The locking arm86is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. One end in a longitudinal direction thereof is pivotally supported by the operation piece87. The other end in the longitudinal direction can be locked to the locking protrusion88formed in the second clamping piece81. One end of the operation piece87is pivotally supported by the outer periphery of the first clamping piece80. The other end as a free end of the operation piece87is pivoted to engage and disengage the locking arm86and the locking protrusion88. The locking protrusion88is protrudingly provided in the outer periphery of the second clamping piece81. A locking groove in which the locking arm86is locked is formed in an end face on the opposite side of the first clamping piece80.

After the second clamping piece81is pivoted upward to place the gripping section6bof the external microphone6on an inner surface of the first clamping piece80, the second clamping piece81is pivoted downward to be locked to the first clamping piece80, whereby the lock mechanism85holds the gripping section6bof the external microphone6. Specifically, the locking arm86is locked in the locking groove of the locking protrusion88and the operation piece87is pivoted to an outer peripheral surface side of the first clamping piece80, whereby the lock mechanism85regulates pivoting of the locking arm86. When the external microphone6is removed, the operation piece87is pivoted upward from the outer peripheral surface of the first clamping piece80and the locking arm86is unlocked from the locking groove of the locking protrusion88, whereby the lock mechanism85allows the second clamping piece81to pivot.

In this way, in the microphone holder34, the first clamping piece80and the second clamping piece81are locked by the lock mechanism85to attach and detach the external microphone6. Therefore, attaching and detaching work for the external microphone6can be simply performed by simply performing pivoting operation for the operation piece87. Therefore, for example, as shown inFIG. 17, when the external microphone6is attached to the microphone holder34again with the sound collecting section6adirected to the rear surface side to put the imaging apparatus1back to a storage case or when the imaging apparatus1is taken out from the storage case and the external microphone6is attached again with the sound collecting section6adirected to the front surface side, it is possible to easily and quickly perform attaching and detaching work for the external microphone6.

An elastic sheet90that supports the gripping section6bof the external microphone6is formed on inner surfaces of the first and second clamping pieces80and81of such a microphone holder34. The elastic sheet90is provided with elastic protrusions91and supports the gripping section6bwith the elastic protrusions91to thereby prevent noise due to vibration and the like from being transmitted to the external microphone6via the microphone holder34and support the external microphone6horizontally.

Such an elastic sheet90is formed by molding elastic resin such as rubber and includes sheet sections92that are stuck to respective inner peripheral surfaces of the first and second clamping pieces80and81and plural elastic protrusions91that are molded on the sheet section92and come into contact with the gripping section6bof the external microphone6. When the first clamping piece80and the second clamping piece81of the microphone holder34are locked by the lock mechanism85, the elastic sheet90supports the gripping section6bof the external microphone6from upper and lower directions with the elastic protrusions91.

For example, four elastic protrusions91are arranged in each of the sheet sections92at equal intervals. When the first and second clamping pieces80and81are butted against each other, the elastic protrusions91are opposed to each other and support the gripping section6bfrom the upper and lower directions. In a first elastic sheet90astuck to the first clamping piece80, two elastic protrusions91aprovided on the front surface2aside of the apparatus main body2are formed higher than two elastic protrusions91bprovided on the rear surface2dside of the apparatus main body2and respective elastic protrusions91bof a second elastic sheet90bstuck to the second clamping piece81.

Therefore, as shown inFIG. 15A, when the first and second clamping pieces80and81are butted against each other, the microphone holder34supports a front side of the gripping section6bof the external microphone6with the elastic protrusions91aformed on a front side of the first elastic sheet90athat supports the gripping section6bof the external microphone6from a lower side. Therefore, in the external microphone6, the sound collecting section6ais prevented from hanging down with own weight thereof and is kept horizontal.

As shown inFIG. 15B, in the microphone holder34, steps93higher on a front surface side may be provided on the inner surface of the first clamping piece80, which supports the gripping section6bof the external microphone6from a lower side, and the first elastic sheet90a, whereby the height of the elastic protrusion91aon the front surface2aside may be set relatively high. In this case, the two elastic protrusions91aformed on the front surface side of the first elastic sheet90aonly have to have height same as that of the two elastic protrusions91bprovided on the rear surface side and the respective elastic protrusions91bof the second elastic sheet90b. With such a configuration, in the external microphone6, the front side of the gripping section6bis supported high and the sound collecting section6ais prevented from hanging down with own weight thereof and kept horizontal. In this case, as in the above case, the elastic protrusions91athat support the front side of the gripping section6bfrom downward may be formed higher than the other elastic protrusions91b.

In the first clamping piece80, other than providing the step on the inner surface, an inclined surface rising to the front surface side may be provided. A step or inclination higher on the front surface side may be formed in the first clamping piece80and a step or inclination lower on the rear surface side may be formed in the second clamping piece81.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 15C, in the microphone holder34, the respective elastic protrusions91aformed on the front surface side of the first elastic sheet90astuck to the first clamping piece80and the rear surface side of the second elastic sheet90bstuck to the second clamping piece81may be set high and the respective elastic protrusions91bformed on the rear surface side of the first elastic sheet90aand the front surface side of the second elastic sheet90bmay be set low. With such a configuration, in the external microphone6, the front surface side of the gripping section6bis supported high and the rear surface side thereof is supported low. The sound collecting section6ais prevented from handing down with own weight thereof and kept horizontal.

All the elastic protrusions91are formed in a semispherical shape and support the gripping section6bof the external microphone6from the tops thereof. Therefore, a contact area of the gripping section6bof the external microphone6with the elastic protrusions91is minimized. Therefore, the microphone holder34can make noise due to vibration and the like to be less easily transmitted via the first and second clamping pieces80and81.

The lens hood9attached to the front surface of the lens barrel3is explained. The lens hood9is attached according to necessity in order to prevent unnecessary light from being made incident in the lens barrel3. As shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, the lens hood9is formed as a cylindrical body of a substantially rectangular shape as a whole. The lens hood9includes an engaging section100that is formed at one end side in an axial direction and engaged with a front end of the lens barrel3, a pair of upper and lower covers pivotally formed on an inner surface side, and an opening and closing lever103for opening and closing the pair of upper and lower covers.

The engaging section100is engaged with a hood mount110formed in a front surface periphery of the lens barrel3. As shown inFIG. 20, in the hood mount110, plural guide walls111to114vertically provided along an outer peripheral direction and an engaging recess115that is provided between the guide walls111and112and in and from which an engaging protrusion119of the lens hood9is engaged and disengaged are formed.

The first guide wall111includes a guide section111avertically provided along the outer peripheral direction and a regulating section111bthat is vertically provided in an optical axis direction continuously from one end of the guide section111ato thereby come into contact with side walls of guide recesses118of the lens hood9and regulate a pivoting area of the lens hood9. In the first guide wall111, guide groove116, one end of which is closed by the regulating section111band the other end of which is opened, is formed between the guide section111aand the front end face of the lens barrel3. An engaging wall121formed in the engaging section100of the lens hood9is engaged in the guide groove116from the open end and pivoting of the lens hood9is guided.

The second guide wall112is provided adjacent to the regulating section111bof the first guide wall111, whereby an engaging recess115in and from which the engaging protrusion119of the lens hood9engages and disengages is formed between the second guide wall112and the first guide wall111. The second guide wall112regulates pivoting of the engaging protrusion119between the second guide wall112and the first guide wall111to thereby regulate pivoting of the lens hood9and hold the lens hood9in a predetermined engaging position.

The third and fourth guide walls113and114are formed on the front surface of the lens barrel3together with the first guide wall111to be arranged at substantially equal intervals. As in the guide section111aof the first guide wall111, the guide grooves116are formed between the third and fourth guide walls113and114and the front end face of the lens barrel3. Engaging walls121formed to be arranged at equal intervals in the engaging section100of the lens hood9are engaged in the guide grooves116and pivoting of the lens hood9is guided.

The engaging section100of the lens hood9mounted on such a hood mount110includes, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, the guide recesses118in which the respective guide walls111,113, and114of the hood mount110slide, an engaging protrusion119that is detachably engaged in the engaging recess115, and urging members120that are disposed in the guide recesses118and urge end faces of the first guide wall111and the third guide wall113.

The guide recesses118are formed between an engaging wall121vertically provided from an inner peripheral surface of the lens hood9and an end face122exposed on a rear surface side on the inner peripheral surface of the lens hood9. Three guide recesses118are arranged at equal intervals on the inner peripheral surface of the lens hood9in association with the guide grooves116arranged at equal intervals in the hood mount110. When the lens hood9is mounted on the hood mount110, the first guide wall111, the third guide wall113, and the fourth guide wall114of the hood mount110slide in the respective guide recesses118.

When the lens hood9is mounted on the hood mount110, the respective engaging walls121guide pivoting of the lens hood9inserted through from the open end sides of the respective guide grooves116. Among the engaging walls121, an engaging wall112A that engages in the guide groove116provided between the first guide wall111and the front end face of the lens barrel3slides in the guide groove116while being guided by the guide section111aand comes into contact with the regulating section111bto thereby being regulated to further slide.

The engaging protrusion119is supported in a part of the inner peripheral surface of the lens hood9to be capable of rising and falling in an axial direction. The engaging protrusion119is engaged in the engaging recess115of the hood mount110to thereby regulate pivoting of the lens hood9. The engaging protrusion119has width slightly smaller than the width of the engaging recess115and can be smoothly engaged and disengaged. The engaging protrusion119is typically pressed in a rear surface direction for engagement in the engaging recess115by a not-shown pressing member. In the engaging protrusion119, a disengaging button124exposed on the rear surface of the lens hood9is formed. When the disengaging button124is depressed, the engaging protrusion119is moved in a front surface direction for disengagement from the engaging recess115against a pressing force of the pressing member.

When the lens hood9is mounted on the hood mount110, such an engaging protrusion119is depressed by the guide section111aof the first guide wall111. When the lens hood9is pivoted, the engaging protrusion119slides to the engaging recess115from above the guide section111aand is returned in the rear surface direction by the pressing force of the pressing member. Consequently, as shown inFIGS. 21 to 23, the engaging protrusion119is located at the same height as the first guide wall111and the second side wall112and engages in the engaging recess115formed between the first guide wall111and the second guide wall112. Consequently, the lens hood9is pivoted to a predetermined position as shown inFIG. 1and the like, regulated from pivoting, and held in the position.

When the disengaging button124is depressed by the camera operator, the engaging protrusion119moves to the front surface side against the pressing force of the pressing member and retracts from the height same as that of the first guide wall111and the second guide wall112. Consequently, the lens hood9is allowed to pivot and can be removed from the hood mount110.

In the engaging section100, the urging member120is formed in the guide recess118. As shown inFIG. 24, the urging member120is formed as a block member of a substantially rectangular shape. An inclined surface125is formed in a position opposed to the guide wall111provided in the hood mount110. The inclined surface125is inclined with respect to a pivoting direction of the lens hood9, whereby a normal direction is set on a plane identical with the pivoting direction of the lens hood9.

Such an urging member120is housed in a hosing section126formed in the guide recess118. A distal end portion further on a distal end side than the inclined surface125is inserted through a lower part of the end face122forming the guide recess118, whereby the urging member120is prevented from dropping from the housing section126. The urging member120is supported at an end of a spring member127supported in the inner peripheral surface of the lens hood9, whereby the urging member120is allowed to swing along the pivoting direction of the lens hood9in the housing section126.

In the urging member120, when the lens hood9is mounted on the hood mount110, as shown inFIGS. 21 and 23, an end face111cof the guide section111aof the first guide wall111, which slides in the guide recess118, comes into contact with the inclined surface125. In the first guide wall111, since the end face111cof the guide section111a, which comes into contact with the inclined surface125, has inclination in the same direction as the inclined surface125, the inclined surface125and the end face111ccome into surface contact with each other. In the urging member120, the inclined surface125urges the end face111cof the guide section111awith an urging force of the spring member127.

As described above, the inclined surface125and the end face111cof the guide section111a, which comes into surface contact with the inclined surface125, incline with respect to the pivoting direction of the lens hood9, whereby the normal direction is set on the plane identical with the pivoting direction of the lens hood9. In other words, the lens hood9is urged in the pivoting direction by the urging force of the urging member120. At this point, since the engaging protrusion119is engaged in the engaging recess115, pivoting of the lens hood9is generally regulated. When the lens hood9receives the urging force of the urging member120, a backlash with respect to the pivoting direction can be prevented.

Similarly, as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22, the urging member120is also formed in the guide recess118in which the third guide wall113slides. An inclined surface is also formed on an end face of the third guide wall113. The third guide wall113is urged in the pivoting direction by the urging member120. An urging force received by the third guide wall113is in the same direction as the urging force received by the first guide wall111. Therefore, the urging force is caused to act on the lens hood9in the same direction by the respective urging members120. Consequently, it is possible to more effectively prevent a backlash of the lens hood9.

It is also possible to obtain an urging force in the pivoting direction and prevent a backlash of the lens hood9by inclining the inclined surface formed in the urging member120in the pivoting direction of the lens hood9and inclining a normal direction of the inclined surface to cross the pivoting direction.

When the lens hood9described above is mounted on the hood mount110, first, a hood index128formed on an upper surface thereof is set on a lens index129formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel3and the engaging section100is applied to the front surface of the lens barrel3. At this point, in the lens hood9, the engaging protrusion119is pressed against the guide section111aof the first guide wall111provided in the hood mount110.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 25, the lens hood9is pivoted with respect to the lens barrel3. Consequently, in the lens hood9, the respective guide walls111,113, and114provided in the hood mount110slide in the guide recess118and the respective engaging walls121engage in the guide grooves116provided in the hood mount110and slide, whereby a pivoting operation is guided.

When the lens hood9is pivoted to the predetermined position shown inFIG. 1and the like, as shown inFIG. 21, the engaging walls121come into contact with the regulating section111band the engaging protrusion119pressed by the guide section111aengages in the engaging recess115, whereby further pivoting is regulated. At this point, since the engaging protrusion119is sprung up in the rear surface direction of the lens hood9by the pressing member, the engaging protrusion119engages in the engaging recess115. It is possible to cause the camera operator to sense that the lens hood9is mounted on the hood mount110.

When the lens hood9is mounted on the hood mount110, the respective end faces of the first guide wall111and the third guide wall113are urged in the pivoting direction of the lens hood9by the urging members120provided in the guide recesses118. Therefore, a backlash of the lens hood9with respect to the pivoting direction is effectively prevented.

When the lens hood9is removed from the hood mount110, the disengaging button124exposed on the rear surface of the lens hood9is depressed. Consequently, the engaging protrusion119retracts from the engaging recess115and the lens hood9is allowed to pivot. In this state, the lens hood9is pivoted in a direction opposite to the direction for mounting the lens hood9to disengage the respective engaging walls121and the respective guide grooves116provided in the hood mount110, i.e., the respective guide recesses118and the respective guide walls111,113, and114are disengaged. Then, it is possible to remove the lens hood9from the hood mount110.

The mounting section23formed in the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2and the auxiliary recording medium unit5that is mounted on the mounting section23are explained. The auxiliary recording medium unit5is detachably inserted in the apparatus main body2in addition to the tape cartridge housed in the recording and reproducing unit20of the apparatus main body2. The auxiliary recording medium unit5is used to record imaged data in parallel to a main recording medium in preparation for a recording mistake in the tape cartridge in the recording and reproducing unit20and used in preparation for a situation such as recording exceeding a recording capacity of the tape cartridge. After the auxiliary recording medium unit5is removed from the apparatus main body2, if the auxiliary recording medium unit5is connected to an editing device, it is possible to edit recorded data independently from the imaging apparatus1. Therefore, it is also possible to perform imaging by the imaging apparatus1and editing in parallel by using only the auxiliary recording medium unit5to edit the recorded data.

In the auxiliary recording medium unit5, as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27, for example, a memory card131is detachably housed in a unit main body130of a substantially rectangular shape as an auxiliary recording medium. Besides the memory card131, for example, disk-like recording media such as a DVD, a BD, a hard disk, and a magneto-optical disk may be used as auxiliary recording media in the auxiliary recording medium unit5.

In the unit main body130, a lid member132is formed on a front surface130aand supported with a right long side as a fulcrum to freely open and close. In the lid member132, a lock section133that is locked to the unit main body130side is formed on a left side surface132a. The lock section133includes a not-shown lock piece that is engaged with a locking piece134provided on the unit main body130side and an unlock lever135that slides the lock piece and unlock the lock piece from the locking piece134. In the lid member132, an editing button136for editing recorded data of the memory card131is formed on a front surface132b.

In the unit main body130, when the lid member132is opened, a card housing section137, in which the memory card131is inserted, is exposed. In the card housing section137, an eject button138for pushing out the memory card131from the card housing section137is formed at one end. In such a unit main body130, in a state in which the auxiliary recording medium unit5is mounted on the mounting section23of the apparatus main body2, it is possible to open and close the lid member132and insert and detach the memory card131.

Besides, in the unit main body130, a monitor139is formed in an upper part of the front surface130a. The monitor139displays an editing state and the like concerning the memory card131. Further, in the unit main body130, a disengaging lever140that disengages the auxiliary recording medium unit5from the mounting section23to make it possible to remove the auxiliary recording medium unit5from the apparatus main body2is formed on an upper surface130b.

In the unit main body130, as shown inFIG. 28, a unit-side terminal section141that is connected to a main-body-side terminal section163formed in the mounting section23, a miss-insertion preventing piece142that prevents the unit-side terminal section141from being miss-inserted in a terminal other than the main-body-side terminal section163, engaging pieces143that realize engagement with the mounting section23, and an engaging protruded piece144that engages the unit main body130with the mounting section23are formed in a rear surface130copposed to the mounting section23of the apparatus main body2.

After the unit-side terminal section141is inserted in the main-body-side terminal section163and the engaging pieces143are inserted in engaging groove sections164provided in the mounting section23, the unit main body130is slid downward, whereby the unit-side terminal section141and the main-body-side terminal section163are connected and the engaging pieces143engage in the engaging groove sections164.

The unit-side terminal section141is, for example, a communication terminal based on the IEEE 1394 standard. When the unit-side terminal section141is connected to the main-body-side terminal section163of the apparatus main body2, information signals of sound, videos, and the like and driving power are supplied from the apparatus main body2. As shown inFIG. 29, the unit-side terminal section141is formed to project from the rear surface130ato be insertable in the main-body-side terminal section163. In association with the unit-side terminal section141, as shown inFIG. 31, the main-body-side terminal section163formed in the mounting section23is formed in a position further in the depth than the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2such that a main body terminal174can be connected by inserting the unit-side terminal section141. Consequently, a terminal other than the unit-side terminal section141is prevented from being connected to the main-body-side terminal section163.

As shown inFIGS. 30A and 30B, such a unit-side terminal section141is formed in a supporting plate150swingably supported in the unit main body130and includes a base section151provided protrudingly from a main surface of the supporting plate150, a unit terminal152formed in an upper part of the base section151, a pair of connection guides153vertically provided on both sides of the unit terminal152, and a fitting protrusion154that is formed on an upper side surface of the base section151and fits in a fitting wall section173of the main-body-side terminal section163.

Since the supporting plate150is supported to be generally flush with the rear surface130cof the unit main body130, the base section151projects from the rear surface130c. Consequently, in the base section151, the unit terminal152formed in an upper part thereof is inserted to a position where the unit terminal152can be connected to the main body terminal174of the main-body-side terminal section163formed in the depth of the mounting section23.

Since the connection guides153vertically provided on both the sides of the unit terminal152are formed over an up to down direction of the unit main body130, the connection guides153are formed along a slide direction of the unit-side terminal section141inserted in the main-body-side terminal section163. The connection guides153are guided by guide recesses176provided on both sides of the main body terminal174of the main-body-side terminal section163described later to thereby guide the slide of the unit-side terminal section141and secure smooth insertion and detachment of the unit terminal152and the main body terminal174.

The fitting protrusion154formed on an upper side surface of the base section151is formed in an irregular shape and can be fit in an irregular shape of the fitting wall section173of the main-body-side terminal section163provided in association with the fitting protrusion154. Therefore, when the fitting protrusion154fits in the fitting wall section173, the unit-side terminal section141can be inserted in the main-body-side terminal section163.

The miss-insertion preventing piece142formed on the supporting plate150together with the unit-side terminal section141is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and vertically provided near the unit-side terminal section141, for example, about several centimeters below the unit-side terminal section141. When the unit-side terminal section141is inserted in the main-body-side terminal section163, the miss-insertion preventing piece142is inserted into the opening25of the mounting section23. Since the miss-insertion preventing piece142is vertically provided near the unit-side terminal section141, the miss-insertion preventing piece142can prevent the unit-side terminal section141from being inserted in a terminal other than the main-body-side terminal section163.

In the supporting plate150on which the unit-side terminal section141and the miss-insertion preventing piece142are provided, as shown inFIGS. 30A and 30B, a main surface section156, a side surface section158in which a supporting shaft157supported by the unit main body130is formed, and a locking side159that is locked to the rear surface130cof the unit main body130are formed.

The supporting shaft157is formed below the main surface section156and pivotally supported by a bearing section160formed in the unit man body130. Therefore, the supporting shaft157can swing in an arrow Z direction inFIG. 30A. The locking side159formed in the upper part of the main surface section156is locked to the unit main body130and the main surface section156comes into contact with the internal structure of the unit main body130, whereby a swing range in the Z direction of the supporting plate150is regulated. Since the supporting shaft157is supported with a slight space to the bearing section160in an axial direction, the supporting plate150can also swing in an arrow X direction inFIG. 30B.

In this way, the supporting plate150is allowed to swing in the arrow X direction and the arrow Z direction inFIG. 30Aand is regulated from swinging in an up to down direction, which is a slide direction of the unit-side terminal section141. Consequently, when the camera operator inserts the unit-side terminal section141into the main-body-side terminal section163and performs positioning of the unit terminal152and the man body terminal174, it is possible to reduce a load on the unit-side terminal section141by allowing the unit-side terminal section141to swing. In the auxiliary recording medium unit5, since the swing in the slide direction of the unit terminal152with respect to the main-body-side terminal section163is regulated, it is possible to secure sure connection between the unit terminal152and the main body terminal174and prevent the unit terminal152from coming off from the main body terminal174when the apparatus main body2swings. In particular, the imaging apparatus1is used not only in a stationary state. The imaging apparatus1may move together with the camera operator or may be sometimes used by the camera operator while running. In such a case, since the supporting plate150swings, it is possible to absorb vibration and impact and secure connection between the unit-side terminal section141and the main-body-side terminal section163. Moreover, when the auxiliary recording medium unit5is removed from the mounting section23, since the swing in the slide direction of the unit-side terminal section141is regulated, it is possible to surely remove the unit terminal152from the main body terminal174. Since the swing in the arrow X direction and the arrow Z direction is allowed, it is possible to reduce a load on the unit-side terminal section141and the main-body-side terminal section163.

The engaging pieces143formed on the rear surface130cof the unit main body130are formed on both the sides in the width direction over the slide direction of the unit main body130with respect to the mounting section23. In the engaging pieces143, protrusions143athat engage in the engaging groove sections164formed on the mounting section23side while being vertically spaced apart are formed. The protrusions143aare formed to extend to a lower part of the unit main body130, inserted from opening ends of the engaging groove sections164opened to an upper part of the unit main body130, and clamped in the engaging groove sections164when the unit main body130is slid downward. When the engaging pieces143are clamped by the engaging groove sections164, the unit main body130is mounted on the mounting section23.

Since the protrusions143aclamped in the engaging groove sections164are provided in two places while being vertically spaced apart and are continuous, the engaging pieces143are vertically provided in a long shape. Therefore, the strength of the engaging pieces143is secured compared with the strength obtained when only the protrusions143aclamped in the engaging groove sections164are vertically provided. Even when the engaging pieces143collides with members around the same because the engaging pieces143are vertically provided on the rear surface130cof the unit main body130, the engaging pieces143do not easily break.

Earth terminals162are formed near the engaging pieces143. When the unit main body130is mounted on the mounting section23, the earth terminals162are brought into contact with terminals formed in the mounting section23and connected to an earth of the apparatus main body2.

The engaging protruded piece144for engaging the unit main body130with the mounting section23regulates the slide of the unit main body130mounted on the mounting section23in an upward direction in which the engaging pieces143and the engaging groove sections164are disengaged. The engaging protruded piece144is projected to the mounting section23side from the rear surface130cof the unit main body130. When the unit main body130is mounted on the mounting section23, the engaging protruded piece144engages in an engaging recess165provided on the mounting section23side. Consequently, the unit main body130is regulated from sliding in the up to down direction in a state in which the engaging pieces143are engaged in the engaging groove sections164and is prevented from coming off from the mounting section23.

The engaging protruded piece144is associated with the disengaging lever140provided on the upper surface130bof the unit main body130. When the disengaging lever140is depressed, the engaging protruded piece144retracts into the unit main body130. Therefore, in a state in which the disengaging lever140is depressed and the engaging protruded piece144and the engaging recess165are disengaged, the unit main body130is slid to an upper part of the mounting section23. Consequently, it is possible to pull out the engaging pieces143from the engaging groove sections164and remove the unit main body130from the mounting section23.

The mounting section23on which such an auxiliary recording medium unit5is mounted is explained. As shown inFIGS. 31 to 33, the mounting section23is provided in the opening25opened in the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2and around the opening25. In the mounting section23, the main-body-side terminal section163to which the unit-side terminal section141is connected, the engaging groove sections164in which the engaging pieces143of the unit main body130are engaged, the engaging recess165in which the engaging protruded piece144is engaged, an external connection terminal166branched from a signal line identical with that of the main-body-side terminal section163, and a group of various output terminals167are formed.

The main-body-side terminal section163is formed in a position slightly in the depth in a terminal recess170opened in the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2. As shown inFIGS. 34A and 34B, the main-body-side terminal section163includes a metal frame171and a terminal unit172provided in the frame171. The frame171and the terminal unit172are integrally screwed in the terminal recess170.

The frame171forms a rectangular cylindrical member. A fitting wall section173that is opened in one main surface and fits with the unit-side terminal section141is formed in the frame171. The fitting wall section173has an irregular shape corresponding to the irregular shape of the fitting protrusion154formed in the unit-side terminal section141. When the fitting protrusion154fits in the fitting wall section173, the unit-side terminal section141is inserted into the frame171.

In the terminal unit172integrally provided in an internal space of the frame171, the main body terminal174that is connected to the unit terminal152of the unit-side terminal section141, a cover175that closes the main body terminal174, and the guide recesses176in which the connection guides153formed in the unit-side terminal section141slide are formed.

In the frame171, an inclined surface177is formed over the up to down direction, which is the slide direction of the unit main body130. The main body terminal174is formed at the top of the inclined surface177. When the main body terminal174is not used, the main body terminal174is covered by the cover175supported by the terminal unit172to be slidable in the slide direction of the unit main body130and prevents adhesion of dust and short-circuit due to contact with metal components. The cover175is typically urged in an upward direction for closing the main body terminal174by a not-shown urging member. When the unit-side terminal section141is inserted into the frame171and slid downward, the cover175is depressed by the connection guide153and faces the main body terminal174outward to make it possible to connect the main body terminal174to the unit terminal152.

The guide recesses176are provided on both the sides of the main body terminal174and the connection guides153formed the unit-side terminal section141are slid in the guide recesses176. The guide recesses176are formed between the side wall of the terminal unit172and the main body terminal174over the slide direction of the unit-side terminal section141. When the connection guides153are slid, the guide recesses176guide the slide of the unit-side terminal section141and make it possible to surely connect the unit terminal152and the main body terminal174.

Such a main-body-side terminal section163is inserted into the frame171while the unit-side terminal section141fits the fitting protrusion154in the fitting wall section173. Consequently, in the main-body-side terminal section163, the connection guides153are located in the guide recesses176and the unit terminal152is located at a lower end of the inclined surface177. As shown inFIG. 34B, when the unit main body130is slid downward on the mounting section23, in the main-body-side terminal section163, while the connection guides153are guided by the guide recesses176, the unit terminal152slides on the inclined surface177. After the connection guides153depress the cover175and expose the main body terminal174, the unit terminal152and the main body terminal174are connected. At this point, in the unit main body130, the engaging pieces143slide in the engaging groove sections164of the mounting section23, the protrusions143aare clamped in the engaging groove sections164, and the engaging protruded piece144is engaged in the engaging recess165.

When the main-body-side terminal163is disengaged from the unit-side terminal section141, the unit main body130is slid upward on the mounting section23. Therefore, the unit-side terminal section141slides upward while being guided by the guide recesses176in the frame171and the main body terminal174and the unit terminal152are disengaged. When the fitting protrusion154is ejected from the fitting wall section173, the unit-side terminal section141is removed from the main-body-side terminal section163. As shown inFIG. 34A, in the main-body-side terminal section163, the cover175is slid upward and the main body terminal174is shielded.

When the main-body-side terminal section163is attached to and detached from the unit-side terminal section141, as described above, the unit-side terminal section141is swingable in any direction except the connecting direction of the main body terminal174and the unit terminal152. Therefore, an unnatural force is not applied to the main-body-side terminal section163, which is prevented from breaking. Even when the apparatus main body2swings in a state in which the unit-side terminal section141is attached to the main-body-side terminal section163, since the unit-side terminal section141swings, impact on the main body terminal174and the unit terminal152is absorbed. Therefore, it is possible to maintain connection reliability.

The engaging groove sections164that engage with the engaging pieces143formed in the unit main body130are formed on the inner side surface of the opening25opened in the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2. The engaging groove sections164include inserting sections164athat are formed on both sides of the inner side surface of the opening25and through which the protrusions143aof the engaging pieces143are inserted and clamping sections164bthat clamp the protrusions143ainserted through the inserting section164a.

The inserting sections164aare formed from the rear surface2dto the inside of the opening25. The clamping sections164bare formed downward from lower surface sides of the inserting sections164a. After the protrusions143aof the engaging pieces143of the unit main body130areinserted through the inserting sections164a, the engaging groove sections164slide to a lower part of the mounting section23, whereby the protrusions143aare pressed into the clamping sections164b. Consequently, the engaging groove sections164clamp the protrusions143aof the engaging pieces143. The unit main body130is prevented from dropping from the mounting section23.

In the engaging groove sections164, when the unit main body130is removed from the mounting section23, since the unit main body130is slid upward, the protrusions143aof the engaging pieces143are slid from the clamping sections164bto the inserting sections164a. When the clamping of the protrusions143ais released, the unit main body130is pulled out to the rear surface2dside of the apparatus main body2, whereby the engaging pieces143are also pulled out from the engaging groove sections164.

In the respective engaging groove sections164, earth openings179in which the earth terminals162formed in the unit main body130are inserted are formed. In the earth openings179, terminals connected to an earth in the apparatus main body2are exposed. When the unit main body130is mounted on the mounting section23, the earth terminals162are inserted and connected to the earth of the apparatus main body2.

The engaging recess165in which the engaging protruded piece144provided in the unit main body130is inserted is formed above the opening25. The engaging recess165has a size for allowing the engaging protruded piece144to be inserted. When the engaging protruded piece144is inserted, the engaging recess165regulates the unit main body130from sliding upward. When the engaging protruded piece144retracts into the unit main body130according to the depression of the disengaging lever140, the engaging recess165is disengaged from the engaging protruded piece144and allows the unit main body130to slide.

As shown inFIG. 32, in a projected surface of the unit main body130at the time when the unit main body130is mounted, the external connection terminal166branched from a signal line identical with that of the main-body-side terminal section163is formed. The external connection terminal166is a connection terminal based on a connection standard for connection to peripheral apparatuses such as the IEEE 1394 standard and has a physical shape different from that of the main-body-side terminal section163. The external connection terminal166is opened and closed by a terminal lid180supported by the hinge mechanism, which is formed in the long side of the opening25, to be capable of opening and closing. When the external connection terminal166is used, as shown inFIG. 32, when the terminal lid180is pivoted to the opening25side by the camera operator, the external connection terminal166is exposed to the outside. When the external connection terminal166is not used, as shown inFIG. 31, the external connection terminal16is closed by the terminal lid180and adhesion of dust and short-circuit due to contact with metal components is prevented.

As shown inFIG. 33, since the long side of the terminal lid180supported by the hinge mechanism is provided in a projected surface of the unit main body130mounted on the mounting section23, when the unit main body130is mounted on the mounting section23, opening operation is regulated. Therefore, when the unit main body130is mounted on the mounting section23and the unit-side terminal section141is connected to the main-body-side terminal section163, use of the external connection terminal166is prohibited. The terminal lid180is opened to make it possible to use the external connection terminal166only in a state in which the unit main body130is removed from the mounting section23. As shown inFIG. 32, in a state in which the terminal lid180is opened, the unit main body130may be unable to be mounted on the mounting section23and the main-body-side terminal section163is prohibited from being used. In other words, the apparatus main body2is configured to prohibit the main-body-side terminal section163and the external connection terminal166from being simultaneously connected to other external apparatuses.

This is because, since the main-body-side terminal section163and the external connection terminal166are branched by an identical bus line, if different peripheral apparatuses are simultaneously connected thereto, it is likely that reliability of communication is spoiled. Functional blocks of the apparatus main body2to which the auxiliary recording medium unit5is connected are shown inFIG. 35. As shown inFIG. 35, in the apparatus main body2, the main-body-side terminal section163and the external connection terminal166are branched by an IEEE 1394 interface181connected to a bus line182. Electric power of the battery pack4housed in the battery housing section22is supplied to an external apparatus such as the auxiliary recording medium unit5via the IEEE 1394 interface181and via the main-body-side terminal section163and the external connection terminal166.

The auxiliary recording medium unit5uses the electric power of the battery pack4as a driving power supply, records an information signal inputted from the unit-side terminal section141by a control unit185in the memory card131and performs recording in the memory card131, editing operation for recorded data, display on the monitor139, and the like according to operation of the editing button136.

In the apparatus main body2, a system controller183and the recording and reproducing unit20, the lens barrel3, the liquid crystal display panel32, the display unit36of the finder unit35, and the output terminal group167are connected via the bus line182. Respective related sections are driven by the system controller183that receives an operation instruction from the operation unit15.

In the mounting section23, the output terminal group167such as an AV output terminal is formed below the external connection terminal166. The output terminal group167is also opened and closed by a terminal lid and adhesion of dust and short-circuit are prevented. The terminal lid that closes the output terminal group167is supported on the outside of a projected surface of the unit main body130. Therefore, the terminal lid can pivot and the output terminal group167can be used even in a state in which the unit main body130is mounted on the mounting section23.

A process for performing editing of data recorded in the memory card131using the auxiliary recording medium unit5removed from the apparatus main body2is explained. When editing of data in the memory card131is performed, since a power supply is not built in the unit main body130, as shown inFIGS. 36A to 36C, the auxiliary recording medium unit5makes connection to the battery pack4via an adapter190and obtains a driving power supply.

The adapter190is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. A unit mounting surface190aon which the unit main body130of the auxiliary recording medium unit5is mounted is provided on one surface of the adapter190and a battery connecting recess190bto which the battery pack4is connected is provided on the other surface. As shown inFIG. 36A, the unit mounting surface190ahas a configuration same as that of the mounting section23provided in the rear surface2dof the apparatus main body2. The unit mounting surface190aincludes an inserting recess192in which the miss-insertion preventing piece142is inserted, an engaging groove section193that is engaged with the engaging piece143, and an engaging recess194in which the engaging protruded piece144engages.

Since the adapter-side terminal section191has a configuration same as that of the main-body-side terminal section163, detailed explanation of the configuration is omitted. When the unit-side terminal section141is connected to the adapter-side terminal section191, driving power is supplied to the unit main body130from the battery pack4. The inserting recess192is formed below the adapter-side terminal section191in association with the miss-insertion preventing piece142.

The engaging groove section193is a section for mounting the unit main body130on the unit mounting surface190a. Since the engaging groove section193has a configuration same as that of the engaging groove section164, detailed explanation of the engaging groove section193is omitted. After the engaging piece143is inserted in the engaging groove section164, the protrusion143ais clamped in the engaging groove section193by sliding the engaging piece143in a downward direction, and the unit main body130is mounted on the unit mounting surface190a.

When the unit main body130is mounted on the unit mounting surface190a, the engaging protruded piece144is inserted in the engaging recess194. Since the engaging protrusion144is engaged in the engaging recess194, the unit main body130is regulated from sliding in an up to down direction of the unit mounting surface190aand the mounting of the unit main body130on the adopter190is maintained. When the disengaging lever140provided on the upper surface130bis depressed, the engaging protrusion144retracts from the engaging recess194and the unit main body130can slide in an upward direction in which the unit main body130is disengaged from the unit mounting surface190a.

As shown inFIG. 36B, the battery connecting recess190bhas a configuration same as that of the battery hosing section22. A recess corresponding to an external shape of the battery pack4is formed in the battery connecting recess190b. In the battery connecting recess190b, an engaging protrusion196with which the engaging recess28formed in the outer peripheral surface of the battery pack4is formed on an inner side surface. When the battery pack4is attached, the battery pack4is inserted and slid to a lower surface side, whereby the engaging recess28engages with the engaging protrusion196. A not-shown adapter-side terminal section is formed in a lower surface section of the battery connecting recess190b. When the battery pack4is attached, the battery pack4is connected to the battery-side terminal section.

In the adapter190, an external connection terminal197based on a predetermined communication standard such as USB or IEEE 1394 is formed on a side surface190c. For example, an external recording device is connected to the external connection terminal197. The external connection terminal197outputs editing data of the auxiliary recording medium unit5to the external recording device. When an editing device is connected thereto, the external connection terminal197performs editing of data recorded in the memory card131of the auxiliary recording medium unit5. The external connection terminal197is exposed to the outside from a lower surface198aof a connecting section198formed to project over the side surface190cof the adapter190. A connector199, one end of a cable of which is connected to an external apparatus, is connected to the external connection terminal197from below. In the adapter190, the external connection terminal197for realizing connection to the external apparatus is exposed on a lower surface198aof the connecting section198and the connector199is connected to the external connection terminal197from below. Therefore, wiring can be easily collected without bending, twisting, and the like of cables.

In such an adapter190, as shown inFIG. 36C, when the unit main body130is mounted on the unit mounting surface190aand the battery pack4is connected to the batter connecting recess190b, electric power of the battery pack4is supplied to the unit-side terminal section141side from the adapter-side terminal section191. The auxiliary recording medium unit5can receives the electric power and perform simple editing of various data recorded in the memory card131. With the auxiliary recording medium unit5, since editing of data is possible in a state in which the auxiliary recording medium unit5is removed from the apparatus main body2, it is possible to simultaneously perform rough editing of captured videos and sound in parallel while continuing imaging by the imaging apparatus1. Since editing of the data recorded in the memory card131is performed, it is possible to more efficiently and quickly perform editing operation than editing performed by using a tape cartridge.

In the adapter190, other than using the battery pack4, a DC cable terminal195may be provided to receive power for home use via a DC adapter and supply the power to the auxiliary recording medium unit5.

The shoulder-mounted-type imaging apparatus200that shares the lens barrel3with the imaging apparatus1is explained. As shown inFIGS. 37A and 37BtoFIG. 39, the imaging apparatus200includes an apparatus main body201larger than that of the handy-type imaging apparatus1described above. A magnetic tape cartridge that can perform HDV recording is housed in the apparatus main body201as a main recording medium. As the main recording medium used in the imaging apparatus200, magnetic tapes other than a DV cassette, disk-like recording media including optical disks such as a CD, a DVD, and a BD, magneto-optical disks, and magnetic disks such as a hard disk, or recording media such as a semiconductor memory can also be used.

In the apparatus main body201, the auxiliary recording medium unit5can be mounted other than the main recording medium. Consequently, the apparatus main body201can prepare for situations such as a recording mistake in the main recording medium and recording exceeding a recording capacity and save various data in the main recording medium and the memory card131housed in the auxiliary recording medium unit5as a reserve.

The imaging apparatus200includes the apparatus main body201formed in a substantially rectangular shape and mounted on the right shoulder of the camera operator during imaging and a lens barrel202provided on a front surface201aof the apparatus main body201. The lens barrel202is detachably attachable to the imaging apparatus200. Plural kinds of lens barrels202having different magnifications and the like are prepared as replacement lenses. An optimum lens barrel202can be mounted and used according to necessity. A grip section203is formed in the lens barrel3. The lens barrel202including the grip section203is detached from the apparatus main body.

In the lens barrel202, a lens hood204is detachably mounted on a front surface thereof. The lens barrel202has a configuration same as that of the lens barrel3except a position of the grip section203. The lens hood204has a configuration same as that of the lens hood9described above. Therefore, detailed explanation of the lens barrel202and the lens hood204is omitted.

In the apparatus main body201, an operation unit205for performing various kinds of operation is provided on a right side surface201b. A mounting section206on which the auxiliary recording medium unit5is mounted is provided on a left side surface201c. A battery pack207such as a lithium ion secondary battery is detachably attached to a rear surface201d. The imaging apparatus200is an imaging apparatus for business use. A large battery having a large capacity is used in the battery pack207because the battery pack207needs to be durable in long-time use.

In the apparatus main body201, a handle section208is formed on an upper surface201e. The handle section208is formed over a front to rear direction substantially in the center of a width direction of the upper surface201eof the apparatus main body201. The camera operator can hold the apparatus main body201with sufficient balance by gripping the handle section208during imaging and transportation. An accessory shoe208ato which various accessories are attached is formed on an upper surface of the handle section208. A finder block209for visually recognizing an image captured via an imaging lens of the lens barrel202is provided in front of the handle section208.

In such an apparatus main body201, a magnetic tape cartridge serving as the main recording medium is housed and a recording and reproducing unit210that records an information signal in and reproduces the information signal from the magnetic tape cartridge is provided further on the rear surface201dside than the mounting section206. The recording and reproducing unit210includes a deck unit in which the magnetic tape cartridge is inserted and driven and a head unit that records an information signal in and reproduces the information signal from the magnetic tape cartridge. In the recording and reproducing unit210, an inserting and detaching opening through which the magnetic tape cartridge is inserted and detached is exposed on an upper surface201eof the apparatus main body201. An opening and closing lid212for opening and closing the inserting and detaching opening is formed. When the tape cartridge is inserted in the deck unit, the opening and closing lid212is pivoted to expose the inserting and detaching opening and the tape cartridge is inserted lengthwise.

In the imaging apparatus200, two kinds of large and small magnetic tape cartridges having different recording capacities are prepared as the main recording medium. The two kinds of magnetic tape cartridges can be inserted in the inserting and detaching opening of the recording and reproducing unit210.

In the apparatus main body201, a shoulder pad211put on the right shoulder of the camera operator is formed on a lower surface201f. When the camera operator performs imaging, as shown inFIG. 37B, the camera operator places the apparatus main body201on the right shoulder and grips the grip section203provided in the lens barrel202with the right hand. The camera operator keeps a balance by supporting the weight of the entire imaging apparatus200with the right shoulder and performs adjustment of an imaging direction, an angle of view, and the like with the right hand for gripping the grip section203.

In the imaging apparatus200, the grip section203attached to the lens barrel202is formed on a front surface side of the lens barrel202. Therefore, even when the center of gravity is present on the apparatus main body201side and the imaging apparatus200is placed on the shoulder of the camera operator, the camera operator can easily perform angle adjustment using the grip section203.

The finder block209provided in front of the handle section208is explained. As shown inFIGS. 40A and 40B, the finder block209includes a main body unit213attached to a front surface of the apparatus main body201and a display unit214rotatably supported by the main body unit213and is formed in a substantially L shape as a whole.

The main body unit213includes a housing of a substantially rectangular shape. A connecting section215that is connected to the apparatus main body201is provided on a rear surface side of the main body unit213. A microphone holder217to which an external microphone216is attached is provided on the left side surface201cof the apparatus main body201. The external microphone216and the microphone holder217have configurations same as those of the external microphone6and the microphone holder34. Therefore, detailed explanation of the external microphone216and the microphone holder217is omitted. In the main body unit213, an operation unit218in which operation switches, operation buttons, and the like for performing various kinds of operation are arrayed is provided on the front surface201aside of the apparatus main body201.

Such a main body unit213is connected to the apparatus main body201via a connection cable219. Video data captured from the lens barrel202and video data reproduced by the recording and reproducing unit210and the auxiliary recording medium unit5are supplied to the main body unit213. The main body unit213displays the video data on the display unit214.

In the main body unit213, the display unit214is provided on the right side surface201bside of the apparatus main body201. As shown inFIGS. 40A and 40B, the display unit214includes a finder member221incorporating a small liquid crystal monitor220that displays a video captured in the lens barrel202and video data reproduced by the recording and reproducing unit210and the auxiliary recording medium unit5, a liquid crystal display panel222provided on an upper surface of the finder member221, and an eyepiece member223detachably provided in the finder member221and used for visually recognizing the liquid crystal monitor220.

The finder member221includes a supporting section221asupported by the main body unit213and attached with the liquid crystal display panel222and a connecting section221bto which the eyepiece member223is connected. One side surface of the substantially rectangular housing of the supporting section221ais supported by the main body unit213. A hinge mechanism225to which the liquid crystal display panel222is attached and an operation panel unit226for editing a video displayed on the liquid crystal display panel222are formed on an upper surface of the supporting section221a.

The connecting section221bhas a cylindrical shape having a diameter substantially same as that of the eyepiece member223as a whole and incorporates the liquid crystal monitor220directed in a direction opposed to the eyepiece member223and visually recognized via the eyepiece member223. A pair of connecting pawls231are vertically provided to be opposed to each other across the liquid crystal monitor220on a base plate230on which the liquid crystal monitor220is exposed. In the connecting pawls231, locking protrusions231aprotruded inwardly are formed. The eyepiece member223is connected to the finder member221by locking the locking protrusion231ain connecting holes241of the eyepiece member223. In the connecting section221b, cutout sections233that are opposed to the connecting pawls231and through which the eyepiece member223is inserted are formed on an outer peripheral wall232vertically provided around the base plate230.

In such a finder member221, the supporting section221ais supported by the main body unit213to be pivotable in an up to down direction. The camera operator pivots the finder member221according to necessity to thereby use the eyepiece member223in an optimum direction.

The eyepiece member223includes a cylindrical holder235that is connected to the connecting section221bof the finder member221, a lens box236attached to the inside of the holder235, and an eye cup237on which the camera operator places the eyes. In the holder235, the frame plate238is formed in the inside of a cylinder and the lens box236is screwed to the frame plate238. A main surface of the frame plate238is opened and a lens group239housed in the lens box236is exposed from the opening.

A pair of connecting arms240are extended in an outer periphery of the holder235in association with the connecting pawls231provided in the connecting section221bof the finder member221. The connecting arms240fit in the cutout sections233provided in the outer peripheral wall232of the connecting section221b. Engaging holes240aare formed at distal end portions of the connecting arms240. Locking pieces242to which the locking protrusions231aof the connecting pawls231are locked are engaged on inner sides of the engaging holes240a.

The locking pieces242are formed in a substantially rectangular box shape. A pair of sidewalls242aspaced apart in an inside to outside direction are provided in the locking pieces242. Connecting holes241to which the engaging protrusions231aof the connecting pawls231are locked are formed in the inner sidewalls242a. Protrusions244that engage in the engaging holes240aof the connecting arms240are formed in outer side walls242b. In the locking pieces242, as shown inFIG. 41andFIGS. 42A and 42B, the inner sidewalls242aare typically urged outward by a leaf spring245. Therefore, when the locking pieces242are connected to the connecting section221b, the connecting holes241of the inner sidewalls242aare pressed by the locking protrusions231aof the connecting pawls231and the locking pieces242are prevented from coming off. The leaf spring245is supported by a not-shown supporting section formed in the holder235to thereby typically urge the locking pieces242to the outside and engages the engaging holes240aof the connecting arms240and the protrusions244of the outer sidewalls242b.

In the holder235, a focus lever246for adjusting a focus of the lens group239housed in the lens box236is formed in a part of an outer periphery. The lens box236enlarges and shows display on the liquid crystal monitor220provided in the connecting section221b. When the eyepiece member223is connected to the finder member221, the lens box236is opposed to the liquid crystal monitor220.

The eye cup237is made of an elastic member such as rubber formed in a cup shape and is joined on the outer periphery of the holder235. The eye cup237covers an eye and a region around the eye of the camera operator to thereby prevent external light from being made incident in the holder235.

The liquid crystal display panel222supported by the hinge mechanism225provided in the supporting section221aof the finder member221displays a video captured by the lens barrel202and video data reproduced by the recording and reproducing unit210and the auxiliary recording medium unit5. The camera operator uses the liquid crystal display panel222to image a video while visually recognizing the video presently captured or check a captured video.

The liquid crystal display panel222is pivotally supported by the hinge mechanism225provided on the upper surface of the supporting section221aand is adjusted to an optimum angle by the camera operator. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel222can be pivoted not only to the camera operator side but also to, for example, the front surface201aside of the apparatus main body201, i.e., the side of a person being imaged. Consequently, the person being imaged can check how he or she looks in a video.

Various kinds of reproduction such as frame stepping, fast forward, and pause are applied to a reproduced video displayed on the liquid crystal display panel222according to operation of the operation panel unit226provided in the supporting section221a.

In such a finder block209, since the finder member221and the eyepiece member223are separated, as shown inFIG. 40A, the liquid crystal monitor220provided in the connecting section221bis exposed to the outside. Therefore, for example, since an angle of view is cut in a video that the camera operator enlarges with the lens group239using the eyepiece member223, the camera operator can also visually recognize a video of the liquid crystal monitor220directly. The camera operator can replace the eyepiece member223with the eyepiece member223with the eye cup237having a different shape and made of a different material to improve a sense of use. Moreover, since the liquid crystal monitor220is directly exposed to the outside by removing the eyepiece member223, dust adhering to the liquid crystal monitor220can be easily wiped off.

Attaching and detaching operation for the finder member221and the eyepiece member223is explained. The attachment of the eyepiece member223is performed by inserting, from a state in which the finder member221and the eyepiece member223are separated, the connecting arms240provided in the holder235of the eyepiece member223through the cutout sections233formed in the outer peripheral wall232of the connecting section221bof the finder member221to fit the connecting arms240into the cutout sections233. Consequently, the connecting pawls231vertically provided from the base plate230are inserted between the inner sidewalls242aand the outer sidewalls242bof the locking pieces242engaged in the inner sides of the connecting arms240. The locking protrusions231aformed at the distal ends of the connecting pawls231lock to the connecting holes241provided in the inner sidewalls242aof the locking pieces242. At this point, the locking protrusions231aare pressed into the connecting holes241while the locking pieces242slightly bends to the inner side against an urging force of the leaf spring245.

Consequently, the eyepiece member223is connected to the finder member221. At this point, in the finder block209, the holder235of the eyepiece member223and the outer peripheral wall232of the connecting section221bof the finder member221are connected to be generally flush with each other. Further, in the finder block209, the liquid crystal monitor220provided in the connecting section221band the lens group239of the lens box236of the eyepiece member223are opposed to each other. It is possible to enlarge and visually recognize a video of the liquid crystal monitor220via the lens group239.

When the eyepiece member223is removed from the finder member221, first, the camera operator pinches distal ends of the pair of connecting arms240with the thumb and the index finger or the like and presses the connecting arms240to the inner side. Consequently, the locking pieces242are urged to the inner side against the urging force of the leaf spring245. The connecting holes241of the inner sidewalls242aand the locking protrusions231aof the connecting pawls231are unlocked. In this state, when the connecting arms240are pulled out from the cutout sections233, the connecting arms240are pulled out from between the inner and outer sidewalls242aand242bof the locking pieces242. The eyepiece member223can be separated from the finder member221.

In this way, the camera operator simultaneously presses the pair of connecting arms240provided in the opposed positions of the holder235of the eyepiece member223to attach and detach the connecting arms240. Therefore, the connection to the connecting pawls231is not released simply by pressing one of the connecting arms240. It is possible to prevent the eyepiece member223from coming off from the finder member221by mistake.

Since the camera operator performs attaching and detaching operation for the finder block209while pinching the pair of connecting arms240of the eyepiece member223, the camera operator holds the eye cup237with a hand. Therefore, it is possible to surely hold the eyepiece member223and surely perform attachment to and detachment from the finder member221.

The mounting section206of the apparatus main body201on which the auxiliary recording medium unit5is mounted is explained. As shown inFIGS. 43 to 46, in the imaging apparatus200, the mounting section206is provided in a position biased to the front surface201aside on the left side surface201cof the apparatus main body201. As shown inFIG. 43, when the auxiliary recording medium unit5is not mounted, the mounting section206is closed by a lid member250. As shown inFIG. 46, after the lid member250is removed, the auxiliary recording medium unit5is mounted on the mounting section206. Since the auxiliary recording medium unit5used in the imaging apparatus200is the same as the auxiliary recording medium unit5mounted on the imaging apparatus1, detailed explanation of the auxiliary recording medium unit5is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 45, the mounting section206is formed in a recessed surface section formed in a substantially rectangular shape in the left side surface201cof the apparatus main body201and includes a main-body-side terminal section251to which the unit-side terminal section141of the auxiliary recording medium unit5is inserted, engaging groove sections252in which the engaging pieces143of the unit main body130are engaged, an engaging recess253in which the engaging protrusion144is engaged, an external connection terminal254branched from a signal line identical with that of the main-body-side terminal section251, and a screw hole255to which the lid member250is screwed.

Since the main-body-side terminal section251has a configuration same as that of the main-body-side terminal section163of the imaging apparatus1, detailed explanation of the main-body-side terminal section251is omitted. The main-body-side terminal section251is formed in a position slightly in the depth in the terminal recess256opened in the mounting section206. When the unit-side terminal section141is mounted, the main-body-side terminal section251transmits various data of videos, sound, and the like captured from the lens barrel202and supplies electric power of the battery pack207to the auxiliary recording medium unit5as driving power.

An inserting recess257in which the miss-insertion preventing piece142, which is protrudingly provided in the unit main body130, is opened below the main-body-side terminal section251.

Since the engaging groove sections252in which the engaging pieces143of the unit main body130are engaged have a configuration same as that of the engaging groove sections164of the imaging apparatus1, detailed explanation of the engaging groove sections252is omitted. Two engaging groove sections252are formed over the slide direction of the auxiliary recording medium unit5to be spaced apart in the width direction in the mounting section206in association with the engaging pieces143of the unit main body130.

In the respective engaging groove sections252, earth openings258in which the earth terminals162formed in the unit main body130are inserted are formed. Terminals connected to an earth in the apparatus main body201are exposed in the earth opening258. When the unit main body130is mounted on the mounting section206, the earth terminals162are inserted and connected to the earth of the apparatus main body201.

The engaging recess253in which the engaging protrusion144is engaged is formed next to the main-body-side terminal section251and has a size for allowing the engaging protruded piece144to be inserted. When the engaging protruded piece144is inserted, the engaging recess253regulates the unit main body130from sliding upward. When the engaging protruded piece144retracts into the unit main body130according to the depression of the disengaging lever140, the engaging recess253is disengaged from the engaging protruded piece144and allows the unit main body130to slide.

The external connection terminal254branched from the signal line identical with that of the main-body-side terminal section163is exposed from a part of the mounting section206and is provided in a projected surface of the auxiliary recording medium unit5mounted on the amounting section206. The external connection terminal254is a connection terminal based on a standard of connection with peripheral apparatuses such as the IEEE 1394 standard. As shown inFIG. 43, the external connection terminal254is exposed to the outside via a terminal lid259provided in the lid member250and can be used even in a state in which the mounting section206is closed by the lid member250. When the external connection terminal254is not used, the external connection terminal254is closed by the terminal lid259to prevent adhesion of dust and short-circuit due to contact with metal components.

The external connection terminal254is formed in the projected surface of the unit main body130and is prohibited from being used in a state in which the unit main body130is mounted on the mounting section206. In a state in which an external apparatus is connected to the external connection terminal254, the unit main body130is prohibited from being mounted on the mounting section206. In other words, like the main-body-side terminal section163and the external connection terminal166of the imaging apparatus1described above, the external connection terminal254is prohibited from being connected to other external apparatuses simultaneously with the main-body-side terminal section251.

This is because, as in the apparatus main body2, in the imaging apparatus200, since the main-body-side terminal section251and the external connection terminal254are branched by an identical bus line, if different peripheral apparatuses are simultaneously connected thereto, it is likely that reliability of communication is spoiled.

As shown inFIG. 44, the lid member250that closes such a mounting section206is formed as a plate-like member having a shape substantially the same as the mounting section206and includes an engaging screw260that engages in the screw hole255and the terminal lid259provided in association with the external connection terminal254.

In the lid member250, a pair of ribs261that are engaged in the engaging groove sections252are provided on a rear surface opposed to the mounting section206. The lid member250is engaged with the mounting section206when the ribs261are engaged in the engaging groove sections252. Like the engaging pieces143of the unit main body130, the ribs261are vertically provide in a long shape over the up to down direction to secure strength. Therefore, even if the ribs261collide with members around the same because the ribs261are vertically provided on the rear surface of the lid member250, the ribs261do not easily break.

The engaging screw260is a screw for mounting the lid member250on the mounting section206. A screw section260aof the engaging screw260projects on a rear surface250aof the lid member250opposed to the mounting section206in association with the screw hole255of the mounting section206. A dial section260bfor rotating the screw section260ais exposed on the surface250bof the lid member250.

One end of the terminal lid259provided in association with the external connection terminal254is made of an elastic member such as rubber and locked to the lid member250by a not-shown coupling member. The terminal lid259is fit in a terminal hole262opened in the lid member250. The terminal lid259can expose the external connection terminal254to the outside by being removed from the terminal hole262.

As shown inFIG. 46, the auxiliary recording medium unit5is detachable mounted on the mounting section206. As mounting and detaching operation for the auxiliary recording medium unit5, like the operation for mounting the auxiliary recording medium unit5on and detaching the auxiliary recording medium unit5from the mounting section23of the imaging apparatus1, after the unit-side terminal section141is inserted in the main-body-side terminal section251and the engaging pieces143are inserted in the engaging groove sections252, the unit main body130is slid downward. Consequently, the unit terminal152and the main body terminal of the main-body-side terminal section251are connected and the protrusions143aof the engaging pieces143are clamped in the engaging groove sections252. At this point, the engaging protruded piece144of the unit main body130engages in the engaging recess253to regulate the unit main body130from sliding upward.

When the unit main body130is removed from the mounting section206, the camera operator depresses the disengaging lever140to thereby retract the engaging protruded piece144into the unit main body130and disengages the engaging protruded piece144from the engaging recess253. Consequently, the unit main body130is allowed to slide upward on the mounting section206. After the engaging pieces143and the engaging groove sections252are disengaged and the unit terminal152and the main body terminal of the main-body-side terminal section251are disengaged, the unit main body130is removed from the mounting section206.

In such an imaging apparatus200, as shown inFIGS. 47 and 48, the mounting section206is provided on the front side of the left side surface201cof the apparatus main body201. Therefore, the auxiliary recording medium unit5is located on the opposite side of the camera operator. As shown inFIG. 37B, the mounting section206is provided between the shoulder pad211and the grip section203and does not interfere with the arm of the camera operator.

Therefore, in the imaging apparatus200, even during imaging, the auxiliary recording medium unit5can be mounted on and detached from the mounting section206by a camera assistant or the like. In the imaging apparatus200, even during imaging, the memory card131can be inserted in and detached from the unit main body130mounted on the mounting section206by the camera assistant or the like. Consequently, in the imaging apparatus200, when a capacity of the memory card131runs short or when data recorded in the memory card131is edited, it is possible to replace the memory card131or the unit main body130without suspending imaging.

As described above, in the auxiliary recording medium unit5, the supporting plate150, on which the unit-side terminal section141is provided, is swingably supported. Therefore, even when the unit main body130is mounted on and detached from the mounting section206or when the apparatus main body201swings during imaging, since the supporting plate150swings, vibration and impact are absorbed. Therefore, reliability of connection between the unit-side terminal section141and the main-body-side terminal section251is secured.

In the imaging apparatus200, the auxiliary recording medium unit5, in which the memory card131is used as an auxiliary recording medium, is mounted on the front surface201aside of the apparatus main body201. The recording and reproducing unit210, in which a tape cartridge is used as a main recording medium, is provided on the rear surface201dside of the apparatus main body201. In the imaging apparatus200, the microphone holder217, to which the external microphone216is attached, is provided in the main body section213of the finder block209formed on the front surface201aside of the apparatus main body201.

In this way, in the imaging apparatus200, the external microphone216is disposed on the left side surface201cside of the apparatus main body201. However, since the recording and reproducing unit210is spaced apart from the external microphone216, operation sound of a motor in the deck unit of the recording and reproducing unit210is not collected by the external microphone216. In the imaging apparatus200, the auxiliary recording medium unit5is attached near the external microphone216. However, since the memory card131is used as an auxiliary recording medium in the auxiliary recording medium unit5, large operation sound is not generated during recording and reproduction and the external microphone216does not collect noise.

In the imaging apparatus200, since the built-in microphone is incorporated on the front surface201aside of the apparatus main body201and spaced apart from the recording and reproducing unit210, the built-in microphone does not collect operation sound and the like of the motor in the deck unit of the recording and reproducing unit210.