Patent Publication Number: US-6907194-B2

Title: Camera having continuously cropping viewfinder

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/292,235, USER INTERFACE FOR CONTROLLING CROPPING IN ELECTRONIC CAMERA, filed 12 Nov. 2002 in the name of Randolph C. Brost. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to photography and more particularly relates to a camera cropping control and related cameras and methods. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   One creative option that photographers have available is changing the aspect ratio of captured images. This has long been available by physically cropping images after printing or by printing on to photographic paper of desired aspect ratio. The same effects are now available for digital images in image editing software available for personal computers. This post-capture approach to cropping is effective, but it is hard for the photographer to compose for a particular aspect ratio without seeing the aspect ratio in the viewfinder. In addition, it is often desirable to recompose an image that has been cropped. This results in additional loss of picture area and resolution. 
   A solution to this problem is mechanically cropping both the image and the viewfinder at the time of capture. Only the exposed portion of the image is printed by the photofinisher. Other systems, such as Advanced Photo System™ (“APS”) show the cropped image in the viewfinder, but expose the entire film frame. An encodement is recorded on the film and the image is printed in a selected aspect ratio at photofinishing. These approaches are more convenient than cropping after printing, since the user can compose the image based upon a desired final aspect ratio seen in the viewfinder. These approaches have the shortcoming that  6 only preset aspect ratios are available. 
   The number of approaches have been followed in the manner of providing post-capture cropping of images. In many image editing software packages, an image can be zoomed, that is, enlarged or reduced, without changing aspect ratio; and/or each edge of the image can be individually moved to crop the image. This approach is very effective for post image capture, but is inconveniently complex and cumbersome if used on the camera. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,738 discloses a hybrid camera, in which the user can edit an image on a display on the back of the camera. The user selects a print format and then moves a marker on the display to zoom, crop, and/or tilt the desired portion of the image. This approach is effective, but is again complex. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,902 discloses a simpler system that uses a pair of L-shaped framing blades, in a viewfinder, to show a zoomed portion of an image. This is simpler, but is limited to zooming, without changing aspect ratio. 
   In the above, aspect ratios are limited at the time of capture, and a photographer must reorient the camera if a vertical format is desired. 
   It would thus be desirable to provide improved croppers, cameras, and methods in which a simple control can be used to quickly and easily change among a continuous range of aspect ratios presented in a viewfinder. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is defined by the claims. The invention, in its broader aspects, provides a camera and method for image cropping. The camera has a body and a capture unit mounted in the body. The capture unit has an imager and storage media operatively connected to the imager. The capture unit selectively captures an electronic image of a scene. A viewfinder optical system is aligned with the capture unit. The viewfinder optical system defines a viewfinder light path. A cropper is disposed in the body. The cropper has a pair of vanes. The vanes are selectively movable, relative to each other, between first and second positions and through a continuous sequence of intermediate positions between the first and second positions. The vanes, in each of the positions, delimits a rectangular cross-sectioned window in the viewfinder light path. A control unit is operatively connected to the capture unit and cropper. The control unit crops the electronic image to match the window. 
   It is an advantageous effect of the invention that improved croppers, cameras, and methods are provided, in which a simple control can be used to quickly and easily change the among a continuous range of aspect ratios presented in a viewfinder. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a semi-diagrammatical view of an embodiment of the camera. For clarity, only the front cover, cropper, controller, and signal lines are shown. The cropper is shown in a center intermediate vane position. In this and other drawings, the overlap of some parts is indicated by dashed lines. For clarity, solid lines are retained for other overlaps. 
       FIG. 2  is a rear view of another embodiment of the camera. 
       FIG. 3  is a semi-diagrammatical rear perspective view of the camera of FIG.  2 . The camera is shown with the display in use as an electronic viewfinder. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the camera of FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a partial schematic diagram of a modification of the camera of FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the camera of FIG.  5 . 
       FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of a modification of the camera of FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded rear perspective of the camera of FIG.  7 . 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the camera. 
       FIG. 10  is a semi-diagrammatical view of another embodiment of the camera. For clarity, only the front cover, cropper, and controller and signal lines are shown. The cropper is shown in a center intermediate vane position. 
       FIG. 11  is a semi-diagrammatical view of another embodiment of the camera. For clarity, only the front cover and cropper are shown. The cropper is shown in a fully-cropped to vertical vane position. 
       FIG. 12  is the same view as  FIG. 11 , but the cropper is in a center intermediate vane position. 
       FIG. 13  is the same view as  FIG. 11 , but the cropper is in a fully-cropped to horizontal vane position. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram of the window defined by the cropper of the camera of  FIG. 11  showing the fully-cropped vertical, fully-cropped horizontal, and five intermediate vane positions between the fully-cropped vane positions. 
       FIG. 15  is a semidiagrammatical view of a modification of the camera of FIG.  11 . The cropper is shown in a fully-cropped to vertical vane position. 
       FIG. 16  is the same view as  FIG. 15 , but the cropper is in a fully-cropped to horizontal vane position. 
       FIG. 17  is a semidiagrammatical view of the front cover of a modification of the camera of FIG.  11 . 
       FIG. 18  is a semidiagrammatical view of the camera of FIG.  17 . For clarity, only the front cover, cropper, and lens cover are shown. The cropper is shown in a center intermediate vane position and the lens cover in a closed position. 
       FIG. 19  is a semidiagrammatical view of another embodiment of the camera. For clarity, only the front cover and cropper are shown. 
       FIG. 20  is a partial close-up semidiagrammatical view of a modification of the cropper input element and front cover of the camera of FIG.  19 . 
       FIG. 21   a  is top view of the camera of FIG.  1 . The four way zoom-crop input element is shown in a default or normal zoom position and center intermediate cropper vane position. 
       FIG. 21   b  is a diagrammatical view of a viewfinder image provided by the camera of  FIG. 21   a.    
       FIG. 22   a  is the same view as  FIG. 21   a , but an arrow is added to indicate the effect of a user holding down the forward pad of the four way zoom-crop input element. In the camera of  FIG. 21   a , the cropping and zooming input elements continuously change respective cropper and zoom mechanism positions, as long as the respective pad is pressed and held down. Thus, in  FIGS. 22   a - 25  respective limit positions are shown. 
       FIG. 22   b  is a diagrammatical view of the viewfinder image provided by the camera of  FIG. 22   a  following zooming of the viewfinder image responsive to the user action of  FIG. 22   a.    
       FIG. 23   a  is the same view as  FIG. 21   a , but an arrow is added to indicate the effect of a user holding down the leftward pad of the four way zoom-crop input element. 
       FIG. 23   b  is a diagrammatical view of the viewfinder image provided by the camera of  FIG. 22   a  following cropping of the viewfinder image responsive to the user action of  FIG. 22   a.    
       FIG. 24   a  is the same view as  FIG. 21   a , but an arrow is added to indicate the effect of a user holding down the rightward pad of the four way zoo-crop input element. 
       FIG. 24   b  is a diagrammatical view of the viewfinder image provided by the camera of  FIG. 21   a  following cropping of the viewfinder image responsive to the user action of  FIG. 24   a.    
       FIG. 25   a  is the same view as  FIG. 21   a , but an arrow is added to indicate the effect of a user holding down the rearward pad of the four way zoom-crop input element. 
       FIG. 25   b  is a diagrammatical view of the viewfinder image provided by the camera of  FIG. 21   a  following zooming of the viewfinder image responsive to the user action of  FIG. 25   a.    
       FIG. 26  is a semidiagrammatical view of the four-way rocker button and related circuitry of the camera of FIG.  1 . For clarity, underlying portions of the front cover of the camera are indicated by separated segments marked by cross-hatching and the shutter release is shown as a simplified switch. 
       FIGS. 27   a - 27   d  are additional embodiments of the camera. 
       FIG. 28  is a partial semidiagrammatical view of another embodiment of the camera. For clarity only the front cover, cropper and zoom mechanism are shown. The cropper is in a center intermediate position. The zoom mechanism is in a zoomed out position. 
       FIG. 29  is the same view as  FIG. 28 , but the cropper is in a center intermediate position and the zoom mechanism is in a zoomed in position. 
       FIG. 30  is the same view as  FIG. 28 , but the cropper is in a low aspect ratio position and the zoom mechanism is in a zoomed in position. 
       FIG. 31  is a semidiagrammatical cross-sectional view of the camera of  FIG. 12  taken substantially along line A—A of FIG.  12 . 
       FIG. 32  is a semidiagrammatical cross-sectional view of the camera of  FIG. 12  taken substantially along line B—B of FIG.  12 . 
       FIG. 33  is a semidiagrammatical cross-sectional view of the camera of  FIG. 18  taken substantially along line C—C of  FIG. 18 , except that the lens cover is shown in the open position rather than in the closed position. 
       FIG. 34  is a semidiagrammatical cross-sectional view of the camera of  FIG. 19  taken substantially along line D—D of FIG.  19 . 
       FIG. 35  is a diagrammatical cross-section of another embodiment of the camera. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The camera provides the photographer with a single input element that provides for continuous adjustment of image aspect ratio, while providing an immediate view of the resulting selected image boundaries during composition. In particular embodiments, zoom control is provided by the same, or an adjoining input element. In particular embodiments disclosed herein, the aspect ratio of the image in an optical viewfinder is altered by mechanical vanes. An archival image captured at picture taking, is subject to cropping or cropping information is provided, based on the position of the vanes. This approach is especially well-suited to a digital camera or hybrid film-digital camera, but is also applicable to film cameras as well. 
   In the following, feature sets of the several different cameras and methods are discussed in terms of particular embodiments combining all or many of those features. Alternative embodiments combining fewer features and alternative features are also discussed herein. Other alternatives will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Viewfinder location in the cameras shown is selected for clarity of the drawings. In an actual camera, viewfinder location may differ. The camera is discussed below, generally in terms of a hybrid film-digital camera or a digital still camera. Like considerations apply to digital video cameras and film only cameras. 
   Referring now particularly to  FIGS. 1-9  and  35 , in particular embodiments, the camera  10  has a body  12  that holds a capture system having an archival image capture unit  16  and a evaluation capture unit  18 . The two different capture units  16 , 18  can take a variety of forms and can be completely separate from each other or can share some or most components. The evaluation capture unit  18  captures a scene image electronically and can also be referred to as an electronic image capture unit  18 . The archival image capture unit  16  can capture images electronically or on film. If the archival image capture unit  16  captures latent images using photographic film as the archival media, it is referred to herein as a “film image capture unit  20 ”. 
   In an embodiment of the camera  10  having a film image capture unit  20 , when the photographer trips a shutter release  22 , a subject image  23  (a light image of a scene) is captured as a latent image on a frame of the film  41  and at least one electronic image is captured on an electronic array imager  24  of the evaluation capture unit  18 . The electronic image or images are digitally processed and used to provide one or more derived images that can be shown on an image display  26  mounted to the body  12 . The electronic images, as captured in analog form and after digitization, but not other modification, are referred to generically herein as “original electronic images”. After further modification, inclusive of any zooming and cropping, the electronic images are referred to generically herein by the term “derived images”. Derived images are also modified relative to the original images for calibration to the display or a particular file structure, or matching to particular presets, such as output media to be used for a final image. These modifications may or may not also include the addition of metadata. With a hybrid camera, a derived image that is matched to the expected product of photofinishing a film archival image is also referred to herein as a “verification image”. More than one derived image can be made from a single original electronic image. A derived image that is used for a digital viewfinder, rather than as a digital archival image, is referred to herein as an “evaluation image”. 
   The camera body  12  provides structural support and protection for the capture units  16 , 18  and other components. The body  12  of the camera  10  can be varied to meet requirements of a particular use and style considerations. It is convenient, if the body  12  has front and rear covers  28 , 30  joined together over a chassis  32 . Many of the components of the camera  10  can be mounted to the chassis  32 . A film door  34  and a flip-up flash unit  36  are pivotably joined to the covers  28 , 30  and chassis  32 . 
   The film image capture unit  20  has a film holder  38  that holds a film unit  40  during use. In the camera  10  of  FIGS. 7-8 , the film holder  38  is part of the chassis  32 . (The term “film unit” is used to refer to photographic film and any accompanying canister or other support structure or light block, or the like.) 
   The configuration of the film holder  38  is a function of the type of film unit  40  used. The type of film unit  40  used is not critical. The camera  10  shown in the figures is film reloadable and uses an Advanced Photo System (“APS”) film cartridge. Other types of one or two chamber film cartridge could also be used and roll film can also be used. It is currently preferred that the camera  10  is reloadable. The camera  10  can have a IX-DX code reader (not shown) to determine the film type and a data recorder  39  to write data on the film indicating how many prints of each film frame to produce, print format, and the like. This is not limiting. Information including metadata can be read and written by any means well known to those of skill in the art. 
   The film holder  38  includes a pair of film chambers  42 , 44  and an exposure frame  45  between the film chambers  42 , 44 . The film unit  40  has a canister  46  disposed in one of the chambers. A filmstrip  41  is wound around a spool  48  held by the canister  46 . During use, the filmstrip  41  extends across the exposure frame  45  and is wound into a film roll in the other chamber. The exposure frame  45  has an opening  50  through which a light image exposes a frame of the film  41  at each picture-taking event. 
   During use, the filmstrip  41  is moved by a film transport  52  out of the canister  46  of the film cartridge  40 , is wound into a film roll in the supply chamber  42 , and is then returned to the canister  46 . The film transport  52 , as illustrated, includes an electric motor located within a supply spool  49 , but other types of motorized transport mechanisms and manual transports can also be used. Filmstrip exposure can be on film advance or on rewind. 
   The electronic image capture unit  18  has an electronic array imager  24 . The electronic array imager  24  is configured so as to capture, for each picture-taking event, one or more electronic images that correspond to a latent image concurrently captured on the filmstrip  41 . The type of imager  24  used may vary, but it is highly preferred that the imager  24  be one of the several solid-state imagers available. One highly popular type of solid-state imager commonly used is the charge-coupled device (“CCD”). Of the several CCD types available, two allow easy electronic shuttering and thereby are preferable in this use. The first of these, the frame transfer CCD, allows charge generation due to photoactivity, and then shifts all of the image charge into a light shielded, non-photosensitive area. This area is then clocked out to provide a sampled electronic image. The second type, the interline transfer CCD, also performs shuttering by shifting the charge, but shifts charge to an area above or below each image line so that there are as many storage areas as there are imaging lines. The storage lines are then shifted out in an appropriate manner. Each of these CCD imagers has both advantages and disadvantages, but all will work in this application. A typical CCD has separate components that act as clock drivers, analog signal processor-analog/digital converter  104  (also referred to as “A/D converter  104 ”). It is also possible to use an electronic image sensor manufactured with CMOS technology. This type of imager is attractive for use, since it is manufactured easily in a readily available solid-state process and lends itself to use with a single power supply. In addition, the process allows peripheral circuitry to be integrated onto the same semiconductor die. For example, a CMOS sensor can include clock drivers, the A/D converter, and other components integrated on a single IC. A third type of sensor, which can be used, is a charge injection device (CID). This sensor differs from the others mentioned in that the charge is not shifted out of the device to be read. Reading is accomplished by shifting charge within the pixel. This allows a nondestructive read of any pixel in the array. If the device is externally shuttered, the array can be read repeatedly without destroying the image. Shuttering can be accomplished by external shutter or, without an external shutter, by injecting the charge into the substrate for recombination. 
   The electronic image capture unit  18  captures a three-color image. It is highly preferred that a single imager be used along with a three-color or four color filter, however, multiple monochromatic imagers and filters can be used. Suitable three-color filters are well known to those of skill in the art, and are normally incorporated with the imager to provide an integral component. For convenience, the camera is generally discussed herein in relation to embodiments having a single imager with a three color filter (not separately illustrated). It will be understood that like considerations apply to cameras using more than three colors as well as cameras using multiple monochromatic imagers. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments the archival image capture unit is an electronic image capture unit  18  that captures the archival image electronically and stores the archival image in digital form. In this latter case, the “capture media” is digital storage media, such as electronic or magnetic memory and the archival images are transferred in digital form for photofinishing. The memory  54  may be fixed in the camera  10  or removable. The type of memory used and the manner of information storage, such as optical or magnetic or electronic, is not critical. For example, removable memory can be a floppy disc, a CD, a DVD, a tape cassette, or flash memory card or stick. The transfer of images in digital form can be on physical media or as a transmitted electronic signal. 
   Two electronic capture units  16 , 18  can be present in the camera  10 , with one used as the evaluation capture unit  18  and the other used as the archival capture unit. An example of a suitable digital camera having two such electronic capture units is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,218, entitled “ELECTRONIC CAMERA WITH DUAL RESOLUTION SENSORS”, to Smith. Alternatively, a single electronic capture unit can be used as both the evaluation capture unit and the archival image capture unit. In this case, the archival image is derived from the original electronic image by an archival image definition unit and the scene is defined by the effective field of view resulting from this operation. With a fully electronic camera  10 , the derived images can be subsampled from the original electronic image so as to provide lower resolution derived images. The lower resolution derived images can be provided using the method described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,831, entitled “ELECTRONIC STILL CAMERA PROVIDING MULTI-FORMAT STORAGE OF FULL AND REDUCED RESOLUTION IMAGES”, to Kuchta, et al. 
   The camera  10  can alternatively allow use of either a film image capture unit  20  or an electronic capture unit as the archival image capture unit  16 , at the selection of the photographer or on the basis of available storage space in one or another capture media or on some other basis. For example, a switch (not separately illustrated) can provide alternative film capture and electronic capture modes. The camera  10  otherwise operates in the same manner as the other described embodiments. 
   Referring now primarily to  FIGS. 4-5 ,  9 , and  35  the camera  10  has an optical system  56  of one or more lenses mounted in the body  12 . The optical system  56  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5  and  9  by a dashed line and several groups of lens elements. It will be understood that this is illustrative, not limiting. The optical system  56  directs light to the exposure frame  45  (if present) and to the electronic array imager  24 . The optical system  56  also preferably directs light through an optical viewfinder  58  to the user. Referring to  FIG. 35 , the taking lens unit  76  defines an optical axis  77 . The viewfinder lens unit  68  defines a viewfinder axis  79 . The taking lens  76  and viewfinder lens  68  define a capture light path and a viewfinder light path, respectively. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4-5 , in hybrid embodiments, the imager  24  is spaced from the exposure frame  45 ; thus, the optical system  56  directs light along a first path (indicated by a dotted line  60 ) to the exposure frame  45  and along a second path (indicated by a dotted line  62 ) to the electronic array imager  24 . Both paths  60 , 62  converge at a position in front of the camera  10 , at the plane of the subject image  23 . In  FIG. 4 , the optical system  56  has a combined lens unit  64  that includes both an imager lens unit  66  and a viewfinder lens unit  68 . The combined lens unit  64  has a partially transmissive mirror  70  that subdivides the second light path  62  between an imager  24  subpath  62   a  to the imager  24  and a viewfinder subpath  62   b  that is redirected by a fully reflective mirror  72  and transmitted through an eyepiece  74  to the photographer. 
   The optical system  56  can be varied. For example, the viewfinder lens unit  68 , imager lens unit  66 , and a taking lens unit  76  can be fully separate, as shown in  FIG. 5 , or a combined lens unit can include both a taking lens unit and an imager  24  lens unit (not shown). Other alternative optical systems can also be provided. 
   In most cameras  10 , there is a variation between the field of view of the viewfinder  58  and the field of view of the archival image capture unit  16 . The scene delineated by the viewfinder  58  is typically 80 to 95 percent of the field of view of the archival image capture unit  16 . The difference ensures that everything the photographer sees will be captured in the archival image, albeit with some additional image content at the edges. Cameras  10  are generally described and illustrated herein in terms of viewfinders  58  that have a 100 percent match to the field of view of the archival image capture unit  16 . This is a matter of convenience in describing the invention. The viewfinders  58  of the cameras  10  can be limited to 80 to 95 percent of the field of view of the archival image capture unit  16  without changing the other features described. 
   Referring again to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the taking lens unit  76  is a motorized zoom lens in which a mobile element or elements are driven, relative to a stationary element or elements, by a zoom driver  78 . The combined lens unit  64  also has a mobile element or elements, driven, relative to a stationary element or elements, by a zoom driver  78 . The different zoom drivers  78  are coupled so as to zoom together, either mechanically (not shown) or by a control system  80  signaling the zoom drivers  78  to move the zoom elements of the units over the same or comparable ranges of focal lengths at the same time. The control system  80 , which includes a controller  81 , can take the form of an appropriately configured microcomputer, such as an embedded microprocessor having RAM or other memory  54  for data manipulation and general program execution. 
   The taking lens unit  76  of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  is also autofocusing. An autofocusing system  82  has a rangefinder  86  that includes a sensor  84 . The rangefinder operates a focus driver  88 , directly or through the control system  80 , to move one or more focusable elements (not separately illustrated) of the taking lens unit  76 . The rangefinder  86  can be passive or active or a combination of the two. The taking lens unit  76  can be simple, such as having a single focal length and manual focusing or a fixed focus, but this is not preferred. One or both of the viewfinder lens unit  68  and imager lens unit  66  can have a fixed focal length or one or both can zoom between different focal lengths. Digital zooming (enlargement of a digital image equivalent to optical zooming) can also be used instead of or in combination with optical zooming. 
   The imager  24  and image display  26  can be used as a viewfinder  58  prior to image capture in place of or in combination with the optical viewfinder  58 , as is commonly done with digital still cameras  10 . This approach is not currently preferred, since battery usage is greatly increased. 
   A film shutter  92  shutters the light path to the exposure frame  45 . An imager shutter  94  shutters the light path to the imager  24 . Diaphragms/aperture plates  96  can also be provided in both of the paths. Each of the shutters  92 , 94  is switchable between an open state and a closed state. The term “shutter” is used in a broad sense to refer to physical and/or logical elements that provide the function of allowing the passage of light along a light path to a filmstrip or imager  24  for image capture and disallowing that passage at other times. “Shutter” is thus inclusive of, but not limited to, mechanical and electromechanical shutters of all types. “Shutter” is not inclusive of film transports and like mechanisms that simply move film or an imager  24  in and out of the light path. “Shutter” is inclusive of computer software and hardware features of electronic array imagers  24  that allow an imaging operation to be started and stopped under control of the camera controller. 
   In currently preferred embodiments, the film shutter  92  is mechanical or electromechanical and the imager shutter  94  is mechanical or electronic. The imager shutter  94  is illustrated by dashed lines to indicate both the position of a mechanical imager shutter and the function of an electronic shutter. When using a CCD, electronic shuttering of the imager  24  can be provided by shifting the accumulated charge under a light shielded register provided at a non-photosensitive region. This may be a full frame as in a frame transfer device CCD or a horizontal line in an interline transfer device CCD. Suitable devices and procedures are well known to those of skill in the art. When using a CID, the charge on each pixel is injected into a substrate at the beginning of the exposure. At the end of the exposure, the charge in each pixel is read. The difficulty encountered here is that the first pixel read has less exposure time than the last pixel read. The amount of difference is the time required to read the entire array. This may or may not be significant depending upon the total exposure time and the maximum time needed to read the entire array. 
   Signal lines  98  electronically connect the various components, for example, connecting the imager  24  through the control system  80  to the image display  26 . The imager  24  receives a light image and converts the light image to an analog electrical signal, that is, an analog electronic image. (For convenience, electronic images are generally discussed herein in the singular. Like considerations apply to each image of a plurality captured for a particular picture-taking event.) 
   The electronic imager  24  is driven by the imager driver  100 . The image display  26  mounted on the outside of the camera body  12  is driven by an image display driver  102  and produces a light image (also referred to here as a “display image”) that is viewed by the user. 
   The control system  80  controls other components of the camera  10  and performs processing related to the derived image. The control system  80 , as earlier discussed, includes the controller  81  and memory  54  and also includes an A/D converter  104  and an image processor  106 . Other components can also be provided, as discussed below, in detail. Suitable components for the control system  80  are known to those of skill in the art. Modifications of the control system  80  are practical, such as those described elsewhere herein. The controller  81  can be provided as a single component, such as a microprocessor, or as multiple components of equivalent function in distributed locations. The same considerations apply to the processor  106  and other components. Likewise, components illustrated as separate units herein may be conveniently combined or shared in some embodiments. 
   “Memory  54 ” refers to one or more suitably sized logical units of physical memory provided in semiconductor memory or magnetic memory, or the like. For example, the memory  54  can be an internal memory, such as a Flash EPROM memory, or alternately a removable memory, such as a CompactFlash card, or a combination of both. The controller  81  and image processor  106  can be controlled by software stored in the same physical memory  54  that is used for image storage, but it is preferred that the processor  106  and controller  81  are controlled by firmware stored in dedicated memory  54 , for example, in a ROM or EPROM firmware memory. Separate dedicated units of memory  54  can also be provided to support other functions. 
   The captured analog electronic image is amplified and converted by the analog to digital (A/D) converter-amplifier  104  to a digital electronic image, which is then processed in the image processor  106  and stored in the memory  54 . It is currently preferred that the signal lines  98  act as a data bus connecting the imager  24 , controller  81 , processor  106 , the image display  26 , and other electronic components. 
   The controller  81  includes a timing generator (not separately illustrated) that supplies control signals for all electronic components in timing relationship. Calibration values for the individual camera  10  are stored in a calibration memory  54  (not separately illustrated), such as an EEPROM, and supplied to the controller  81 . The controller  81  operates the memory or memories  54  and the drivers including the zoom drivers  78 , focus driver  88 , imager driver  100 , image display driver  102 , aperture drivers  108 , and film and imager shutter drivers  110 , 112 . The controller  81  connects to a flash circuit  115  that mediates flash functions. 
   It will be understood that the circuits shown and described can be modified in a variety of ways well known to those of skill in the art. It will also be understood that the various features described here in terms of physical circuits can be alternatively provided as firmware or software functions or a combination of the two. Likewise, components illustrated as separate units herein may be conveniently combined or shared in some embodiments. 
   The digital electronic image stored in memory  54 , is accessed by the processor  106 , and is modified so as to provide a required derived image. As a part of showing a derived image on the image display  26 , the camera  10  may modify the derived image for calibration to the particular display  26 . For example, a transform can be provided that modifies each image to accommodate the different capabilities in terms of gray scale, color gamut, and white point of the display  26  and the imager  24  and other components of the electronic capture unit. It is preferred that the display  26  is selected so as to permit all of the derived image to be shown, at an acceptable size and resolution, without requiring panning by the user or other user action; however, more limited displays  26  can be used. 
   The derived images can also be modified in the same manner that images are commonly enhanced in digital cameras. For example, processing can provide interpolation and edge enhancement. With a verification image in a hybrid digital-film embodiment, enhancements should be limited so as to not render the derived image dissimilar to the corresponding photofinished archival image. If the archival image is an electronic image, then comparable enhancements can be provided for both verification and archival images. Digital processing of an electronic archival image can also include modifications related to file transfer, such as, JPEG compression, and file formatting. 
   Enhancements can be provided to match the calibrated derived image to output characteristics of a selected photofinishing channel. Photofinishing related adjustments assume foreknowledge of the photofinishing procedures that will be followed for a particular unit of capture media. This foreknowledge can be made available by limiting photofinishing options for a particular capture media unit or by standardizing all available photofinishing or by requiring the user to select a photofinishing choice, for example by entering a character on a control pad or setting a switch. This designation can then direct the usage of particular photofinishing options and can provide for a direct or indirect indication of the effect in a derived image. The application of a designation on a capture media unit could be provided by a number of means known to those in the art, such as application of a magnetic or optical code. 
   Derived images can be prepared from the electronic image before being needed or as needed, as desired, subject to the limitations of processing speed and available memory. To minimize the size of the memory  54 , an electronic image can be processed and stored as a lower resolution image, before a succeeding image is read out from the imager  24 . 
   The controller  81  facilitates the transfers of the image, along the signal lines, between the electronic components and provides other control functions, as necessary. The controller  81  includes a timing generation circuit (not separately illustrated) that produces control signals for all electronic components in timing relationship. The controller  81  is illustrated as a single component, but it will be understood that this is a matter of convenience in illustration. The controller  81  can be provided as multiple components of equivalent function in distributed locations. The same considerations apply to the processor  106  and other components. Likewise, components illustrated as separate units herein may be conveniently combined or shared in some embodiments. 
   Different types of image display  26  can be used. For example, the image display  26  can be a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a cathode ray tube display, or an organic electroluminescent display (“OELD”; also referred to as an organic light emitting display, “OLED”). 
   The image display  26  is preferably mounted on the back or top of the body  12 , so as to be readily viewable by the photographer. One or more information displays  114  can be provided on the body  12 , to present camera information to the photographer, such as exposures remaining, battery state, flash state, number of prints ordered, and the like. For convenience, the information display  114  is generally discussed here in the singular. The information display  114  provides a variety of camera related information and can include a warning message if an archival image will provide an unsuitable quality print or other final image after photofinishing, as discussed below, in detail. The information display  114  and image display  26  can be provided by separate display devices or both can be provided by contiguous parts of a common display device. The information display  114  can be deleted if information is instead provided on the image display  26  as a superimposition on the image or alternately instead of the image (not illustrated). If separate, the information display  114  is operated by an information display driver  116 . The image display  26 , and an information display  114 , can be mounted instead or additionally so as to be viewable through the viewfinder as a virtual display (not shown). 
   It is preferred that the image display  26  is operated on demand by actuation of a switch (not separately illustrated) and that the image display  26  is turned off by a timer or by initial depression of the shutter release  22 . The timer can be provided as a function of the controller  81 . 
   Referring now particularly to  FIGS. 4-5 ,  9 , and  35  the camera  10  has user input elements including the shutter release  22 , a cropper input element  146 , a zooming input element  120 , and other user control features  122 . (The latter two are discussed in detail below.) The shutter release  22  operates both shutters  92 , 94 . To take a picture, the shutter release  22  is actuated by the user and trips from a set state to an intermediate state, and then to a released state. The shutter release  22  is typically actuated by pushing, and, for convenience the shutter release  22  is generally described herein in relation to a shutter button that is initially depressed through a “first stroke”, to actuate a first switch S 1  and alter the shutter release  22  from the set state to the intermediate state and is further depressed through a “second stroke”, to actuate a second switch S 2  and alter the shutter release  22  from the intermediate state to the released state. Like other two stroke shutter releases  22  well known in the art, the first stroke actuates exposure-delimiting camera components, such as autofocus, autoexposure, and flash unit readying; and the second stroke actuates capture of the archival image. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , when the shutter release  22  is pressed to the first stroke, the taking lens unit  76  and combined lens unit  64  are each autofocused to a detected subject distance based on subject distance data sent by the rangefinder  86  to the controller  81 . The controller  81  also receives data indicating what focal length the lens units  76 , 64  are set at from one or both of the zoom drivers  78  or a zoom sensor (not shown). The camera  10  also detects the film speed of the film cartridge  40  loaded into the camera  10  using a film unit detector  124  and relays this information to the controller  81 . The camera  10  obtains scene brightness (Bv) from components, discussed below, that function as a light meter. The scene brightness and other exposure parameters are provided to an algorithm in the controller  81 , which determines a focused distance, shutter speeds, apertures, and optionally a gain setting for amplification of the analog signal provided by the imager  24 . Appropriate signals for these values are sent to the drivers  88 , 100 , 108 , 110 , 112  via a motor driver interface (not shown) of the controller  81 . The gain setting is sent to the ASP-A/D converter  104 . 
   The camera  10  assesses ambient lighting using the imager  24  or a separate detector  126  (indicated by dashed lines in the figures) or both. The detector has an ambient detector driver  128  that operates a single sensor  129  or multiple sensors (not shown). The ambient light detector or sensors can receive light from the optical system  56  or can be illuminated external to the optical system  56 . 
   In some embodiments, the evaluation capture unit  18  is used to assess ambient lighting. In those embodiments, one or more electronic images are captured prior to capture of the archival image. The captured electronic image data from one or more of these preliminary images is sampled and scene parameters, such as automatic setting of shutter speeds and diaphragm settings, are determined from that data. These preliminary electronic images can be captured in a continuing sequence as long as the capture system  14  is in a preliminary mode. For example, preliminary images can be captured, seriatim, as long as the shutter release  22  is actuated through the first stroke and is maintained in that position. This capture of preliminary images ends when the shutter release  22  is returned to a stand-by position or is actuated through the second stroke for archival image capture. The preliminary electronic images could be saved to memory  54 ; but, except as otherwise described here, are ordinarily discarded, one after another, when the replacement electronic image is captured to reduce memory  54  usage. The preliminary images can also be provided to the image display  26  for use by the photographer, prior to picture taking, in composing the picture. This use of the image display  26  as an electronic viewfinder greatly increases energy usage and is not preferred for that reason. 
   The electronic capture unit is calibrated during assembly, to provide measures of illumination, using known values. For example, the controller  81  can process the data presented in a preliminary image using the same kinds of light metering algorithms as are used for multiple spot light meters. The procedure is repeated for each succeeding preliminary image. Individual pixels or groups of pixels take the place of the individual sensors used in the multiple spot light meters. For example, the controller  81  can determine a peak illumination intensity for the image by comparing pixel to pixel until a maximum is found. Similarly, the controller  81  can determine an overall intensity that is an arithmetic average of all of the pixels of the image. Many of the metering algorithms provide an average or integrated value over only a selected area of the imager array  24 , such as an upper middle region. Another approach is to evaluate multiple areas and weigh the areas differently to provide an overall value. For example, in a center weighted system, center pixels are weighted more than peripheral pixels. The camera  10  can provide manual switching between different approaches, such as center weighted and spot metering. The camera  10  can alternatively, automatically choose a metering approach based on an evaluation of scene content. For example, an image having a broad horizontal bright area at the top can be interpreted as sky and given a particular weight relative to the remainder of the image. 
   Under moderate lighting conditions, the imager  24  can provide light metering and color balance determination from a single preliminary image. More extreme lighting conditions can be accommodated by use of more than one member of the series of preliminary electronic images while varying exposure parameters until an acceptable electronic image has been captured. The manner in which the parameters are varied is not critical. 
   After the controller  81  receives the scene brightness value, the controller  81  compares scene brightness to a flash trip point. If the light level is lower than the flash trip point, then the controller  81  enables full illumination by the flash unit  36 , unless the user manually turned the flash off. Appropriate algorithms and features for these approaches are well known to those of skill in the art. 
   A second switch S 2  actuates when the shutter release  22  is further pushed to a second stroke. When the second switch S 2  actuates, the film shutter  92  is tripped and the capture of the latent image exposure on the film frame begins. The film shutter  92  momentarily opens for a duration referred to herein as an “archival image exposure time interval”. The imager shutter  94  is also actuated and momentarily opens one or more times during the archival image exposure time interval. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  9 - 20 ,  28 , and  35  in particular embodiments, a mechanical cropper  130  is mounted in the body  12  of the camera  10 . The cropper  130  has pair of vanes  132 , 134 . The vanes  132 , 134  together define a window  136  in the viewfinder light path. The position of the vanes  132 , 134  is controlled by a vane driver  142 . The vanes  132 , 134  can be located anywhere along the viewfinder  58 , but it is preferred that the vanes  132 , 134  are located against either the front cover  28  or the rear cover  30 . In the following discussion of various embodiments, the vanes  132 , 134  are located against the inside of the front cover, unless specifically indicated otherwise. 
   The cropper input element  146  is part of the cropper  130  and is operatively connected to the rest of the vane driver  142  directly or through the controller  81 . The cropper input element  146  allows the user to move the vanes  132 , 134  from any one of the positions to any other. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 10 , the cropper input element  146  is a user manipulated electrical switch that extends through the shell of the body  12  to the outside. Manual input elements and other kinds of electrical switches and controls can also be used. For example, a voice operated control circuit (not shown) can be used. 
   Each vane  132 , 134  is movable toward and away from the viewfinder axis  79 , so as to differently intercept the viewfinder light path. The two vanes  132 , 134  move in parallel and in opposite directions (indicated by arrow  137 ), along respective members of a pair of movement axes  31 , 33  (shown in FIG.  10 ). Each vane  132 , 134  moves back and forth oblique to the legs  133 , 135  and to the height and width dimensions of the window  136 . 
   In the embodiments disclosed herein, the vanes move along movement axes  31 , 33  that are at an oblique angle to the legs  133 , 135  and to the height and width dimensions of the window  136 . The vanes  132 , 134 , are flattened and perpendicular to the viewfinder axis  79 , and closely adjoin each other in an axial direction. The vanes  132 , 134  are L-shaped. The two legs  133 , 135  of each L are orthogonal. In each position of the vanes  132 , 134 , the window  136  is rectangular in a cross-section aligned with the viewfinder entrance  139  and viewfinder exit  138 . This is in accord with conventional photofinishing systems, in which hard copy output is rectangular. Vane shape could be varied to show other shapes of final images. 
   The vanes  132 , 134  are movable, as selected by the user and relative to each other and the viewfinder axis  79 , between first and second positions. In the embodiments discussed herein, except as otherwise indicated, the first and second positions are end positions, beyond which further vane movement is not possible or beyond which further vane movement does not change the window in the viewfinder  58 . The vanes  132 , 134  can be paused in the first and second positions and in any intermediate position between the first and second positions. (As an option, the vanes  132 , 134  can be movable toward each other until the entire viewfinder light path is occluded and all light is blocked or filtered. This inactive mode is not referred to herein as a “position” of the vanes  132 , 134 .) 
   The edges  140  of the vanes  132 , 134  that form the window  136  surround an unblocked and unfiltered portion of the viewfinder light path. The remainder of the viewfinder light path is blocked or filtered. In the former case, the vanes  132 , 134  are made of opaque material. In the latter case, the vanes  132 , 134  are filter stock. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , the vane driver  142  includes a motor  144  connected to the vanes  132 , 134  and a cropper input element  146  that is actuated by the user to change the position of the vanes. The motor  144  is connected to the controller  81  by a signal line. Electrical power can be supplied to the motor by a battery or other power source (not shown) through the control system or directly. 
   The vane driver  142  preferably moves the vanes  132 , 134  reciprocally in tandem and symmetrically about the viewfinder axis  79 . The movement of the vanes  132 , 134  changes the size, and preferably, the shape of the window  136 . (Window shape is generally described herein in terms of the aspect ratio of the height dimension to the width dimension.) 
   The vane driver  142  can be mechanical or electrical or can combine the two. In a simple case, the two vanes  132 , 134  can each be operated by a motor  144  actuated as required, by the controller  81 . For example, the motor  144  can be a stepper motor or servomotor with an appropriate circuit. Alternatively, separate motors for each vane can be operated in tandem by the controller  81 . The motor or motors can operate the vanes  132 , 134  indirectly through a gear train or other mechanism. Manual operation can also be provided. With a manually driven cropper  130 , the cropping input element  146  is mechanically coupled to the vanes  132 , 134 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 11-18 , the cropper input element  146  extends through the body  12  to the outside. The mechanical coupling is direct between the cropping input element  146  and the vanes  132 , 134 ; that is there is no intermediate part that moves separately from the cropping input element  146  between the cropping input element  146  and the vanes  132 , 134 . This approach has the advantage of simplicity. 
   The intermediate positions of the vanes extend continuously between the first and second positions. In other words, the intermediate positions are large in number and are evenly spaced between the first and second positions. The limit on the number and spacing of intermediate positions is a function of the vane driver  142 . Inherent limitations on the positioning of such drive components as stepper motors and gear trains are well known to those of skill in the art and can be varied as desired, within practical and economic limitations. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 10-13 , in particular embodiments, the window  136  is square when the vanes  132 , 134  are in a center intermediate position midway between the first and second positions. In this case, when the vanes  132 , 134  are moved, the aspect ratio (width to height) of the window  136  varies continuously and is different in every position of the vanes  132 , 134 . Some of the aspect ratios available in the embodiment of  FIGS. 11-13  are shown in FIG.  14 . The aspect ratio in the first position (indicated by reference numeral  401 ) is a narrow vertical aspect ratio. In the second position  402 , the aspect ratio is narrow and horizontal. The aspect ratio of one is the inverse of the aspect ratio of the other. (The terms first and second positions are arbitrary.) In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , the aspect ratios in the first and second positions are 1 to 5 and 5 to 1, respectively. In intermediate positions  403 , 404 , 405 , 406 , 407  the aspect ratio varies, with a square aspect ratio  405  in the center intermediate position. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15-16  is similar, but the aspect ratios are less extreme in the first and second positions. 
   The vane driver  142  can have a repositioner  148  (illustrated in  FIG. 35 , as a dashed line box) that moves the vanes  132 , 134  to one or more predetermined positions under certain preassigned conditions. A simple repositioner  148  can be in the form of appropriate programming in the controller  81  that returns the vanes  132 , 134  to the default position whenever a predetermined condition is encountered; for example, when the camera  10  is turned off or turned on. This allows the camera  10  to start in a consistent initial state. A mechanical equivalent of this default repositioner  148  is a centering spring (not shown) that returns the cropper input element  146  to a centered position when released by the user. 
   The vane position or positions provided by the repositioner  148  can be any of the available positions. For example, a convenient default aspect ratio is a square in the middle between vertical and horizontal non-square aspect ratios. Another convenient default state is an aspect ratio that matches the aspect ratio of the imager  24 . This aspect ratio provides the greatest number of pixels. With a hybrid film-digital camera  10 , a convenient aspect ratio for dual mode image capture (digital and film) is either the native (uncropped) aspect ratio of a film frame or the aspect ratio of the imager  24 . 
   The controller  81  is provided with inputs defining the position of the vanes  132 , 134 . Those inputs are used to either crop the electronic image at or immediately after capture or to record metadata with the digital image, defining cropping information or, with a hybrid camera, to record similar metadata (optical, magnetic or in some other form) in association with the respective film image. An electrical input element can supply the necessary inputs directly to the controller. 
   A mechanical input element can supply the inputs by use of a sensor. An infrared emitter-detector pair  147  is shown in  FIG. 31  positioned on either side of an extension  150  bearing optical synchronizer markings (not illustrated). Movement of the markings is detected and the digital image is cropped accordingly. Sensors used to detect movement of zoom lenses are well known to those of skill in the art and can be used here to detect movement of an extension or vane (or zoom arm discussed below) in the same manner as detecting movement of a zoom lens component. 
   A mechanical input element can supply the inputs directly to an electrical input element within the camera body; for example, the shaft of the pinion can be coupled directly or indirectly to a variable resistor. 
   The controller  81  can be programmed to retain the vanes  132 , 134  in a current position until an action is taken or a predetermined amount of time has elapsed or the camera state has changed due to a timed power down, or the like. This exploits a principle of “locality of aspect ratio” that assumes that the photographer&#39;s currently selected aspect ratio is likely to either match or be close to the aspect ratio that will be desired for the next photograph. The opposite approach can also be provided. In that case, the camera  10  resets to the default vane position after every exposure. 
     FIG. 20  illustrates a repositioner  148  having three preset positions. The cropper input element  146  is a slider that protrudes through a slot in a cover  28  of the camera  10 . The cover  28  of the camera  10  has three spaced spring-loaded detents  149  and an adjoining surface of the cropper input element  146  has a cup-shaped cut-out  151  that can receive the detents  149 . In this case, the vanes  132 , 134  can be easily moved, on demand, from an arbitrary position to one of the preset positions or one of the non-preset positions. The repositioner  148  can be conveniently provided as a part of control unit programming. In a hybrid camera  10 , one use of preset modes is to allow for easy vane movement to positions corresponding to film cropping formats, such as C, H, and P formats for Advanced Photo System™ film. 
   Detents can also be provided by controller programming that creates a “dead zone” on the cropper input element  146  in the vicinity of each preset aspect ratio so that all control settings in the vicinity of the preset aspect ratio will produce to the exact ratio of the preset aspect ratio. Aspect ratio changes remain continuous outside the dead zones. An indication can be provided on the information display or in some other manner to show the user when a particular preset aspect ratio has been selected by the cropping control knob. The control unit can alternatively limit aspect ratio changes to the presets in particular capture modes, such as film capture without archival digital capture. 
   In addition to altering the vane position, the repositioner can change other camera features so as to define specific photography modes. For example, the repositioner can have a portrait mode that moves the vanes  132 , 134  to a preselected vertical aspect ratio and simultaneously zooms a zoom taking lens in so as to fill the frame. This would encourage a high-quality portrait while allowing the photographer to stand a comfortable distance away from the subject. Another example is a panoramic mode that moves the vanes  132 , 134  to a long horizontal aspect ratio while also zooming a taking lens to a wide view angle. In both of these examples, a zoom viewfinder lens coupled to the taking lens or a viewfinder zoom mask  530  (discussed below) is desirable to aid the user in composing pictures. These features can be implemented in software of the controller  81 . 
   Some of the aspect ratios provided by the cropper  130  can be more extreme than standard photographic formats. Such high-aspect ratio photographs are useful for special-purpose images such as borders of composite image, use along the bottom or side of letterhead, and the like. The cropper  130  has the advantage that the final image aspect ratio can be seen clearly at capture time, allowing the photographer to adjust view direction and camera  10  angle as necessary to capture the desired image content. As earlier mentioned, in some cases such as extreme aspect ratios, it may be desirable to use a transparent material for the vanes  132 , 134 , so that the photographer can more easily ascertain included and excluded scene features. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 10-20 , in particular embodiments an extension  150 , 152  is joined in fixed (immobile) relation to or continuous with each of the vanes  132 , 134 , respectively. (The term “vane-extension” is used herein to refer to the combination of a vane  150 , 152  and the respective extension  132 , 134 .) Each extension  150 , 152  has one or more guide portions  154 . The cover has one or more guide sections. The guide sections  156  allow linear movement of the guide portions  154  along the guide sections, but permit little or no side-to-side movement within the guide sections  156 . In the illustrated embodiments, the guide portions  154  are shaped like pins that extend outward from the respective extension  150 , 152  into the respective guide section. Two parallel guide sections  156  in the cover are each shaped like a narrow rectangle or oval and can be in the form of a groove recessed in the respective cover or a inwardly extending rim that stands proud of the rest of the cover. Two pin-shaped guide portions  154  slide along a respective guide section  156 . The guide portions  154  and guide sections  156  can have other shapes. For example, the guide sections  156  can be shaped like pins and the guide portions  154  can provide tracks in the form of slots. Likewise, a linear bearing could be used in place of a guide portion  154  and respective guide section  156 . 
   The extensions  150 , 152  and vanes  132 , 134  are blocked by backing  158  from moving away from the front cover. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the backing  158  is in the form of separate flanges that extend along respective extensions  150 , 152  and vanes  132 , 134 . Thus, the extensions  150 , 152  and vanes  132 , 134  are trapped between the backing  158  and the cover. The configuration of the backing can be changed. For example, the backing can be a continuous plate attached to one or both covers or can be part of the frame  32 . 
   The extensions  150  are mechanically coupled to move the vanes  132 , 134  in tandem. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 10-18 , each extension  150  has a linear rack  160  and the cropper  130  has a pinion  162  that is meshed with both racks  160 . The axle of the pinion is held by a cup  163  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) molded in the cover and a matching cup (not shown) in the backing  158 . The cups prevent translation of the pinion relative to the cover. Both racks  160  are meshed with the pinion  162 . The pinion  162  couples the motion of the two vanes  132 , 134 , synchronizing them in opposite directions. 
   In  FIG. 10 , the pinion  162  is rotated, clockwise and counter-clockwise, by a primary gear  164  to move the vanes  132 , 134  between positions. The primary gear  164  is joined in fixed (immobile) relation to the pinion  162 . The primary gear  164  is meshed with a secondary gear  166  that is joined in fixed relation to a motor  144  or the shaft of a cropper input element in the form of a rotatable knob (not shown). In  FIG. 11 , the cropper input element  146  is a finger wheel that replaces the primary gear  164  that drives the pinion  162 . 
   The backing  158 , shown in  FIGS. 31-33 , holds guide portions  154  of the two extensions  150  against the guide sections  156  and the pinion  162  in the cup (not shown). The guide portions  154  are constrained by the guide sections  156  and backing  158 , limiting movement of each of the vanes  132 , 134  (within manufacturing tolerances) to sliding in a direction parallel to the respective guide sections. The vanes  132 , 134  lie in two parallel overlapping planes. This spacing can be provided by an offset in one of the guide sections  156 , as shown in  FIG. 31 , or a step in one of the extensions  150  (not shown), or in some other manner. 
   The pinion  162  can be driven through a gear train to achieve desired ratios between cropper input element motion and vane motion. For example, a gear train can be used in place of pinion  162 , if desired, to reduce the size or relocate the finger wheel or to adjust the mechanical advantage, or to provide a combination of these effects. The pinion  162  can have a larger diameter. The primary gear  164  or finger wheel can be reduced to a sector to reduce bulk. 
   The position of mechanically driven vanes  132 , 134  during use, can be held by internal resistance of the various parts, if the user removes a finger or otherwise momentarily stops vane movement. Alternatively, a slip clutch  186  can bear against a vane or extension or other part to prevent unintended movement of the vanes. A wide variety of slip clutches are well known to those of skill in the art. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 32 , the slip clutch  186  is a pair of compression springs  192  and a pair of pressure elements  194  pressed by the compression springs  192  against a cropper input element  146  of the type shown in FIG.  11 . The compression springs  192  and pressure elements  194  are selected to allow required movement of the cropper input element  146 . 
   The relative position of the vanes  132 , 134  and extensions  150  can be varied to accommodate differently located viewfinders and to adapt to particular camera body shapes and available space. The guide sections  156  can be located at different places relative to the viewfinder and can be slanted toward the upper right instead of the upper left. This allows different locating of the mechanism in the camera body  12 . The extensions can be reshaped as necessary to meet spatial limitations of a particular embodiment. The vanes  132 , 134  and respective extensions  150 , 152 , which are one-piece plastic castings in the illustrated embodiments, can also be made as two separate parts that are mechanically coupled together. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , the gears  164 , 166  are bevel gears. (In this drawing, as in many other drawings herein, gear teeth may not be shown.) These and other mechanical features can be changed. For example, mounting features can be provided in other parts than one of the covers  28 , 30 , such as the chassis  32  or an intermediate plate (not shown). The gears and gear trains disclosed herein can be replaced by like mechanical components, such as friction wheels and friction wheel trains. Belts, toothed or smooth, and sprockets are other types of mechanical features that can also be used in a modified mechanism. 
   In a particular embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 17-18  and  33 , the camera  10  has a lens cover  174  that is movable between an open position and a closed position. ( FIG. 18  illustrates the closed position, in which the lens cover  174  covers an opening  175  in the front cover  28  for the taking lens.) The lens cover  174  has a handle  182  that rides in a through-slot  176  in the front cover  28  of the body  12 . The lens cover  174  is held in place by a slip clutch  186  and/or backing (not shown), in the same manner as the other components earlier discussed. 
   The lens cover  174  and a modified extension  150   a  act as a default repositioner. The lens cover  174  has a main portion  178  and a cam follower  180  joined to the main portion  178 . The lens cover  174  is spaced from the capture light path in the open position (not shown). The main portion  178  occludes the capture light path when the lens cover  174  is in the closed position (shown in FIG.  18 ). A handle  182  of the lens cover  174  protrudes through the front cover  28  and is manually movable to open or close the lens cover  174 . 
   The extension  150   a  of the lower vane  132  has a cam surface  184  that is matched to the shape of the cam follower  180 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17-18 , the cam follower  180  chocks the lower vane  132 , braking cropper  130  movement, when the lens cover  174  is in the closed position. When the lens cover  174  is moved from the open position to the closed position, the cam follower  180  engages the cam surface  184  and drives the vanes  132 , 134  to the center intermediate position. When the lens cover  174  is in the open position, the taking lens  76  is uncovered and the vanes  132 , 134  are movable through their entire range of travel. Movement of the lens cover  174  to the closed position centers a mechanically linked cropper input element  146 . This can be problematic if the knob of the cropper input element  146  is gripped, at that time, by the user. A slip clutch can be provided in the knob to resolve this problem. Reset of vane position to a default after every exposure can be provided by suitable programming of the controller  81 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 28 , in particular embodiments of the invention, a zoom masking mechanism  530  is mounted in the body  12  of the camera  10 , in addition to the cropper  630 . The two mechanisms together control the viewfinder window  136 . The zoom masking mechanism  530  reduces the size of the window  136  while maintaining a constant aspect ratio. The cropper  630  modifies the shape of the window  136  by changing the aspect ratio. 
   The zoom mask  530  has pair of opposed L-shaped zoom arms  532 ,  534 . The zoom mask arms have zoom mask extensions  550 ,  552 . These extensions have zoom guide portions  554  that engage zoom guide sections  556 . The zoom guide sections  556  are attached to the camera body  12 . The directions of movement of the guide portions  554  of the zoom mask extensions  550 , 552  are indicated by arrow  537 . The extensions each have a zoom rack  560  that engages a zoom pinion  562 , which couples the zoom mask arms  532 , 534  to move in opposite directions. The zoom pinion  562  is attached to a zoom primary gear  564 , which is driven by a zoom secondary gear  566 , which is in turn driven by a zoom motor  544 . 
   The cropper  630  has pair of opposed L-shaped cropper vanes  632 ,  634 . The cropper vanes have cropper extensions  650 ,  652 . The cropper also has a pair of cropper links  680 ,  682 . The cropper links have guide portions  684 , which engage guide sections  686  in the cropper extensions  650 , 652 . The links have additional guide portions  688  that engage cropper guide sections  156 , attached to the camera body  12 . The directions of movement of the guide portions  688  of the links  680 ,  682  are indicated by arrow  137 . The cropper links each have a cropper rack  660  that engages the cropper pinion  162 , which couples the links  680 ,  682  to move in opposite directions. The cropper pinion  162  is attached to a cropper primary gear  164 , which is driven by a cropper secondary gear  166 , which is in turn driven by a cropper motor  144 . 
   The cropper vanes  632 ,  634  have guide portions  654  which engage guide sections  656  attached to the zoom arms  532 ,  534 . The guide sections  656  and guide portions  654  constrain the cropper vanes  632 ,  634  to move parallel to arrow  137 , when the zoom arms  532 ,  534  are held in a fixed position. The guide portions  684  and guide sections  686  constrain the cropper vanes  632 ,  634  to move in tandem with the cropper links  680 ,  682 . Because of the linkage of the various racks, pinions, and guides, the cropper vanes  632 ,  634  move in opposite directions parallel to arrow  537  when the zoom motor  544  turns, and these same vanes move in opposite directions parallel to arrow  137  when the cropper motor  144  turns. 
     FIGS. 28-30  show how this mechanism can adjust both zoom and aspect ratio as seen through the viewfinder.  FIG. 28  shows the mechanism in the fully zoomed out position, with a square aspect ratio. 
     FIG. 29  shows the mechanism after the zoom motor  544  has turned, causing the zoom primary gear  564  and attached zoom pinion  562  to rotate counter-clockwise. This causes the zoom arms  532 ,  534  to move in opposite directions, parallel to arrow  537 . The cropper vanes  632 ,  634  follow this motion, which causes the viewfinder window  136  to become smaller while maintaining its square aspect ratio. 
     FIG. 30  shows the mechanism in the zoom configuration of  FIG. 29 , but after the cropper motor  144  has turned. When the cropper motor  144  turns, the cropper primary gear  164  and cropper pinion  162  to turn counter-clockwise. This causes the links  680 ,  682  to move in opposite directions, parallel to arrow  137 . The cropper vanes  632 ,  634  follow the links, resulting in a change in the aspect ratio of the viewfinder window  136 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 19 , in particular embodiments, the cropper  130  has a lever-based mechanism controlled by a sliding cropper input element  146 . This mechanism is similar to those earlier discussed, except that gearing is replaced by levers. A main lever  206  is pinned at a centerpoint to the camera cover  28  or  30 . The main lever  206  is pivotable about an axle  208  that extends through the centerpoint. The axle  208  can be held in position by a cup in the same manner as the pinion  162 , earlier discussed. The extensions  150  again have guide portions  154  that ride in guide sections  156  formed in the cover and are held in place in the same manner as in earlier embodiments. The guide portions  154  and guide sections  156  constrain the movement of the vanes  132 , 134  to sliding in directions indicated by arrow  137 . 
   The extensions  150 , 152  each have a secondary guide portion  210  that interacts with a secondary guide  212  provided at each end of the main lever  206 . The secondary guide portion  210  and secondary guide  212  can be provided in the same manner as the guide portions  154  and guide sections  156  earlier discussed. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary guide portions  210  are pins and the secondary guides  212  are slots that receive the pins. The main lever  206  has a main lever guide  214  that interacts with a traversing guide  216  on the sliding cropper input element  146 . In the illustrated embodiment, the main lever guide  214  is a pin and the traversing guide  216  is a slot that receives the pin. The sliding cropper input element  146  is a knob having an elongated neck  218  that extends into the body  12 . The neck  218  includes the traversing guide  216 . The main lever  206  is moved by the knob  146 . The main lever  206 , in turn, drives the vane-extensions with the motion coupled, and synchronized in opposite directions.  FIG. 19  shows the cropper  130  in a center intermediate position. 
   A variety of different kinds of electrical switch types can be used as the cropper input element  146 . The cropper input element  146  can have two states. In this case, the controller  81  retains the vane position in one state and cycles the position of the vanes step by step in one direction or back and forth, in the other state. This approach is not preferred, since it is relatively slow and cumbersome. Another alternative is three states. In this case, there are two active states, for stepping the vanes up and down, respectively. Both of these approaches can be modified to change positions faster if the input element is retained in one of the active states or is rapidly actuated. This allows the user to quickly change to a desired range of positions and then more slowly select a position within that range. The position of the input element can also map to a particular vane position. This is convenient for mechanical input elements and can also be provided with electrical input elements. 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , in particular embodiments, the photographer changes vane position by moving a knob-shaped cropper input element  146  to change the position of a switch (not separately illustrated). The user rotates or slides the cropper input element in either of two opposed directions to alter the vane positions. Each position of the cropper input element  146  can correspond to a specific position of the vanes and, thus, a specific aspect ratio. Alternatively, the vane positions can change stepwise as the cropper input element is actuated, with the rate of alteration of the vane positions proportional to speed of movement or extent of deflection of the cropper input element. A touch pad or other force sensitive input device can be used in the same manner as the rotary or slide switch. 
   It is preferred that the user be able to manipulate the knob of the switch with a single finger or thumb, without repositioning of the digit. This makes use intuitive and frees up the user&#39;s attention for composition and subject matter issues. For this reason and other limitations, a pair of button switches (not shown) may be used as the cropper input element  146 , but are not preferred. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 10 , in use, the photographer moves the knob, which activates the switch and sends an electrical signal to the controller, which process this signal and sends an appropriate signal to the motor, which turns the mechanism in the required direction and changes the position of the vanes  132 , 134 . 
   It is preferred that the cropper input element  146  is movable between two opposed cropping control positions. Those positions define a cropping control axis  228 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the cropper input element  146  slides (indicated by double-headed arrow  228   a ) between the two positions. The cropper input element  146  rotates (indicated by double-headed arrow  228   b ) between the two positions. In some embodiments, the camera  10  includes a zoom taking lens that is movable independent of the cropper  130 . In those embodiments a zoom input element is disposed on the outside of the shell of the body  12 . The zoom input element is movable between two opposed zoom control positions. Those positions define a zoom control axis. 
   It is preferred that the cropping control axis  228  is perpendicular to the optical axis  77  of the capture unit and that the zoom control axis  230  is parallel to the optical axis  77  and perpendicular to the cropping control axis  228 . This approach has the advantage that movement of the zoom control is intuitive. The front to back/back to front zoom control axis  230  corresponds to out and in zooming movements. The side-to-side orientation of the cropping control axis  228  is somewhat intuitive of the cropping process. The movement of the cropper input element  146  can reinforce this further by following a track along the camera that resembles the changed position of the edges of the window. This is shown in FIG.  35 . 
   The cropper input element  146  is switched between positions by manipulation at or toward one side or the other of the camera  10 , to alter positions in one direction or other direction. The specific manipulation required in each case can vary. For example, the cropper input element  146  can have two downwardly depressible buttons aligned along the cropping control axis, or a rocker switch or pivotable wheel or pivotable sector aligned so as to pivot from side-to-side. The zoom input element can be provided in the same ways as the cropper input element  146 , but in a front-back direction. Both input elements can be provided in a like manner or differently. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 27   a , in a particular embodiment, the cropper input element  146  is a wheel or sector that pivots from side-to-side and the zoom control is a pair of depressible buttons aligned with the middle of the cropper input element  146 . This kind of cropper input element  146  mechanically coupled directly to the vanes  132 , 134  is convenient and relatively simple. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the cropper input element is in the form of a manually operated finger wheel or sector that is rotated clockwise to cropping toward the first position and is rotated counter-clockwise to crop toward the second position. The finger wheel can be partially cut away to reduce bulk. 
   In particular embodiments, the cropper input element  146  and zoom input element have a common user interface that allows the user to crop and zoom the viewfinder image by shifting a finger, without removal and repositioning. This is easier to use without looking than some other types of input elements. Referring now to  FIGS. 21   a ,  26 ,  27   b , and  27   c , in particular embodiments, cropping and zooming inputs are provided by a four-way rocker button  188 . The button  188  has four pads  220 , 222 , 224 , 226  arranged in a cross. The button  188  is pivotable about orthogonal control and zoom axes  228 , 230  to actuate any of four switches  232 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 26 , springs  234  bear against the switches  232  and an underlying portion of the cover  28  and together bias the button  188  toward a neutral position and the switches toward an open state. Many variants of this four-way button will be apparent to those of skill in the art. For example,  FIG. 27   b  shows a button  234  which can pivot in any direction relative to a vertical axis (coming out of the page in  FIG. 27   b ). The rocker button  234  can be pressed in a diagonal direction to change zoom and cropper mechanisms simultaneously.  FIG. 27   d  is a modification, in which a four-way force-sensing switch  236  replaces the four-way rocker button.  FIGS. 27   c  and  26  are another modification in which a shutter release  22  is disposed in the center of the rocker button  188 . (The shutter release switch  238  is shown in simplified form. A two stroke switch, as earlier discussed, is applicable here.) The rocker button  188 , in this case, can be configured to require a low amount of force to change positions, with the shutter button  22  configured to require a greater amount of force.  FIG. 26  illustrates, in diagrammatical form, an example of such a button and circuitry to the controller  81 . 
     FIGS. 21-25  show the effect of using these controls.  FIGS. 21   a ,  22   a ,  23   a ,  24   a , and  25   a  show the top view of a camera with a zoom and crop mechanism controlled by a four-way rocker button  188 . The shutter button  22  is separate in this embodiment. Pressing any of the four pads on the rocker button  188  changes the appropriate camera setting, and pressing the pad again or holding the pad down continues to change the setting until the limit is reached.  FIGS. 22   b ,  23   b ,  24   b , and  25   b  show the result of pressing individual pads until the setting limit is reached. 
   In  FIG. 21   a , the current camera settings are the normal zoom position and center intermediate cropper position.  FIG. 21   b  shows the image seen in the viewfinder for an example photographic situation. In this view, three full-height people can be seen. 
     FIG. 22   a  shows the effect of pressing the front pad of the rocker button  188 . This commands a control input along the zoom control axis  230 , which drives the optical zoom lens and viewfinder optics to zoom in and display the image shown in  FIG. 22   b , which shows an enlarged view of the torso of the center person in the scene. 
     FIG. 23   a  shows the effect of pressing the left pad of the rocker button  188 . This commands a control input along the cropping control axis  228 , which drives the cropper vanes to produce the view shown in  FIG. 23   b . In this view, the center person can still be seen at the same full-height magnification, but the people on the left and right are cropped out of the image. 
     FIG. 24   a  shows the effect of pressing the right pad of the rocker button  188 . This commands an opposite control input along the cropping control axis  228 , which drives the cropper vanes to produce the view shown in  FIG. 24   b . In this view, the magnification remains the same and all three people remain visible, but the legs of the people are cropped out of the image. Note that in order to obtain this view, the photographer had to adjust the view direction slightly, since the subject matter of interest was not centered in the original view. The opportunity to adjust view direction in response to cropping considerations is one of the advantages of the invention. 
     FIG. 25   a  shows the effect of pressing the back pad of the rocker button  188 . This commands a control input along the zoom control axis  230 , this time in the zoom out direction. This command drives the optical zoom lens and viewfinder zoom optics to display the image shown in  FIG. 25   b , which shows a wide angle view of the scene which includes additional people and a large building in the background. 
   The cropper input element  146  is operated prior to image capture to aid the photographer in capturing a scene. The cropper  130  includes one or more sensors that detect the position of the vanes  132 , 134  or movement of the vanes  132 , 134  between the positions. The image captured is indicated by the status of the sensors at the time of capture. The control unit receives signals from the sensors and, in response crops an electronic image to match said window formed by the vanes  132 , 134  in the current position. The manner of cropping can be varied. For example, the control unit can crop the archival image, immediately after capture, and save the archival image as cropped. Alternatively, an evaluation image can be cropped and displayed to the user for review. The archival image can be cropped and then saved when the user takes an action or fails to act within a default time period. The archival image can be saved without cropping, but with incorporated metadata that provide cropping instructions. The use of metadata instructions in image files is well known to those of skill in the art. With a film camera  10  or film-digital hybrid camera  10 , similar instructions can be supplied with images. The use of such instructions is also well known to those of skill in the art. For example, instructions can be provided in a magnetic layer or by optical encodement, as with Advanced Photo System™ films. 
   In addition to evaluation images and archival images, preliminary images can also be cropped when shown on the camera display  26 . This allows use of the display  26  as an electronic viewfinder, in alternation with or simultaneously with an optical viewfinder  58 . Just as the viewfinder vanes  132 , 134  can be either opaque or translucent, the image shown on the display  26  can either completely omit the cropped areas (simulating the opaque vanes  132 , 134 ), or show the cropped areas differently, such as with lower contrast (simulating the translucent vanes  132 , 134 ). 
   The cropping provided after capture can be reversible or irreversible. Reversible cropping can be provided by the inclusion of metadata within a digital image (image file or files) that indicates cropping boundaries. Alternatively, information necessary to restore a cropped image can be stored with the cropped image. The provision of metadata of this type within image files is well known to those of skill in the art. The cropping can alternatively be irreversible. In this case, the cropped portions of the image are not saved in long term memory  54 . 
   The irreversible cropping can occur at any stage in the process of capture and storage of the digital image. For example, reading of a CMOS imager  24  can be limited to the uncropped image area, or an uncropped image in memory  54  can be replaced with the corresponding cropped image. Cropping can also be initially reversible and later irreversible. For example, the cropped portions or uncropped copies of the digital images can be temporarily saved prior to later discard. For example, irreversibly cropped digital images can be saved in removable memory  54  and uncropped copies of the cropped images can be saved in non-removable camera memory  54 . When the removable memory  54  is removed, the uncropped copies can be automatically discarded. 
   The cropped images can automatically be output as photographic prints or other final images, in cropped form, using appropriately configured output equipment. Use of metadata to determine the format of printed final images is well known in the art. With irreversibly cropped images, a wide variety of aspect ratios can be present in a set of captured images. Fitting the images to a standard output size in photofinishing equipment can be resolved by chopping paper of a standard width to an arbitrary length corresponding to the photographer&#39;s desired aspect ratio for each image. An alternative approach is automatically grouping images and then printing the grouped images as a single sheet, for example, as a printed album page. Images intended for printing only after further manipulation, such as narrow aspect ratio images intended for use on letterhead, can be displayed to the user in the captured and stored aspect ratio and can then be further modified, if desired. The cropped images can also be automatically displayed in cropped form on electronic image displays  26 . 
   The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.