JP2011130147A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that has both portability during movement and stability during shooting.
A camera body and a grip part 200 provided on the opposite side of the camera body from the photographing lens side are provided, and the grip part 200 slides in an oblique direction with respect to the optical axis of the photographing lens. It is characterized by. As a result, when the camera is not photographed, the camera body and the grip part 200 have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or a substantially cylindrical shape, while at the time of photography, the grip part 200 slides obliquely with respect to the optical axis of the photographing lens as a grip. To fulfill the functions of
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, and more particularly to an imaging device that achieves both portability during movement and stability during shooting.

  The use of interchangeable lens digital cameras that incorporate a larger image sensor than a compact digital camera and improve the image quality by employing a larger lens is remarkable. As its name suggests, interchangeable lens digital cameras have become popular among professionals and high amateurs in that various images can be created by exchanging lenses.

  Today, however, a variety of technologies cultivated in compact digital cameras, such as the face recognition function, have been transplanted to create more user-friendly interchangeable lens digital cameras. This will expand the user base of interchangeable lens digital cameras.

  On the other hand, general users tend to place more emphasis on portability when moving. Patent Document 1 discloses a camera grip that improves the stability at the time of photographing by making the exterior end portion movable in the front direction.

  In a compact digital camera, the lens barrel is generally retracted and stored in the camera body at the time of non-photographing, and is generally in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Therefore, when the grip of the camera described in Patent Document 1 is adopted for the compact digital camera, it is possible to improve the stability at the time of shooting while maintaining the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when not shooting.

JP 2006-018174 A

  On the other hand, in an interchangeable lens digital camera, it is common that there is no change in shape even during non-shooting. That is, when observed from above, the camera body and the lens generally form a letter T shape. At this time, the camera body corresponds to a T-shaped horizontal bar, and the lens corresponds to a vertical bar.

  Therefore, even if the grip of the camera described in Patent Document 1 is applied to an interchangeable lens digital camera, a great effect cannot be expected to improve portability during movement. In the first place, in a lens-interchangeable digital camera, a relatively large grip portion is generally provided at the end of the camera body.

  Of course, the lens can be removed from the camera body and stored separately. However, it is troublesome for a general user to attach a lens to the camera body at the time of shooting and remove it at the time of non-shooting.

  Further, since the opening of the mount is exposed in the camera body from which the lens is removed, it is necessary to attach a protective cap to the mount in order to prevent dust from entering the inside of the camera body. Similarly, in order to prevent the lens removed from the camera body from being damaged or dirty, it is necessary to attach a protective cap to the camera body side in addition to the objective lens on the subject side.

  These operations are not only time-consuming, but also take time to move from a non-photographing state to a photographing state, and there is a problem that important photographing opportunities are missed.

  The above description has been made on the interchangeable lens digital camera. However, a high-performance digital camera that is not interchangeable lens has a substantially T-shape like the interchangeable lens digital camera, and thus has the same problem. . Furthermore, since such a digital camera cannot remove a lens from a camera main body, it cannot be said that a camera main body and a lens are accommodated separately.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an imaging apparatus that has both portability during movement and stability during shooting.

  In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a camera body and a grip portion provided on the opposite side of the camera body from the photographing lens side, and the grip portion includes light of the photographing lens. It slides in an oblique direction with respect to the axis.

  As a result, the camera body and the grip part are formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or a substantially cylindrical shape during non-shooting, while the grip part slides obliquely with respect to the optical axis of the shooting lens during shooting and functions as a grip. Will come to play.

  As described above, according to the present invention, during non-shooting, while maintaining a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or a substantially cylindrical shape, during shooting, the grip portion slides in an oblique direction with respect to the optical axis of the shooting lens, When viewed from above, the shape of the letter L is roughly, so that portability during movement and stability during photographing can be achieved at the same time.

Six-sided view of the camera body of the interchangeable lens digital camera when not shooting A four-sided view of the camera body of an interchangeable lens digital camera First perspective view of camera body of interchangeable lens digital camera Second perspective view of camera body of interchangeable lens digital camera Third perspective view of camera body of interchangeable lens digital camera

  Hereinafter, an image pickup apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using an interchangeable lens digital camera as an example. Note that the present invention can also be applied to a digital camera that is not of the interchangeable lens type.

The interchangeable-lens digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention changes its outer shape between non-shooting and shooting. First, the outer shape at the time of non-photographing, that is, when moved in a bag or the like will be described. Next, the outer shape at the time of shooting will be described.
(1. When not shooting)
FIG. 1 is a six-sided view of the camera body of the interchangeable lens digital camera at the time of non-shooting. The interchangeable lens has been removed. FIG. 1A is a front view, and FIG. 1B is a rear view. Here, the side facing the subject with the interchangeable lens attached is referred to as the front, and the side facing the user is referred to as the back. FIG. 1C is a left side view, and FIG. 1D is a right side view. Here, left and right are the left side and the right side when the camera body is viewed from the front. FIG. 1E is a top view, and FIG. 1F is a bottom view.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a mount 101 for attaching an interchangeable lens is provided in the front center of the camera body. Also, a lens removal button 102 that is pressed when removing the interchangeable lens mounted on the mount 101 is provided at the lower right front of the camera body.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, an electronic viewfinder 103 is provided on the upper back of the camera body. The electronic viewfinder 103 is configured to display an image generated by an image sensor in the camera body on a small liquid crystal display and to observe the enlarged image with an eyepiece lens system. The user can determine the composition by observing the subject displayed on the electronic viewfinder 103.

  In this embodiment, the electronic viewfinder 103 is provided. However, an optical viewfinder may be provided, or a configuration without a view-type viewfinder may be used.

  The dashed square indicates the grip part 200. The grip part 200 is configured to be movable with respect to other parts of the camera body. On the user side of the grip unit 200, a first button group 201 including a cross key is arranged. A first dial 202 is disposed on the upper right side of the grip unit 200. Since the depression 203 is provided in the vicinity of the rotation axis of the first dial 202, the right thumb can be stably placed during photographing.

  The first button group 201 is used for shooting and playback settings. The cross key is used when selecting a specific item from a menu displayed on the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 described later. The first dial 202 is, for example, a combination of the shutter speed and the aperture value when changing the shutter speed in the aperture priority shooting mode, when changing the aperture value in the shutter speed priority shooting mode, or in the program shooting mode. Used when changing

  As shown in FIG. 1C, the entire grip portion 200 can be confirmed from the left side surface of the camera body. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1D, a movable liquid crystal monitor 104 is arranged on the right side of the camera body. A second dial 105 is provided on the upper right side of the camera body.

  The movable liquid crystal monitor 104 is configured to be rotatable with respect to two axes of a Y axis that is the vertical direction of the camera body and an X axis that is the horizontal direction. The movable liquid crystal monitor 104 is configured to be able to rotate 180 ° around the X axis and 270 ° around the Y axis. The second dial 105 is used, for example, when switching between the shooting mode and the playback mode.

  As shown in FIG. 1E, a hot shoe 106 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the camera body. The hot shoe 106 can be attached with an external strobe that emits a large amount of light or a high-performance external microphone that collects sound when shooting a moving image. The hot shoe 106 can mechanically fix such external accessories and can also be electrically connected.

  A pop-up strobe 107 is built in from the front of the upper surface of the camera body. By sliding the strobe opening switch 108, the pop-up strobe 107 can be popped up. FIGS. 1A to 1F all show a state in which the pop-up flash 107 is stored in the camera body, that is, a state where the pop-up strobe 107 has not popped up.

  A second button group 204 and a shutter button 205 are arranged on the upper surface of the grip unit 200. The shutter button 205 is disposed on the upper surface of the grip unit 200 so as to be slightly inclined toward the front side of the camera body. This facilitates the operation with the right index finger.

  The second button group 204 is used for a setting that is preferably switched by one push at the time of shooting, for example, a drive mode or an exposure correction setting. The shutter button 205 is configured as a two-stage switch. When the first switch is turned on, a focusing operation is performed on the subject, and when the second switch is turned on, a photographing operation is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (f), the camera body is composed of a grip part 200 and other parts. The grip part 200 can move in the direction indicated by the arrow A in the drawing with respect to the other parts of the camera body. The arrow A and the optical axis L of the interchangeable lens form an angle of about 45 °.

As described above, the camera body has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or a substantially cylindrical shape at the time of non-photographing, so that it can be easily stored in a bag or the like. Although FIG. 1 shows a state in which no interchangeable lens is mounted, even if the interchangeable lens is mounted, the storage property is not impaired. In particular, when the camera body is stood and stowed with the interchangeable lens facing up, it is possible to store in a very small space.
(2. When shooting)
FIG. 2 is a four-view diagram of the camera body of the interchangeable lens digital camera at the time of shooting. The interchangeable lens has been removed. FIG. 2A is a front view, and FIG. 2B is a rear view. FIG. 2C is a left side view, and FIG. 2D is a right side view. 2A to 2D correspond to FIGS. 1A to 1D.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, at the time of shooting, the grip portion 200 protrudes largely to the right side of the camera body. As a result, the external shape is changed to the same as that of a general interchangeable lens digital camera, so that stability during photographing can be ensured.

  In FIG. 2B as well, as in FIG. 2A, it can be seen that the grip portion 200 protrudes greatly to the right side of the camera body. In addition, the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 rotates 270 ° around the Y axis and faces the user.

  In a general interchangeable lens digital camera, a movable liquid crystal monitor is usually provided on the back surface. However, in the interchangeable lens digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention, a movable liquid crystal monitor is provided on the left side surface of the main body. Although the camera 104 is provided, the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 can be disposed on the back surface in the same manner as a general interchangeable lens digital camera at the time of photographing.

  Further, in a movable liquid crystal monitor of a general interchangeable lens digital camera, in order to prevent the display surface from being damaged, it is usual to store the display surface facing the camera body on the back surface. Then, when shooting, rotate the Y-axis around the movable LCD monitor away from the camera body, rotate 180 degrees around the X-axis in that state, and turn the display surface toward the user. It is necessary to store the movable LCD monitor in the camera body by rotating it to the center. These operations are not only troublesome but also take time to move from a non-photographing state to a photographing state, and there is a problem that important photographing opportunities are missed.

  On the other hand, since the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 of the interchangeable lens digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention is stored with the display surface facing the left side surface of the camera body, the display surface is not damaged. . At the time of shooting, the display surface of the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 faces the user only by rotating 270 ° about the Y axis.

  That is, in the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 of the interchangeable lens digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention, the operation of rotating around the Y axis and returning it to the original, and the rotation of 180 degrees around the X axis. Since there is no work and the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 in the retracted state is rotated 270 ° around the Y axis, the photographing state is reached, so the transition from the non-photographing state to the photographing state is quick.

  From FIG. 2C, it can be seen that the grip portion 200 has moved to the front side of the camera body. It can also be seen that the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 has moved to the back side of the camera body.

  The grip part 200 is configured to be able to move smoothly along the pair of guide grooves 109. The grip part 200 and other parts of the camera body are electrically connected by a flexible wiring material such as a flexible substrate. In addition, you may comprise so that the power supply of a camera main body may be turned on or off by moving the grip part 200. FIG.

  FIG. 2D also shows that the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 has moved to the back side of the camera body.

Thus, since the camera body changes to the same external shape as a general interchangeable lens digital camera at the time of shooting, stability at the time of shooting can be ensured. Further, since the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 in the retracted state is rotated by 270 ° about the Y axis, the imaging state is reached, so that the transition from the non-imaging state to the imaging state is quick.
(3. Grip part)
FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of the camera body of the interchangeable lens digital camera. The interchangeable lens has been removed. FIG. 3A is a front perspective view in a non-shooting state, and FIG. 3B is a front perspective view in a shooting state. FIG. 3C is a rear perspective view of the shooting state.

In FIG. 3A in the non-photographing state, the camera body has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or a substantially cylindrical shape, so that it can be easily stored in a bag or the like. On the other hand, in FIGS. 3B and 3C in the shooting state, the external shape is changed to the same as that of a general interchangeable lens digital camera, so that stability during shooting can be ensured. In addition, a movable liquid crystal monitor 104 can be disposed on the back surface as in a general interchangeable lens digital camera.
(4. Interchangeable lens)
FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of the camera body of the interchangeable lens digital camera. 4A shows a state where the interchangeable lens is removed, and FIG. 4B shows a state where the interchangeable lens 300 is attached. 4A and 4B, the camera body is in a non-shooting state.

As described above, the camera body has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or a substantially cylindrical shape at the time of non-photographing, so that it can be easily stored in a bag or the like. FIG. 4A shows a state in which no interchangeable lens is attached. As shown in FIG. 4B, even if the interchangeable lens 300 is attached, the length of the interchangeable lens 300 is the same as the direction of the optical axis L. Only the length of the is increased, and the storage property is not greatly impaired.
(5. Movable LCD monitor)
FIG. 5 is a third perspective view of the camera body of the interchangeable lens digital camera. The movable liquid crystal monitor 104 is configured to be able to rotate 180 ° around the X axis and 270 ° around the Y axis.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 is rotated 90 degrees around the Y axis from the stored state. It should be understood that the interchangeable lens has been removed, but the interchangeable lens is attached and is in a shooting state.

  In the state shown in FIG. 5, since the display surface of the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 faces the front side of the camera body, so-called self-portrait can be performed. Self-shooting means that a user takes a picture of himself as a subject. The user is located on the front side of the camera body. Since the display surface of the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 faces the user, the user can hold the camera body while observing the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 so that the user can be in an appropriate position within the angle of view. it can.

  In addition, the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 can be rotated by 180 ° about the X axis. When the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 is rotated 180 degrees around the X axis from the state shown in FIG. 5, the display surface of the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 faces the back side of the camera body. Even in this state, normal shooting can be performed. Here, “normal” means “not selfie”.

  In this state, the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 is rotated by an appropriate angle around the X axis, so that the camera body is held at a high position or the camera body is held at a low position. In this case, the display surface of the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 can be observed from a direction perpendicular thereto. The “state in which the camera body is held at a high position” refers to a state in which the camera body is held above the head, for example, when photographing a subject that exists beyond the fence. In addition, the “state where the camera body is held at a low position” refers to a state where the camera body is held at a waist position or a position lower than that, for example, when a flower or the like is photographed.

  From the state shown in FIG. 5, when the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 is further rotated 180 degrees around the Y axis without rotating around the X axis, it is shown in FIG. 2B, FIG. To the state. Even in the state shown in FIGS. 2B and 3C, the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 can be rotated by a certain angle around the X axis. On the other hand, in a general interchangeable lens digital camera, the surface opposite to the display surface of the movable liquid crystal monitor is in contact with the back of the camera body in a state corresponding to the state shown in FIG. 2B or FIG. Since it is in contact, the movable liquid crystal monitor cannot be rotated about the X axis.

The movable liquid crystal monitor 104 will be summarized. 1) In the retracted state, it is arranged on the left side surface of the camera body to protect the display surface. 2) Self-portrait is possible when rotated 90 degrees around the Y axis from the stored state. 3) By rotating 180 degrees around the X-axis from the state shown in 2) above, normal shooting becomes possible, and the display screen can be displayed even when the camera body is held at a high position or a low position. The orientation can be adjusted. 4) From the state shown in 2) above, if the image is further rotated by 180 ° around the Y axis, normal shooting can be performed. Even in this state, the orientation of the display surface can be adjusted to a certain degree. 5) Movement from the storage state to the state shown in 2), movement from the storage state to the state shown in 4), and movement from the state shown in 2) to the state shown in 4) are performed in a single operation. Can be realized.
(6. Other embodiments)
In the embodiment, the grip portion 200 is slid in a direction that forms an angle of about 45 ° with the optical axis L of the interchangeable lens. However, the slide movement direction of the grip portion 200 and the optical axis L Of course, the angle formed is not limited to about 45 °. For example, the angle formed by the direction of sliding movement of the grip part 200 and the optical axis L may be approximately 90 °.
(7. Summary)
As described above, the interchangeable lens digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or a substantially cylindrical shape in a non-photographing state, and therefore can be easily stored in a bag or the like. On the other hand, in the shooting state, the external shape is changed to the same as that of a general interchangeable lens digital camera, so that stability during shooting can be ensured.

  Further, the movable liquid crystal monitor 104 can be moved from the storage state to the photographing state by a single operation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus that has both portability during movement and stability during shooting, and is useful when applied to imaging apparatuses such as digital cameras and digital video cameras.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Mount 102 Lens removal button 103 Electronic viewfinder 104 Liquid crystal monitor 105 Second dial 106 Hot shoe 107 Pop-up strobe 108 Strobe opening switch 109 Guide groove 200 Grip part 201 First button group 202 First dial 203 Dent 204 Second Second button group 205 Shutter button

Claims (4)

The camera body,
A grip portion provided on the opposite side to the photographing lens side of the camera body,
With
The grip portion is
Sliding movement in a direction different from the optical axis of the photographing lens,
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The grip portion is
Slide and move obliquely with respect to the optical axis of the photographic lens;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The grip portion is
Sliding from the side opposite to the photographic lens side of the camera body to the side of the camera body,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The grip portion is
It also serves as a power switch for the camera body by sliding.
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus.