JP4957580B2 - Imaging apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a program for capturing still images and moving images of a subject.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, imaging apparatuses that perform still image shooting and moving image shooting are known. When photographing by automatic exposure is performed using this imaging apparatus in a backlit state, a phenomenon may occur in which a main subject such as a person appears dark due to the influence of a bright part such as the sky or the sun.
Therefore, in order to avoid this phenomenon, if it is determined that the subject is backlit, the flash automatically fires to brighten the main subject, or if the flash cannot fire, adjust using automatic exposure processing. A technique is known in which exposure correction is further performed on the exposure conditions to prevent the main subject from appearing dark (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-6-167737

By the way, how much exposure correction is necessary when shooting in a backlight state varies depending on the luminance difference between the main subject and the background, the photometric state in automatic exposure, the presence or absence of strobe light emission, and the like.
However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 is a technique that mainly assumes a case where still image shooting is performed in a backlight state, and does not consider a difference in characteristics relating to still image shooting and moving image shooting.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and a program that can perform still image shooting and moving image shooting in a backlight state in a better state.

The imaging device of the invention according to claim 1
Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Exposure condition setting means for setting an exposure condition when the subject is imaged by the imaging means;
Back light correspondence determination means for determining whether a backlight support process is necessary at the time of imaging by the imaging means;
When it is determined by the backlight correspondence determination means that the backlight correspondence processing is necessary, the exposure condition set by the exposure condition setting means is captured by the imaging means as a brighter image as the backlight correspondence processing. Exposure condition correction means for correcting
A shooting state determination unit that determines whether the shooting state of the subject by the imaging unit is a still image shooting operation or a moving image shooting operation;
The exposure condition correction amount determined by the exposure condition correction unit when the shooting state determination unit determines that the still image shooting operation is being performed, and the exposure condition correction amount when the exposure condition correction unit determines that the moving image shooting operation is being performed. Correction control means for controlling to be less than the correction amount of the exposure condition by the correction means;
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 2 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The shooting state determination unit is configured to display the shooting state of the subject by the imaging unit during a through image display operation without a moving image shooting operation, a still image shooting operation, or a moving image shooting operation. Determine whether
The correction control means determines the amount of correction of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction means when it is determined by the shooting state determination means that a live view display operation is not performed without moving image shooting. Control is performed such that the exposure condition correction unit reduces the exposure condition correction amount when it is determined to be in operation.

The invention according to claim 3 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 2,
The correction control means determines a correction amount of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction means when the shooting condition determination means determines that a live view display operation not involving a moving image shooting operation is being performed. Control is performed so that the exposure condition correction unit corrects the exposure condition correction amount when it is determined that the photographing operation is being performed.

Invention of Claim 4 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
A light emitting means for emitting auxiliary light for photographing;
When a predetermined shooting condition is satisfied when the still image is picked up by the image pickup means, a light emission control means for causing the light emission means to emit auxiliary light as the backlight corresponding processing,
Is further provided.

The invention according to claim 5 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 4,
A face detection unit for detecting a human face in an image frame generated by imaging the subject by the imaging unit;
The light emission control means includes
When a face is detected by the face detecting means, auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting means.

The invention described in claim 6 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 5,
Display means for displaying a through image captured by the imaging means;
Recording instruction means for instructing recording of a still image of a subject imaged by the imaging means,
The correction control means includes
When a through image is captured by the imaging unit, the exposure condition correction unit corrects the exposure condition by a predetermined correction amount, the recording instruction unit instructs to record a still image, and the light emitting unit emits auxiliary light. When light is emitted, the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction unit is controlled to be smaller than the predetermined correction amount.

The invention according to claim 7 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The light emission control means includes
When a predetermined shooting condition is satisfied when the still image is picked up by the image pickup means, auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting means instead of the correction of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction means.

The invention according to claim 8 is the imaging device according to claim 5 or 6,
Human brightness determination means for determining whether or not the face person detected by the face detection means is darker than a predetermined brightness;
The light emission control means includes
When it is determined that the person is dark by the person brightness determination unit, the light emission unit emits auxiliary light when the recording instruction unit instructs to record a still image.

The invention according to claim 9 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 6,
The correction control means includes
When the shooting state determination unit determines that a still image shooting operation is being performed, the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction unit when a through image is captured by the imaging unit is determined as a moving image shooting operation. Control is performed such that the exposure condition correction unit reduces the exposure condition correction amount when it is determined that the exposure condition is medium.

The invention according to claim 10 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A backlight compatible mode setting instruction means for instructing setting of a backlight compatible mode related to the backlight compatible processing,
The backlight correspondence determining means includes:
It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the backlight support processing is necessary based on the presence / absence of the backlight support mode setting instruction by the backlight support mode setting instruction means.

The invention according to claim 11 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
A backlight compatible mode setting instruction means for instructing setting of a backlight compatible mode related to the backlight compatible processing;
Histogram calculating means for calculating a histogram of pixel values of an image picked up by the image pickup means;
The backlight correspondence determining means includes:
When setting of the backlight compatible mode is instructed by the backlight compatible mode setting instruction means, it is determined that the backlight compatible processing is necessary,
The light emission control means includes
When the distribution of pixel values of the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means is a predetermined range or more, auxiliary light is emitted by the light emission means.

The invention according to claim 12 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A histogram calculation means for calculating a histogram of pixel values of an image captured by the imaging means;
The backlight correspondence determining means includes:
When the distribution of pixel values of the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means is not less than a predetermined range, it is determined that the backlight handling process is necessary.

Invention of Claim 13 in the imaging device as described in any one of Claims 4-9,
A correction amount setting instruction means for instructing setting of a correction amount of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction means,
The correction control means includes
When the backlight correspondence determination unit determines that the backlight correspondence processing is necessary, the exposure condition correction unit corrects the exposure condition when the auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting unit as the backlight correspondence processing. If the setting of the correction amount of the exposure condition is instructed by the correction amount setting instruction means, the setting instruction is instructed by the correction amount setting instruction means even when the auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting means. The exposure condition correction unit corrects the exposure condition with the correction amount of the exposure condition.

The program of the invention according to claim 14 is:
In the computer of the imaging device provided with imaging means for imaging the subject,
A function for setting an exposure condition when the subject is imaged by the imaging means;
A function of determining whether or not backlight processing is necessary at the time of imaging by the imaging means;
When it is determined that the backlight handling process is necessary, as the backlight handling process, a function of correcting a set exposure condition so that the subject is brightened by the imaging unit;
A function of determining whether the shooting state of the subject by the imaging means is a still image shooting operation or a moving image shooting operation;
The exposure condition correction amount when it is determined that the shooting state is a still image shooting operation is smaller than the exposure condition correction amount when it is determined that a movie shooting operation is being performed. Functions to control,
It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the present invention, still image shooting and moving image shooting in a backlight state can be performed in a better state.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment captures the subject more brightly based on the exposure condition set in the exposure condition setting process based on the operation of the backlight button 41c by the user as the backlight handling process. The exposure condition correction processing is performed when the shooting mode is the still image shooting mode, and the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction processing when the shooting mode is the still image shooting mode. Control is performed so as to be smaller than the correction amount of the exposure condition by the processing.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 1, an imaging auxiliary unit 2, a display unit 3, an operation unit 4, a recording medium 5, a USB terminal 6, and a control unit 7. Etc. are provided.

  The imaging unit 1 continuously captures a subject and generates a plurality of image frames. Specifically, the imaging unit 1 includes an imaging lens 11, an electronic imaging unit 12, a video signal processing unit 13, an image memory 14, a shooting control unit 15, and the like.

The imaging lens 11 is composed of a plurality of lenses.
The electronic imaging unit 12 is configured by a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), or the like that converts a subject image that has passed through the imaging lens 11 into a two-dimensional image signal.
The video signal processing unit 13 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal output from the electronic imaging unit 12.
The image memory 14 temporarily stores the image signal after image processing.

  The imaging control unit 15 controls the electronic imaging unit 12 and the video signal processing unit 13 under the control of the CPU 71. Specifically, the imaging control unit 15 causes the electronic imaging unit 12 to image a subject with a predetermined exposure time and reads an image signal (image frame) from the imaging area of the electronic imaging unit 12 at a predetermined frame rate. Control execution.

  The imaging auxiliary unit 2 is driven when the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 1, and includes a focus driving unit 21, a zoom driving unit 22, a strobe light emitting unit 23, a strobe driving unit 24, and the like.

The focus drive unit 21 drives a focus mechanism unit (not shown) connected to the imaging lens 11.
The zoom drive unit 22 drives a zoom mechanism unit (not shown) connected to the imaging lens 11.
The strobe light emitting unit 23 is driven by a strobe driving unit 24 and emits auxiliary light as light emitting means when the imaging unit 1 takes a picture of a subject.
The focus driving unit 21, zoom driving unit 22, and strobe driving unit 24 are connected to the shooting control unit 15 and are driven under the control of the shooting control unit 15.

  The display unit 3 displays the subject image captured by the imaging unit 1 as a display unit. The display unit 3 includes a display control unit 31 and an image display unit 32.

  The display control unit 31 includes a video memory (not shown) that temporarily stores display data appropriately output from the CPU 71.

  The image display unit 32 displays the image captured by the imaging unit 1 on the display screen based on the output signal from the display control unit 31. Specifically, the image display unit 32 displays a through image based on a plurality of image frames generated by imaging the subject by the electronic imaging unit 12.

  The operation unit 4 is for performing a predetermined operation of the imaging apparatus 100, and includes an operation input unit 41, an input circuit 42, and the like.

  The operation input unit 41 includes a shutter button 41a, a mode setting button 41b, a backlight button 41c, and the like.

The shutter button 41a instructs the imaging unit 1 to image the subject. The shutter button 41a is configured to be capable of two-stage pressing operation, for example, a half-pressing operation and a full-pressing operation, and outputs a predetermined operation signal corresponding to each operation stage.
Specifically, the shutter button 41a outputs an execution instruction such as an automatic focusing process (AF) when the user presses halfway. The shutter button 41a serves as a recording instruction unit, and outputs a recording instruction of a still image (recorded image) of a subject by the imaging unit 1 when the user fully presses the shutter button 41a.

The mode setting button 41b is provided on the back of the body of the imaging device 100, for example, and instructs selection setting of a predetermined operation mode among the plurality of operation modes of the imaging device 100.
Here, examples of the operation mode include a still image shooting mode for shooting a still image of a predetermined size, a moving image shooting mode for shooting a moving image at a predetermined frame rate, and a playback mode for playing back and displaying the captured image. It is done.
When the user operates the mode setting button 41 b and selects a predetermined operation mode (for example, a still image shooting mode), the operation mode setting instruction is output to the CPU 71 via the input circuit 42. When the setting instruction is input, the CPU 71 controls each unit and performs setting according to the operation mode.

The backlight button 41c, as a backlight compatible mode setting instruction unit, instructs to set a backlight compatible mode related to a backlight compatible process (described later).
When the backlight button 41 c is operated by the user and the backlight compatible mode is selected, a setting instruction for the mode is output to the CPU 71 via the input circuit 42. When a setting instruction is input, the CPU 71 controls each unit and performs backlight handling processing according to the backlight handling mode.

  The input circuit 42 is for inputting the operation signal input from the operation input unit 41 to the CPU 71.

  The recording medium 5 is configured by, for example, a card-type nonvolatile memory (flash memory), a hard disk, and the like, and stores a plurality of image data of subject images captured by the imaging unit 1.

  The USB terminal 6 is a terminal for connection with an external device, and transmits and receives data via a USB cable (not shown).

  The control unit 7 controls each unit of the imaging apparatus 100, and includes, for example, a CPU 71, a program memory 72, a data memory 73, and the like.

  The CPU 71 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the imaging apparatus 100 stored in the program memory 72.

  The data memory 73 is composed of, for example, a flash memory and temporarily stores data processed by the CPU 71.

  The program memory 72 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 71. Specifically, the program memory 72 includes an exposure condition setting program 72a, a backlight correspondence determination program 72b, an exposure condition correction program 72c, a shooting state determination program 72d, a correction control program 72e, a face detection program 72f, and a person brightness determination program 72g. In addition, a histogram calculation program 72h, a light emission control program 72i, and the like are stored.

The exposure condition setting program 72a causes the CPU 71 to function as exposure condition setting means. That is, the exposure condition setting program 72a is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to automatic exposure (AE) processing for setting an exposure condition when the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 1 according to the brightness of the subject. .
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the exposure condition setting program 72a, for example, based on the brightness of the image frame generated by capturing the through image by the imaging unit 1, for example, the shutter speed, the aperture, or the amplification factor ( Set exposure conditions such as (Gain).

The backlight correspondence determination program 72b causes the CPU 71 to function as a backlight correspondence determination unit. That is, the backlight correspondence determination program 72b is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the backlight correspondence determination processing for determining whether the backlight correspondence processing is necessary when the imaging unit 1 captures an object.
Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the backlight correspondence determination program 72b to determine whether the backlight correspondence processing is necessary based on the presence / absence of a backlight correspondence mode setting instruction according to the operation of the backlight button 41c by the user. If the backlight support mode is selected based on the operation of the backlight button 41c by the user, it is determined that the backlight support processing is necessary.
Note that the CPU 71 may determine that the backlight handling process is necessary when it is determined that the distribution of the pixel values of the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation process is greater than or equal to a predetermined range.
Here, examples of the backlight handling process include a backlight EV shift that performs a predetermined amount of exposure correction that is fixed in advance, and flash photography that emits a strobe when photographing a subject.

The exposure condition correction program 72c causes the CPU 71 to function as exposure condition correction means. That is, the exposure condition correction program 72c uses the imaging unit 1 to set the exposure condition set in the exposure condition setting process as the backlight support process when the backlight support determination process determines that the backlight support process is necessary. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to exposure condition correction processing for correcting an object so as to capture a brighter image.
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the exposure condition correction program 72c, the backlight EV shift is performed so that the image capturing unit 1 captures the subject more brightly with the exposure condition set in the exposure condition setting process. In the correction of the exposure condition, the exposure condition (all shutter speed, aperture, amplification factor, etc.) may be reset by the exposure condition setting program 72a in consideration of the EV shift amount, or the exposure condition before the correction may be set. On the other hand, you may make it respond | correspond by changing at least any one among a shutter speed, an aperture stop, and an amplification factor.

  The shooting state determination program 72d causes the CPU 71 to function as shooting state determination means. That is, the shooting state determination program 72d determines whether the shooting state of the subject by the imaging unit 1 is during a still image shooting operation (including an operation state in which only through image display is performed) or a moving image shooting operation. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the shooting state determination process.

The correction control program 72e causes the CPU 71 to function as correction control means. That is, the correction control program 72e sets the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction process when the shooting state is determined to be a still image shooting operation in the shooting state determination process, and the shooting state is a moving image shooting operation. Control is performed such that the exposure condition correction amount is less than the exposure condition correction amount when the exposure condition is determined to be in the middle.
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the correction control program 72e, the correction amount by the backlight EV shift in the exposure condition correction process is set at a fixed value that is defined in advance according to the shooting state. When the shooting state is a still image shooting operation, the exposure condition correction amount by the backlight EV shift is set to +2/3 EV, while when the shooting state is a moving image shooting operation, the backlight EV Control is performed so that the correction amount of the exposure condition by the shift becomes +1 EV.
In addition, when the shooting state is a still image shooting operation, the CPU 71 executes the correction control program 72e so that the correction amount of the exposure condition due to the backlight EV shift when the imaging unit 1 captures a through image is +2. / 3EV is controlled. That is, the CPU 71 sets the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction process when the through-image is captured by the imaging unit 1 during the still image shooting operation by the exposure condition correction process during the moving image shooting operation. Control is performed so as to be smaller than the correction amount of the exposure condition.

  In addition, when the CPU 71 executes the correction control program 72e and captures a through image by the imaging unit 1 while the shooting state is a still image shooting operation, exposure condition correction processing (for example, backlight EV shift) is performed. When the exposure condition is corrected by a predetermined correction amount, and recording of a still image is instructed based on the user's full-pressing operation of the shutter button 41a and the strobe light emitting unit 23 emits auxiliary light, the exposure condition correction process is performed. The exposure condition correction amount is controlled to be smaller than a predetermined correction amount when a through image is captured.

The face detection program 72f causes the CPU 71 to function as face detection means. That is, the face detection program 72f is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to execution of face detection processing for sequentially detecting a human face from each of a plurality of image frames generated by the imaging unit 1.
Specifically, based on the execution of the face detection program 72f by the CPU 71, the face image search frame is scanned in a predetermined direction with the face image search range as a whole image of one image frame, and the eyes are scanned. , A characteristic part (face part) corresponding to nose, batter, etc. is specified, and it is determined whether or not it is a face from the positional relationship of each face part. If the face is larger than a predetermined determination value (threshold) If determined, the search frame area is regarded as a face. When a face is detected in a predetermined image frame, the face detection is performed in the next image frame using a predetermined area near the detected face as a face image search range.
When a face is detected, the image display unit 32 displays a face detection frame (not shown) superimposed on the face.

The person brightness determination program 72g causes the CPU 71 to function as person brightness determination means. That is, the person brightness determination program 72g is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize a function related to the person brightness determination process for determining whether or not the face person detected in the face detection process is darker than the predetermined brightness. It is.
Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the person brightness determination program 72g to determine whether or not the brightness of the portion in the person's face detection frame is darker than the predetermined brightness. For example, the CPU 71 determines that the person is darker than the predetermined brightness when the face is detected by performing exposure correction so as to be bright in the face detection process, or when the backlight EV shift is performed as the backlight support process. .
Note that the predetermined brightness relating to the determination of whether or not a person is dark can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate.

The histogram calculation program 72h causes the CPU 71 to function as histogram calculation means. That is, the histogram calculation program 72h relates to a histogram calculation process for calculating a histogram of pixel values (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) for each of a plurality of image frames generated by the imaging unit 1. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize the function.
Specifically, the CPU 71 executes the histogram calculation program 72h, thereby examining the distribution of pixel values for each image frame and calculating a histogram (0 to 255 gradations).

The light emission control program 72i causes the CPU 71 to function as light emission control means. That is, the light emission control program 72i is a light emission control process in which auxiliary light is emitted from the strobe light emitting unit 23 by the strobe driving unit 24 as a backlight compatible process when a predetermined photographing condition is satisfied when a still image is captured by the image capturing unit 1. This is a program for causing the CPU 71 to realize the function related to.
Specifically, when the CPU 71 executes the light emission control program 72i and a predetermined shooting condition is established when the imaging unit 1 captures a still image, instead of correcting the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction process, the strobe The light emitting unit 23 emits auxiliary light. For example, when it is determined that the person whose face is detected in the person brightness determination process is dark, the CPU 71 instructs the backlight EV to record a still image based on a full pressing operation of the shutter button 41a by the user. The shift is canceled (set to ± 0 EV), and the strobe light emitting unit 23 emits auxiliary light. Further, when it is determined that the distribution of the pixel values of the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation process is equal to or greater than a predetermined range (see FIG. 2B), the CPU 71 cancels the backlight EV shift and emits strobe light. The auxiliary light is emitted by the unit 23.

Next, imaging processing by the imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the operation mode switching process in the imaging process.

As shown in FIG. 3, branching is performed according to the operation mode set based on a predetermined operation of the mode setting button 41b by the user (step S1).
Here, when a shooting mode for performing still image shooting or moving image shooting is set as the operation mode (step S <b>1; shooting), the CPU 71 passes through the image data captured and generated by the imaging unit 1. Processing for displaying an image on the image display unit 32 is performed (step S2). Thereafter, the CPU 71 performs an exposure control process (see FIGS. 4 to 6) for setting an exposure condition for capturing an image of the subject (see FIGS. 4 to 6) (step S3). Details of the exposure control process will be described later.

Then, after the exposure control process is completed, the CPU 71 performs a branch in accordance with an instruction to start or end moving image shooting by a user operation (step S4).
Here, when the start of moving image shooting is instructed (step S4; movie shooting start), the CPU 71 starts a process of shooting and recording a moving image (step S5), and proceeds to step S1 (the end of moving image shooting ends). The video recording process is continuously executed until instructed). When the end of moving image shooting is instructed (step S4; movie shooting end), the CPU 71 ends the moving image shooting and recording operation (step S6), and then proceeds to step S1 (the recording operation as a moving image is performed). Although the process ends, the imaging operation of the subject by the imaging unit 1 for displaying the through image is continued).
In step S4, when an instruction to start or end moving image shooting is not input (step S4; none), the current operation state is continued and the process proceeds to step S1. That is, if a moving image is being recorded, the through image display process and the moving image recording process are continued. If not, only the through image display process is continued.

  On the other hand, when the reproduction mode is set as the operation mode in step S1 (step S1; reproduction), the through image display process is not performed and a predetermined image data is recorded based on the image data recorded on the recording medium 5. An image is displayed on the image display part 32 (step S7).

  Each process in the operation mode switching process is executed until the power of the imaging apparatus 100 is turned off. Similarly, the exposure control process is also executed in the shooting mode until the power of the imaging apparatus 100 is turned off.

Next, the exposure control process will be described with reference to FIGS.
4 to 6 are flowcharts showing an example of an operation related to the exposure control process.
The exposure control process is a process performed in common for the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode.

As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 71 executes an exposure condition setting program 72 a in the program memory 72, and based on the brightness of an image frame generated by capturing a through image by the imaging unit 1, the shutter speed and aperture And the like are set (step S10; exposure condition setting process (AE)).
Next, the CPU 71 executes the backlight correspondence determination program 72b in the program memory 72 based on a predetermined operation of the backlight button 41c by the user, and the backlight correspondence processing is necessary depending on the presence / absence of a backlight correspondence mode setting instruction. It is determined whether or not there is (step S11).
Here, if the backlight button 41c is operated and it is determined that the backlight support processing is necessary (step S11; YES), the CPU 71 executes the shooting state determination program 72d in the program memory 72 to execute the current shooting. The state is determined, and it is determined whether or not a moving image shooting / recording operation is in progress (movie mode) (step S12).

If it is determined in step S13 that the moving image shooting / recording operation is not in progress (if it is determined that the camera is in an operation state in which only through image display is being performed) (step S12; NO), the CPU 71 causes the program memory 72 to The exposure condition correction program 72c and the correction control program 72e are executed, and the exposure condition set in the exposure condition setting process is set to backlight EV so that the shift amount is +2/3 EV so that the imaging unit 1 captures the subject more brightly. Correction is performed by shifting (step S13).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the moving image shooting / recording operation is in progress (step S12; YES), the CPU 71 executes the exposure condition correction program 72c and the correction control program 72e in the program memory 72, and The exposure condition set in the exposure condition setting process is corrected by the backlight EV shift with the shift amount set to +1 EV so that the subject can be imaged brighter by the imaging unit 1 (step S14), and the exposure control process ends.

  Whether it is determined in step S11 that the backlight button 41c has not been operated (step S12; NO), or after step S13, the CPU 71 determines the brightness of the image frame generated by imaging the through image by the imaging unit 1. Then, exposure follow-up is performed to sequentially set the exposure conditions based on the set EV shift amount (step S15). At this time, since exposure tracking is performed in a state in which the correction by the backlight EV shift is reflected, the correction is also reflected in the display of the through image.

Thereafter, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the user has pressed the shutter button 41a halfway (step S16).
If it is determined that the shutter button 41a is half-pressed (step S16; YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not the face detection mode is set (step S17). When it is determined that the face detection mode is set (step S17; YES), the CPU 71 executes the face detection program 72f in the program memory 72 and based on the image data generated by the imaging unit 1. Then, face detection processing for detecting the face of a person in the subject image is executed, and face information related to the brightness of the detected face is acquired (step S18).
This face detection process is performed in a state in which the correction by the backlight EV shift is reflected. Therefore, the face is easier to detect than before the correction. However, even if this correction is performed, the face of the person cannot be detected. The face may be detected by performing exposure correction so as to be brighter.

In step S17, it is determined that the face detection mode is not set, or after step S18, the CPU 71 executes the histogram calculation program 72h in the program memory 72 to generate an image frame generated by the imaging unit 1. The distribution of pixel values is examined and a histogram (gradation of 0 to 255) is calculated and acquired (step S19).
Thereafter, the CPU 71 initializes a strobe shooting flag (step S20).

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 71 performs branching according to the strobe mode set based on a predetermined operation of the operation unit by the user (step S <b> 21).
Here, when the forced flash mode is set as the flash mode (step S21; forced flash), the CPU 71 sets a flash shooting flag for causing the flash light emitting unit 23 to emit auxiliary light when shooting a still image of the subject. After the setting (step S22), the backlight EV shift is canceled (set to ± 0 EV) (step S23).
Thereafter, the CPU 71 executes an exposure condition setting program 72a in the program memory 72, and based on the brightness of the image frame imaged and generated by the imaging unit 1 when the shutter button 41a is half-pressed, Exposure conditions such as a shutter speed and an aperture for the actual photographing are set (step S24).

On the other hand, when the auto mode is set as the strobe mode in step S21 (step S21; auto), the CPU 71 determines whether or not the face detection mode is set (step S25). If it is determined that the face detection mode is set (step S25; YES), the CPU 71 executes the person brightness determination program 72g in the program memory 72 to detect the face detected in step S18. It is determined whether or not the brightness of the portion in the person's face detection frame is darker than the predetermined brightness based on the face information related to the brightness (step S26).
Here, if it is determined that the person's face is darker than the predetermined brightness (step S26; YES), the process proceeds to step S22, and when taking a still image of the subject as in the case of the forced light emission mode described above. A strobe shooting flag for causing the strobe light emitting unit 23 to emit auxiliary light is set.
Note that the CPU 71 determines that the person is darker than the predetermined brightness even when the face is detected by performing exposure correction so as to be brighter in the face detection process, or when the backlight EV shift is performed as the backlight support process. It is like that.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the face detection mode is not set (step S25; NO), or if it is determined in step S26 that the human face is not darker than the predetermined brightness. (Step S26; NO), the CPU 71 determines whether or not the backlight compatible mode is set (Step S27). If it is determined that the backlight compatible mode is set (step S27; YES), the CPU 71 widely distributes the pixel values of the histogram calculated in the histogram calculation process from low luminance to high luminance. It is determined whether or not the distribution is not less than a predetermined range (step S28).
Here, if it is determined that the distribution of the pixel values is equal to or greater than the predetermined range (step S28; YES), the process proceeds to step S22, and when taking a still image of the subject as in the case of the forced emission mode described above. A strobe shooting flag for causing the strobe light emitting unit 23 to emit auxiliary light is set.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the backlight support mode is not set (step S27; NO), or if it is determined in step S28 that the pixel value distribution is not greater than or equal to the predetermined range. (Step S28; NO), the process proceeds to Step S24, and the brightness of the image frame imaged and generated by the imaging unit 1 when the shutter button 41a is half-pressed, as in the case of the forced light emission mode. Based on the set EV shift amount, exposure conditions such as a shutter speed and an aperture when the subject is actually photographed are set.

On the other hand, when the non-light emission mode is set as the strobe mode in step S21 (step S21; non-light emission), the process proceeds to step S24 to release the shutter button as in the case of the forced light emission mode and the auto mode. Based on the brightness of the image frame imaged and generated by the imaging unit 1 during the half-press operation of 41a and the set EV shift amount, the exposure conditions such as the shutter speed and the aperture when the subject is actually photographed are set. Set.
By the processing from step S17 to step S28, it is effectively determined whether or not the main subject such as night photography and the background are not dark photography scenes but only the main subject such as backlight photography is dark photography scenes. At the same time, it is possible to determine which is more effective as a response to such a shooting scene, a response by correcting exposure conditions or a response by strobe light emission.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the auto mode is set as the strobe mode (step S29). If it is determined that the auto mode is set as the strobe mode (step S29; YES), the CPU 71 determines that the shutter speed during the main shooting of the subject set in the exposure condition setting process is greater than a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not it is too late (step S30).
Here, when it is determined that the shutter speed is slower than the predetermined value (step S30; YES), the CPU 71 sets a strobe shooting flag for causing the strobe light emitting unit 23 to emit auxiliary light when taking a still image of the subject. Set (step S31).

Thereafter, the CPU 71 holds the exposure condition for the actual photographing of the subject set in the exposure condition setting process (step S32).
If it is determined in step S29 that the auto mode is not set as the strobe mode (step S29; NO), or if it is determined in step S30 that the shutter speed is not slower than the predetermined value. In addition (step S30; NO), the process proceeds to step S32, and the exposure conditions at the time of actual photographing are held.
By the processing from step S29 to step S32, the strobe emission for distinguishing between the main subject such as night photography and the background where the background is dark is distinguished from the strobe emission for dealing with the backlight photography. Exposure conditions can be set.

Subsequently, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the user has fully pressed the shutter button 41a (step S33).
If it is determined in step S16 that the shutter button 41a is not half-pressed (step S16; NO), the process proceeds to step S33.
Here, if it is determined that the shutter button 41a has been fully pressed (step S33; YES), the CPU 71 performs the main imaging of the subject under the exposure condition set in the exposure condition setting process (step S34). That is, when the strobe shooting flag is not set, the CPU 71 performs the main shooting of the subject under the exposure condition corrected by the backlight EV shift as the backlight processing, while the strobe shooting flag is set. Executes the light emission control program 72i, and performs the main photographing of the subject by causing the strobe driving unit 24 to emit auxiliary light from the strobe light emitting unit 23 as a backlight compatible process.
This completes the exposure control process.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the backlight handling process is necessary based on a predetermined operation of the backlight button 41c by the user, the exposure condition setting process is performed as the backlight handling process. The exposure condition correction process is performed to correct the exposure condition when imaging the subject set in step S1 so that the subject is captured more brightly by the imaging unit 1, and the exposure condition is corrected by the exposure condition correction process. The amount is controlled so that it is less when the subject is shooting still images than when shooting movies. The exposure condition can be corrected in consideration of whether or not there is. In other words, during movie shooting, the exposure condition correction amount (backlight EV shift amount) can be fixed in consideration of the continuity of the image to avoid blackout of the main subject. Since there is a possibility that the background may be overexposed by the correction of the conditions, the exposure condition correction amount is controlled to be smaller than that of moving image shooting. Thereby, still image shooting and moving image shooting in a backlight state can be performed in a better state.

In addition, when a predetermined shooting condition is satisfied when the imaging unit 1 captures a still image, the CPU 71 can emit auxiliary light from the strobe light emitting unit 23 instead of correcting the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction process. . In other words, the more the exposure conditions (for example, about +2/3 to 1 EV) need to be corrected due to the backlight EV shift during backlight shooting, the more often the backlight response by strobe light emission is more effective. For this reason, in such a situation, instead of responding to backlighting by correcting exposure conditions, the backlighting by light emission from the strobe light emitting unit 23 is performed based on the establishment of a predetermined shooting condition, so that the background is white. It is possible to take a picture under the exposure condition set in the normal exposure condition setting process without skipping, and to properly take a blackened subject by emitting auxiliary light from the strobe light emitting unit 23.
Then, when performing backlight support by correcting the exposure condition without emitting auxiliary light from the strobe light emitting unit 23, only the situation where a smaller correction of the exposure condition (for example, about 0 to 2/3 EV) is necessary is considered. It will be better, and the corresponding range can be narrowed down. As a result, the possibility that the exposure correction amount necessary for proper image shooting and the actually calculated exposure correction amount will be greatly separated is reduced, and more accurate backlighting can be performed in still image shooting. .

  Note that, when a predetermined shooting condition is satisfied when a still image is captured by the image capturing unit 1, auxiliary light is emitted from the strobe light emitting unit 23 instead of correcting the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction process. When the light emitting unit 23 emits auxiliary light, the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction process does not necessarily need to be zero, and the correction amount is smaller than the exposure condition correction amount when a through image is captured. You may make it become.

  In addition, during the still image shooting operation, the exposure condition correction amount (for example, the backlight shift amount is +2/3 EV) by the exposure condition correction process when the imaging unit 1 captures the through image is captured during the moving image shooting operation. In this case, the exposure condition correction amount is controlled to be smaller than the exposure condition correction amount (for example, the backlight shift amount is +1 EV). Can be controlled. In other words, during a still image shooting operation, if a predetermined shooting condition is satisfied in a later determination, an appropriate exposure can be obtained by the emission of auxiliary light from the strobe light emitting unit 23. It is no longer necessary to make it completely brighter, and the exposure conditions are corrected with a more appropriate correction amount when shooting through images and when shooting movies, so that a more appropriately exposed through image or a movie that has been shot is displayed. It can be displayed on the display unit 32.

  Further, when a predetermined shooting condition is satisfied when the imaging unit 1 captures a still image, the CPU 71 can emit auxiliary light from the strobe light emitting unit 23 as a backlight compatible process. That is, the auxiliary light can be emitted from the strobe light emitting unit 23 when the face of the person detected by the face detection process is dark. For example, in the backlight state, it is often impossible to detect a person's face even if face detection processing is performed, but when the backlight support mode is set based on the operation of the backlight button 41c by the user, There is a high possibility that the exposure condition is corrected by the EV shift and the face can be detected. In this case, when a face is detected, it is possible to shoot the subject with an appropriate exposure by emitting auxiliary light from the strobe light emitting unit 23 when shooting a still image. At this time, it is possible to shoot with appropriate exposure from the background to the person by canceling the extra backlight EV shift related to the correction of the exposure condition set by capturing the through image.

In addition, when the setting of the backlight compatible mode is instructed, and the pixel values of the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation process are widely distributed from low luminance to high luminance and the distribution is equal to or greater than a predetermined range, a dark portion Can be determined as the main subject. In this case, the backlight EV shift related to the correction of the exposure condition set by capturing the through image is canceled, and the strobe light emitting unit 23 emits auxiliary light so that the background light can be emitted. A main subject (for example, a person) can be photographed with appropriate exposure.
Further, when the distribution of pixel values in the histogram is narrower than the predetermined range, strobe light emission is not necessary, so that it is possible to shoot with the exposure condition corrected by the backlight EV shift without emitting auxiliary light.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a modified example of the exposure control process will be described with reference to FIG.
In the exposure control processing of this modified example, when execution of still image shooting is instructed during moving image shooting, an exposure condition at the time of actual shooting of a still image of a subject is set.
That is, the imaging apparatus according to the modification can set a still-in movie mode for shooting a still image during moving image shooting as an operation mode based on a predetermined operation of the mode setting button 41b by the user. Yes.

As shown in FIG. 7, when it is determined in step S12 whether or not the moving image shooting / recording operation is being performed (step S12; YES), the CPU 71 determines that the moving image shooting / recording operation is being performed. Then, it is determined whether or not the still-in movie mode is set (step S1A).
Here, when it is determined that the still-in movie mode is set (step S1A; YES), the CPU 71 executes the exposure condition correction program 72c and the correction control program 72e in the program memory 72 to perform imaging. The exposure condition set in the exposure condition setting process is corrected by the backlight EV shift so that the shift amount is set to +1 EV so that the subject 1 captures the subject more brightly (step S1B). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15, and exposure follow-up is performed in which exposure conditions are sequentially set based on the brightness of the image frame generated by capturing the through image by the image capturing unit 1 and the set EV shift amount.
If it is determined in step S1A that the still-in movie mode is not set, that is, the normal movie shooting mode (step S1A; NO), the process proceeds to step S14 as in the above embodiment. . In other words, if the still-in movie mode is not set, still image shooting / recording processing cannot be interrupted during movie shooting / recording, but if the still-in movie mode is set, When still image shooting is instructed during shooting and recording, processing for interrupting still image shooting and recording processing is performed.

Thereafter, similarly to the above embodiment, the process proceeds to step S16, and the subsequent processing is performed. That is, in step S21 in FIG. 5, when the forced flash mode is set as the flash mode (step S21; forced flash), the process proceeds to step S22, and the CPU 71 takes a flash when shooting a still image of the subject. After setting a strobe shooting flag for causing the light emitting unit 23 to emit auxiliary light, the backlight EV shift is canceled (set to ± 0 EV) (step S23).
If it is determined in step S26 in FIG. 5 that the face of the person is darker than the predetermined brightness (step S26; YES), the process proceeds to step S22, and the CPU 71 takes a still image of the subject. A strobe shooting flag for causing the strobe light emitting unit 23 to emit auxiliary light is set.
If it is determined in step S28 in FIG. 5 that the pixel value distribution is greater than or equal to the predetermined range (step S28; YES), the process proceeds to step S22, and the CPU 71 takes a still image of the subject. A strobe shooting flag for causing the strobe light emitting unit 23 to emit auxiliary light is set.
If it is determined in step S30 in FIG. 6 that the shutter speed is slower than the predetermined value (step S30; YES), the process proceeds to step S31, and the CPU 71 emits strobe light when taking a still image of the subject. A strobe shooting flag for causing the auxiliary light to be emitted by the unit 23 is set.

  If it is determined in step S33 in FIG. 6 that the shutter button 41a has been fully pressed (step S33; YES), the CPU 71 performs backlighting as a backlight handling process when the flash shooting flag is not set. When the subject is actually photographed under the exposure condition corrected by the EV shift while the strobe photographing flag is set, the flash control program 72i is executed, and the strobe driving unit 24 performs the strobe driving unit 24 as a backlight compatible process. Auxiliary light is emitted from the light emitting unit 23 to perform actual photographing of the subject.

  Therefore, even in the still-in movie mode in which a still image is shot during movie shooting, the exposure condition during the actual shooting of the subject is taken into consideration the shooting status of the subject such as still image shooting or movie shooting, as in the above embodiment. Can be corrected.

In the above embodiment, when a face is detected in the face detection process and it is determined that the face is darker than a predetermined brightness, the flash shooting flag is set to perform flash shooting. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the backlight support mode is set, the flash photography may be performed only when it is determined that the face is detected in the face detection process.
That is, since a person is often the main subject and the person is often at a distance that the auxiliary light from the strobe light emitting unit 23 can reach sufficiently, when the person is detected, the auxiliary light is emitted. Thus, the backlight handling process may be performed reliably.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the necessity of executing the backlight handling process is determined based on the presence or absence of a predetermined operation of the backlight button 41c by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the determination may be made automatically based on the image data that has been picked up and generated. In other words, if the histogram pixel value distribution calculated by the histogram calculation process is greater than or equal to a predetermined range, and if the histogram pixel value distribution is greater than or equal to the predetermined range, the backlight is compatible. You may make it determine with a process being required.
Further, when it is determined that the brightness of the main subject existing in the image data captured and generated by the imaging unit 1 is darker than the predetermined value, it may be determined that the backlight handling process is necessary. .

Further, in the above embodiment, based on a predetermined operation of the operation unit (correction amount setting instruction unit) 4 by the user, it is possible to instruct the setting of the exposure condition correction amount when the subject is imaged in the exposure condition correction processing. You may comprise.
Then, when it is determined that the backlight handling process is necessary, as the backlight handling process, when the auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting unit, the correction of the exposure condition in the exposure condition correction process is suppressed, while the operation unit by the user (Correction amount setting instructing means) When the setting of the exposure condition correction amount is instructed based on a predetermined operation of 4, the strobe light emitting unit 23 emits auxiliary light based on the predetermined operation of the operation unit. The exposure condition may be corrected with the correction amount of the exposure condition instructed to set.
That is, when the exposure condition correction amount is arbitrarily set based on a predetermined operation of the operation unit by the user, even if the strobe light emitting unit 23 automatically emits auxiliary light, By correcting the exposure condition with the correction amount of the exposure condition instructed to be set based on the operation, the exposure condition is corrected with at least an arbitrary correction amount set by the user and the subject is imaged brighter. Can do. Therefore, when the user intentionally captures an image with stronger exposure in the backlight state, exposure correction control considering the user's intention can be performed, and the user-desired image can be appropriately captured. Can do.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the auxiliary light is emitted from the strobe light emitting unit 23 based on the establishment of a predetermined condition at the time of taking a still image. It can be changed arbitrarily.
Further, when it is determined that the face of the person detected by the face detection process is darker than the predetermined brightness, the strobe light emitting unit 23 emits the auxiliary light. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The auxiliary light may be emitted regardless of whether the face of the person detected by the face detection process is dark or not.
In addition, when the distribution of the pixel values of the histogram related to the image captured by the imaging unit 1 is equal to or larger than the predetermined range, the strobe light emitting unit 23 emits the auxiliary light. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Auxiliary light may be emitted regardless of whether the distribution of pixel values in the histogram is equal to or greater than a predetermined range.

  Further, in the still image shooting mode, the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction processing when the through-image is captured by the imaging unit 1 is set to be larger than the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction processing in the moving image shooting mode. Although the control is performed so as to decrease, the present invention is not limited to this. The exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction process when the imaging unit 1 captures a through image is set to the exposure condition in the moving image shooting mode. Whether or not to make it smaller than the correction amount of the exposure condition by the correction process can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate.

  In addition, when a through image is captured by the imaging unit 1, the exposure condition is corrected by a predetermined correction amount in the exposure condition correction process, and recording of a still image is instructed based on a full pressing operation of the shutter button 41a by the user. When the strobe light emitting unit 23 emits auxiliary light, the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction process is controlled to be smaller than a predetermined correction amount when a through image is captured. However, when the recording of a still image is instructed and the strobe light emitting unit 23 emits auxiliary light, the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction processing is a predetermined correction amount when a through image is captured. Whether or not it is less can be arbitrarily changed.

  In addition, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 is merely an example illustrated in the above embodiment, and is not limited thereto.

  In addition, in the above embodiment, the exposure condition setting means, the backlight correspondence determination means, the exposure condition correction means, the shooting state determination means, the correction control means, the light emission control means, the face detection means, the person brightness determination means, the histogram The function as the calculation means is configured to be realized by executing a predetermined program or the like by the CPU 71. However, the function is not limited to this. For example, it is configured by a logic circuit or the like for realizing various functions. May be.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the shooting mode, when the moving image shooting / recording operation is being performed and when it is not (the operation state in which only the through image display is being performed or during the still image shooting / recording operation) The correction amount during shooting and recording of still images is changed by changing the correction amount during shooting and recording of moving images to be the same. Alternatively, different correction amounts may be used in an operation state in which only through image display is performed during a moving image shooting / recording operation and in all operation states during a still image shooting / recording operation.
In addition, either the movie shooting mode or the still image shooting mode can be selectively set in advance before the shooting and recording operation is started, and the movie shooting mode and the still image are displayed in the state where only the through image display is performed. The correction amount may be changed according to which of the shooting modes is set. That is, the correction amount may be changed according to the mode setting, not the actual photographing operation.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the imaging device of one Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows an example of the histogram of the pixel value of the image imaged with the imaging device of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an operation mode switching process of an imaging process performed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an exposure control process of the imaging process of FIG. 3. 5 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the exposure control process of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the exposure control process of FIG. 5. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an exposure control process of an imaging process performed by an imaging apparatus according to a first modification.

Explanation of symbols

100, 200 Imaging device (computer)
1 Imaging unit (imaging means)
23 Strobe flash unit (flash unit)
3 Display section (display means)
4 Operation part (correction amount setting instruction means)
41a Shutter button (recording instruction means)
41c Backlight button (backlight compatible mode setting instruction means)
71 CPU (exposure condition setting means, backlight correspondence determination means, exposure condition correction means, shooting state determination means, correction control means, light emission control means, face detection means, person brightness determination means, histogram calculation means)

Claims (14)

Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Exposure condition setting means for setting an exposure condition when the subject is imaged by the imaging means;
Back light correspondence determination means for determining whether a backlight support process is necessary at the time of imaging by the imaging means;
When it is determined by the backlight correspondence determination means that the backlight correspondence processing is necessary, the exposure condition set by the exposure condition setting means is captured by the imaging means as a brighter image as the backlight correspondence processing. Exposure condition correction means for correcting
A shooting state determination unit that determines whether the shooting state of the subject by the imaging unit is a still image shooting operation or a moving image shooting operation;
The exposure condition correction amount determined by the exposure condition correction unit when the shooting state determination unit determines that the still image shooting operation is being performed, and the exposure condition correction amount when the exposure condition correction unit determines that the moving image shooting operation is being performed. Correction control means for controlling to be less than the correction amount of the exposure condition by the correction means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The shooting state determination unit is configured to display the shooting state of the subject by the imaging unit during a through image display operation without a moving image shooting operation, a still image shooting operation, or a moving image shooting operation. Determine whether
The correction control means determines the amount of correction of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction means when it is determined by the shooting state determination means that a live view display operation is not performed without moving image shooting. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so that the exposure condition is corrected to be less than a correction amount of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction unit when it is determined that the camera is in operation.   The correction control means determines a correction amount of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction means when the shooting condition determination means determines that a live view display operation not involving a moving image shooting operation is being performed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control is performed so as to be equal to a correction amount of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction unit when it is determined that a photographing operation is being performed. A light emitting means for emitting auxiliary light for photographing;
When a predetermined shooting condition is satisfied when the still image is picked up by the image pickup means, a light emission control means for causing the light emission means to emit auxiliary light as the backlight corresponding processing,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A face detection unit for detecting a human face in an image frame generated by imaging the subject by the imaging unit;
The light emission control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when a face is detected by the face detection unit, auxiliary light is emitted by the light emission unit. Display means for displaying a through image captured by the imaging means;
Recording instruction means for instructing recording of a still image of a subject imaged by the imaging means,
The correction control means includes
When a through image is captured by the imaging unit, the exposure condition correction unit corrects the exposure condition by a predetermined correction amount, the recording instruction unit instructs to record a still image, and the light emitting unit emits auxiliary light. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the light is emitted, the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction unit is controlled to be smaller than the predetermined correction amount. The light emission control means includes
The auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting means instead of the correction of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correcting means when a predetermined photographing condition is established when the still image is picked up by the imaging means. The imaging device according to any one of 4 to 6. Human brightness determination means for determining whether or not the face person detected by the face detection means is darker than a predetermined brightness;
The light emission control means includes
The auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting unit when the recording instruction unit instructs to record a still image when the person brightness determining unit determines that the person is dark. 6. The imaging device according to 6. The correction control means includes
When the shooting state determination unit determines that a still image shooting operation is being performed, the exposure condition correction amount by the exposure condition correction unit when a through image is captured by the imaging unit is determined as a moving image shooting operation. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image pickup apparatus is controlled so as to be less than a correction amount of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction unit when it is determined that it is in the middle. A backlight compatible mode setting instruction means for instructing setting of a backlight compatible mode related to the backlight compatible processing,
The backlight correspondence determining means includes:
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the backlight support processing is necessary based on whether or not the backlight support mode setting instruction is given by the backlight support mode setting instruction means. The imaging device described in 1. A backlight compatible mode setting instruction means for instructing setting of a backlight compatible mode related to the backlight compatible processing;
Histogram calculating means for calculating a histogram of pixel values of an image picked up by the image pickup means;
The backlight correspondence determining means includes:
When setting of the backlight compatible mode is instructed by the backlight compatible mode setting instruction means, it is determined that the backlight compatible processing is necessary,
The light emission control means includes
10. The auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting unit when the distribution of pixel values of the histogram calculated by the histogram calculating unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined range. Imaging device. A histogram calculation means for calculating a histogram of pixel values of an image captured by the imaging means;
The backlight correspondence determining means includes:
10. The backlight determination process is determined to be necessary when the distribution of pixel values of the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined range. The imaging device described in 1. A correction amount setting instruction means for instructing setting of a correction amount of the exposure condition by the exposure condition correction means,
The correction control means includes
When the backlight correspondence determination unit determines that the backlight correspondence processing is necessary, the exposure condition correction unit corrects the exposure condition when the auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting unit as the backlight correspondence processing. If the setting of the correction amount of the exposure condition is instructed by the correction amount setting instruction means, the setting instruction is instructed by the correction amount setting instruction means even when the auxiliary light is emitted by the light emitting means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the exposure condition correction unit corrects the exposure condition with a correction amount. In the computer of the imaging device provided with imaging means for imaging the subject,
A function for setting an exposure condition when the subject is imaged by the imaging means;
A function of determining whether or not backlight processing is necessary at the time of imaging by the imaging means;
When it is determined that the backlight handling process is necessary, as the backlight handling process, a function of correcting a set exposure condition so that the subject is brightened by the imaging unit;
A function of determining whether the shooting state of the subject by the imaging means is a still image shooting operation or a moving image shooting operation;
The exposure condition correction amount when it is determined that the shooting state is a still image shooting operation is smaller than the exposure condition correction amount when it is determined that a movie shooting operation is being performed. Functions to control,
A program characterized by realizing.

Images