Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video camera which comprises an image sensing device for sensing an incident light to generate charges and supplying an output signal corresponding to the charges, the output signal comprising a recurrent vertical scanning period and a recurrent vertical blanking period, the vertical scanning period including a plurality of horizontal scanning periods, a comparator for comparing a level of the output signal with a reference level to generate a compared output signal, a circuit for generating a first clock pulse having the same frequency as a horizontal scanning period, a circuit for generating a second clock pulse having a frequency higher than that of the first clock pulse, and an exposure time controlling circuit for receiving the compared output signal and controlling an exposure time of the image sensing device in synchronism with the first clock pulse according to the compared output signal when the exposure time is within the vertical scanning period, and the expos

Abstract: A motion compensation device includes a detection unit detecting an amount of motion about a camera, a photographic preparatory operation commencement instruction unit generating a first instruction to commence photographic preparatory operations including the commencement of the detection unit, and a photographic operation commencement instruction unit generating a second instruction to commence photographic operations, a motion compensation unit to drive a photographic optical system of the camera to inhibit image blurring on a focal plane based on the amount of motion detected by the detection unit, and a stabilization time determination unit determining whether the photographic preparatory time from when the photographic preparatory operation instruction unit generates the first instruction until the photographic operation commencement instruction unit generates the second instruction is longer or shorter than a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A camera divides a light beam having passed through a taking lens unit into two light beams. One light beam forms an image on a silver salt film. Another light beam forms an image on a CCD. A light path for said another light beam is provided with an aperture diaphragm. The taking lens unit has an aperture diaphragm. Said two aperture diaphragms are correlatively controlled by a controller incorporated in the camera.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video camera which comprises an image sensing device for sensing an incident light to generate charges and supplying an output signal corresponding to the charges, the output signal comprising a recurrent vertical scanning period and a recurrent vertical blanking period, the vertical scanning period including a plurality of horizontal scanning periods, a comparator for comparing a level of the output signal with a reference level to generate a compared output signal, a circuit for generating a first clock pulse having the same frequency as a horizontal scanning period, a circuit for generating a second clock pulse having a frequency higher than that of the first clock pulse, and an exposure time controlling circuit for receiving the compared output signal and controlling an exposure time of the image sensing device in synchronism with the first clock pulse according to the compared output signal when the exposure time is within the vertical scanning period, and the expos

Abstract: A camera includes an orientation detection device that detects the orientation of the camera, a recording device that records photographic settings to be used during photography, and a camera controller. The recording device records the photographic settings relative to different orientations of the camera. The camera controller controls the camera based upon the detected orientation and photographic settings recorded in the recording device for that detected orientation.

Abstract: A light metering device incorporates a light dependent resistor as a light sensing element, a network including a plurality of circuit elements, and a selection mechanism for selectively connecting the light dependent resistor to one of the plurality of circuit elements in the network. The selection mechanism is controlled to set a voltage measured at an output terminal of the light dependent resistor within a predetermined threshold level. The light metering device can be readily incorporated in both photographic and electronic cameras.

Abstract: When a driving member is rotated counterclockwise by a single motor with a pair of sectors biased in the closing direction by a biasing spring, a first driving pin causes an operating lever to rotate clockwise. The pair of sectors pivot in opposite directions to each other in association with the driving lever to reach a first position where the sectors are fully open without overlapping the lens opening. When the driving member is rotated clockwise, a second driving pin also causes the operating lever to rotate clockwise. The pair of sectors pivot in opposite directions to each other to reach a second position, that is, a half-open position where an opening smaller than the lens opening is obtained. At this time, The second driving pin abuts on a part of one sector to restrain the displacement of the driving member. Accordingly, the driving member is prevented from overrunning, and no hunting occurs.

Abstract: An exposure condition when an electronic flash is to be used, i.e., an aperture value and a shutter speed, is determined based on a photometry value. Under the exposure condition, a photographing operation is carried out without use of the electronic flash, and image data obtained by this photographing operation are stored in a first image memory. Further, another photographing operation is carried out with use of the electronic flash, and image data obtained by this photographing operation are stored in a second image memory. The image data stored in the first and second image memories are read out and the luminance signals of corresponding pixels are compared. When the difference between the luminance signals is large, the white balance adjustment is performed based on electronic flash light. When the difference between the luminance signals is small, the white balance adjustment is performed based on the ambient daylight.

Abstract: A photo signal processing apparatus which comprises a light receiving unit of charge accumulation type for outputting a data corresponding to a condition of light received thereby, a data processor for applying a predetermined processing to the data outputted from the light receiving unit, an accumulation initiating device for causing the light receiving unit to initiate a charge accumulating operation, an accumulation interrupting device for interrupting the charge accumulating operation of the light receiving unit, a counter for counting a time passed during a period subsequent to the start of the charge accumulating operation of the light receiving unit and until the termination of the charge accumulating operation of the light receiving unit, and a control unit for activating the accumulation initiating device at a timing required to interrupt the charge accumulating operation of the light receiving unit at the time of termination of the data processing performed by the data processor.