Abstract: An imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus may find an area in which a specimen is present, then focus on the specimen and capture images of the specimen during continuous stage motion.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes an imaging device. The imaging device has an imaging surface irradiated with an optical image of an object scene. A CPU executes an AF process based on output of an AF evaluating circuit to adjust a position of a focus lens to a position to be optically converged on a specific object present in an object scene. Upon completion of the AF process, the CPU detects a distance from a lens distal end to the specific object by referencing a current position of the focus lens, and further detects brightness information of the object scene based on output of an AE/AWB evaluating circuit. Moreover, the CPU adjusts an imaging parameter by determining whether or not an object scene attribute including the detected distance and brightness information satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus capable of executing image pickup and focus detection using the phase difference scheme by a solid-state image pickup element, accurate and quick focus detection using the phase difference scheme is realized. In addition, an image pickup apparatus capable of obtaining a high-quality image signal even in an image pickup mode is provided. Each pixel unit of an image pickup element includes first and second photoelectric conversion units for photoelectrically converting light components that have passed through different regions in the exit pupil of an image pickup optical system and is arranged such that the first sensitivity distribution by the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second sensitivity distribution by the second photoelectric conversion unit overlap in a region between the photoelectric conversion units.

Abstract: A scan representation position table to which three points of focus positions which become scan representation positions are recorded respectively is stored in advance based on the lens position of the zoom lens 2b and the type of priority focus. The current zoom lens 2b lens position is acquired and determination processing for short-distance priority focus or long-distance priority focus is performed when judged that the shutter button has been fully depressed at once or when the shutter button has been fully depressed before the passage of a predetermined time duration after the shutter button was halfway depressed. Then, the focus positions are acquired from the scan representation position table based on the acquired lens position and the judged priority focus, and the contrast AF processing is executed within the range of the acquired three points of focus positions.

Abstract: An autofocusing method is implemented in an image capture device comprising a lens and a sensor module. The relative positions of lens and the sensor module are adjusted for autofocusing based on a factor. First, the relative positions of the lens and the sensor module are adjusted based on a first unit of the factor to determine a plurality of states of the lens and the sensor module, where the lens renders clearer images on the sensor module. The states are utilized to estimate a best state achievable by focusing based on a second unit of the factor, where the lens renders a clearest image on the sensor module. The second unit is finer than the first unit. The lens or the sensor module is driven to the best state.

Abstract: In order to carry out relatively accurate AF control while eliminating the adverse effect on a reproduced moving picture, a subject is imaged every 1/30 seconds, so that subject images are obtained. Image data representing the subject images respectively corresponding to odd-numbered frames are recorded on a memory card as image data representing the moving picture. At timing where the subject images respectively corresponding to even-numbered frames are obtained by the imaging, auxiliary light is irradiated onto the subject. A high-frequency component is extracted from the image data representing each of the subject images respectively corresponding to even-numbered frames, so that focusing data representing the degree of focusing of the subject image is obtained. Since the subject image used for focusing control is bright, focusing control can be carried out relatively accurately.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an image detector for producing a continuous image signal from an image received thereat; oscillation means coupled to the image detector for inducing a spatial oscillation in the image relative to the image detector; and a spatio-temporally matching filter in communication with the image detector and the oscillation means. The matching filter is configured to filter out aspects of the image signal not associated with the induced oscillation, to thereby provide enhanced image processing of the image.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus, a light receiving unit produces a first signal at a first timing and a second signal at a second timing later than the first timing. First and second parameters for detecting a scene change are acquired based on the first and second signals, respectively. The presence or the absence of a scene change is determined based on both the parameters. The apparatus further includes a selecting unit configured to select a focusing target AF area from among a plurality of AF areas, and a focusing control unit configured to execute focusing control by using focusing information with respect to the AF area selected by the selecting unit. When the determining unit determines that the scene change is not present, the selecting unit selects the AF area having been selected at the first timing, as the focusing target AF area, at the second timing continuously.

Abstract: A method of focusing a digital camera module with an image sensor including capturing an image of a test target with the digital camera module, determining a focus quality of the image with the image sensor, outputting a signal related to the focus quality of the image from the digital camera module to a focusing station external to the digital camera module, and determining whether a position of a lens from the image sensor within the digital camera module should be altered to improve a focus quality of subsequently captured images.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus achieves a high-speed automatic focus operation and a reduction in power consumption and prevents a miss focus due to an erroneous determination. The imaging apparatus has an automatic focus function, which detects a current position of a focal lens. A limited range near the detected current position of the focal lens is designated as a focus range. A movable range of the focal lens is changed in accordance with the designated focus range.

Abstract: A CPU 11 in a digital camera 1 determines that the photography environment is dark and includes a spot light source, in the case where the number of pixels that have a higher luminosity than a first threshold to the total number of pixels in the focus area exceeds a first certain proportion and the number of pixels that have a lower luminosity than a second threshold to the total number of pixels in the focus area exceeds a second certain proportion, on the basis of a luminosity signal Y which has been acquired. Subsequently, the CPU 11 reads out a coefficient value of a cut-off frequency from a memory 110, inputs it to an HPF 9 thereby setting the cut-off frequency fc higher.

Abstract: In an automatic focusing device generating a luminance signal by scanning a picked-up digital image signal, evaluating the contrast of the luminance signal, and driving its focusing based on the evaluation; the scanning includes at least a part where scan is performed in a zigzag-like manner. With this configuration, focusing is facilitated for an object having no high frequency components in the horizontal direction. This invention can be understood as an invention of a method.

Abstract: A method for automatic focus for an image capture device comprising a lens, the method comprising, for a first lens position, processing image data generated at a plurality of local focus positions of the lens in order to generate first metric data representing a focus measure for the first lens position, adjusting the lens position on the basis of the first metric data, and generating corresponding second metric data for at least one local focus position at the new lens position, and determining an estimated point of true focus for the lens on the basis of the first and second metric data.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system comprising: a plurality of image pickup surfaces of an AF image pickup device for taking images of a subject for performing automatic focusing of a picture taking lens, the image pickup surfaces being placed at such positions that the length of optical paths to the image pickup surfaces differ from each other; a common optical path which is a portion of an optical path through which subject light entering the picture taking lens are supplied to the plurality of image pickup surfaces, and through which the entire subject light to be incident on the image pickup surfaces passes; a light splitting device which splits the subject light supplied through the common optical path into subject lights respectively incident on the plurality of image pickup surfaces; a focusing control device which controls focusing of the picture taking lens on the basis of contrasts in the subject images obtained through the plurality of image pickup surfaces so that a correct focus on the subject is ach

Abstract: A focus controller configured to control focus of an optical element includes a focus state detector configured to detect a focus state based on a contrast value of an image formed by the optical element, and a driving mechanism that moves the optical element including a motor, a position sensor configured to detect a position of a rotor in the motor, and a driving controller configured to select, in accordance with the contrast value, first driving configured to switch an electrization to a coil in accordance with an output of the position senor, or second driving configured to switch the electrization to the coil in the motor in accordance with a determined time interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides an auto focus system capable of having an AF area which is a target range of auto focus (AF) automatically follow a follow-up target subject as a focusing target, wherein the system changes a size of a range for capturing an image of the follow-up target subject as a reference pattern image out of the range of a photographing image according to a target subject distance and a focal length of a photographing lens so as to appropriately perform detection of the image of the target subject and automatic follow-up of the AF area even in the case where the size of the image of the target subject in the photographing image of the camera changes such as the case where the distance between the camera and the follow-up target subject changes or the case where the focal length of the photographing lens (optical system of the camera) changes.

Abstract: A focus position detection apparatus calculates a focus position of a focus lens using an image signal obtained from an image sensing element. The apparatus comprises an acquisition unit that acquires focus states for a predetermined distance range, a control unit that controls the acquisition unit to acquire focus states at first intervals and second intervals which is shorter than the first intervals, and a focus position detection unit that determines a focus position on the basis of the focus states obtained at the first or second intervals. The control unit changes whether to acquire focus states at the second intervals based on the focus states obtained at the first intervals.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus, information of a distance to an object is acquired according to an image pickup direction such as panning or tilting under a condition where focusing can be conducted, an image pickup direction is detected at a present position due to a panning angle and a tilting angle in the case where focusing cannot be conducted at a low illumination level, the information of distance to an object corresponding to the detected image pickup direction is read out from the memory, and a focus lens is driven at the read position, thereby making it possible to take a photograph even under a condition where the object cannot be focused.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a control unit configured to control a focus position of a lens by causing a communication unit to acquire a plurality of lens position information stored in a first storage unit without any synchronization with acquisition of an evaluation value by a contrast detection unit and associating the acquired plurality of lens position information with evaluation values stored in a second storage unit.

Abstract: Described are autofocusing algorithms and system implementations for machine inspection applications. The disclosed algorithms depend neither on the type of image (visual, infrared, spectrometric, scanning, etc.) nor on the type of image detector. Disclosed image filtering techniques, image focus measure functions and adaptive velocity control methods can be used in computer-based inspection systems for many different types of cameras and detectors as well as for a variety of magnification levels. The proposed autofocusing system can utilize the existing imaging hardware of the inspection system and does not require any additional components.

Abstract: A method for blurred image judgment is provided. Firstly, a focus value FV1 of an original image is calculated. By using a blur function, the original image is obfuscated to generate a blurred image, and then the focus value FV2 of the blurred image is calculated. A blur ratio FV1/FV2 is compared with a blur threshold value Tp, thereby discriminating whether the original image is blurred according to the comparing result. The method for blurred image judgment is applicable to a digital image capture device. If the original image is deemed blurred, a blur image signal is issued to notify the user whether the retaking operation is done.

Abstract: A focus detection method, for detecting a focus state of an object image in accordance with a contrast of the object image which is formed in a focus detection area, includes capturing the object images while moving a focusing lens group of a photographing lens stepwise within a predetermined range of movement thereof; determining contrast values of the plurality of object images in the focus detection area; and setting a position of the focusing lens group as an in-focus position when a contrast value, attained when the focusing lens group is positioned at one of the closest focus position and the infinite-focus position or at a position within a predetermined range of steps from the one of the closest focus position and the infinite-focus position toward the other of the closest focus position and the infinite-focus position, is at a maximum contrast value.

Abstract: A system and method for determining differences and other conditions on a multi-monitor system is provided. A first line is displayed across two monitors. A user aligns one segment of the line on one monitor with the other segment. A second line is displayed across the monitors, parallel to the first. The user then aligns a segment of the second line with the other segment of the second line. A wedge is displayed across the monitors. The user aligns a portion of the wedge such that the wedge appears as a contiguous wedge partially obscured by the physical separation between monitors. The system then determines the relative physical alignment of the monitors, the relative pixel resolution of the monitors, and the physical separation between the display areas of the monitors. If a monitor is rotated, an additional step to determine the rotation of the rotated monitor is also performed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for computing focus information prior to scanning microscope slides with a line scan camera. The methods include a point-focus procedure that works by moving the slide to the desired measurement location, moving the objective lens through a predefined set of height values, acquiring imagery data at each height, and determining the height of maximum contrast. The methods also include a ribbon-focus procedure whereby imagery data are acquired continuously, while the slide and objective lens are in motion. Both methods may be applied with either a static or a dynamic implementation.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes a focusing lens group, and a controller. The controller establishes a first predetermined number and a first criterial value if a maximum contrast value and/or minimum contrast value is outside a predetermined range, and a second predetermined number and second criterial value if the maximum and minimum contrast values are within the predetermined range; compares contrast values detected at adjacent positions to determine whether the contrast value of the object image increases once and subsequently decreases by the first or second predetermined number of times; detects a maximum contrast value if the contrast value of the object image increases once and subsequently decreases by the first or second predetermined number of times; determines a difference between the maximum contrast value and a detected contrast value; and selects the maximum contrast value if the difference exceeds the first/second criterial value.

Abstract: A user by halfway depressing (S12) a shutter button acquires (S13, S14) the output OR and the output OL of a sensor array. Subsequently, an operation judges whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the output OR and the output OL is greater than a threshold value (S15). When judged greater than a threshold value, an operation initiates a warning notification to the user (S17, S18) and AF processing by a contrast detection method is performed. Meanwhile, when judged less than a threshold value, the focus lens is moved so focus can be performed toward the distance to an object with a phase difference detection method (S20). Then, the focus lens is moved from the existing focus lens position by a narrow range and the focus lens is moved to the lens position constituting the highest contrast value (S21).

Abstract: An imaging device, comprising a photographing lens having a manual focus mechanism, an imaging unit for receiving subject light flux, that has been made incident by the photographing lens, on an imaging surface, a display unit for carrying out a live view display operation using image data acquired by the imaging unit, a contrast AF unit for obtaining contrast information of the subject information from image data acquired by the imaging unit and guiding the photographing lens into a specified focus permissible range based on the contrast information, and a control unit for, when a manual focus operation is carried out after executing a focus adjustment operation using the contrast AF unit during the live view display, carrying out control so that there is a transition to a shooting operation without again executing the focus adjustment operation.

Abstract: An image unsharpness test method for a camera device, wherein firstly, during the focusing stage of an electronic camera device, the image with the highest sharpness is selected to be a contrast image; next, the contrast image is compared with a captured image to obtain the sharpness difference is too great, the captured image is determined to unsharp; vice versa, if the difference is very small, the captured image is determined to be sharp. Thereby, the image unsharpness test method for a camera device of the present invention not only can determine whether a captured is sharp enough but also can reduce the photographic errors and promote photographic efficiency.

Abstract: An exemplary auto focus method for use in video cameras including a focus lens includes: focusing the pickup lens and capturing a current image and a prior image; calculating two contrast estimation values of the current image and the prior image; and judging whether a difference between the contrast estimation value of the current image and that of the prior image exceeds a predetermined threshold, if yes, refocusing the pickup lens, if no, keeping focus status of the pickup lens unchanged and capturing a subsequent image.

Abstract: A lens controlling apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of preventing an execution of irrelevant AF control in a combination of TV-AF method and an AF method other than the TV-AF method. The lens controlling apparatus comprises: a first signal generating section generating a first signal showing a contrast state of an object image on the basis of a predetermined frequency component of a signal; a second signal generating section generating a second signal by a focus detecting method different from that in the first signal generating section; and a controller, which selects one of a first focus control operation based on the first signal and a second focus control operation based on the second signal in accordance with each change amount of the first and second signals.

Abstract: A focus control device includes a lens unit including a focus lens; a focus lens driving mechanism that moves the focus lens to achieve an in-focus state; a focus status detector that detects a focus status acquired by the focus lens; a drive control unit that controls the focus lens driving mechanism so that the detected focus status is the in-focus state; a change detector that detects that an evaluation value for focus control has changed by a threshold value or more; and an execution control unit that waits in a state in which the drive control unit does not control the focus lens driving mechanism for a waiting time starting from a time when the change detector detects that the evaluation value has changed by the predetermined threshold value or more, and that causes the drive control unit to control the focus lens driving mechanism when the state in which the evaluation value has changed by the predetermined threshold value or more is maintained until the waiting time has elapsed.

Abstract: An electronic still camera includes a finder optical system for viewing a subject image. An imaging section obtains the subject image. A display section displays the subject image based on image data associated with the subject image obtained by the imaging section. A mode selecting section selects either a first mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while a user views the subject image through the finder optical system or a second mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while the user views the subject image on the display section. A first focus detection circuit performs a first focus detecting operation when the first mode is selected by the mode selecting section. A second focus detection circuit performs a second focus detecting operation when the second mode is selected by the mode selecting section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging device having a lens including a zoom lens and a focus lens; an image sensor for outputting an imaging result of an optical image formed by the lens; a signal processor for processing the imaging result to output a video signal; a detector for processing the video signal to output an evaluation value indicative of the degree of focusing; a memory for storing data of an imaging range where a focused image is ensured, by using a cam curve of the lens; and a controller for moving the focus lens in concert with the zoom lens; wherein when a focal depth detected according to a current position of the zoom lens is less than the imaging range at the current position of the zoom lens, the controller performs autofocus control using the evaluation value to move the focus lens; and when the focal depth is greater than the imaging range at the current position of the zoom lens, the controller performs focus control by the cam curve to move the focus lens.

Abstract: An output from an auto focus sensor is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converting section, and an output from the A/C converting section is stored in a memory section. Further, a second AF arithmetic section is used to concurrently execute a plurality of focus detection arithmetic operations based on data in the memory section.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus capable of appropriate AF control without depending on a zoom enlargement ratio is disclosed. The image-taking apparatus includes a signal processing section which generates an image signal based on the output signal of an image-pickup device and has an electronic zoom function electrically processing part of the image signal to generate an enlarged output image and a controller which controls the driving of the focus lens by using a first control method and a second control method which is different from the first control method. The controller changes a control method to be used between the first and second control method in a first zooming state including at least a state in which the electronic zoom function is not in use and a second zooming state using the electronic zoom function which has a zoom enlargement ratio larger than that of the first zooming state.

Abstract: A storage unit is configured to store beforehand a table that shows a relation between spread parameters and command values supplied to a control unit to acquire a focused image of an object, and information that designates a command value corresponding to an inflection point on an approximated curve showing the relation that the spread parameters have with the command values, the control unit being configured to control a state of an optical system in accordance with an input command value. The luminance information about the object that lies at a distance falling within a range over which focusing should be detected is acquired, at the position of the optical system, which is obtained by the command value corresponding to the inflection point shown in the table.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, in which a light is projected toward a physical object by projection means, and based on the reflected light by the physical object of the light, a defocus amount is detected (steps S2003 to S2008) by the first focus detection means and the second focus detection means, respectively, and a correction value for matching the defocus amount detected by the first focus detection means with the defocus amount detected by the second focus detection means is calculated and kept stored (step S2009), and at the photographing time, based on the defocus amount detected by the first focus detection means and the correction value kept stored, a focus adjustment lens within a photographic lens is driven, thereby preventing an inappropriate correction of the defocus amount.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus is disclosed which achieves focusing in a reduce time with higher accuracy of an in-focus position search in a TV-AF method to minimize occurrence of unnatural focus changes. The image-taking apparatus includes an image-taking element, a first detector which outputs a focus evaluation value signal based on a predetermined frequency component of an output signal of the image-pickup element, a second detector which outputs a detection signal different from the focus evaluation value signal, and a controller which performs first processing of obtaining information for an in-focus position search of the focus lens based on the focus evaluation value signal. The controller performs second processing of obtaining information on an in-focus position based on the detection signal from the second detector, and performs third processing different depending on a comparison result between the information from the first processing and the information obtained from the second processing.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus that corrects an image blur by using a plurality of images acquired by image capturing means. The apparatus comprises: blur detection means that detects a blur amount between the plurality of images; image composition means that performs the composition of the plurality of images using the detected blur amount; acquisition means that acquires, based on a difference value between the plurality of images and a threshold value thereof, region data for separating the image into regions by changing the threshold value; and display means that selectably displays the region data for each threshold value.

Abstract: To provide an automatic focusing system which has an AF pickup device dedicated to an AF operation and which can perform the AF operation with high following ability to a moving subject. At the time of performing an AF control operation, a CPU of a lens unit sets a focusing state of a photographing optical system to an in-focus state by controlling a focus lens group FL of the photographing optical system so that an estimated focus value representing the magnitude of a contrast of a subject image is the maximum. The CPU adjusts an electronic shutter speed of the AF pickup device based on a brightness level of an image signal acquired by the AF pickup device and enhances the frame rate of the AF pickup device as high as possible.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device receiving light from an object through an imaging lens at a predetermined imaging plane and performing photoelectric conversion of an object image to generate a captured image; a phase-difference detector for receiving the light from the object and generating a phase-difference detection signal corresponding to a focus level of the object image; an evaluation-value calculator for calculating a predetermined evaluation value corresponding to a contrast of the object image on the basis of the captured image; and a determining unit for selecting an optimum AF method from among a plurality of AF methods in which the phase-difference detection signal obtained by the phase-difference detecting unit and the predetermined evaluation value based on the captured image are used selectively or in combination, the optimum AF method being selected in accordance with image-capturing conditions of the object.

Abstract: Auto focus control is exerted based on a focus evaluation value indicating a degree of sharpness of an image obtained from a plurality of image pickup devices placed at positions of different light path lengths. There is provided a device which makes a correction on sensitivity of the focus evaluation value obtained from each image pickup devices. It is thereby possible to make an adequate correction on a sensitivity of the focus evaluation value so as to exert the auto focus control with high accuracy. It is also possible to automatically make a correction on the sensitivity of the focus evaluation value and eliminate troublesome labor. All or a part of signal processing for the auto focus control is performed by a single processing part by time-sharing. Thereby, a circuit scale can be miniaturized and power consumption can be reduced.

Abstract: Focus detecting methods and focus detecting mechanisms of an image measuring device able to execute focus detection at high speed with high accuracy, and image measuring device having the focus detecting mechanisms are provided. A rotation driving device rotates and operates a grating filter for projecting a grating pattern to a measured object. A distance driving device adjusts the interval distance between an image pickup device and the measured object. The image of the measured object projecting the grating pattern thereto every predetermined rotating angle is picked up by the image pickup device via multiple exposure by operating the rotation driving device and the distance driving device in association with each other. A focus position is determined from a contrast value of the grating pattern within the picked-up image information. Accordingly, it is not necessary to pick-up plural images in plural distance positions and process the plural images.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus is disclosed which is capable of realizing a focus-effect function in a constant time without being influenced by contrast of an object or the position of a focus lens. The apparatus includes a signal generator which generates a focus evaluation signal, a detector which detects information corresponding to an object distance, and a controller which performs focus lens control on the basis of the focus evaluation signal and focus lens control on the basis of information corresponding to the object distance. The controller determines a direction and a velocity in which the focus lens is moved toward an in-focus position on the basis of the information corresponding to the object distance in the focus lens control according to the focus-effect function. The controller performs the focus lens control on the basis of the focus evaluation signal after the focus lens is moved in the determined direction.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus is disclosed which is capable of restricting unnecessary focus control by an AF method other than the TV-AF method in the hybrid AF. The image-pickup apparatus includes a first detector which generates first information corresponding to a contrast state of a picked-up image, a second detector which detects second information differing from the first information and used for focus control, and a controller which performs focus processing that cyclically repeats first focus control using the first information and performs second focus control using the second information. In the focus processing, the controller is changed over between a state of restricting the second focus control and a state of allowing the second focus control, depending on a change amount of the contrast state.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including: an imaging device; a focusing operation control; and a decision control for comparing an evaluation value obtained from present image data with an evaluation value obtained from last image data obtained when the focus system leans was located at focal position in a last focusing operation and for deciding whether or not a focused state where the focus system lens is focused is maintained, according to a focusing instruction manipulation before performing the focusing operation and without driving the focus system lens.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus in which contrast signals obtained by moving a focus lens and detecting image data corresponding to an image of a subject captured in a first exposure time are used to achieve focus includes a storage unit storing the contrast signals in correspondence to respective focus lens positions to which the focus lens has been moved; an accumulator accumulating, for each of the focus lens positions, the contrast signals stored in correspondence to the respective focus lens positions; and a controller causing the focus lens to move to a focus lens position at which the maximum value of accumulated contrast signals has been obtained.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus includes a filter unit for performing frequency filtering processing on an image pickup signal, and a focus position detecting unit for detecting a focus position based on the contrast value of the image pickup signal having undergone the frequency filtering processing by the filter unit. The filter unit has a first filter for normal position detection, and a second filter for infinity position detection having a frequency characteristic different from that of the first filter, and selects the first filter or the second filter.

Abstract: An image of a subject is taken by a solid image taking device including a first image taking element having a plurality of pixels and a second image taking element having a plurality of pixels smaller than those of the first image taking element. First and second evaluations on contrast obtained by integrating high-frequency components of first and second image signals representing an image of the subject taken by the first and second image taking elements are calculated. The focus is adjusted on the basis of the first and second evaluations on contrast so that the subject is imaged on the solid image taking device.

Abstract: An AF controlling unit (83) starts an outside light AF operation controlled by an outside AF unit (81) by a half-pressing of a shutter release button (61), and a change over between the outside AF operation and a CCDAF operation controlled by a CCDAF unit (82) is controlled corresponding to an elapsed time t (timer 84) from a starting of the operation of the outside light AF operation and a pressing condition (a detection of the half-pressing by a half-pressed detecting unit (62), the detection of a full-pressing by a full-pressed detecting unit (63) or a press-in releasing) of a shutter release button (61) after the starting of the outside light AF operation controlled by the outside AF unit (81) by the half-pressing of the shutter release button (61).