Abstract: A holder assembly includes at least two holder members for holding electro-developing recording media, respectively, and a connecting member for connecting the holder members to each other through the intermediary thereof, and each of the holder members is hinged to the connecting member. An electro-developing type camera includes a photographing lens system for focusing a light beam derived from an object, and an optical separator for separating the light beam, passing through the photographing lens system, into at least two light beam components. The photographing lens system and the optical separator are constituted and arranged such that the light beam components are focused on different image planes, respectively. The holder assembly is shaped and positioned such that the electro-developing recording media are included in the different image planes, respectively.

Abstract: The object location identification system includes a Receiving Module (RM), an Angular Measuring System (AMS) and a processor. The RM receives information specifying a user's location and provides RM output data in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude. The AMS is connectable to a pointing device for measuring the orientation of the pointing device and providing AMS output data in at least heading and depression angles. The processor processes the RM output data and the AMS output data and provides location data of an object being pointed at by the pointing device.

Abstract: Both a sharp print image and a natural reproduced move image can be obtained from a signal recorded on a recording medium. A recording signal, read from the recording medium, is converted into digital data and is delayed by one field. Data representing the current image in the n-th field and data representing an image in the (n-1)-th field one field ahead of the current image, are applied to a subtracting circuit, to extract a component representing moving image portions. An interpolated image for making movement correction is created from the extracted component representing the moving image portions by an interpolating circuit. Data representing the interpolated image and the data representing the current image in the n-th field are synthesized by a synthesizing circuit, to output composite data as data representing an image which has been subjected to movement correction.

Abstract: An electronic camera system includes a programmable transmission capability for selectively transmitting electronic image data to a plurality of remote base units. In one embodiment, a camera module is detachably coupled to a portable computer including a display screen and a data entry device. The electronic image data generated by the camera module is supplied to the portable computer for display on the display screen. The data entry device is used by an operator to select which of the plurality of base units are to receive the digital image data. The digital image data is supplied by the portable computer to a radio-frequency transmitter module for transmission to the selected base units. The radio-frequency transmitter module is formed either integral with the portable computer or, like the camera module, is detachably coupled to the portable computer.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a main body which has a plurality of electrical contacts and an information storing part which can be loaded and unloaded on and from the main body and also has a plurality of electrical contacts arranged to be connectable with the electrical contacts of the main body. The apparatus has a moving member which is arranged to carry the information storing part and to be movable only between first and second positions, in such a way as to have the plurality of electrical contacts of the information storing part not connected to the plurality of electrical contacts of the main body when the moving member is in the first position and connected to the plurality of electrical contacts of the main body when the moving member is in the second position.

Abstract: A video signal recording and reproducing apparatus replaces at least one of a group of a predetermined number of frames of a main signal from one video camera to a sub signal frame from another video camera on the same time base as that of the main signal and records, and upon reproduction, executes the recording video signal by an ordinary reproducing process and reproduces and displays the main signal and still reproduces the intermittent sub signal frames, thereby reproducing the sub signal like a frame sending. The recording and reproducing apparatus sets one of the video signals which are obtained from two or more video cameras into the main signal and sets the other remaining video signals into the sub signals and records those main and sub signals and conveniently distributes those signals and reproduces.

Abstract: A recording operation control device has a plurality of slot units in which, for example, an IC memory card is mounted. IN a plural record mode, the same image signal is recorded to a plurality of IC memory cards through the slot units. An output voltage of a battery applied to the slot units is detected. When the output voltage of a battery is greater than or equal to a reference voltage in the plural record mode, the slot units are controlled in such a manner that the image signal is simultaneously recorded to the IC memory cards. When the output voltage is less than the reference voltage, the slot units are controlled in such a manner that the image signal is sequentially recorded to each of the IC memory cards.

Abstract: An image processing system is capable of displaying, storing and printing an image from either of two video inputs. When one video input is selected, a real-time video image of a subject is displayed on a monitor. When a shutter-button is pushed, a still-frame image of the subject is displayed on the monitor and stored in a memory. A print out of the stored image can be requested following confirmation of the quality and desirability of the stored image.

Abstract: A camera comprises an optical system, an imaging element, an electric circuit for processing a signal output from the imaging element, a length of magnetic tape and a mechanism for driving the tape. The camera is for photographing objects only. The magnetic tape can be rewind and signals can be reproduced from the tape, only after the camera has been connected to a playback device.

Abstract: An electronic still camera includes a photographic optical system having a variable focal length, an image sensor for converting an optical image formed by the photographic optical system into an electrical image signal, a recording circuit for recording on a rotary recording medium the electrical image signal produced by the image sensor, a focal-length adjusting device for adjusting the focal length of the photographic optical system, and a control circuit arranged to inhibit either one of a rotation of the rotary recording medium and a focal-length adjustment operation of the focal-length adjusting device when the other is being performed.

Abstract: An imaging device which includes an optical unit passing light from a subject and having an exit pupil position. An image pickup element receives the light from the subject passing through the optical unit, and produces an image signal from the received light. The image signal has corresponding color excitation values. A color compensation mechanism adjusts a ratio of the color excitation values of the image signal produced by the image pickup element by adjusting at least one of the color excitation values in correspondence with the exit pupil position of the optical unit. Further, the imaging device can include an aperture positioned between the optical unit and the image pickup element to limit the amount of light received by the image pickup element from the optical unit. The size of the aperture is adjustable.

Abstract: A video signal recording apparatus includes a memory for storing a one-picture portion of an input video signal. An overlapping device gradually switches a first video signal, read from the memory, to a second video signal during a first predetermined time period, and provides an output video signal. A recording device records the video signal output from the overlapping device. A first manual operation member sets the video signal recording apparatus to an overlap mode, in which the overlapping device is operated in response to a start of recording by the recording device. A second manual operation member sets the video signal recording apparatus to an interval recording mode, in which the recording device is periodically operated to record during every second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A television camera/recorder comprises a television camera unit for converting a scene into corresponding electrical signals, and a VTR for recording the electrical signals provided by the television camera unit and reproducing the recorded electrical signals. The signals reproduced by the VTR are converted into carrier television signals by an internal RF converter, and the carrier television signals are sent to an external television receiver through a first output jack connected by a cord to the external television receiver. The television camera/recorder may be additionally provided with an adapter capable of being detachably connected to a case containing the television camera unit, the VTR unit and the RF converter and provided with a second output jack capable of being connected to the first output jack provided on the case when the adapter is joined to the case.

Abstract: Analog-to-digital conversion and the CIF format conversion are performed by the video camera whose pixel number is an integral multiple or its reciprocal of that of the CIF. Therefore, it is not necessary to employ the line interpolation circuit using a large-sized memory, so that the circuit arrangement of the television conference system, the video-telephone system and so on using the codec can be simplified and the production costs thereof can be reduced. Since the video camera output is digital, even if the sampled phase fluctuates, the compression efficiency in the codec (or the coder) is prevented from being lowered and the compression efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: A video camera has a time setting portion for setting a shot-time of one cut and a display member for displaying the information indicative of elapsed time. Further the video camera has a auto-stop mode which automatically stops the recording operation of the video camera stopped when the recording time exceeds the shot-time of one cut set by the time-set portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is arranged to record a video signal in first areas respectively provided in a multiplicity of tracks on a recording medium and also a digital still-image signal in second areas which are respectively separated from the first areas. In the apparatus, while the digital still-image signal is being recorded in the second areas, the video signal is always recorded in the first areas, whereby it is possible to prevent occurrence of an uncomfortable phenomenon, such as formation of a scene devoid of a substantial image, during reproduction from the first areas. In addition, an analog still-image signal, representative of an image identical to an image represented by the digital still-image signal recorded in the second areas, is repeatedly recorded in the first areas during a predetermined time duration, whereby it is possible to facilitate search of a still-image signal recorded in the second areas.

Abstract: An image signal recording apparatus arranged to be selectively set in a still-image recording mode and a motion-picture recording mode. A storage memory stores on picture portion of the motion-picture video signal. During the still-image recording mode, the content of the storage memory is repetitively read out of the storage memory thereby forming a video signal representing the still-image. The duration of still-image recording mode is longer than a period required to store two picture portions of the motion-picture in the storage memory.

Abstract: An electronic still camera comprising a lens, shutter, and exposure control system, a focus and range control circuit, a solid state imaging device incorporating a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) through which an image is focused, a digital control unit through which timing and control of an image for electronic processing is accomplished, an Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter circuit to convert the analog picture signals into their digital equivalents, a pixel buffer for collecting a complete row of an image's digital equivalent, a frame buffer for collecting all rows of an image's digital equivalent, and a selectively adjustable digital image compression and decompression algorithm that compresses the size of a digital image and selectively formats the compressed digital image to a compatible format for either the IBM Personal Computer and related architectures or the Apple Macintosh PC architecture as selected by the operator so that the digital image can be directly read into most word processing, desktop publ

Abstract: In order to achieve a digital video camera apparatus which decreases the number of components and facilitates connection with a digital VTR, a luminance signal Y and a color signal C input from external input terminals (110, 118) are converted into digital signals by A/D converters (136, 138) by sampling these signals respectively at the sampling frequency of a digital recording/reproduction device (113) and a frequency four times the subcarrier frequency, the digital signals are selected by selectors (135, 137) together with signals Y and C from a digital signal processing circuit (106), and the selected signals are supplied to the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113). Color-difference signals are supplied after their frequency is converted into the sampling frequency of the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113) by frequency converters (139a, 139b).

Abstract: In order to achieve a digital video camera apparatus which decreases the number of components and facilitates connection with a digital VTR, a luminance signal Y and a color signal C input from external input terminals (110, 118) are converted into digital signals by A/D converters (136, 138) by sampling these signals respectively at the sampling frequency of a digital recording/reproduction device (113) and a frequency four times the subcarrier frequency, the digital signals are selected by selectors (135, 137) together with signals Y and C from a digital signal processing circuit (106), and the selected signals are supplied to the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113). Color-difference signals are supplied after their frequency is converted into the sampling frequency of the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113) by frequency converters (139a, 139b).

Abstract: There is disclosed a memory apparatus equipped with a memory capable of random data storage and readout, plural address generators storing start address of each of blocks defined in the memory, a detector for detecting the image processing method used in the input into or output from the memory, and a switching unit for switching the start address of each block according to the output of the detector.

Abstract: In order to achieve a digital video camera apparatus which decreases the number of components and facilitates connection with a digital VTR, a luminance signal Y and a color signal C input from external input terminals (110, 118) are converted into digital signals by A/D converters (136, 138) by sampling these signals respectively at the sampling frequency of a digital recording/reproduction device (113) and a frequency four times the subcarrier frequency, the digital signals are selected by selectors (135, 137) together with signals Y and C from a digital signal processing circuit (106), and the selected signals are supplied to the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113). Color-difference signals are supplied after their frequency is converted into the sampling frequency of the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113) by frequency converters (139a, 139b).

Abstract: Apparatus for achieving contact-less linking between a transmitting unit and a receiving unit when transmitting video signal, audio signal, control signal, or digital data therebetween. The apparatus includes a switch circuit which switches the output signal of a light emitting integrated circuit to a first set of light guides for spatial transmission of an optical signal representing the video, audio and control signals and digital data and to a second set of light guides for near-by transmission of the optical signal.

Abstract: A video camera/camcorder mounted transmitter for transmitting audio, video, time code and tally status signals through an omnidirectional antenna to a receiver. The receiver demodulates the signal into its original components, and uses the tally status signal to start and stop a recorder associated with a monitor receiving the transmitted image. The monitor/recorder can, at the option of the user, display and record the time code in a superimposed window on the video screen, thereby producing an accurate window dub of the video being recorded at the camera.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image pickup circuit having a plurality of photographic modes, such as television standards, a compression processing circuit for performing compression processing of an image pickup signal outputted from the image pickup circuit, the compression circuit having a plurality of compression modes, and a selecting circuit for selecting one of the compression modes of the compression processing circuit in accordance with a selected one of the photographic modes of the image pickup circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use with a system including a digital data base for storing digitized images and digitized audio messages, for controlling concurrent reproduction of digitized images on an image reproduction device and audio information on a sound reproduction device. The digitized images are stored as image data files in the digital data base. Likewise, the digitized audio messages are stored as audio data files in the data base. Audio messages and images are associated with each other. This is accomplished by means of a presentation sequences file stored in the data base or in a separate EEPROM memory. In response to a user command, a controller causes image data and audio data for a selected image and an accompanying audio message to be read from the data base.

Abstract: In order to achieve a digital video camera apparatus which decreases the number of components and facilitates connection with a digital VTR, a luminance signal Y and a color signal C input from external input terminals (110, 118) are converted into digital signals by A/D converters (136, 138) by sampling these signals respectively at the sampling frequency of a digital recording/reproduction device (113) and a frequency four times the subcarrier frequency, the digital signals are selected by selectors (135, 137) together with signals Y and C from a digital signal processing circuit (106), and the selected signals are supplied to the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113). Color-difference signals are supplied after their frequency is converted into the sampling frequency of the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113) by frequency converters (139a, 139b).

Abstract: An image processing system comprising and image recording system and an image rendering system. The image recording system records images of a scene, and comprises a recording device for recording images of the scene on a series of frames, each frame including image information reflecting the scene as illuminated at the time the frame was recorded, a plurality of individually-energizable light sources each for illuminating the scene; and a synchronizer connected to the recording device and the light sources for synchronizing the separate energization of the light sources and the recording by the recording device of the separate frames in the series. The image rendering system generates a rendered image which reflects a desired light source position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus by which a panorama image is produced with a high degree of accuracy from an image signal, wherein the image signal produced by a CCD imaging element is recorded onto a video tape by way of a camera signal processing circuit, a recording signal processing circuit, a recording/reproduction amplifier and so forth. Meanwhile, a microcomputer calculates of a motion vector of an image from the output of a motion vector detector to which the image signal from the CCD imaging element is inputted, and controls a video subcode processor so that motion vector information may be recorded onto the video tape. The motion vector information is reproduced from the video tape together with the image signal, and a plurality of images are formed from the thus reproduced image signal and joined together in accordance with the motion vector information to produce a panorama image.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which includes a timing pulse generator, an imager having an effective pixel number requiring a predetermined frequency for the horizontal scanning pulse in order to to produce a video signal having a normal aspect ratio and a video signal processing circuit for processing the signal outputted from the imager to generating a video signal. An electronic zoom signal processing circuit is provided for enlarging the video signal generated by the video signal processing circuit in the horizontal direction. The timing pulse generator supplies the imager with a horizontal pulse having a frequency higher than the predetermined frequency required by the effective pixel number of the image input element and the electronic zoom signal processing circuit enlarges the video signal generated in the horizontal direction to produce a video signal having a normal aspect ratio.

Abstract: An imaging and recording apparatus for electrically recording an optical image of a subject as an image information signal which facilitates memory access from an external device and prevents image information from being changed. Upon manipulation of a recording trigger switch, an image outputted from a camera signal processing circuit at that time is written into a semiconductor memory, then subjected to data compression in a data compression circuit, and stored in a semiconductor memory. It is now assumed that an external device not illustrated is connected to a connector and this external device orders taking in the image of the semiconductor memory. If at this time the semiconductor memory is writing an image, a state detection circuit detects the fact and inhibits the external device from taking in the image. Furthermore, while the external device is taking in the image of the semiconductor memory, the state detection circuit detects this fact.

Abstract: An electronic still camera having a first switch for selecting either a field record mode or a frame record mode, and a second switch for selecting either a normal mode or a high-band mode, further includes a control circuit which sets the frame record mode either when the high-band mode is selected by the second switch, or when the high-band mode is selected by the second switch and the field record mode is selected by the first switch, in the latter case optionally switching to the frame record mode only if no recording operation is performed during a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A recording device is incorporated in an electronic still camera for recording image data derived from an optical image of a moving object to be photographed, in a suitable memory at regular predetermined time intervals. A series of recording areas are set in the over-writable memory to record a series of image data derived from the images to be photographed, and the device comprises a release switch for initiating recording of the image data in the recording areas of the memory by switching the release switch ON, in such a manner that the image data are successively stored in the recording areas of the memory in order. The recording of the image data in the memory is repeated in an endless manner until the release switch is switched OFF.

Abstract: An electronic still camera device has a camera unit that is capable of recording and reproducing video and audio signals, and an audio adapter which can be detachably attached to the camera unit and which has operation switches, a microphone, a collected sound amount indicator and a circuit that is capable of compressing and expanding audio signals. In order to reduce the number of signal lines which are to be provided between the camera unit and the audio adapter, the audio adapter is automatically set in the audio playback mode when the audio adapter has detected that compressed audio signals are being delivered from the camera unit to the audio adapter. The camera unit has a power supply and is arranged to superpose a D.C. voltage of a high level or a low level to the compressed audio signal. A power supply switch provided in the audio adapter is capable of selectively supplying the source power from the camera unit to the audio adapter in accordance with the level of the D.C. voltage.

Abstract: An electronic still camera includes a photographic optical system having a variable focal length, an image sensor for converting an optical image formed by the photographic optical system into an electrical image signal, a recording circuit for recording on a rotary recording medium the electrical image signal produced by the image sensor, a focal-length adjusting device for adjusting the focal length of the photographic optical system, and a control circuit arranged to inhibit either one of a rotation of the rotary recording medium and a focal-length adjustment operation of the focal-length adjusting device when the other is being performed.

Abstract: An image signal recording apparatus includes a first storage device arranged to receive image data and to temporarily store the image data inputted, and a second storage device which has a moving part arranged to record on a recording medium the image data temporarily stored at the first storage device. The apparatus is arranged such that, in moving the moving part of the second storage device after receipt of an instruction for starting to input the image data, the timing of starting the movement of the moving part of the second storage device is controlled according to the state of a power supply or a type of power supply which supplies electric power to portions of the apparatus. The apparatus thus can be simply arranged to be capable of continuously and stably recording image data by consuming only a small amount of electric energy.

Abstract: A video camera includes a viewfinder through which an operator may view an image of an object to be videoed, a rotatably supported head-carrier cylinder and a capstan for transporting a length of magnetic recording medium. This video camera also includes at least one of first and second detecting units for detecting a change in rotation of the rotary head-carrier cylinder and for detecting a change in rotation of the capstan, respectively, and a determining unit operable to determine, in reference to information supplied from at least one of the first and second detecting units, whether or not a video recording then taking place is in accordance with the will of an operator.

Abstract: The picture data on the frequency space, compressed by discrete cosine transform (DCT), is variable length decoded by an inverse variable length encoding (IVLC) circuit 2. The inverse variable length coded picture data is processed by a decoding circuit 3 with an operation which is the reverse of re-quantization. The picture data, processed with the reverse operation of re-quantization, is processed by an near-linear inverse orthogonal transform (IDCT) circuit 4 with inverse orthogonal transform by approximation to a straight line. Respective elements of the picture data, grouped into blocks on the real space, are obtained by the near-linear IDCT circuit 4, and re-arranged in a block resolution circuit for producing replay picture data.

Abstract: A camera-integrated type video recorder apparatus having a camera part and a recorder part which records an image pickup signal outputted from the camera part comprises a grip which is provided for holding the apparatus in a shooting state and is arranged near to a cassette mounting part which is provided for mounting and demounting a tape cassette on and from the recorder part, and an operation part which is openably and closably arranged near to the cassette mounting part and includes a plurality of operation keys for operations on the apparatus. When the apparatus is held in the shooting state, the grip and the operation part jointly close the cassette mounting part. When the grip and the operation part are in an open state, the tape cassette is mountable and demountable while the operation part is held in a predetermined operating position. Further, while the apparatus is in the shooting state, the operation keys are kept in an inoperable position.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an image sensing circuit for outputting a video signal representative of a subject image, a water-depth sensor for measuring water depths, an indication signal generating circuit for generating a signal for indication of the value of a water depth measured by the depth-water sensor, a combining circuit for combining an output of the image sensing circuit with an output of the indication signal generating circuit, an image displaying circuit for displaying an image represented by an output of the combining circuit, and a recording circuit for recording the video signal representative of the subject image on a recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video camera having a stroboscopic flash, and a method of photographing a subject with the video tape recorder. The video camera includes a strobe device for illuminating the subject with a flashing light, a movie photographing trigger serving as a movie photographing button, a still photographing trigger for initiating still photography, an image processing unit for energizing the movie photographing trigger so as to measure light quantity from the subject during a movie photography operation, and a control unit for determining based on information about the light quantity measured by the image processing unit whether or not strobe photography is required during a still photography operation. According to the above construction, the strobe photography can automatically and immediately be performed upon the still photography operation when the still photography is initiated in the course of the movie photography.

Abstract: A single unit video camera-recorder operable either in camera or video mode comprises a mode switch for setting the camera or video mode of the single-unit video camera-recorder, function keys for instructing functions of the single-unit video camera-recorder, a light source for illuminating the function keys, and a controller for controlling the light to illuminate the function keys only when the single-unit video camera-recorder is set either in the camera or video mode.

Abstract: While the EE mode is set to continuously display a picture signal on a display unit, (a) a control unit energizes a shutter and a picture data recording and reproducing unit to take a still picture of an object and record the picture data on a memory in the picture data recording and reproducing unit, when a second contact of a shutter button is energized, and (b) the control unit energizes a switching circuit and the picture data recording and reproducing unit to reproduce the picture data recorded in the memoryand display it on the display unit, when a first contact of the shutter button is energized and the energization is continued for a predetermined time.

Abstract: An image signal recording and reproducing system of this invention is arranged to record an image signal on a recording medium and to reproduce a recorded image signal from the recording medium. The system is provided with a first recording mode for recording an image signal for one picture having a first resolution on n recording tracks (n: positive integer) of the recording medium and a second recording mode for recording an image signal for one picture having a second resolution higher than the first resolution on m recording tracks (m: integer greater than n) of the recording medium. If an image signal recorded on the basis of the second recording mode is to be reproduced from the recording medium on which image signals are recorded in either one of the first and second recording modes, an arbitrary portion of an image corresponding to the image signal reproduced from the recording medium is extracted and outputted.

Abstract: A video signal recording apparatus for recording of a still-image signal on a recording medium can be set to an interval recording mode for recording a still-image signal at intervals of a predetermined time interval. First time data relative to a recording time according to the amount of information of the still-image signal for one picture is compared with second time data relative to the predetermined time interval. If the first time data is greater than the second time data, a notice to that effect is given for the purpose of preventing an operation error. In addition, a similar advantage can be achieved by displaying the first time data. Also, if the first time data is greater than the second time data, the apparatus is disabled from being set to the interval recording mode.

Abstract: An electronic camera is adapted for processing images of different resolution to provide a user selectable image record size. A buffer memory is provided for storing color image pixels from a sensor as baseband signals corresponding to at least one image. A timing controller responsive to a resolution mode switch controls the order in which color image pixels are selected for storage in both vertical and horizontal directions. The order selected by the resolution switch includes a full resolution mode, and at least one reduced resolution mode in which the color image pixels are subsampled such that each chrominance image pixel is selected to be spatially adjacent to a selected luminance image pixel. Additionally, the buffer memory can store a burst of low resolution images.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an image sensing unit for converting light from an object into a video signal and outputting a video signal, and a vibration compensation unit for compensating picture vibrations of the video signal provided by the image sensing unit. Also included are a driving unit for driving a head relative to a recording medium, and a servocontrol unit for controlling a driving condition associated with the driving unit. A control unit is also included to control an output of the vibration compensation unit. The output is controlled on the basis of an error signal of the servocontrol unit.

Abstract: An electronic still camera indicates the available capacity of a recording medium and the number of frames remaining that may be photographed, as well as warning by stages in at least two forms, based on the available capacity of the recording medium. The electronic still camera includes a photo lens, mirror, CCD, signal executing circuit, A/D converter, buffer memory, compression circuit, CPU, memory card, and indicator device. A CPU reads in the gross capacity and the written-on portion from a memory card and calculates the available capacity. When the available capacity becomes small, the indicator device that indicates the available capacity or the number of frames remaining that can be photographed begins to flash the display slowly on and off. When the available capacity grows even smaller and is almost gone, the display flashes rapidly on and off. In this way, the photographer can easily detect how many more frames he or she may photograph on the memory card.

Abstract: A video camcorder is integrally provided with a real-time animation facility. In particular, a video camera and recorder includes a camera for providing a real-time image signal, an input for receiving animation image data representing at least one animated image and a processing device for selecting one animated image from the animation image data. A real-time processor, connected to the processing device, calculates object priorities for the selected animated image. A video switching device, connected to the real-time processor, combines the real-time image signal with the selected animated image in accordance with the object priorities to form a combined real-time image signal, and a recorder records the combined real-time image signal.

Abstract: A camcorder includes a camera section receiving a subject image subject through a zoom lens, converting the subject image to a video signal and generating a corresponding wide/tele signal representing position of the zoom lens, an audio processing part including a plurality of microphones receiving input sounds from the subject and converting the input sounds into a recordable audio signal, and a recorder/reproducer which records and reproduces the video signal and the recordable audio signal onto video tape. The audio processing part includes a plurality of analog elements. The audio processing part continuously amplifies the input audio signal using the analog elements in response to the wide/tele signal and outputs the recordable audio signal which corresponds to perceived distance from the camcorder to the subject. The analog elements may be transistors, wherein the dynamic resistance of each transistor is continuously varied responsive to the wide/tele signal.