Method and apparatus for reduced image capture delay in a digital camera

A digital camera, comprising:

• an optical system to produce optical images;
• an imaging module to convert optical images from the optical system to digital images, the imaging module comprising an imaging sensor array;
• a shutter button;
• and
• control logic configured to carry out a method comprising:
• adjusting the optical system automatically to a hyper-focal position corresponding to whatever zoom setting of the optical system is currently selected;
• selecting automatically, from a set of available aperture settings, a particular aperture setting for the optical system that maximizes depth of field at the hyper-focal position;
• setting exposure time automatically in accordance with a most recent preview exposure setting, when the shutter button is actuated to a first position, the exposure time being constrained not to exceed a predetermined maximum exposure time;
• and
• disabling automatically a strobe of the digital camera.

A digital camera, comprising:

• means for producing an optical image;
• means for converting the optical image to a digital image;
• means for initiating image capture;
• and
• means for controlling image capture configured to carry out a method comprising:
• setting the means for producing an optical image automatically to a hyper-focal position corresponding to whatever zoom setting of the means for producing an optical image is currently selected;
• selecting automatically, from a set of available aperture settings, a particular aperture setting for the means for producing an optical image that maximizes depth of field at the hyper-focal position;
• setting exposure time automatically in accordance with a most recent preview exposure setting, when the means for initiating image capture is actuated to a first position, the exposure time being constrained not to exceed a predetermined maximum exposure time;
• and
• disabling automatically a strobe of the digital camera.

A computer-readable storage medium containing program code for performing image capture with reduced delay in a digital camera, comprising:

• a first code segment that automatically adjusts an optical system of the digital camera to a hyper-focal position corresponding to whatever zoom setting of the optical system is currently selected;
• a second code segment that automatically selects, from a set of available aperture settings, a particular aperture setting for the optical system that maximizes depth of field at the hyper-focal position;
• a third code segment that sets exposure time automatically in accordance with a most recent preview exposure setting, when a shutter button of the digital camera is actuated to a first position, the exposure time being constrained not to exceed a predetermined maximum exposure time;
• and
• a fourth code segment that automatically disables a strobe of the digital camera.