Imaging Device

An image device comprising:

• an imaging element having a plurality of pixels for linearly converting and outputting an electric signal based on incident light intensity until predetermined light intensity is obtained, thereafter logarithmically converting and outputting said electric signal based on said incident light intensity,
• a conversion unit for converting and outputting a reference electric signal converted logarithmically and outputted from said imaging element to an electric signal obtained by linearly converting an electric signal before logarithm conversion,
• a correction unit, when an electric signal converted logarithmically and outputted from said imaging element is varied from said reference electric signal, for correcting it so as to coincide with said reference electric signal, and
• a circuit for giving said corrected electric signal to said conversion unit.

An image device comprising:

• an imaging element having a plurality of pixels for linearly converting and outputting an electric signal based on incident light intensity until predetermined light intensity is obtained, thereafter logarithmically converting and outputting said electric signal based on said incident light intensity,
• a derivation unit for deriving an inflection point signal at a point where said linear conversion is switched to said logarithm conversion,
• a comparison unit for comparing said inflection point signal derived by said derivation unit with said electric signal outputted from said imaging element,
• a conversion unit, as a result of comparison, when said inflection point signal is large, for converting and outputting a reference electric signal converted logarithmically and outputted from said imaging element to an electric signal obtained by linearly converting an electric signal before logarithm conversion,
• a correction unit, when an electric signal converted logarithmically and outputted from said imaging element is varied from said reference electric signal, for correcting it so as to coincide with said reference electric signal, and a circuit for giving said corrected electric signal to said conversion unit.