Imaging element, imaging apparatus, its control method, and control program

An imaging element comprising:

• a pixel portion in which pixels, each for photoelectrically converting an optical image of an object and generating a pixel signal, are arranged in a matrix form;
• a first converter that converts at least pixel signals of a first pixel group in the pixel portion into first digital signals;
• a second converter that converts pixel signals of a second pixel group in the pixel portion into second digital signals;
• a control information generator that generates control information of a photographing operation of the object by using the first digital signals;
• an image data output portion that outputs the second digital signals as image data;
• and
• a control information output portion that outputs the control information independently from the image data.

An imaging apparatus comprising:

• an imaging element including:
• a pixel portion in which pixels, each for photoelectrically converting an optical image of an object and generating a pixel signal, are arranged in a matrix form;
• a first converter that converts at least pixel signals of a first pixel group in the pixel portion into first digital signals;
• a second converter that converts pixel signals of a second pixel group in the pixel portion into second digital signals;
• a control information generator that generates control information of a photographing operation of the object by using the first digital signals;
• an image data output portion that outputs the second digital signals as image data;
• and
• a control information output portion that outputs the control information independently from the image data;
• and
• a processor that performs a predetermined signal processing on the image data.