To transfer optimal image data to an external device by judging whether to transfer an image before combination processing or an image after combination, in accordance with an external output device, in an apparatus which combines a plurality of under-exposure images to obtain a proper-exposure combined image.

A plurality of under-exposure images and a combined image are stored in a memory means and in accordance with whether or not an external output device connected to an apparatus includes an image combination function, either the plurality of under-exposure images or the combined image stored in the memory is selectively transferred to the external output device.