To obtain an optimum image for recognition processing.

A face region detection section 22 detects a face region from a face image imaged by an imaging apparatus 11. An image determination section 23 determines a lower limit and an upper limit of pixel values so that a range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the pixel values of the detected face region may take a prescribed rate. An HDRC imaging apparatus 111 extracts analog signals corresponding to the pixel values of the range from the lower limit to the upper limit determined by the image determination section 23 among analog signals of the image obtained by photographing and outputs the extracted analog signals after A/D conversion. The technology above can be applied to, e.g. image processing apparatuses.

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