IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD AND APPARATUS

This improved image processing method comprises the steps of selecting a low-pass filter having a mask size corresponding to the pixel density of an image to be reproduced from a plurality of types of low-pass filters; creating unsharp image signals representing an unsharp image of the photographic image from digital image signals using the selected low-pass filter; obtaining difference signals by carrying out subtraction between signals relating to pixels which correspond to the digital image signals and the unsharp image signals; and obtaining processed image signals for reproducing visible signals by subjecting the difference signals to predetermined image processing. According to the improved image processing method and the improved image processing apparatus embodying the method, an image having good image quality can be recorded in such a manner that image information which has been photoelectrically read out is subjected to image processing and the dodging is carried out to the image information output for recording. Thus, a properly finished print, in which the dodging effect is sufficiently exhibited and the image having good image quality is reproduced, can be stably obtained.