An image processing method includes a step for inputting the type of
digital camera used for obtaining an original image signal to be
processed, a step for preparing a non-sharp mask signal of the original
image signal, a step for reading a contrast table and a density dependent
table corresponding to the type of digital camera from a hard disk device,
a step for carrying out sharpness enhancement processing based on the
contrast table, the density dependent table, the non-sharp mask signal and
the original image signal so that the maximum value of responses of the
spatial frequency characteristics of an image signal on which the
sharpness enhancement processing has been effected is a value in the
region of 1.5 to 3.0 times the spatial frequency characteristics of the
original image signal. Accordingly, spatial frequency enhancement
processing can be carried out under preferred processing conditions on the
original image signal obtained by the digital still camera.
