A raw image data creating unit that creates a raw image data; an image file creating unit capable of creating an image file conforming to a predetermined format based on the created raw image data; and a control unit for determining based on a predetermined criterion whether an external apparatus is caused to execute at least part of a process for creating the image file based on the raw image data, outputting the raw image data or halfway processed data obtained when the image file creating unit is caused to execute the process halfway to the external apparatus, instructing the external apparatus to create the image file based on the raw image data or the halfway processed data if the control unit determines that the external apparatus is caused to execute it, and causing the image file creating unit to execute creating the image file if the control unit determines that the external apparatus is not caused to execute it.