An image processing apparatus and method for obtaining a high-quality image in which the dynamic range or partial pixel value range has been changed while suppressing or avoiding collapse of the edge structure of an image or generation of overshoot. Also, in an image processing apparatus and method, a high-quality image can be obtained with desired spatial frequency components having been emphasized or suppressed while suppressing or avoiding collapse of the edge structure of an edge portion contained in an objective image. For example, tone conversion means execute tone conversion of an image, frequency transformation means decompose the image into frequency components of a plurality of frequency bands, and component conversion means convert the frequency components on the basis of values of the frequency components and the tone conversion characteristics of the tone conversion means.