US Patent 7151564 Image recording apparatus and method

An image processing part performs image processing for processing signals outputted from an imaging device, and the image processing includes deficient pixel correction, optical black and white balance. Image data obtained at one of middle stages of the image processing is stored in an external storage medium. At this time, information indicating which middle stage the one is (image processing information) is stored in the external storage medium with the image data. The image processing information is stored in a file in which the image data is stored, or it is stored in another file.