Image processing apparatus and image processing method

A method of processing images, the method comprising:

• recording a plurality of images that are captured while a zoom lens, which enlarges or reduces images of an object, is manually operated by a user, and recording focal lengths corresponding to the plurality of images to a recording unit;
• calculating smoothing focal lengths based on the recorded focal lengths for smooth chronological variations of focal lengths;
• and
• generating smoothing images having a viewing angle corresponding to the smoothing focal lengths based on the smoothing focal lengths, the recorded focal lengths, and the recorded image data.

An image capturing device comprising:

• a lens unit comprising a zoom lens that enlarges or reduces images of an object;
• an image capturing unit that captures a plurality of images of the object;
• a recording unit in which a plurality of images that are captured while a zoom lens, which enlarges or reduces images of an object, is manually operated by a user, and in which focal lengths corresponding to the plurality of images are recorded;
• a focal length calculating unit that calculates smoothing focal lengths based on the recorded focal lengths for smooth chronological variations of focal lengths;
• and
• an image generating unit that generates smoothing images having a viewing angle corresponding to the smoothing focal lengths based on the smoothing focal lengths, the recorded focal lengths, and the recorded image data.