Image processing method and apparatus and digital photographing apparatus using the same

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• an image processing mode selector selecting an image processing mode and an image processing degree for an input image;
• a face region detector for detecting a first face area and a second face area in the input image;
• a distance calculator for calculating a first distance from the image processing apparatus to the first face area and a second distance from the image processing apparatus to the second face area;
• an auto-focusing performing unit performing auto-focusing on one of the first face area and the second face area;
• an image processor performing image processing on the first face area and the second face area at different image processing degrees;
• and a controller controlling the image processor to process the first face area according to the first calculated distance and whether auto-focusing has been performed on the first face area and to process the second face area according to the second calculated distance and whether auto-focusing has been performed on the second face area.