Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory storage medium storing an image processing program

An image processing method designed to process pixel outputs of an imaging element including imaging pixels and phase-difference detecting pixels arranged in a phase-difference detecting direction, the method comprising:

• calculating a pixel output of a provisional true-value calculating pixel in accordance with a correlation of the pixel outputs between a base block including a phase-difference detecting pixel and a reference block set in a search area in which the base block is included;
• estimating a gain from a ratio of the pixel output of the provisional true-value calculating pixel to the pixel output of the phase-difference detecting pixel;
• and
• correcting a gain of the pixel output of the phase-difference detecting pixel in accordance with the gain estimated.

A non-transitory storage medium storing an image processing program for processing pixel outputs of an imaging element including imaging pixels and phase-difference detecting pixels arranged in a phase-difference detecting direction, the program describing:

• calculating a pixel output of a provisional true-value calculating pixel in accordance with a correlation of the pixel outputs between a base block including a phase-difference detecting pixel and a reference block set in a search area in which the base block is included;
• estimating a gain from a ratio of the pixel output of the provisional true-value calculating pixel to the pixel output of the phase-difference detecting pixel;
• and
• correcting a gain of the pixel output of the phase-difference detecting pixel in accordance with the gain estimated.