An image processing apparatus comprises a first detection circuits that detect a predetermined partial area from image data separately using a first method and a second method; and second detection circuits that detect a predetermined feature area from data of the detected partial areas. The apparatus selects, as a final detection result of the feature area, one of a detection result of the feature area for the partial area detected using the first method and a detection result of the feature area for the partial area detected using the second method, wherein the partial areas are related to an identical subject.