When there is created one composite image comprising an arrangement of a plurality of associated captured small images, an intended small image needs to be extracted from the composite image. When a plurality of small images are arranged to create one composite image, pixel data on the first row of a first small image is stored at a first address of DRAM. Pixel data on the second row and later are sequentially stored at specified addresses of DRAM. Likewise, second through ninth small images are stored at specified addresses of DRAM. In this manner, one composite image is created. When the first small image is selected to be extracted, pixel data on the first row of the first small image is read from the first address of DRAM. Pixel data on the second row is read from the second address. Pixel data on the third row and later are sequentially read by incrementing addresses. The present invention can be applied to a digital still camera.