An image processing apparatus includes: a first area extraction unit that extracts as a first area an area assuming an intensity value equal to or greater than a first threshold value from an image; a second area extraction unit that extracts as a second area an area assuming an intensity value equal to or greater than a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value from the image; a light source area designating unit that designates as a light source area an area in the image containing a light source based upon characteristic quantities indicating characteristics of the first area and the second area; and a control unit that controls the first area extraction unit, the second area extraction unit and the light source area designating unit.