Relative to an image processing apparatus that processes image data containing a distortion of an image pickup optical section, which is obtained by picking up an optical image from a subject through the image pickup optical section giving the distortion, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program therefor, a recording medium in which the program is recorded, an image pickup apparatus, which are easily used by the user conveniently, are provided. A data output section (13d) outputs the image data of a display image that corresponds to a display mode by using a subject image whose selected region which indicates a part of a field of view represented by the image data is made identifiable and a distortion-corrected image of the selected region. A display mode setting section (13c) performs setting of the display mode. In accordance with switching of the selected region, a control section (13e) changes a first display mode in which the subject image whose selected region is made identifiable is not used in the display image to a second display mode in which the subject image whose selected region is made identifiable is used in the display image.