An image pickup apparatus comprises image pickup means for converting an object image formed on an image pickup surface to an image signal and object information detection means for detecting information associated with the object. Control means for determines a dividing number of areas into which the object image to be picked up by the image pickup means is to be divided on the basis of the information from the object information detection means and controls the image pickup means to perform the image pickup operation of the object image by executing image pickup operations a number of times, the number of times being equal to the dividing number. Preferably, the information detection means detects at least one of a size and a density of the object.