To provide the image pickup device that extends a dynamic range of an image pickup element and provides an output.

An image classification section 27 that reads an image from a CCD 23 classifies the image into that of even and odd number of lines. Edge detection sections 37, 39 detect an edge strength of an image of even and odd number of lines, a strength comparison section 41 compares detected edge strength values for each picture element, and a selection section 43 selects the image classified by an image classification section 27 for each of picture elements having a higher edge strength. In this case, an exposure time calculation section 45 calculates an exposure time so that a mean density of the image of even and odd number of lines is a proper mean density stored in advance, a vertical mobile section 13 controls the image-pickup charges reciprocally to be moved in the vertical direction alternately as an exposure process of the CCD 23 and controls an exposure timing of the CCD 23 in response to the exposure time calculated by the exposure time calculation section 45.