The present technology relates to an image processing apparatus and method and an endoscopic system that permit reduction of uneven illumination distribution. An image processing apparatus includes a signal processing section that corrects uneven illumination of an image shot with a subject within a body of a patient to be operated on illuminated by a light source. The light source is arranged within the patient's body. The signal processing section corrects uneven illumination on the basis of a normally illuminated image and a low illuminated image. The normally illuminated image is shot with the subject within the body illuminated at a given illumination intensity. The low illuminated image is shot with the subject illuminated at a lower illumination intensity than the given illumination intensity.
