Abstract: A two-dimensional fast Fourier transform converter utilizes parallel digital fast Fourier transform processors and a frame serial processing path to convert two-dimensional images of large pixel count (512.times.512 or higher) and high dynamic range (16 bits of pixel intensity quantization) at a rate equal to or exceeding real time processing rate of 30 frames/second. The parallel processors are organized for performing the row and column transformations in a highly parallel and efficient manner. In one embodiment, a uni-directional processing path with segmented image data busses to streamline the data movement is used. In a second embodiment, a bi-directional processing path is utilized such that the fast Fourier transform processors perform row and column conversions sequentially, thus reducing by a factor of two the number of individual fast Fourier transform processors required.