1. A digital image processing method for image registration using statistical information, comprising the steps of: a) applying vector quantization to a plurality of digital images to convert the plurality of digital images to vectorized images having corresponding local intensity information as derived respectively from the plurality of digital images; b) employing the vectorized images to obtain a joint statistical representation of the plurality of digital images; c) computing a cost function using the joint statistical representation of the plurality of digital images; d) selecting a reference image from the plurality of digital images; e) spatially transforming the plurality of digital images excluding the reference image, where a predetermined cost function criterion is unsatisfied; and f) repeating steps a-c, where the predetermined cost function criterion is unsatisfied, for the plurality of digital images that have been previously spatially transformed in order to align the plurality of digital images with the reference image.