1. A method for recognizing characters performed by an electronic device having a camera, the method comprising: activating the camera of the electronic device based on receiving a user input; obtaining a preview image using the camera of the electronic device, the preview image comprising a plurality of images being sequentially displayed on a display of the electronic device; displaying, on the display of the electronic device, the preview image obtained using the camera of the electronic device; while the preview image is displayed on the display of the electronic device, performing an auto focus function of the camera to obtain at least one image having a clarity value greater than or equal to a reference value; while the preview image is displayed on the display of the electronic device, processing the at least one image having the clarity value greater than or equal to the reference value to recognize characters within the at least one image; and displaying, on the display of the electronic device, the recognized characters along with the preview image.