To provide an image compressor that realizes effective moving image compression coding, despite a simple configuration.

A universal head controller 13 controls an attitude of a universal head 11 that mounts a video camera 12. A universal head control signal from the universal head controller is outputted to the universal head and a retrieval range controller 15. The retrieval range controller 15 generates a retrieval range control signal to extend or move a range for retrieving a motion vector by a motion compensation inter-frame prediction coder 14, in response to the universal head control signal.