PURPOSE: To obtain a picture of density indicated by making the first mode that inverts and outputs the variable density of the picture and the second mode that does not invert and outputs the variable density of the picture and making a quantization process against an inputted picture signal different for the first mode or the second mode.

CONSTITUTION: In a regular mode, a CPU1 supplies a slice level of low level when an operator sets a strong output density, and that of high level when the operator sets a weak output density, to a comparator 5. After the setting of the slice level, an original reader starts the reading of an original picture using an image sensor, such as a CCD and etc. and generates an analog picture signal of corresponding level to the density of the original image. The analog picture signal is supplied to the comparator 5 and is compared with the slice level set and is converted to a binarization picture signal in which black is set as one and white as zero. The binarization picture signal outputted from the comparator 5 is inputted to an exclusive OR gate 6 and is supplied to a printer and the picture is recorded on a recording paper.