PURPOSE: To simplify the constitution by selecting a recording information generating section storing a data in terms of a code and a recording information generating section reading an original depending on the timing of a recording section, thereby recording a picture with each information generating section used as a main body.

CONSTITUTION: The recording information generating section 1 storing a picture data in a memory and the recording information generating section 2 outputting a picture data read from the original are connected to a recording section 3. A semiconductor laser 20 of the recording section 3 is driven by a VIDEO of the generating section 1 or 2 and a laser beam modulated by a picture signal is generated. The beam is deflected by a scanner 21, the image is formed on a lens 22 so as to expose a photosensitive drum 10. The beam position is detected by a beam detector 23 just before the drum 10 is scanned, the detected signal is used as a beam detecting signal, which is fed to the generating section 1 or 2. Further, each generating section 1 or 2 is used as a main body to record a picture, thereby simplifying the constitution.