A color image recording apparatus wherein a color photosensitive material is exposed by light responsive to a color still image signal. The apparatus comprising a device for obtaining picture element data by sampling color signals of three primary colors of the still image, a device for .gamma.-correcting the picture element data to be recorded, an FOT for exposing the color photosensitive material by three primary colors responsive to the picture element data from the device for .gamma.-correction, a horizontal deflecting device for horizontally sweeping the electron beam of the FOT; and vertical deflecting device for vertically sweeping the electron beam.