A picture data compressing and recording apparatus divides picture data into blocks and applies two-dimensional orthogonal transformation to the blocks of picture data. The apparatus records DC components and AC components of the transformed data collectively yet, independently of each other in a recording medium. The apparatus is capable of reproducing a simplified picture by reading out the DC component only. The apparatus is also capable of recording a luminance signal Y and chrominance signals Cr and Cb independently of each other and reading out the luminance signal Y only so as to reproduce a black-and-white picture.