A recording apparatus includes a recording head having plural recording heads, a test pattern recorded for recording a test pattern, a read-out for reading out the test pattern which was recorded by the test pattern recorder, a correction data setting device for setting shading correction data used when the recording head records based on the read-out data from the read-out, and a modification device that modifies the test pattern recorder and/or the correction data setting device in response to at least one of a recording mode of the recording apparatus, the state of the recording head, or the state of the test pattern recorder. Alternatively, the recording head can be driven by comparing identification information read out from a second memory with recording head identification information stored in a first memory, and selectively driving the recording head using second shading correction data read out from the second memory or first shading correction data read out from the first memory, depending upon whether two types of recording head identification information are equal.