In a magnetic recording medium wherein a magnetic recording layer for storing information, a carbon type protective layer for preventing damage of the magnetic recording layer and a lubrication layer are sequentially formed on a non-magnetic substrate, the carbon protective layer has a relatively smaller hydrogen content on the side nearer the lubrication layer than on the side nearer the magnetic recording layer. In a magnetic head slider having an electromagnetic conversion device mounted thereto, a carbon protective layer is laminated on at least a sliding surface side, and a lubrication layer is disposed on the carbon type protective layer. In a recording apparatus including a recording medium for storing information and a magnetic head for recording or reproducing information to and from the memory medium, a carbon protective film having a lower hydrogen content at an upper, surface portion thereof than at a lower, initial portion thereof is formed on either the recording medium or a sliding portion of the magnetic head.