Image recording device and method for driving image recording device

Provided are an image recording device having an image quality checking function of previously checking a quality of the image to be replayed when the image is recorded in a recording mode having been set, the image recording device being capable of preventing a circuit size from increasing when the image quality checking function is additionally provided, and capable of preventing power consumption from increasing when the image quality checking function is being performed, and a method for driving the image recording device. When an image quality checking mode starting key of a user interface 3 is operated, a control section 4 causes at least a portion of a data compression unit 51 and a local decoder, which are provided in an encoder 5 , to be in driven states. Furthermore, a retrieve/display control section 7 retrieves an image stored in a frame memory 27 and displays the retrieved image. In accordance with an operation of an image quality adjustment button provided in the user interface 3 , an encoding parameter for the encoder 5 is to be changed.