When execution of copying of video and audio from a DVD from a videotape is instructed, a video copying apparatus 1 detects the remaining amount of the videotape set in a apparatus and reproduction time of video and audio copied to the videotape and based on these, it is determined whether the video and audio are recorded on the videotape in a standard mode or a longer-recording mode. Also, when execution of copying of video and audio from a videotape from a DVD is instructed, free space of the DVD and reproduction time of video and audio copied to the DVD are detected and based on these, a compression ratio of the video and audio recorded on the DVD is determined.