The invention relates to a communication data compression method. The communication data compression method comprises the steps that: an imaging unit captures a sample image, generates sample image data, and sends the sample image data; a data processing module performs first compression operation, estimates the maximum data communication traffic of a channel, and sends the maximum data communication traffic; a receiving module determines a mode or parameter, and sends the mode or parameter; the imaging unit captures the image of an object again according to the set mode, generates image data, and sends the image data to the data processing module; the data processing module performs second compression operation of the received image data, and sends a result to a sending module; and a comparison module judges the comparative result of the sending speed required by the sending module and the estimated minimum data communication traffic of the channel, and enables the sending module to send the second compression operation result to the receiving module if requirements are met. The invention further discloses a corresponding device. By means of the method and the device, the bandwidth can be effectively utilized; the image capturing mode can be adjusted in time; timely and effective information can be provided for subsequence image analysis and identification; and simultaneously, the data transmission reliability can be ensured.