Why pick an H4 or H4n ahead of the Q3? Is my understanding correct that the Zoom Q3 employs the same mics as Zoom's most recent "non-video" recorder, the H4n? I notice that the latter is going for 50 bucks more than the Q3. Wouldn't that make the Zoom Q3 a no-brainer when trying to select the most useful personal audio recorder? Why would you NOT pick the Zoom Q3? (Low-definition video still beats no-definition.) Why pick an H4 or H4n ahead of the Q3? Is my understanding correct that the Zoom Q3 employs the same mics as Zoom's most recent "non-video" recorder, the H4n? I notice that the... » Read More Why pick an H4 or H4n ahead of the Q3? Is my understanding correct that the Zoom Q3 employs the same mics as Zoom's most recent "non-video" recorder, the H4n? I notice that the latter is going for 50 bucks more than the Q3. Wouldn't that make the Zoom Q3 a no-brainer when trying to select the most useful personal audio recorder? Why would you NOT pick the Zoom Q3? (Low-definition video still beats no-definition.) « Show Less
1271669
Because the H4n has many more options for audio recording, including plugging in a guitar or 2 additional mics?
1271670
does anyone know if this can be fixed by a future firmware update, or maybe a software?
1271671
I'm sure it CAN be -- the H-series mics have a stepwise adjustable manual setting using two of the directions on the four-way button. The Q3 has similar hardware, and two of the four-way button's directions are unused during recording.Question is, whether Zoom are interested in doing it.But get this: unlike many other electronics manufacturers, Zoom actually read emails in English addressed to info@zoom.co.jpand they reply to them too! So if enough of us politely inform them that they're losing sales, they might feel inclined to change their feature-choosing policy. After all, upgrading to an H-series mic isn't an option if you actually need the video. I'm sure it CAN be -- the H-series mics have a stepwise adjustable manual setting using two of the directions on the four-way button. The Q3 has similar hardware, and two of the four-way button's directions are unused during recording.Question is, whether Zoom are interested in doing it.But get this: unlike many other electronics manufacturers, Zoom actually read emails in English addressed to info@zoom.co.jpand they reply to them too! So if enough of us politely inform them that they're losing sales, they might feel inclined to change their feature-choosing policy.... » Read More I'm sure it CAN be -- the H-series mics have a stepwise adjustable manual setting using two of the directions on the four-way button. The Q3 has similar hardware, and two of the four-way button's directions are unused during recording.Question is, whether Zoom are interested in doing it.But get this: unlike many other electronics manufacturers, Zoom actually read emails in English addressed to info@zoom.co.jpand they reply to them too! So if enough of us politely inform them that they're losing sales, they might feel inclined to change their feature-choosing policy. After all, upgrading to an H-series mic isn't an option if you actually need the video. « Show Less
1271672
Hi SamuelWhy would you NOT pick the Zoom Q3?Because the Q3 doesn't have a proper manual level setting. It offers you Low, High and Auto. "Low" is 24 dB lower than "High", that's a big jump. "Auto" lowers the recording level when it needs to, but never raises it. Unfortunately, it doesn't put markers in the file to tell you when it lowered or how much it lowered, which makes it a bitch to correct the audio file for level changes. And if the applause after your first number is louder than your second number's going to be, you have to turn off the Q3 and start over.The Q3 can use the same wall-plug power unit as the H mics, but it's not included in the nice price. If none of this bugs you. its a really great machine. Hi SamuelWhy would you NOT pick the Zoom Q3?Because the Q3 doesn't have a proper manual level setting. It offers you Low, High and Auto. "Low" is 24 dB lower than "High", that's a big jump. "Auto" lowers the recording level when it needs to, but never raises it. Unfortunately, it doesn't put markers in the file to tell you when it lowered or how much it lowered, which makes it a bitch to correct the audio file for level changes. And if the applause after your first number is louder than your second number's going to be, you have to turn off... » Read More Hi SamuelWhy would you NOT pick the Zoom Q3?Because the Q3 doesn't have a proper manual level setting. It offers you Low, High and Auto. "Low" is 24 dB lower than "High", that's a big jump. "Auto" lowers the recording level when it needs to, but never raises it. Unfortunately, it doesn't put markers in the file to tell you when it lowered or how much it lowered, which makes it a bitch to correct the audio file for level changes. And if the applause after your first number is louder than your second number's going to be, you have to turn off the Q3 and start over.The Q3 can use the same wall-plug power unit as the H mics, but it's not included in the nice price. If none of this bugs you. its a really great machine. « Show Less
1271673
I take it the same limitation is true of the new Hi Def model. I wonder how well the previous model is holding up in value.
1271674
No; the H4n is even a better instituted 4 simultaneous or overdubbed track recorder (or of course stereo).
1271675
alan's post is it in a nutshell. i have a zoom q3 that i record on a grand piano with, and the lack of at least a fixed "mid-gain" is the biggest drawback to the device. their new HD version doesn't address it either. too bad, because it is a nice little unit for the money.
1271676
I know that the H2 has a 4-point mic set-up, but I thought the H4n went with two.
136447
Consider the new FZ1000, especially if you have used or own Sony RX10 (sensor size superzoom). I cannot comment on that because I don't own that model, but the GH4 is in a different league because it is interchangeable lens M4/3 lens system. The thing these two have in common is 4K video, although I have read mixed reviews on this technology that you probably admire in the movie theater. Value wise, the FZ1000 looks brilliant. Other than the 4K advantage for video-recording, its closest competitor at the time of this post is the RX10, and I read about this on another site.
2118578
I use the ntg-2 also and have found that using the ntg-2 with the zoom h4n works great for professional audio. That being said. The video mic pro also allows for very good audio without having to sync later on in post. Basicly the ntg and zoom combo will get you your best audio quality but the videomic pro is a lot easier to use and also gets very nice professional audio. I have both and still use my video mic pro often for shoots where I don't want to carry extra equipment.
1072017
I don't use the digital zoom and agree with the comment below that it's better to do that with a video editor... I use the Q2HD to record our bands live performances. Decent audio and video quality for the price... battery life is a little short if you don't have an outlet available for the DC adaptor.
1634699
I use with the Zoom H4N. It has an XLR input, so you can use in any recorder that has xlr.
1823801
I'm wonder the same, esp. since the Q2 hypes Zoom 96/24 full fidelity PLUS Mid-Side recording (for more realistic, wider and deeper sound). Yet the Q4 is 3 times the price! Sounds to me like at best it's a close call between the 2 machines.
1337256
I've never used the Zoom but it looks like it has mics and storage for the recording. The Art solves a different problem as it is a DAC: it is converting 2 channels of analog to digital and 2 channels of digital to analog. The analog connections are XLR and 1/4"; digital is a USB to your computer. It has no mics and no storage.
903009
love it - perfect midrange camera to play with until the next generation cams come out in a year or 2.Yes - you can go with teh HFS 100 for only about 400 more. but why would you when technology changes so fast?Next year I will but the HFS100 equivalent for 200 bucks (using the 400 i just saved)Always go mid-range folks - do NOT be a measurebator and get stuck in the weeds.
227098
I don't own the Zoom Q4. I know the Q3 has it's issues with HD video quality, but from a sound perspective it's extremely good. I especially like the "line in" feature as I use it as my capture device coming out from my behringer mixer with whatever audio/video I want to record. It's very handy, not bulky and I like that the microphones are protected in this model. On the newer one, I can see where the product can be broken (i.e., the LCD screen, the flip up microphones.) Either way, the audio will be good. As far as durability, I would have reservations about the Q4. I do see that they made the Q4 to hold a lithium ion battery. The Q3 only uses AA batteries which die FAST! So, I always use mine plugged in with the charger I had to purchase separately.
2059604
Thanks a lot for your kind answer. I know the ZS3 looks better on the spec sheet, but here in Brazil it is absurdly expensive. 80% more than the SX200, God knows why. I am ok with the H264 because it works fine on IMovie and Vimeo. Not so sure about AVCHD, even though I know it is a more modern codec.
2030587
Yes, but to get the best (and most effective) results, your best bet is to buy a preamp recorder. I went with the Zoom H4N. Without a preamp recorder, you will hardly notice a difference with just the Ntg-2 into the t3i, and the integrated built in mic. If you can, get the Zoom H4N!
263093
Larry, I'm looking at this for recording our church services and possibly our worship service as well. We recently purchased a Q8-Zoom because of the audio recording capabilities and audio interface between our soundboard and computer. We need to record from about 40 feet away from the stage. Does this Panasonic do a good job in low light and focusing at this distance? So far, the Q8-Zoom doesn't seem to capture video much better than our old webcam at this distance. It definitely is more clear, but not the quality I was really hoping for.
121928
the Q4, so far for me, has recorded various types of music nicely. i've not had the opportunity to record anything "classical/symphonic" yet. the key to getting a good recording with the Q4 is picking the appropriate setting on the Three-position MIC GAIN switch...either AUTO or manual, H - High sensitivity (for ﬁeld recording), M - Medium sensitivity (for solo and chamber music performances) or L - Low sensitivity (for band performances and concerts).
388218
You'll need to have a good pre-amp if you buy this device. You get incredibly low signal levels without it. You could get a usb mixer, there are some reviewers who recommend some if you read on (if I remember correctly). You really don't want to buy a Zoom mic? They are nearly the same price as this mic alone. They give good sound and may provide a better work flow as you won't need cabling to connect it to a computer while recording. There is a shotgun attachment for the H5n model which is more than this mic alone but may be a bargain if you had to buy an additional pre-amp, XLR cable and USB cables for your present setup plan. If you got the H2n or H4n then your whole setup could be cheaper than this mic alone. Line + gradient pick up pattern seems a bit strange for someone doing only lectures especially if you are moving around at all you'd end up off mic if walked back and forth across a classroom or stage. You could get the Audiotechnica wired lavalier mic with the IPhone adapter and record straight to a phone in your pocket with the ZOOM App. this wouldn't give you the same quality sound but still pretty decent if you mic carefully and this would only cost you maybe $30. I hope this helps. I hope i'm not telling you anything you already know.
1020697
I've only used it once for an acoustic performance. It was indoors and we used the Zoom H4N and the sound turned out beautiful and crisp. I would recommend it.
2133597
Can you explain the difference in the following 3 Panasonic Camcorders:HDC-TM90KHDC-TM700HDC-HS700I REALLY need to buy a good camcorder (under about $700) to take video of my son's lacrosse games for college recruiters. THANK YOU!!
2075390
@ Ronnie Dale Frost: What do I think? I've already pre-ordered one! Yes, $5,200 is a bit steep, but I will sell my current D3 body (mint condition, should fetch $3,200 - $3,700) and use those proceeds to offset the purchase price. I want and need the extra 1-2 stops this new extended ISO range will provide. Regarding the 720P-only video, while the omission of 1080P seems both inexplicable and ridiculously short-sighted (given what is readily available elsewhere, and for far less money), it's not a dealbreaker for me--and that comment is all the more interesting when you factor in that I am an independent filmmaker. Nope, for filmmaking, I want a REAL video camera/camcorder, designed for filmmaking from top to bottom. The Canon 5D Mark II, for example--and despite that whole very impressive Laforet short--is NOT a camera I would even consider using for indie filmmaking.