How long do the batteries last? I need to record 30 minute sessions for my grad program. Thanks!
1150649
Welcome! Video was taken using a Nikon Cool Pix P100 camera not the zoom 2QHD although the zoom can take hi-definition video that is decent. The sound was edited in later.
1150650
You can power the Zoom Camera through USB cable(by connecting to laptop or a charger) and you can record for an unlimited amount of time. I have been able to record for up to 6 hours non stop. My educated guess is that with 2 AA (2100 mAh) batteries you should be able to record about 2 half hour sessions. But why risk depletion? Just attach a USB cable to a charger or a laptop and keep going. Here bellow you can find an example of the quality of the sound I recorded at a church. The church has decent acoustics and sound system. The Zoom HQ was placed about 7-8 feet away from the singer by the wall of the church so its not visible on the You-Tube video. I thought the Vocals of the lead singer came out sounding pretty good. Check for yourself at this link. http://youtu.be/4L4v2XOM6qQ
1150651
The batteries will last more than long enough for you. But what I do is plug it into the wall, and I can record all day. This camera includes a decently long plug. On the lowest video quality and excellent sound quality, the image is still sharp, and a single 16G card will hold over 5 hours of sessions. I record, go home, and unload the videos onto a secured external hard drive. Playback directly from the device to HDMI is also a great feature for reviewing sessions. The stand included is perfectly fine but very small. To get the best wide angle I use a taller stand. Best insurance investment ever. The batteries will last more than long enough for you. But what I do is plug it into the wall, and I can record all day. This camera includes a decently long plug. On the lowest video quality and excellent sound quality, the image is still sharp, and a single 16G card will hold over 5 hours of sessions. I record, go home, and unload the videos onto a secured external hard drive. Playback directly from the device to HDMI is also a great feature for reviewing sessions. The stand included is perfectly fine but very small. To get the best wide angle I use a taller stand. Best insurance... » Read More The batteries will last more than long enough for you. But what I do is plug it into the wall, and I can record all day. This camera includes a decently long plug. On the lowest video quality and excellent sound quality, the image is still sharp, and a single 16G card will hold over 5 hours of sessions. I record, go home, and unload the videos onto a secured external hard drive. Playback directly from the device to HDMI is also a great feature for reviewing sessions. The stand included is perfectly fine but very small. To get the best wide angle I use a taller stand. Best insurance investment ever. « Show Less
645587
I find that at full charge the batteries last more than 4 hours. I think it is a great idea to keep a spare charged. Especially if you are editing or taking video as well.
1105411
Lasts very little. In my 8Gb card I believe I should be able to fit about 74min of HD movie in MP4, but the battery won`t last anywhere near that. I still have to do some further testings, but my guess is that it lasts about 25~35 minutes. Since I haven`t done any tests with the camera only shooting movies, I am not sure about these values, it`s just a rough guess. Anyway, I find that the biggest problem is that it only warns you that the battery is about to end when it is already over, so you don`t get any extra seconds once the battery sign starts blinking (missed some great shots because of that). I carry two batteries with me and I am buying a third one, simply because this camera deserves it (video quality is superb and photo quality is good), I am overall happy with the camera. You just have to adapt yourself to change the batteries more frequently.
1577262
With a "coppertop" battery, I would record three one-hour sessions; but occasionally the battery would be exhausted prior to the end of the third session. I switched to eneloop rechargeables and get three one-hour sessions. Generally, however, I recharge them after the second one-hour session, to avoid the risk of not making it through the third hour. I've found the quality of the Canon Mic to be excellent.
403705
It takes two "AAA" batteries. I do not know, the longest time I have recorded is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
2275741
I purchased two cameras just over a month ago and have already replaced the batteries three times. I would imagine they should last a lot longer than 2-3 weeks. I'm going to use rechargeable batteries from here on. If I hadn't missed the 30 day return window, I would be returning my two cameras.
468969
Hello Kevin.It will record up to 8 hrs continuous before you need to recharge. That is why it is recommended to set on motion activation mode. Say you leave in a house and no one enters the home it will not record and the battery will last up to 30 days before you need to recharge (that is called standby mode)I hope that answered your question.Thank you,JosephSleuth Electronics LLC
2145238
I was filming a school play when I ran into this issue.. i'd say about 30 minutes in is when it overheated and shut down. luckily i had my cellphone on me to pick up the slack.... I guess this is why they make camcorders :(
332516
I don't remember but I don't think so. I do know that I should have got them years ago. It makes recording so much easier. Up to six hours of time per battery.
1888722
Battery can last two months, depends on recording times. The recording is timeless, as you could record once per day, or once per second
697837
The battery lasts about 1hr 1/2 to 2 hrs straight recording. You can not charge the battery while recording. I bought an extra battery. Sound quality is great with the camera. Worth the money I spent.
1382401
Alex, Let me just say that I have recorded very long sessions while turning it on and off repeatedly and never really though, "oh this battery life stinks!" It's simply amazing. Also, I purchsed the 64GB card for it. Basically, I have TONS of movies i have recorded since purchasing it over 2 years ago and STILL haven't pulled them off the card. Good luck.... Case
632765
Depends which mode they are set to. Mine was taking 10 second videos & died after 5 months or so. The batteries are cheap on Amazon, but depends how remote your camera is & where are you.
1895629
I have not used it for 2 hrs straight but, I also own the larger Sony NP-FV100 battery pack. With this pack i was able to record (not continuous) a wedding and most of the reception before changing packs. The event lasted nearly 6 hours and with only 1 battery change during the reception I was able to capture everything. Hope this helps you.
1080515
I guess the real question is what sort of recording are you doing and in what light. The sound quality on this unit is surprisingly good, and the video quality is good in most lights. I've used it to record orchestras in low light with good results. With the included SD card at medium quality you can record about 3 hours of video. My experience with the battery is that it will go about 2 hours on a full charge. If you're going to record more than 2 hours, bring both batteries and charge them both fully before you start. This unit will record off the AC as well, so you can remove the battery and use that, which will give you as much "battery" life as you need. Video recording quality is HD, so it is very good. Obviously, you can get better with a better camera (i.e., professional quality cameras starting from $800), but this camera has been surprisingly good on all levels and if you're submitting auditions or just want to see what you look like, this will not disappoint.
1548039
The recorder uses two AA batteries. I've had the same set in for a couple of months and they are still at half charge. I haven't used them for six hours straight, but I would think they would last. At any rate, AAs are cheap; when I have a project where battery life is critical, whether for microphones or recorders, I just put in fresh batteries at the start of each day.
1933288
I can record for almost 2 hours per battery. Good life batteries and it also charges pretty quickie. So much better price than the manufacturer's batteries.