Q3HD Zoom Zoom?

Hey Spelunkers and Other Undergrounders,

I am toying with the idea of buying one of them Zoom Q3HD audio/video field recorders.

I was wondering what anyone else's thoughts or experience might be, regarding this gadget, or any other gadget? Is there something better out there I don't know about?

One thing I notice is that I'd really need a friend, or a mirror, or both to ensure I'm framed correctly in the camera while I'm recording myself. Also, I'd want to keep an eye on the audio levels, to ensure I'm not over-modulating. I notice there is a video output, so it must be possible to have a small video monitor sitting close by so as to allow you to see what the camera is pointed at, but that would still leave the audio unmonitored. You know, my Sony Camcorder has a built in LED monitor that I can swing out and upside down. That allows me to see, albeit upside down, just what's in the frame. It's too bad this gizmo can't do that.

The big appeal, for me, with this new piece of gear, is the ability to record proper audio and video, simultaneously. I produced a few videos for YouTube using my SONY, or my iMac's built-in camera, and then had to juggle things around with re-recording audio, or stripping the audio and processing it in GarageBand to add reverb, or whatever. The big problems here was that it was time-consuming, and it was bloody nerve-wracking to try and manually sync the processed audio back up with the video, again, by ear. This contraption should avoid that hassle. And, I can apparently add a touch or reverb while recording, which is basically all I ever wanted to do with the audio, anyway.

You know, I'm a firm believer in a 'live off the floor' approach to recording. I'm more concerned with performance, rather than post-production. If I'm not performing, I'd rather spend my free time learning new music, instead of learning how to be a recording engineer.

So, would this piece of hardware make the cat moo and the cow meow? What sayst thou?

I have done all my videos in the last 2 months using the Q3HD. It works well. You can see the results on the link below to my YouTube channel. You have identified the only issue I do not like about it. I have a Canon M400 that should be here today or tomorrow. If I like it I will be selling my Q3. One other issue you may consider is that a microphone will NOT work with it. It has an audio in, not mic in. I've used a Olympus L1 when I wanted to place a mic, using the L1 as a "mic driver". That works perfect for me. However, with some planning, the Q3 is fine by itself. I think you will like the unit. Audio and video are both excellent and it is very easy to use. I've used it with my Mac and downloading is fine. I've used iMovie to make the videos with good results. If you want to contact me in a couple of days I may have a new condition silver one with the case and all that comes with it for sale. I don't know if you being in Canada works for you buying my unit. I'm sure it will go quickly on eBay.

Thanks garyj!

Great sound is what I'm after. Great sound, plus the ability to add a touch of dial-in reverb without having to re-invent the wheel and sync everything back up again, by ear alone, makes it worth even more to me. That's good news, too, knowing that I'll be able to add a simple text opening and closing in iMovie. I'll likely trot down to my local music store tomorrow, and pick one up for $319, and I'll have to grab the extra accessory package, too, no doubt. It's only money, right? And it's still a lot cheaper than my SONY Handycam was.

I haven't tried the reverb. The audio sounds fine to me. It sounds like you know what to expect, so I think you will be happy. If you think of it, let me know when you post your 1st video with it. I'd like to see it. Have a great week and enjoy shopping tomorrow.