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Author Topic: Zoom Q3 user review  (Read 4933 times)
elwoodblues1969
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« on: October 17, 2009, 11:14:21 PM »

This has been a very exciting week for me in the gear department-as first it was the Lexicon MX300 and now the Zoom Q3 and I must say,that scoring two incredible values in the space of one week,is a landmark event for me!

Portable field recorders have come a long way technology-wise in terms of condensing hordes of power and features into a compact size,but SamsonTech has taken hi-fi audio recording-to-go,to a whole new platform!
The new Zoom Q3 is a very clever fusion of professional field recording and ultra portable video recording!
There are a vast consortium of field recorders out there and although a fair amount of them are more reasonably priced these days,some of the brands out there are aiming to create the portable "virtual studio",by jam-packing them with DSP effects,4 tracks and such-which is lovely,but totally unnecessary & a bit excessive,if your only objective is to get quality footage and then edit it later in a PC software program.
Although the Zoom Q3 is replete with features-this device only has everything you NEED and nothing you don't.

On the audio end of this device,you are given a wide array of choices in audio quality...anywhere from 48kbps(MP3),to 92kHz 24 bit(WAV) recording!
It's important to note that at the 92kHz sampling rate,both audio and video recording is not possible.

Beneath the wire mesh,the user will be blessed with 2 studio grade condenser microphones that are positioned in a equilateral configuration-which is something I am very fascinated with,as this placement allows for extraordinary channel separation,despite the very close proximity of the mics to each other.
The video end of this device is surprisingly good(under adequate lighting conditions),as it records in MPEG-4 at 30 frames per second...which renders very usable results,considering how tiny the camera is and how inexpensive this product is.
On the rear of the unit,you will find a 2.4" full color LCD display,complete with a battery indicator and a very essential pair of dB level meters...very cool stuff!
Below the screen,you will find a menu button that will take you to a screen of options that are simply and cleverly laid out,making the navigation to the recorder's functions a no brainer!
Below that,are a set of controls that pilot you around the menu and in the center,is your record button.

Along the sides of the unit,you will find DC power,line/headphone output,a gain switch with 3 settings,a audio/video switch,power,a TV out and a retractable USB connecter. Embarrassed
The battery compartment is located on the front of the unit,just below the camera lense and it accepts either alkaline or NiMH batteries.
Zoom has broken new ground in ultra-portable field recording,offering on-the-fly video documentation with truly professional audio quality....something of which cannot be found anywhere else for a mere $249.95!!


-Thom

* Zoom Q3 Audio.mp3 (892.71 KB - downloaded 535 times.)

* GREEN DEATH STUDIO 004.JPG (1610.53 KB, 1728x2304 - viewed 930 times.)
« Last Edit: October 17, 2009, 11:16:30 PM by elwoodblues1969 » Logged

Oren
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...just looking for clues...


« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2009, 08:04:37 AM »

Sweet little camcorder! I've been looking to equip with a small video camera, but was not aware something with quality audio was available.
Thanks for your review, Thom  wOO
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