Zoom F3 2 Track Portable Field Recorder
Zoom F3 portable 2-track field recorder and press record to capture clear, distortion-free sound from your external XLR mics in an instant for your next video shoot, interview, or sound design excursion. With two premium mic preamps and 32-bit float technology, the F3 handles the softest and loudest sounds you can throw at it while avoiding distortion, maintaining low-noise performance, and freeing you from the responsibility of adjusting gain.
Zoom F3 portable 2-track field recorder and press record to capture clear, distortion-free sound from your external XLR mics in an instant for your next video shoot, interview, or sound design excursion. With two premium mic preamps and 32-bit float technology, the F3 handles the softest and loudest sounds you can throw at it while avoiding distortion, maintaining low-noise performance, and freeing you from the responsibility of adjusting gain.
Zoom F3 portable 2-track field recorder and press record to capture clear, distortion-free sound from your external XLR mics in an instant for your next video shoot, interview, or sound design excursion. With two premium mic preamps and 32-bit float technology, the F3 handles the softest and loudest sounds you can throw at it while avoiding distortion, maintaining low-noise performance, and freeing you from the responsibility of adjusting gain.
Zoom F3 portable 2-track field recorder and press record to capture clear, distortion-free sound from your external XLR mics in an instant for your next video shoot, interview, or sound design excursion. With two premium mic preamps and 32-bit float technology, the F3 handles the softest and loudest sounds you can throw at it while avoiding distortion, maintaining low-noise performance, and freeing you from the responsibility of adjusting gain.
in 13 offers
The lowest price for Zoom F3 2 Track Portable Field Recorder right now is $379.47 at Expandore.sg, compared across 11 retailers.
The all-time low was $40.00 on 14 Mar 2026 — today's price is 849% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 19 Oct 2026.
Last updated at 19/10/2026 23:26:29
Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder
Zoom F3 Handheld Field Recorder Multitrack 32-bit Float Technology Pro
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Zoom F3 2-Track Portable Field Recorder
Delivery between 22 Oct – 3 Nov $20
Zoom F3 2-Track Portable Field Recorder
Delivery $161
Zoom F3 Hardware MultiTrack Recorder with 32-bit Float
Delivery $42.98
Zoom F3 Compact Multitrack Field Recorder
Delivery $36.23
Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder For Filmmakers & Musicians
Delivery $28.64
Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder
Free delivery between 28 Oct – 3 Nov
F3 Professional Field Recorder for Filmmakers & Musicians
Delivery between 26–29 Oct $29
Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder, 32-bit Float Recording, Dual A/D Converters, 2 XLR/TRS Inputs with 64GB MicroSD, 4 AA Batteries, 2 XLR Cables,
Delivery between 24–28 Oct $41
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Great iOS interface, for better sounds in video. You need to put it on floating output.Excellent limiter, you won't get clipping with it.BE CAREFUL: If you load too much the power used as interface, say with two phantom power mics or lapel mics, it may start to act up, with a huge noise and interruptions. So remember, the device tries to save power...The likely use is with receivers from remote lapel or vocal mics, and that does not take phantom power, so it's OK. Very thoughtful interface.It's like someone squeezed a highest quality mixer down to fist size...
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
If you don't have a dedicated audio person, 32 bit's awesome. Set your levels to anywhere near the correct ballpark and then it's one less thing to worry about during the recording.The F3's a well designed and solid feeling piece of gear. All of the controls are recessed a little, so they're less likely to get accidentally pressed/bumped/scraped. Locking XLR connectors. Easy to use interface/controls/settings. Decent mounting options (between the belt loops and 1/4 thread on the bottom). Very happy with it.My only minor gripes are that you can't change your recording levels after you've started recording, but with 32 bit, it has such range that I really can't imagine ever needing to change them. Also there was a little plastic pull tab/sticker on the screen (as ... MoreIf you don't have a dedicated audio person, 32 bit's awesome. Set your levels to anywhere near the correct ballpark and then it's one less thing to worry about during the recording.The F3's a well designed and solid feeling piece of gear. All of the controls are recessed a little, so they're less likely to get accidentally pressed/bumped/scraped. Locking XLR connectors. Easy to use interface/controls/settings. Decent mounting options (between the belt loops and 1/4 thread on the bottom). Very happy with it.My only minor gripes are that you can't change your recording levels after you've started recording, but with 32 bit, it has such range that I really can't imagine ever needing to change them. Also there was a little plastic pull tab/sticker on the screen (as if to help remove a plastic film cover over the screen). But there was no plastic film cover on my screen, so when I removed that little pull tab/sticker, I was left with sticky goo on the screen :(
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Just used it for a long interview session. My conclusion is that it's massively overpriced for what it can do. But it's fine as the Go-pro of audio recording and some basic recording functions.Ultimately you are getting this to record 32-bit float and don't want a massive device. This does that just fine. It's misserable in every other way.No repair file option. If the batteries die or you lose power during recording, the file is corrupted as expected, but no repair file option in the menu.No channel linking. Each channel is stereo, but the headphone port separates the channel to the left and right. So, channel one will be left in your headphones, and channel two will be right. I found no way to output stereo to have the full mix, or if you are only running ... MoreJust used it for a long interview session. My conclusion is that it's massively overpriced for what it can do. But it's fine as the Go-pro of audio recording and some basic recording functions.Ultimately you are getting this to record 32-bit float and don't want a massive device. This does that just fine. It's misserable in every other way.No repair file option. If the batteries die or you lose power during recording, the file is corrupted as expected, but no repair file option in the menu.No channel linking. Each channel is stereo, but the headphone port separates the channel to the left and right. So, channel one will be left in your headphones, and channel two will be right. I found no way to output stereo to have the full mix, or if you are only running one channel to have it go to left and right in your headphones.Micro-sd but *checks spec sheet**Muffled pages ruffling* USB 2.0?. Let me say that again. USB 2.0! Famously released in the year 2000. I can live with micro SD cards. Most of my audio devices use it. No problem. Let me plug my device into my computer to transfer it. Took about twenty minutes to transfer a couple of gigs. Blackmagic disk speed test shows 10 MB/s read/write while using USB transfer. So you must use a micro SD card reader or adapter unless you have hours to transfer a couple of gigs.Actually using the USB transfer feature: It's not plug and play for USB. It's: plug it in power on Menu Scroll down USB Data transfer.The menu: The menu system on this is the worst I've ever dealt with. It's like using a Tamagotchi, but worse. The four buttons on the front gain function from the status bar at the bottom of the screen for select up/down.No record button: It uses a slider to start recording. Fine but annoying. The same slider acts for HOLD. So slide up to start record, slide back to start HOLD. Just give me a button. There were a few instances where I didn't slide up far enough. We did about 20 takes on the day and about half of them I had to slide up to record multiple times to register the start.Power button is too easily pressed: You have to hold to turn off, but that hold is less than a second and right where you would grip the device to move it. So placing it in a bag can easily turn on the device, and relocating the C stand you have it on can enable you to accidentally turn it off. By the time you realize you have the power button pressed, it's too late and turning off. So make sure you have hold on.Super convenient option for plugging in and hitting record, but don't expect anything else to act like it was made after the year 2010.
| Brand | Zoom |
Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder
Zoom F3 Handheld Field Recorder Multitrack 32-bit Float Technology Pro
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Zoom F3 2-Track Portable Field Recorder
Delivery between 22 Oct – 3 Nov $20
Zoom F3 2-Track Portable Field Recorder
Delivery $161
Zoom F3 Hardware MultiTrack Recorder with 32-bit Float
Delivery $42.98
Great iOS interface, for better sounds in video. You need to put it on floating output.Excellent limiter, you won't get clipping with it.BE CAREFUL: If you load too much the power used as interface, say with two phantom power mics or lapel mics, it may start to act up, with a huge noise and interruptions. So remember, the device tries to save power...The likely use is with receivers from remote lapel or vocal mics, and that does not take phantom power, so it's OK. Very thoughtful interface.It's like someone squeezed a highest quality mixer down to fist size...
If you don't have a dedicated audio person, 32 bit's awesome. Set your levels to anywhere near the correct ballpark and then it's one less thing to worry about during the recording.The F3's a well designed and solid feeling piece of gear. All of the controls are recessed a little, so they're less likely to get accidentally pressed/bumped/scraped. Locking XLR connectors. Easy to use interface/controls/settings. Decent mounting options (between the belt loops and 1/4 thread on the bottom). Very happy with it.My only minor gripes are that you can't change your recording levels after you've started recording, but with 32 bit, it has such range that I really can't imagine ever needing to change them. Also there was a little plastic pull tab/sticker on the screen (as ... MoreIf you don't have a dedicated audio person, 32 bit's awesome. Set your levels to anywhere near the correct ballpark and then it's one less thing to worry about during the recording.The F3's a well designed and solid feeling piece of gear. All of the controls are recessed a little, so they're less likely to get accidentally pressed/bumped/scraped. Locking XLR connectors. Easy to use interface/controls/settings. Decent mounting options (between the belt loops and 1/4 thread on the bottom). Very happy with it.My only minor gripes are that you can't change your recording levels after you've started recording, but with 32 bit, it has such range that I really can't imagine ever needing to change them. Also there was a little plastic pull tab/sticker on the screen (as if to help remove a plastic film cover over the screen). But there was no plastic film cover on my screen, so when I removed that little pull tab/sticker, I was left with sticky goo on the screen :(
Just used it for a long interview session. My conclusion is that it's massively overpriced for what it can do. But it's fine as the Go-pro of audio recording and some basic recording functions.Ultimately you are getting this to record 32-bit float and don't want a massive device. This does that just fine. It's misserable in every other way.No repair file option. If the batteries die or you lose power during recording, the file is corrupted as expected, but no repair file option in the menu.No channel linking. Each channel is stereo, but the headphone port separates the channel to the left and right. So, channel one will be left in your headphones, and channel two will be right. I found no way to output stereo to have the full mix, or if you are only running ... MoreJust used it for a long interview session. My conclusion is that it's massively overpriced for what it can do. But it's fine as the Go-pro of audio recording and some basic recording functions.Ultimately you are getting this to record 32-bit float and don't want a massive device. This does that just fine. It's misserable in every other way.No repair file option. If the batteries die or you lose power during recording, the file is corrupted as expected, but no repair file option in the menu.No channel linking. Each channel is stereo, but the headphone port separates the channel to the left and right. So, channel one will be left in your headphones, and channel two will be right. I found no way to output stereo to have the full mix, or if you are only running one channel to have it go to left and right in your headphones.Micro-sd but *checks spec sheet**Muffled pages ruffling* USB 2.0?. Let me say that again. USB 2.0! Famously released in the year 2000. I can live with micro SD cards. Most of my audio devices use it. No problem. Let me plug my device into my computer to transfer it. Took about twenty minutes to transfer a couple of gigs. Blackmagic disk speed test shows 10 MB/s read/write while using USB transfer. So you must use a micro SD card reader or adapter unless you have hours to transfer a couple of gigs.Actually using the USB transfer feature: It's not plug and play for USB. It's: plug it in power on Menu Scroll down USB Data transfer.The menu: The menu system on this is the worst I've ever dealt with. It's like using a Tamagotchi, but worse. The four buttons on the front gain function from the status bar at the bottom of the screen for select up/down.No record button: It uses a slider to start recording. Fine but annoying. The same slider acts for HOLD. So slide up to start record, slide back to start HOLD. Just give me a button. There were a few instances where I didn't slide up far enough. We did about 20 takes on the day and about half of them I had to slide up to record multiple times to register the start.Power button is too easily pressed: You have to hold to turn off, but that hold is less than a second and right where you would grip the device to move it. So placing it in a bag can easily turn on the device, and relocating the C stand you have it on can enable you to accidentally turn it off. By the time you realize you have the power button pressed, it's too late and turning off. So make sure you have hold on.Super convenient option for plugging in and hitting record, but don't expect anything else to act like it was made after the year 2010.
THIS IS an incredible little box. It has so many audio uses. Whether your into film and foley sound, broadcast or you're a "home user". this recorder is might blowing.There are lots of recorders on the market from many brands. Tascam is most people's first choice due to "brand recognition", but in my opinion, the simplicity and the quaility of the preamps absolutely put the tascam to shame.I use this for field recording AND for ripping my vinyl collection into 192, 32 bit wav files. The results are beyond amazing. I have wanted a 32 bit float recorder for AGES, but they're noremally at prices beyond most people's reach. The zoom, it ticks every box from size and quality, to budget.
For an entry level float 32 recorder, it's hard to beat the F3. For the price, you get an excellent recorder that is super simple and sounds very good. The small size makes it easy to transport and to mount right to your camera or to a sound recorder's wrist / pole, whatever.There are some definite negatives. First is the lack of any 1/4 or 1/8 plugs. The h4n has them so it's odd that this doesn't and is probably the most glaring oversight. The next most annoying thing is the bluetooth adapter. This unit operates over bluetooth which is great. But for no imaginable reason, bluetooth requires a dongle. It would have cost almost nothing to build this into the unit and would have been a pro rather than a con. So Zoom's scheme is to sell audio recorders...but also ... MoreFor an entry level float 32 recorder, it's hard to beat the F3. For the price, you get an excellent recorder that is super simple and sounds very good. The small size makes it easy to transport and to mount right to your camera or to a sound recorder's wrist / pole, whatever.There are some definite negatives. First is the lack of any 1/4 or 1/8 plugs. The h4n has them so it's odd that this doesn't and is probably the most glaring oversight. The next most annoying thing is the bluetooth adapter. This unit operates over bluetooth which is great. But for no imaginable reason, bluetooth requires a dongle. It would have cost almost nothing to build this into the unit and would have been a pro rather than a con. So Zoom's scheme is to sell audio recorders...but also sell bluetooth dongles. To make matters worse, the dongle does not click in and can fall out. This makes no sense. Plus it opens up another port for possible water or dust intrusion. The final negative is the already infamous battery door. It is comically fragile and replacements are not sold. This is so weird because all of the rest of the unit feels like it is built out of a recycled tank. I cannot imagine why, besides planned obsolescence, they would have included such a poorly engineered part that is an absolute requirement for using this unit as the batteries will obviously fall out once this piece breaks.
I satisfy this product. I've used zoom F6, which has way more features and inputs. Zoom F3 is smaller than F6 but has same good dual ADC.As I usually record in mono or stereo only, zoom f3 is plenty enough, except....Timecode. I do not know why Zoom decided to drop 3.5mm timecode jam feature on Zoom F3 but only allow bluetooth jam sync only. 3.5mm timecode sync was really convenient and universal (even zoom f6 has timecode output to other pin, which created headache).The bluetooth only jam-sync to Ultrasync BLUE, not other systems like Tentacle Sync, Deity. I've used tentacle sync timecode system but it is impossible to sync with now.There's way if I buy Ultrasync BLUE, Ultrasync ONE. But spending almost 450 + Bluetooth adapter I cannot justify.
Onemanband filmmaker/mixer, coming from the Zoom F6, this is a well-priced follow-up. (and an audio quality giant leap forward from the similarly priced, but ancient, Zoom H4n)The 32bit float and quality dual preamps mean the audio quality is very good, and I feel like I'm getting the best out of the mics I own.Compared to Zoom H4n:With the F3's 32bit float, I love how I don't have to baby each mic Input and ride the levels, since the recorder doesn't clip.I've wasted months of my life trying to fix audio from the H4n in post. The little extra money here is worth it if you genuinely care about having good quality audio (something more than cranking out stuff for youtube).Also love how the F3 starts up in 3 seconds, unlike using the Zoom H4n with larger SD ... MoreOnemanband filmmaker/mixer, coming from the Zoom F6, this is a well-priced follow-up. (and an audio quality giant leap forward from the similarly priced, but ancient, Zoom H4n)The 32bit float and quality dual preamps mean the audio quality is very good, and I feel like I'm getting the best out of the mics I own.Compared to Zoom H4n:With the F3's 32bit float, I love how I don't have to baby each mic Input and ride the levels, since the recorder doesn't clip.I've wasted months of my life trying to fix audio from the H4n in post. The little extra money here is worth it if you genuinely care about having good quality audio (something more than cranking out stuff for youtube).Also love how the F3 starts up in 3 seconds, unlike using the Zoom H4n with larger SD cards, which feels like 1-2 minutes startup time.COMPARED TO ZOOM F6:The Zoom F6 costs about 2x more, but has 6 Inputs, and a more precise Rec/Reference level setting.Though, if you are capable of the most minor of audio editing in post, setting a precise REC/Reference level won't matter much when recording in 32bit float, since you have a ton of headroom and it takes processing/EQ very well.The Zoom F6 has the ability to be powered for much longer by taking Sony L Series Batteries; which makes filmmaking a lot less stressful. Using the Zoom F6 with a Sennheiser MKH 416 as a boom, I can phantom power it for, something like 8 hours. So once it's on, I basically don't have to think about it for the day.Using 2 Brand new AA Duracell batteries on the F3:The F3 runs one mic on phantom power for a solid 2hrs, give or take an additional 1/2 hour.The F3 runs 2 mics, both on phantom power, for a solid 1 hr, give or take an additional 1/2 hour.Haven't tested the F6 using an external USB-C connected battery.The build quality is solid, like the F6, and the menu is more well-suited to my onemanband workflow, with a simplified menu, but thoughtful and intuitive like the F6. No complaints, you'll figure it out within 30 minutes if you have used external audio recorders before. The screen is fine, no complaints there so far.The Record Slider/HOLD took a little getting used to, but, testing it for two days, seems sturdy.Convenient small size.Tests on brand new AA Duracell batteries:Settings: 48kHz, with LCDBacklightON for 1 minutePhantom Powering (+48v) a Sennheiser MKE 600 on Input 1, (with Input 2 turned OFF), got 2 solid hours of recording time.Phantom Powering (+48v) Input 1 with a Sennheiser MKE 600 and Input 2 with a MKH 416, got 1 solid hour of recording time.The audio quality seems identical to the more expensive Zoom F6, which I am very happy about. The MKH 416 sounds as good recording on the F3 as it does on the F6, to my ears.NOTE ON USE WITH MKE 600:You MUST remove the AA battery that goes inside the MKE 600 in order to avoid take-ruining 40kHz frequency noise that contains toxic subharmonics. It will ruin your takes. Distressingly, I couldn't hear it in my AT-M50X headphones, or in VLC, but when I imported the audio into Premiere Pro, I could see (and hear) this 40kHz and subharmonic noise in the Parametric EQ.You could try to salvage in post, but I wouldn't trust it. This seems to be an issue with this particular mic and recorder and using a battery inside the MKE 600. (and possibly an issue with Premiere Pro)Luckily, the fix is easy: if you use the F3 to phantom power the MKE 600 (and have no battery inside the MKE 600), it'll work perfect. I confirmed in Premiere Pro's Parametric EQ that, as long as there's no battery inside the MKE 600, the audio will be perfect recording into the F3.You can actually get a really nice sound out of the MKE 600 and the F3 combo with some minor tweaking in Premiere Pro's Parametric EQ, Amplify, DynamicsSoft Compression, Denoiser, etc.,...to the point where, to my ears, it can sound like a significantly more expensive mic.Since you can phantom power the MKE 600, it's not a major issue. Just an fyi, since the MKE 600 is popular, and if I didn't test before using on something real, it would've been a nightmare to have that 40kHz/subharmonics-contaminated audio.For more info, on youtube:The Matt Johnson and Gear Test Tech reviews give a more thorough review of the features.But it's very simple to use.Minor complaints:-would be cool to have the option to use an Sony L Series battery to power the device for longer, like the Zoom F6, but I get that they were trying to keep the F3's size down. (And in fairness, AA batteries are easy to find and easy to swap out)The USB-C power option might work, but it would effectively make the device a bit larger/more vulnerable to disconnection, I would think. But I can't confirm, as I haven't tested this feature.-would be nice to have a little case for the recorder, but definitely not necessary since the build quality is rock solid. Maybe a screen protector, though it's probably unnecessary.- battery door is a little plastic-y, as other reviewers have pointed out. But otherwise, the unit is a tank.CONCLUSION:The name of the game is audio quality, and this unit delivers.The Zoom F3's 32bit Float for under half a grand means I can finally rid myself of my old H4n units. The solid build quality and reasonable price means I feel less concerned about using it daily. Definitely see myself throwing this into a backpack with a mic and not thinking twice. Zoom has clearly emphasized the usability of the device, and it seems like it will make life easier. Also good that it's easy enough to find AA batteries or carry extra if you need em.
I'm not a practising sound recordist, but as a filmmaker with several years of filmmaking training in film school, I occasionally make cameos as sound recordist for some of my friends' low-budget shorts.I used to use the Zoom F4 in general, a recorder for all the needs of a small production, it's a shame it was discontinued. But in fact, even F4 is a little too grand for many short films. I also bought the Tascam X8 before buying the F3, and to be honest it wasn't a satisfactory product, both in terms of build quality and sound quality, and its design concept didn't meet my expectations.I'm not looking for an F4 replacement, although I did use the F3 for a lot of work in the latest short film. But the F3 isn't a Swiss Army Knife, it's a specific tool. When ... MoreI'm not a practising sound recordist, but as a filmmaker with several years of filmmaking training in film school, I occasionally make cameos as sound recordist for some of my friends' low-budget shorts.I used to use the Zoom F4 in general, a recorder for all the needs of a small production, it's a shame it was discontinued. But in fact, even F4 is a little too grand for many short films. I also bought the Tascam X8 before buying the F3, and to be honest it wasn't a satisfactory product, both in terms of build quality and sound quality, and its design concept didn't meet my expectations.I'm not looking for an F4 replacement, although I did use the F3 for a lot of work in the latest short film. But the F3 isn't a Swiss Army Knife, it's a specific tool. When you're only dealing with only boom and a plant mic or lav mic in most situations, when you don't need to route complex inputs to different listeners, when you want to write a better sound note for your director friend and you don't have an assistant. These are the times when you think having an F3 is a wonderful thing. In fact, using the F3 is a pleasure any time. Connect, power on, start recording, it's that simple. Zoom finds a rather satisfying answer in simplicity. And most importantly, the sound quality has not been compromised in any way. So when you really need to deal with some complex needs, F3 can always be a powerful supplement for you.My only complaint:1. Timecode is only compatible with Ultrasync Blue, and the overall cost of this timecode system is higher than many competitors.2. Under the overall excellent build quality, the memory card slot door is like a joke. And the transfer speed when connected to a computer via USB is also like a joke.
What a Zoom brand embarrassment. I have an 11 year old $25 Olympus digital voice recorder that has the ability to PAUSE WHILE RECORDING but this $300 2024 recorder CAN'T?Yeah, smooth move with that one, Zoom. My H4N & H6N aren't so crippled so why Zoom choses to do that on the F3 defies comprehension.OK, the 32 bit float is the blessing I bought this for but the pause button - look, it's ready for the pressing right there on the side for PLAYBACK but does nothing while RECORDING! What a stupid move that is. Zoom, get some third grader to write the code and issue a firmware update that'll correct this stupidity and I'll be flying all five stars.
I’m a sound artist and field recordist. Recorders and microphones are my main instruments. I own and owned a lot different recorders. The Zoom F3 is my latest addition. I have 3 of them and I used them for now about half a year. Mostly I use them for drop rigs. Sometimes I use them to record a line level from a mixer or as backup of the backup for critical work.With the new F-series ZOOM has really stepped up their game. I really don’t like the sound and the preamps of the previous H-series (noisy and thin).In contrast, the preamps and AD on the F3 are really really good. Quiet, flat and a good transient response. To my ears, they lack the shine and depth of an SD MixPre (the main competitor for pro-sumer field recorders) but the difference is so narrow that it ... MoreI’m a sound artist and field recordist. Recorders and microphones are my main instruments. I own and owned a lot different recorders. The Zoom F3 is my latest addition. I have 3 of them and I used them for now about half a year. Mostly I use them for drop rigs. Sometimes I use them to record a line level from a mixer or as backup of the backup for critical work.With the new F-series ZOOM has really stepped up their game. I really don’t like the sound and the preamps of the previous H-series (noisy and thin).In contrast, the preamps and AD on the F3 are really really good. Quiet, flat and a good transient response. To my ears, they lack the shine and depth of an SD MixPre (the main competitor for pro-sumer field recorders) but the difference is so narrow that it might have something to do with personal taste. Definitely more than adequate for most recording jobs out there.The F3 is built for drop rigs or for unattended recordings. There are no gain pots, and it only records in 32bit. So there is no gain to be set. Just press record and let it run, The dual AD design records both very quiet and crazy loud very well, and the 32bit float will cover the whole dynamic range needed. From monstrous thunderclaps to whispers in a desert night.The Zoom F3 is quite sturdy, basically an aluminum block with recesses for the screen, the connecotrs, buttons and plastic part. The XLR inputs feel sturdy as well, with large and decent latches. The battery compartment is plastic and unfortunately feels a bit flimsy. But it is recessed and protected by the steel rods and the corners of the alumunium block that surround it, so you only need to be careful in opening and closing. In use it will mostly be fine. The buttons feel ok. The recording button is a slider, which can be put to hold, again ideal for non-attended recordings. The microSD slot however is another design flaw. Inserted cards don’t always jump out nicely after being pressed and sometimes get a bit stuck. I had to use my leatherman on occasion to wiggle the SD card out. Based on my experience the F3 can easily be used in unforgiving enviroments. My F3’s got bumped around on long hikes, record for days on end on drops huddled in a dry bag, and general life on the road. I used them in the tropics and below freezing. One of them even got quite wet a couple of times (not submerged, just a lot of condensation) after some of my drybags malfunctioned in the Indonesian jungle, but the unit kept on recording, with no noticeable change in sound or battery life.The menu takes a bit getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it’s mostly OK. Though keep a copy of the manual around since one normally doesn’t change ones drop rigs settings a lot, you might have forgotten how to change a setting if that blue moon situation ever comes up, and the menu is not always that clear.The F3 really shines in energy efficiency. It beats my other drop rig recorders easily. I get around 72 hours of non stop recording on two AA and a 20K mAh USB power bank. You can choose between 24V or 48V for phantom power.The flimsy battery door and finicky micro sd slot can give one pause but are not dealbreakers. But the F3 has one design flaw that really curtails its usefulness. The unit can work with timecode, but is only compatible Atomos UltraSync Blue, (TC over Bluetooth), a system that is not used widely. Which means you can’t sync or jam to TC in most common setups ( jamming to the camera, another recorder or TC generator). Zoom really should have made it possible to jam the F3 over an audio connection, it would have made the use case of the device so much wider.Zoom has built a lot of nice things in a very small package (it really is smaller than you imagine) at a very attractive price point. The F3 has a great sound and very good battery life. It is ideal for drop rigs, or other unattended recording situations.
| Brand | Zoom |
