Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder - Black

I am really enjoying my Zoom camera purchase. I have had it for a month or so now. It is a great size in terms of portability. Very easy to setup and use. The user interface is very intuitive and pretty easy to understand. The camera also gives you the option to record just audio, audio and video together, or audio and video separately. It comes with a fantastic microphone which you can swap out for other zoom mic attachments, making it even more versatile. The picture and video quality are great. The sounds quality is also great, especially for a camera this size. The camera also has two inputs so that you can pull in other audio/instruments. You can use this camera as a webcam as well, or a microphone for your computer. Overall, I am very satisfied with this purchase.

Read many reviews on this and its later versions and for what I wanted which is good vid quality but high sound quality this camera is perfect! Simple to use, nice screen so you can see what you are recording and many different audio options. This really is a great camera for musicians, not sure its up to doing super quality outdoor stuff but I didnt buy it for that, and the price was really good from GAK. Works fine without any special lighting indoors too great bit of kit.

Hello. I have been using the Sony Vegas Pro live recording software for a long time and have not ever tried to make a video project until now. My biggest problem was in finding the right camera to make a video. I was told about the Zoom camera so I bought one. One day I took a 30 minute video of things in random around my town. Once I loaded the file onto my software and begin the project I was amazed at just how quality the camera produced. Before getting involved in the, let's say, mastering I discovered how the picture came out so clean, sharp and focused. It made finishing the project. I recommend this camera to anyone and I think you will like it.

An Audio Recorder with a Camera, Not a Camera with an Audio Recorder

Do not get this camera if you are looking for the best image quality. That is simply not its purpose. The other reviewers who complain about the lens and the video quality do not seem to understand this equipment's place in their tool arsenal. Think of the Zoom Q8 as a four track recorder with a camera. The built in mics are great, and it has two XLR combo jacks in addition. It even has phantom power for external condenser mics. The audio is superb. The ultra wide lens may not give you the prettiest scene compositions, but it lets you place the built in XY mics *very* close to your sound sources and keep the gain down. This allows you to record the parts you want without background noise interfering. You will definitely need a windscreen. The condenser mics are ... MoreDo not get this camera if you are looking for the best image quality. That is simply not its purpose. The other reviewers who complain about the lens and the video quality do not seem to understand this equipment's place in their tool arsenal. Think of the Zoom Q8 as a four track recorder with a camera. The built in mics are great, and it has two XLR combo jacks in addition. It even has phantom power for external condenser mics. The audio is superb. The ultra wide lens may not give you the prettiest scene compositions, but it lets you place the built in XY mics *very* close to your sound sources and keep the gain down. This allows you to record the parts you want without background noise interfering. You will definitely need a windscreen. The condenser mics are quite sensitive wind noises. If this broke, I'd get another. I know of no other camera in the price range with such good audio.

Best in class

This has so many pluses, I don't know where to begin.First off, it has the ability to shoot in multiple formats. In video quality, this ranges from an ultra-hi-def 3M HD30 @ 24Mbps to a low-def WVGA/3 @ 5Mbps. I record video at a medium HD 1080/30 @ 16Mbps, which is the best compromise between high def quality and trying to keep the file size small.Secondly, the audio can be recorded using WAV 96kHz/24-bit resolution all the way down to an .mp3 (AAC) 64Bps resolution, with 9 settings in between. I use a CD-quality WAV 48kHz/16-bit resolution.When recording audio, the Zoom is very flexible. Unlike other camcorders in this price range, the mics on this are interchangeable, and Zoom offers several different mics which can be used with this camera--including a ... MoreThis has so many pluses, I don't know where to begin.First off, it has the ability to shoot in multiple formats. In video quality, this ranges from an ultra-hi-def 3M HD30 @ 24Mbps to a low-def WVGA/3 @ 5Mbps. I record video at a medium HD 1080/30 @ 16Mbps, which is the best compromise between high def quality and trying to keep the file size small.Secondly, the audio can be recorded using WAV 96kHz/24-bit resolution all the way down to an .mp3 (AAC) 64Bps resolution, with 9 settings in between. I use a CD-quality WAV 48kHz/16-bit resolution.When recording audio, the Zoom is very flexible. Unlike other camcorders in this price range, the mics on this are interchangeable, and Zoom offers several different mics which can be used with this camera--including a shotgun mic which can be indispensable if one is wishing to record sporting events from the sidelines. In addition, the unit features two combo [XLR and 1/4"] inputs for hooking up external microphones or doing a direct input with an instrument. It also contains a built in four channel mixer for mixing the sound levels of the four mics or one can disable the attached mics to only use outboard mics. GoPro certainly won't give you this much flexibility or the sound quality this offers.Finally, it is very easy to use. Within 45 minutes of opening the box, I had recorded two short music videos.It accepts SDHC cards up to 128GB in capacity. Although no documentation is available to show how much recording time one can expect, Zoom anticipated this and explained that in the display, the camera will tell the user how much recording time is available based on the video and audio quality selected. I use a 64 GB card in mine and based on the settings, can expect to get about 7-1/2 hours of recording time on one card.The only drawback I can see to this unit is that it does not offer a remote control. I contacted Zoom about this and was informed that their engineers were already looking into it.

It is an audio recorder with a camera! Nothing more!

Overall:My title might be a bit click-bait-ish but what I mean is that don't expect this to be a movie camera with a great audio recorder, think of it as a great audio recorder with a mediocre camera on it.I originally got this camera to use as a B-roll camera for a horror film I was producing. It was underwhelming as a camera. The video was very picky about light and there are very few camera functions. Zoom-in/out is 100% digital and must be present in the menu, you can't smoothly transition a zoom. Most of the video I shot was zoomed in all the way and grainy. But zoomed out and wide the video is very clear and good quality.The Video seems to be always a wide angle, and there is no way I know of to change that. (Because it's for live performances.)Where the ... MoreOverall:My title might be a bit click-bait-ish but what I mean is that don't expect this to be a movie camera with a great audio recorder, think of it as a great audio recorder with a mediocre camera on it.I originally got this camera to use as a B-roll camera for a horror film I was producing. It was underwhelming as a camera. The video was very picky about light and there are very few camera functions. Zoom-in/out is 100% digital and must be present in the menu, you can't smoothly transition a zoom. Most of the video I shot was zoomed in all the way and grainy. But zoomed out and wide the video is very clear and good quality.The Video seems to be always a wide angle, and there is no way I know of to change that. (Because it's for live performances.)Where the camera will shine is setting up as a static video camera for live music, dance recitals, and school plays. I think it will make an excellent vlogger's static camera or webcam since live streaming is a function on the camera.If you are familiar with the zoom products like the H-5, 4, 6 etc. then you will feel right at home with the audio side of it. I used it as a secondary backup field recorder on the set and it worked just as good as my other hand-held zooms.Don't buy this if you are looking for a camera to make movies on. Get this if you are picky about great audio and would like a camera second.

Nice unit for the price!

Overall:If your looking for an excellent audio recorder and a good attached video camera, this is well worth the money. Yes there are better video cameras and better audio recorders, BUT this fills a niche. I'm a solo artist, so weight and size become a big issue. This device fits in the palm of your hand, is easy to set up and does it's job well. BUT, you must be aware of several factors! First, using maximum video and audio modes you will get "about" 2.5 hours out of the lithium ion battery. Second, Zoom makes it very clear that you should charge the battery only using a USB (computer) port OR the Zoom AD-17A/D adapter (sold separately)! Yeah I know, other devices should and probably will work. BUT, are you going to risk your warranty or device? Third, Zoom says ... MoreOverall:If your looking for an excellent audio recorder and a good attached video camera, this is well worth the money. Yes there are better video cameras and better audio recorders, BUT this fills a niche. I'm a solo artist, so weight and size become a big issue. This device fits in the palm of your hand, is easy to set up and does it's job well. BUT, you must be aware of several factors! First, using maximum video and audio modes you will get "about" 2.5 hours out of the lithium ion battery. Second, Zoom makes it very clear that you should charge the battery only using a USB (computer) port OR the Zoom AD-17A/D adapter (sold separately)! Yeah I know, other devices should and probably will work. BUT, are you going to risk your warranty or device? Third, Zoom says it takes about 4.5 hours to fully recharge using USB, and about 2.5 using the AD-17. Guys it took me 6 hours to fully charge the battery using USB! USB charging is slooow! Get the AD-17 adapter AND a second battery when you buy the unit! BUT LISTEN UP- you cannot charge the battery and use the unit, using USB OR the AD-17! BUT- YOU CAN REMOVE THE BATTERY AND RUN THE UNIT ON THE AD-!7 ADAPTER ALONE!!! You will need an extension cord. Sooo, if battery operation is required take the above to heart- not some BS on U-Tube by someone who hasn't used the unit NOR read the instructions! One of the best features is that you can use XLR's from your mixer (mains UNPOWERED OF COURSE) and run them to the unit and record exactly what sound is going "downrange"! Just set the pad to -20DB.The instructions are OK C+, but are printed on a small 3'' format, so some lettering is so small you almost need a magnifier to read! But they are coherent and well written. Read them before you do anything! zZounds also sells an the correct SD card for this unit (it doesn't come with one) or check the instructions for recommended units. I also suggest you purchase the stand adapter that Zoom makes. It works well on a mic stand, and is totally adjustable (what musician/ vocalist doesn't have an extra mic stand around).I am very pleased with the device, adequate video, great sound, and easy to use and setup, well worth the money. JUST remember the battery/power options I mentioned!

Review of Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder w/ 4 Track Audio Recorder

Excellent camera. The big draw is the fact this can record 4 track, and have individual levels. Using the dials gets it close enough to record without peaks, and then I can whip it into GarageBand for an edit and know it’s all perfectly in time with the video, and in stereo. We use for our studio recordings for our music and helps us get a very nice looking and sounding quick YouTube video for silly low prices. You cannot beat this.

Want Something For Great Price, Great Quality, Incredible Video….You Found It

Overall:There is simply nothing to complain about here. This unit is just great! So easy to use, set up is a breeze, super easy to use, and is packed with features. We operate a studio in Anaheim Hills, Ca. Our principal business is presenting the news as factual as is possible. This piece is really gonna help us step up to our goals. Just received it, and am finding it so much more than I’d even imagined. One thing though, get the spare battery, and the separate charger. It will charge with USB, but not quickly. Plus the separate charger will run the camera, you just need the extension cord. I’ve already bought the charger, a spare battery, and the tripod device.

very washed out LCD screen

I bought this and a Q8n-4k. The 4k model is hard to get these days, and the regular Q8 I bought to replace an older Q4 of a friend.I cannot express how disappointed I am with the LCD screen on the Q8, especially compared to the Q8n-4k. The blacks are like #999999 grey, that's how washed out it all is. Note however this is ONLY on the LCD screen, and when recording video or using as a webcam, it's not an issue and the picture quality is good.The LCD's resolution is also not great, and while the touch screen is fine for navigating, it feels like I'm using one of the original GoPro LCD add-ons from a decade ago, which really is the timeline for this tech. It's really disappointing, and not something that's really up to speed today.It's still a good camera. Zoom's ... MoreI bought this and a Q8n-4k. The 4k model is hard to get these days, and the regular Q8 I bought to replace an older Q4 of a friend.I cannot express how disappointed I am with the LCD screen on the Q8, especially compared to the Q8n-4k. The blacks are like #999999 grey, that's how washed out it all is. Note however this is ONLY on the LCD screen, and when recording video or using as a webcam, it's not an issue and the picture quality is good.The LCD's resolution is also not great, and while the touch screen is fine for navigating, it feels like I'm using one of the original GoPro LCD add-ons from a decade ago, which really is the timeline for this tech. It's really disappointing, and not something that's really up to speed today.It's still a good camera. Zoom's proprietary microphone ecosystem has some good mics, and I own the SSH-6 which works well on the Q8. But if you're willing to spend a little more and don't need the smaller size of the Q8, go for a Q8n-4k instead. The 4k is maybe 175% the width, so really size is the only reason I'd go for the Q8 over the Q8n-4k.Again, totally fine for everything but the LCD, however the LCD is so bad it kinda ruins the rest of the product for me. Price should be a bit lower given what the Q8n-4k has.