Zoom Q8n-4K Handy Video Recorder

Anyone who has worked with Pro Audio should be quite familiar with Zoom products which are known for their high quality multitrack field recorders with interchangeable mic capsules and XLR inputs. As far as I know, this Zoom product is the only 4K video recorder that Zoom offers that allows you to use Zoom's high quality mic capsules as well as XLR inputs, perfect for capturing amazing quality sound, even in high decibel environments. I have used Zoom's multitrack field audio recorders when running boom mics for full length motion pictures, all of which debuted in theaters and subsequently moved on to Amazon or Netflix movie streaming services. I mention this because Zoom audio equipment is frequently used to capture audio for cinematic productions of all budget ... MoreAnyone who has worked with Pro Audio should be quite familiar with Zoom products which are known for their high quality multitrack field recorders with interchangeable mic capsules and XLR inputs. As far as I know, this Zoom product is the only 4K video recorder that Zoom offers that allows you to use Zoom's high quality mic capsules as well as XLR inputs, perfect for capturing amazing quality sound, even in high decibel environments. I have used Zoom's multitrack field audio recorders when running boom mics for full length motion pictures, all of which debuted in theaters and subsequently moved on to Amazon or Netflix movie streaming services. I mention this because Zoom audio equipment is frequently used to capture audio for cinematic productions of all budget sizes. Everyone in the industry knows that audio is primarily what Zoom products are known for. Reading through the reviews, I was a bit dumbfounded to read some of the disparaging and downright inaccurate remarks made regarding the quality of Zoom's products. One of the negative reviews was so ridiculous that the reviewer claimed they were going to throw this Zoom Camera "in the trash". This was clearly written by someone who is completely ignorant of the audio capture capability that Zoom is known for. That being said, this camera is 100% capable of capturing high quality audio along with fixed Zoom 4K video footage. Although it does not have optical zoom, it offers five fields of view which can be changed in the settings, just like a GoPro. The specifications for this item are clearly listed in the description, so one must be illiterate or have cognitive impairments to expect this item to have optical zoom. This audio-centric camera operates exactly as advertised. It is absolutely imperative when writing a review to base your rating on purely objective criteria, in line with the clearly listed specifications. Reviews should never be based on unfounded, unrealistic expectations. In my humble, yet educated opinion, individuals who are incapable of writing an objective review should have their review removed and be permanently banned from writing reviews on Sweetwater.com ... but I digress. I routinely use this camera to capture secondary audio, and I use the video footage for reference when synchronizing footage from multiple cameras in post production. This is what most professionals I have worked with use this camera for. Like I said, the audio and video specifications for this item are clearly listed in Sweetwater's description. This camera is not designed to be used as a primary camera for professional productions, but I use it on all of my multi-camera video shoots, and I have always been very pleased with the results. This being said, it is absolutely imperative that you read the specifications in the description of every product, in purchase the camera that is most suitable for your individual needs. I shouldn't have to explain this, but it is quite clear from reading the reviews that this simple concept needs to be spelled out in black and white. Cheers!

Any cheap $250 cell phone can record indoor video better than this unit. Since most recordings are recorded indoors, this unit's video is useless. I'm seeking a return. During my first time recording with this unit, I noticed the video was very grainy. I pulled out my cheap Xiaomi phone and recorded the scene, and it was 100% better than what this can record. I had my doubts when I looked at the super tiny sensor on this unit. This unit is a $125 microphone recorder combined with a $25 camera that they charge $400.

This is a great unit. Of course 4 channels of audio is sweet and sound quality is outstanding (I haven't tried the other mic options but was a reason I chose to get it). 4K Video is great. Initially I was worried the video quality was not great, but turns out I had digitally zoomed in using one of the range options. If I use wide range the video quality is great. The USB-C for charging and transferring data is quite fast.I ended up getting the bluetooth adapter for App control, and a 256GB micro card so I didn't have to worry about storage.It's light enough so I can mount it most anywhere and the video is wide enough that it can capture the full stage quite easily.