Zoom Q8N - 4k Camera Is NOT!!!! JUST FOR MUSIC CREATORS!!!

[@narayanidd1361]

Amazing the cat!!, is not moving for several minutes and is not bothering your work while filming... thumbs up for the cat.

[@MrUnicorn44]

Well sir, First off, thank you for the review. Very helpful to me as a filmmaker, and as our group's sound recordist/boom operator whenever we film anything: the camera can, hopefully, serve a couple of purposes for me. First and foremost, when I write a scene (yes, I write, as well as my full complement of film skills; sound recording, sound editing and mixing, digital editing and compositing VFX, props and occasional make-up FX. More fun behind the camera, so I rarely appear in front any more!), I tend to visualise shots as I go, so having a camera like this one hanging around will be useful for me to shoot quick proof-of-concept shots, to show our director of photography, instead of having to describe a shot verbally or to draw up a diagram to show him what I'm trying for. So, size-wise, big plus. Plus, I have a tendency to build quick and dirty rigs in order to realise those same 'tricky' (way too clever) shots, so having a camera of this size will make my rigs easy to scale up or down, accordingly. Second, when we need a back-up audio field recorder, bang ... done. Easy. Also handy for shooting presence tracks/room tone for scenes, prior to getting into editing; set it up, walk out, and there you go. As an aside, I was quite pleased with the performance of this camera in natural light situations, so it might be a handy BTS/EPK unit, or as a simple second camera rig for some of our more complicated scenes. We have quite a lengthy scene shot from one character's POV, while he is a passenger in a moving car (with a three-walled wraparound green screen, just to avoid the time/effort/drama of having to do physical location work with a whole crew), so using this might help with the limited space inside the vehicle, instead of hauling a Red Epic around. Plus, I could potentially set it up to shoot those same background plates (for that extended car interior shot), using this rig. That will call on some testing, I think, just to see if the 4K stays solid or starts to fall apart on me. Anyway, thanks for the review once more. It's helped me more than you'll know ... plus, where I am - in Australia - this unit is on sale until the end of the month, through one of my regular sellers of gear. Cheers, Noel, in Melbourne.

[@johngoggin6805]

very good review. I would have liked to see more detail on the low light issues. This is the most honest appraisal i've seen yet on this. Zoom Q8N-4k is a musician camera because of the excellent audio quality.

[@radek1cihak]

i'm a singer songwriter and make youtube videos - both Q8 and Q8n may be good machines but they need a lot of light - ok that can be done. But both have an eerily wide angle of view, which means that when using green screen I have to have the camera close to me and can't look for new views. There is an additional lens on the Osmo Pocket 2 that changes the angle - if something like that existed for the Q8n it would be a great camera for me and if it didn't need so much light it would be excellent and if it only had a small optical zoom, maybe only 2x, it would be the best camera in the world. Switching the angle means reducing the resolution. As soon as I scale down to 4K, KZbin changes it to FullHD when uploading. But in the field of FullHD cameras, I can find much better machines. So the Q8n is a great audio recorder that can only deliver video under specific circumstances that severely limit creativity.

[@jerrykelley9266]

I bought 2 of them..I’m happy with mine.

[@BGEntertainmentGroup]

I'm considering getting one of these for paranormal investigations for our KZbin channel. The feature that convinces me is the professional ZOOM audio. In my line of work, high-quality sound is crucial because we frequently capture evidence through the camera microphone, and we regularly use ZOOM recorders. Excellent video; I'll revisit it once I receive my unit. Thanks again!👍

[@CoZChristopher]

Ooooooo this is cool!!! Good luck with this!

[@joa5739]

A video I really like. I've been considering getting the Zoom Q8N-4K for a year now. Your video assists my decision to get it. I also am a developing musician so the video camera would be a superb tool at a decent price. Come to think of it anyone playing a musical instrument is always developing hopefully.

[@ronniegetty5675]

New owner of this zoom q8n your video was very helpful

[@gary7851]

Hey mate! I appreciate you for making this video which prevented me not buying this Camera recorder, my main point was to take it with me while attending concerts in dark objects, as you mentioned this thing is terrible in a low light environment, and as a videographer, it is a big deal to me and a lot of videographers out there, my DJI pocket 2 does a much better job in a low light condition, and it comes with built-in Bluetooth which I able to connect my wireless Sennheiser microphone, more over you have to spend an extra 40 or $50 box to connect this thing on Bluetooth, seriously Zoom get it together, Zoom is just being Zoom again, they better of not making any cameras, to whom is interested purchasing this camera recorder, in my opinion, you better of and spend your money on something else, Zoom would never learn from its past, cheers mate.

[@speakuscorner]

I would use it as a podcast cam alongside my Q2N, with external mics. I’m watching video demos & checking out reviews at the moment. What I also hope to use it for when I eventually purchase one is for street interviews occasionally. Although on the road I’ll tryout my Q2N as it’s smaller & the iPhone. I’ve had the Q2N for many years & at first I used it exclusively until switching to the iPhone. That was partly due to practical reasons or a bit of lazyness. I got used to recording & editing on the same phone, instead of transferring the data to a computer before editing. Looking at the all round quality of the camera & being able to record in 4K with an external mic, I think this will become my default method for recording video. Just have to find a seller doing them at a good price, Thomann seems to have them at the best price shipping to the UK. Great video & review!

[@CoZChristopher]

Thank you for the really kind words!! Yes this camera will do well in good lighting conditions and the built in sound is ideal for a podcast setup!! That’s a great ideal! Does American Musical ship internationally? Do you all have a similar store to that in the UK? They do up to 12 0% interest payments with no credit check. I buy a lot of gear through them. I’m not affiliated with them either, I just really like their options. I basically keep a tab around 100 a month with them haha

[@thebionicbassplayer]

I have a Zoom H1 mic and love it. This review was good for me to see the picture quality of the camera, which is good.

[@hollieboptv2996]

nice lawn , good to see someone take care of their hard earned castle , my lawn looks like the amazon in comparison :(

[@danellsworth9922]

Just bought it based on this video- thanks. I don't need anything really high end, but I need a step above the webcam. This looks just about right. Thanks for showing it in the different environments.

[@CoZChristopher]

My pleasure Dan! Thank you for your kind words!!

[@AndreAmirLive]

Maaaannn... This is the review I've been looking for. You nailed it bro!

[@CoZChristopher]

Thank you brother!!!

[@theevgeekpodcast]

Thanks for the review! I’ve been looking for something to do mobile podcast with and decided to pull the trigger on this after watching the review!!

[@CoZChristopher]

Thank you!! Yes this would be great for that as long as there’s good light!!

[@samdelossantos2864]

Couple of ways to run the xlr inputs. If you have a couple of good condensers, you can use those. Another is taking a line out or 2 from the mixer straight to the camera with the front house mix signal.

[@edcastrotpt]

I'm a music teacher and am considering getting this for my classes. However, your review reminded me of the other uses for this camera. The mics seem to be really effective. Thanks for the review.

[@CoZChristopher]

That’s awesome!! They said that field recording music was its primary goal! I’m glad you found the review useful! I think with its XLR inputs directly and internal wav or mp3 recording abilities it will do really well for audio. But I definitely like that the video can be used in so much more!! Cheers! Thank you for stopping by!!!

[@wordwarrior2350]

Luckily you`re not an English teacher.

[@radek1cihak]

I've been using the Q8 for over 2 years now and as a music teacher's aid and for any other private use I think it's a wonderful machine. However, it is not suitable for any creative activity in public space.

[@wordwarrior2350]

@@radek1cihak Why not say "Why not"?

[@radek1cihak]

@@wordwarrior2350 It's a great audio recorder, the optics are good for documentation. An absurdly wide angle of view of 150° - as if it aspired to an action camera. I'm a singer-songwriter, I put videos on KZbin, and I'd like each song to be a little different visually - but for example, when using a green screen, the width of the shot forces me to put the camera as close as possible to me, and I lose the opportunity to use different shots from several sides. When shooting in nature, I can be a little further away, but still close enough that the second camera always takes up this camera. I wouldn't mind external microphones so much in the shot, but having the camera spin the camera is always a sign of insufficient equipment. Several angle settings are only a measure of cropping - loss of resolution. Ok, creativity is also possible with the Q8n, but limited. When uploading a video to KZbin, it is important that the image is always in the highest possible 4K resolution, otherwise it is included and converted to FullHD. And cameras that are capable of FullHD and have a microphone input do exist... On the Q8, I filmed in 3K according to the manufacturer - KZbin does not recognize such a thing. So all my videos are converted to FullHD. The 5 angle settings on the Q8n are just aggravation - instant loss of 4K. The brightness of the lens is weak, but this can be replaced with good light, ok. A removable lens can be additionally installed on the osmo Pocket 2, which changes the field of view - I don't know if it would be possible for the Q8 or the Q8n.

[@MrFLYBOY1985]

That grass is IMMACULATE

[@CoZChristopher]

Hahahaha I take my grass seriously 😂🤣😂🤣 the dryness this year has definitely taken its toll tho 😞 but thank you!

[@dimitargadzhev3800]

Thank you for the positive and nice video,all the best!!!✌🙏

[@snakebox1299]

really great and informational compared to the rest thank you very much for taking the time to show us

[@scourneene]

Been looking at picking one up. I started this journey looking at the Zoom H6, F6 etc then realized I may regret not being able to capture video. The audio may not be on the level of the above mentioned. I. A tad concerned as the range of frequencies I intend to record are quite wide. I wish the XLR inputs would take 1/4 inch as well. On the fence but leaning towards as I don't know what else it would be comparable to. Great review thanks, over and out from northern Canada.

[@papa.alfredo]

your video is great, thanks a lot for the review and your work, greetings from Germany!

[@CoZChristopher]

Thank you!! Cheers!! Thank you for stopping by!!

[@GeorgeBonez]

Not sure why so many people have such a hard time with this camera. People seem to absolutely love it or completely hate it. I’ll be reviewing it for myself tomorrow so we will see?

[@TheDeejayprice]

Bro, I really appreciate this video man. Thank you. I will be getting mine soon to make videos of me recording mixes.

[@CoZChristopher]

Absolutely!! This camera is slept on!! I saw the price and was like man I have to try it! At minimum it’s good field Audio haha

[@OuTCasTBand]

Thanks for the deep dive review and lesson. Setting mine up today. It seems.The system is more for the audio than the video it seems. But...using it for music it should be the deal. Definitely OuTCasT Band material. THANKS AGAIN

[@recordclassicalmusic]

Great video! Thank you sir!

[@harrymiram6621]

Recently purchased Q8n-4k,mainly intending to start my own YT channel. Every time I shoot footage, am Pleasantly surprised by performance....small size, outstanding audio/video clarity, portability. Haven't really shot in low-light/outside, zero dark hundred situational scenarios but that will happen soon enough, am pretty sure of that! The only thing I don't like about the Q8n-4k is 5-stage digital zoom. Just received Canon HF-G50 to alleviate that short coming & YT channel is Still a work in progress!

[@CoZChristopher]

Ahh man nice!!!! Yes and the space and amount you can shoot on one of the memory cards and battery is impressive!! What’s your channel going to be about? Being honest, I’m still figuring mine out, but I am thoroughly enjoying the journey. Also that Bluetooth add on for the Q8N is so worth it!!

[@harrymiram6621]

@@CoZChristopher ....Still undecided on subject matter but, being HUGE History Geek, Most definitely will be about Hawaiian history, kinda BTS look at regular/most popular attractions and/or little known facts about same, from local's POV....Or somewhere along those lines....And since Canon has dual SD card slots....Only adds to draw/appeal. And being BIG fan-boy of Canon Vid-Cams doesn't hurt either!

[@harrymiram6621]

@@CoZChristopher....Just curious....EVER been Hawaii? Maybe further on down the line, could do collab?....Just looking into the proverbial Crystal Ball!-lol

[@crazy.scorpio]

Really good video. I was wondering if I could do the blue tooth with this, now I know . awesome, i will grab one i think

[@byromtaylor6482]

I would use it thro the mixer out to create music vids it does all the legwork ...xlr input outputs are pro grade for carrying signal n make this little thing ideal for bands n singers who use any kind of desk ...i mean there are things to do this for audio already on a budget but not with video usually your phone can do it but the audio quality you can achieve is far better through your singing pa desk so yeah its a cool gadget really is ...I want one I considered doing this before but did not wanna spend thousands ...

[@glitchunicorn]

Very interesting, I"ve been considering getting this for a client as a main camera for their YT/Podcast videos and of course capture the audio.

[@Marcoislandnews34145]

Thinking of getting this to record nature videos

[@ritmoantiyano1551]

Great review,the mistakes that zoom keeps doing all the time with these zoom cameras is the cameras themselfs there is always a problem with the quality of the camera low light is the biggest and i don't underrstand why you cannot zoom in zoom out with the zoom q8 cameras.

[@milan_litvinov]

Great Video now I know how to use my camera that video help me a lot thanks man

[@CoZChristopher]

My pleasure brother!!!

[@TheMetalFunkAllStars]

I have the Same Video Camera, and i don't know if you have mentioned the Headphones Output that has individual Volume buttons Up, and Down. Also using those Headphone Levels makes it Easier to Place Well Recorded Volume Levels into your Recordings without getting a False Distorted Sound because, your Volume Level on your Headphones were set too High! That will make it sound Distorted when the Signal coming in isn't. So, back off on your Headphone Volume Levels when increasing incoming Volume Levels Mainly from the Two XLR Line inputs on the side of the Zoom Video Camera. In other words setting the Headphone Volume Level too High with an Existing XLR Line In Connection with the Volume Level set High also without going past the Green LED Lights Number 12 setting will Make the Headphones sound Distorted when the Line in Levels aren't. Experiment with it. It could be a Problem when using High Music Volume Levels, and the Headphone Volume was too High giving a False Distorted Sound. Note- I Don't go past the number 12 Mark on the LED Volume Level Lights on the Video Screen when Recording, or while setting your individual XLR Volume Levels from the Zoom's Two individual Volume Wheels located on the Top front of the Video Camera. Keep them No Higher than the Number 12 LED Lights you see on the Video Screen Bouncing when Sound is coming into the XLR inputs. Also on the Back Top side of the Camera is a Volume Level for the Stereo Microphones built into the Zoom. You can adjust that Mic Level, or Back off All the way so that No sound is coming in regards to the Mics., or choose to push the button on the back to disengage the Microphones from being a part of your Recording. In other words you can use the XLR Line Ins, And or the Stereo Microphones Built into the Zoom at the Same Time, or use One, or the other. Using your Volume Level Controls for Both as Long as the Buttons on the Back are Pushed in, or used showing Red LEDS indicating that they are being used. Cool Video Camera. The Lighting indoors is the Biggest issue Great Video You Made Christopher! Thanks! Mark Rockledge

[@trumpet4hire]

Nice Video!! - what hand-held Gimbal were you using when you were filming the pool scene?-

[@GilHB]

Thank you for a great review and your observations.

[@CoZChristopher]

My pleasure Gil! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your kind words!! Best wishes mate 🤝

[@overjok]

oooh love it bro, thx for this footage !

[@CoZChristopher]

Absolutely!!!

[@ShannonRawls]

the zoom is cool and all... but DAMN THAT, CHRIS... what cameras are you using at the 5:00 mark?

[@CoZChristopher]

Haha! My main cam is a Sony A7SIii :)

[@kenethcarmohn3722]

HI thanks for the demonstration :) what camera are you using in the end of this video ? love the blurred background :)

[@CanadianFishinMusician]

You will find so many limitations when it comes to the video quality and rendering. The Zoom quality is garbage and the audio noise gate feature is weak. Auto focus will screw you in low lighting every time and no stability control. For the price it’s not worth it. You can get just as good of a set up for less the cost. Cheers

[@vozyverso]

That camera is the worst did it by ZOOM. Full of grain and very bad image quality. I have the H6 recorder and the interface U44 also on my studio. But this camera has a wonderful sound quality as ZOOM use to be, but on video is no worth. I prefer to use a good audio interface like my H6 to ensure the audio quality and use a good camera as Insta360 link. To record out side the very best is the H6along with your mobile camera in 4K. I have to return to Amazon for the lack of quality in video.

[@SimplicityForGood]

what do you think of the H4n? not the H4n pro.. but the first one? I got that one now... thinking of upgrading to maybe the new Zoom M2... but some people say it got a lot handling noise... maybe I should stay with the H4n or what do you think? is from 2013

[@davidnle]

Hi, I saw you are holding the white gimbal stick for this camera at the pool. Can you give me the info of the stick? thanks

[@RodJ58]

I'm looking to stream live gigs with this at a dedicated venue. Usually the lighting is not dim. However, we will be importing audio from a mix board. Have you tried streaming with imported audio into Ch's 1&2, while simultaneously recording to the SD card? If so, how did it perform?

[@FlatWHDF]

Nice review 🔥🔥🔥

[@yeasturianin]

My like is overall for the cat 😻

[@CoZChristopher]

Hahaha she’s trying to find her way into more 😂😂

[@legendarydjmarcus1212]

Can you share the Gimbal you are using with that camera???...Thx

[@3Bender]

Excellent

[@goactivemedia]

To grainy for me indoors I would use it for.

[@jaycann55]

You mentioned that it doesn't do well in low light/ grainy but noticed in your video around 5:40 that you show the camera screen and it really lights up your face and background pretty well. Is that because you have tweaked the overall youtube video or that the image "brightening" of the camera can brighten the image but is so grainy that it really isn't usable for most applications. I am thinking indoor arena, such as college graduation when they use indoor lighting which looks bright but actually pretty dark for most retail cameras.

[@CoZChristopher]

At 5:40 what you’re seeing is natural recording of my face with the cam based on the two lights that I have at my desk facing me. The screen darkens around the camera because my Sony’s auto white balance focuses on the screen and darkens everything around it. I do that on purpose to focus on the subject I’m highlighting when I hide my face. But around 6:40 you’ll see me going through the iso options without the background being effected. All of it is true to life with no edits. I have a three point lighting system in my room and it works well in there but in darker rooms it may not do as well and it will introduce more noise.

[@GuyLeeguitar]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@CoZChristopher]

My pleasure Guy!!! Cheers and have a great day!!

[@tompurvis1261]

I bought one last year and have not used much. What do you think about using as a dash cam in Switzerland?

[@1088matthew]

Show how to use the Bluetooth feature

[@sistajoy]

I'm going to take a video of a special gathering in a few days. My problem is that I don't know how to get the mic working on this little baby. Is there a certain level that I need to turn the sound up to or something I need to do on the mixer? Thank you for your video, too. It was so helpful to me.

[@CoZChristopher]

Hi @sistajoy! When you look at the screen, you should see the "MID" levels responding to audio in the room. Click the audio button on the left, the bottom of the four on that side. Set your audio to 48kHz/24bit or 48kHz/16bit. In the mixer screen, make sure your FX is set to OFF unless there is a need to have one on. You will find that next to the FPS button when inside of the "mixer" menu. You should also see your "MASTER" levels responding to sound here as well. Finally, after taking a practice recording, when you play your sound back, the levels at the bottom of the screen should be present and you should have volume available. Lastly, after making sure the mic is firmly attached, check the dial at the top of it, there is a 0 setting where it will not receive sound, so check that as well to make sure it is accepting audio. I hope this helps you 🙂

[@sistajoy]

Yeaaaaa... Your instructions were perfect! The problem has been resolved. Thank you again and I shall be tuning in and following you as a new subscriber. Love the way you explain everything! @@CoZChristopher

[@CoZChristopher]

@@sistajoy yayyyyy! I am glad I could help!!! Thank you for your kind words! I look forward to seeing you in the comments! God bless 🙏🏾

Hello . I would Like to know if this camera is good choice for live streaming indoor sports. The price looks good.

[@CoZChristopher]

Hey, its a decent camera and will do pretty good in well-lit environments. As a basketball coach, I often run into some gyms that are just dark and I think it potentially could struggle in those types of venues, you know the ones, that feel kind of dim throughout. But for well-lit environments it will do ok. Video is not the main function here, so I would say if you order it, try it out within your return period in case it doesn't hit the mark for you :)

[@fugalibrana]

Hey pal, what gimbal are you using for this cam? Thanks!

[@zseeley]

Kitty!

[@LopezTelevision]

Seems like a good camera. I am looking into this one for streaming purposes for a small church. Would you recommend this one as an option for that?

[@CoZChristopher]

I would because of the built in microphone options, the battery life and ease of connectivity. Be mindful of lighting! It will look best in a well lit environment due to sensor size in the camera :)

[@iglesiacristianajehovarapha]

@@CoZChristopher thanks for the feedback

[@paleyosezi3122]

It's a toy. Something for the kids to do backflips with in the pool

[@gary7851]

It's a total waste of money, you're better off spending your money on something else. Zoom would never learn from its past. They better stick with their Audio.

[@SeriousASMR]

Uhh that video looks like my 50 dollar webcam

[@wordwarrior2350]

Unboxing is nice, BUT why don`t any of these guys unbox and use the camera for a few minutes so they don`t look like they have no idea. They can put it all back in the box and start as if it was just being opened. It`s called, REHERSAL, OK?

[@wordwarrior2350]

Thanks. I know what you mean. They don`t have the time. They are busy. I have always thought that unboxing is a waste of time anyway. They could just lay it all out on a table and say, "This is what you get." Also, it might be til fill the time to get at least enough time on YT.

[@oh_rhythm]

the video quality is terrible

[@JohnKenneymusic]

Thanks for the geat insite I perchased the camera and really like as musician I am goung to use it to record videos I really like the sound quality of the mic it has it very clear and also base is good realy pics up nice and has compresion noise gate on it I use . I also had issue with video low light but once added night mode made it little better. But with this camera like you said use good lighting. No other camera though has the sound quality this one has. Again thank you so much for this review. You saved me alot of money.

[@CoZChristopher]

Awesome!!! Cant agree more with everything you said here!! It is such a phenomenal package for what it is! I'm so glad you were able to find the right tool for your use case! At the end of the day, that is what it boils down to! Finding exactly what you need to accomplish what you need, that's why I love this cam and was so excited when I found it!