The best camera for Musicians and Teachers!? - Zoom Q8n-4K Handy Video Recorder FIRST LOOK!

[@acedia4453]

ZOOM needs to understand that the bar starts at low light capability with any new camera. We can pay a little more, but have no use for something like this in bar, club or any other low light venue. Our eyes can no longer tolerate grainy noisy footage. That being said, this is perfect for any daylight outdoor sessions.

[@AndySaenz]

Wow, I’m amazed that it recorded all of the different instruments in that orchestra so well! You can hear them all very clearly!

[@diversekcox]

SOLD!!!!!! I didnt even go past 5mins in this video and I already KNOW I want and NEED this! I was going to get a Canon or Sony something but NOPE!! From drum covers, to vloging, to gathering sounds from outside. This is SUPER up my alley!!! I love this company!

[@jwpepper1876]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@educapro]

Best video demo'ing a product w/this type of quality has me completely sold. Wow. The XLR ports sold me. I do think it's priced too high (by $50), but other than that, I'm sold that this is the camera to have hands down. Extremely feature-rich. I've honestly never sat through any product vid's like this without swiping to look at something else with a few seconds. Quality, no fluff presentation, right to the point. Impressed. I'm liking & subscribing at 4:47am CST. Thank you.

[@Akziis]

Audio was the clear goal on the camera. Very nice.

[@ndguardian]

I actually managed to get my hands on one of these a week ago, and it is phenomenal so far. I had tried the Q8, and its video quality was terrible. While the video quality of the Q8n-4K suffers a bit in low-light, it is a substantial improvement. I also wish the XLR inputs were combo-jacks instead, since it would make my synth gear easier to hook up. Instead I hook it up directly to my mixer, and use the mic capsule to talk about whatever. It is fantastic!

[@donferguson3007]

Do you know if it's better in low light than the Q2N 4K? I have one of those, and am not happy with performance in low light environments (like jazz clubs).

[@Megacaw]

This video came in at the perfect time! I was just looking at writing a grant for a couple of these for my HS program and MS feeder.

[@jwpepper1876]

That's great, Chris - glad it was helpful! We hope you get them for your schools - we think they'll come in very handy.

[@ChrisDeJuanMusic]

Not for me... I just bought a Q8 about a month ago! :-/

[@MissMeowsic]

@@ChrisDeJuanMusic I just bought the q8 as well, about 2 months ago. Too bad we can’t trade up where we bought it.

[@jas_bataille]

As a sound engineer who is now pivoting into setting up streaming concerts for clients, I cannot think of a better product! Also - the image quality itself is really excellent for the price as well! I've also been a pro cameraman, and using DSLR while getting a shallow dept of field for a blurry background might sounds cool, but it's *not* something you want when broadcasting (or streaming, which is the same thing, only to the internet instead of a satellite network and everyone can do it). Actually, if you compare the video quality to your average broadcast concert you can see on TV, you'd see that they are *scarily* similar :O

[@radek1cihak]

Agree that it's great, but if I want to use it for green screen video, I have to get very close with the camera - the angle of view is wide as if it were an action camera and it can only be changed at the cost of a loss of resolution quality. And everything that is not completely in 4K, KZbin simply converts to FullHD.

[@novapangeamusic6725]

Great review. Congratulations. I would love to see a video where you can focus on recording live rock shows and go through the right audio/video settings. Specially with the constant stage lights changing. Thank you in advance.

[@marknettles]

Zoom is my go to for everything audio and video. I have used three units by Zoom, and I am excited to aquire and use this beast very soon! Do not overlook this company's abilities.

[@RobertNeaguOfficial]

Best review for this product, and in general. Good job!

[@HedgehogY2K]

7:08 oh yeah, just like how I took the widescreen segments of the 4:3 Samurai Jack cartoon and made it 16:9 with the widescreen sections actually touching the sides of the 16:9 screen while the 4:3 parts are left with letterboxing. In the same way, I could just record in 1080p60 and when I want it converted to 24fps, the slow motion parts will remain smooth in post processing. I think LTT already does this.

[@vincentlafranchi8409]

Looking good!

[@t0nyxgq]

For the audio integration with the video, it's fantastic. Knowing zoom, their audio should be the quality we expect. The video seems to need a lot more light to reduce the noise grain. The drumming video looks great along with the ensemble video. The vlogging outdoors seems to display the lack of dynamic range but seems pretty usable. If $400 is your budget, this is probably the best value out there. If you're budget is $1000, having separates can give you similar audio quality and audio flexibility with much better video performance but they all have to be used gear and you'll need to know a lot of technical stuff about the devices.

[@crisvizueta]

what is the camera that you'd recommend if the buget was $1000?

[@limbubasantakumar9572]

@@crisvizueta none I guess

[@chrisw5742]

@@crisvizueta EOS-M with Magic Lantern I would recommend.

[@carstenhm]

I'm curious too, t0nyxgq

[@andylaoda2495]

finally I found a review of a product which I have looked for a long time, thank you very much!

[@StvnRon]

Perfect no words to say. .just perfect loving the audio and video quality. .thank you zoom and to you sir for the awsome review. .

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChavaPerezSPR]

I’ve waiting for this camera for almost half a decade… AWESOME!

[@MarcEandfriends]

O.K, so now that I own one of these based on this review here's my two cents in. The audio and video quality on this camera is very decent for the price. However, there are two major flaws with this camera. Number one: it's ironic that the maker of this camera is "Zoom" but, there's not a zoom in/out button on the camera. Number 2: the screen on the camera can be set in 2 positions only and the screen does not swivel 360. The best use for this camera is honestly for the webcam. If you shoot a music video with this camera you'll have to have good software for editing.

[@joa5739]

Excellent video on the Zoom Q8n-4K. The only webcam I've ever had is a $30 webcam someone gave to me. I've been researching the Zoom Q8, and I was hoping for an updated version, and my wish came true. The resolution on the Q8n is much improved, and the Zoom Q8n-4K is the webcam I will buy. Perfect for me as I'm in the never ending process of improving my fingerstyle, and music ability with my acoustic guitars. Recording myself on guitar is something I've never done, but I've heard doing that is a great learning tool. I'm impressed with the Zoom Q8n-4K, and I think and know Zoom listened to the comments online about the Zoom Q8. So they improved the webcam.

[@smarter_in_5_mins]

Thanks for showcasing this device in various environments. The ensemble recording shows how important is the room acoustics; you can then use almost any good mic. That windscreen was not enough for wind suppression 🙀 And one thing spoils a bit the quality of your video: there is too much distortion in your voice recording.

[@rmp5s]

Pretty cool!! People don't realize that audio is more important than video...you can have GORGEOUS video but, if people can't hear what you're saying, it won't matter! Just looked the thing up and, 400 bucks? That's it? That's a really useful, really cool piece of gear for only 400 bucks. I thought it'd be WAY more!

[@johnny-tv]

One of the best product reviews I've watched!!! Very helpful.... Will get one soon.... Also...Instant fan here...

[@jerzboybeats9555]

Wow this is perfect timing for this. Having the access to the options is a big bonus.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@upstairstudio371]

Was literally expecting this to be double the price. I’m legitimately confused. SO much value for $400!!!

[@AndySaenz]

I’m glad that he illustrated how to use the camera as well. Thank you!

[@patricklundquist9869]

The Power Bank idea is brilliant. Last night my battery died after 1 1/4 hours of recording. It took hours to recharge in-camera. As a result, I just ordered a spare battery, external battery charger plus AC power adapter. With the power banks I completely forgot about, I have all bases covered. The angle of the built-in mics is pretty drastic. For anyone recording a single instrument using just those mics, you'll want to get the Q8n-4K as close as possible.

[@CameronJay]

Looks like a killer bit of kit...Great video, thank you!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you for watching!

[@lokologico]

This is a great cam for musicians on you tube. Certainly more budget than a DSLR, and the audio recording options are superb. The video quality is a bit questionable however.... or is it just me. Tempted to pick this, or a mirror-less 4k cam at the same price (but then not have the audio recording capabilities, which I can do with a separate Zoom audio only I have).... hmm ,..choices...

[@floriansimon2578]

Take a cheap DSLR body, a good lense & a real audio interface. You will be more flexible down the road.

[@jorgemiro1613]

Very good review. Professionally produced covering all aspects. Well done.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you!

[@AndreAmirLive]

You Gots Me Over Here Bobbin My Head To Them Funky Drum Beats!

[@longshotasmr]

Probably the most thorough Zoom Q8n-4K handy video recorder review/ overlook that I've seen. Thanks, good stuff!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks so much for your comment!

[@thefullsetup]

Love all the audio options but that video noise on the webcam test is rough. I’d be more than happy to pay twice the price for this setup with a larger sensor.

[@tompurvis1261]

I am thinking that proper lighting is going to be important.

[@HuyConWargaming]

I've also been interested but it sadly seems that producer level camcorders are far more than just twice the price.

[@anthonyroberts9232]

Excellent demonstration of the canara unit. Thanks I will look into buying one as a personal gift to myself.

[@DawahDigital]

So right, audio is the main draw. Well said man

[@joseguitare9109]

Very good review ;)

[@jimmeskimen7779]

Thanks for taking the time to make this so understandable.

[@pixpusher]

Excellent demo. This is how it should be done. Get to the point and don't be cute :) You really helped me make my decision.

[@KingsmanKnight]

Best review for this device so far.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you!

[@reread2549]

Thank you for an end-up review of the product. Very well done

[@SpunckyJew6969]

Been looking forward to this camera coming out for months. SO excited for this. Also great video, super thorough.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@yeesenchai]

this is great news, i have the Q2n4K and that didn't disappoint so this one will be good.

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

What a fantastic demo. I will be purchasing this camera for recording live band performances 😊🤛

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you!

[@DrRoberto]

Sooo cool!!! Blows my mind this quality!

[@IncarnateParanormal]

I am going to be getting this camera for the paranormal. can't wait for the ambiosonic attachment.......great video, thank you!!!!!

[@vincehammond4081]

Great video, thanks for the review! I have two Q8 and now I will buy the Q8-N.

[@jwpepper1876]

Enjoy it! Thanks for watching!

[@Jeremy-su3xy]

Definitely number 1 wish list.

[@orchiddoug]

Thank you for the thorough demo of this amazing camera. I'm going to probably buy it! :)

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching, Doug!

[@JimBlack89]

Hey man! Its so good to see you I was literally looking at this as a broadcast cam! Hope the insinkerator is doing well!

[@glenguldbeckmusic3410]

Mine is arriving today. Thanks for the informative review and demo. You have a new sub. Cheers!!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@dimitargadzhev3800]

Thank you for the perfect presentation!!!

[@mobilechaosyt]

Everything looked really good except the webcam was very grainy and the color was more saturated than the video captured to microSD. This would most likely be due to low light and ISO being bumped up, however some of the other video seemed to be in low light too, so I almost think it is compression on the HDMI out or an issue with the QuickTime settings. Having such a large depth of field works well for instances where you need everything in focus, but not as good when you need to bring just a single subject into focus while making the background blurred out like when vlogging. This could also be a very good interview camera especially for remote live streams. I wonder how well it would handle two SM7Bs in that situation and if there would be any overheating issues. I'm intrigued especially since it only costs a little more than a H4n.

[@DaGretschguy]

This looks to be exactly what I am looking for. I want to record live performances as well as my live stream series with good audio and video. I really loved the in-depth review and especially liked the part of you playing Gretsch Drums ha ha! Thank you very much for this great video, it certainly looks like great value for the money.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching! We're glad it was helpful.

[@MichelDomingue7]

Very interesting camera! Thanks for this great presentation!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks, Michel! Glad you liked it!

[@keefjunior4061]

Decent video quality.

[@robertclary8774]

I'm also curious why they didn't include the 1/4 inch center in the XLR jacks.

[@mbobev]

I use zoom r24 for mixer and 8 track recorder of my live band. Sony AX camcorders is the way to go for Low lighted clubs it looks much better. 4k is at the bar so I can zoom different scenes when edit, older Sony HD camcorder is by the stage. This way you have different video perspectives when edit, also 8 tracks of audio.

[@jeremythornton433]

This looks very intriguing. I'm still using a Zoom Q4 but it's pretty much reached it's end, I think. The video wasn't perfect but the audio was stellar!

[@blahdiblah2169]

I mean what's not to like? I'm in love with it. If only this was around at the time I bought the H5, however I paid roughly the same price for just the H5, and I'm not upgrading now.

[@RicoTracks24]

This camera is awesome, and bro that drum demonstration was so dang funky 🔥

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for commenting on the funky drumming!

[@johnmac8084]

Great summary of the features, thanks

[@pallbryin9572]

In the day of online conferencing, I've been looking for a way to practice with other musicians from home. Now l know what I'll need to get make that happen. Thanks for the demonstration.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@JoseRamos-pd1kj]

¡Excelente! Fantastic! I am currently writing a grant for my orchestra students. This would be perfect for their presentations. Gracias for the review!

[@jwpepper1876]

You're welcome! Best of luck with your grant.

[@JoelK]

Looks so much better than the image from the Q8

[@DarkDove3]

Love the idea. I'm always on the hunt for new amateur level equipment for streams and video projects. I love the shape, concept, and everything that the camera stands for. But wow, that USB-C image is noisy. Its very obvious in the desk surface, the ceiling and in the cabinets. I wonder if the mini HDMI output with a capture card gives a cleaner image, as you can see in the rest of the video examples the noise isn't there. So it isn't the sensor, but most likely something to do with the USB-C converting the image to be usable immediately.

[@williestyle2345]

Thanks !! I’m going to buy one now. Nice camera, and nice video of you explaining how to use this camera. Thanks !!

[@jwpepper1876]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching, and let us know what you think of the camera.

[@wahidanwary2015]

Very impressive and useful information about q84k.

[@stevenaustin4591]

I may add this to my wishlist :)

[@Edikani]

Wow ... Thanks for information... Camera for musician 👍👍👍

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@WhirlwindDrums]

I do appreciate Zoom giving the already great q8 the update it deserves. I've used the q8 for a few years and has delivered decent results. I still wish it favored a little more in video quality such as more color profiles, set white balance, and ISO controllability. Something that never really sold me with Zoom Cameras. The 4k image is still doesn't look as sharp in some areas. Though it does look better than other Zoom camera contemporaries. I'd say for the price it's a good get for the audio and webcam, but still kinda suffers in the video department. *EDIT* Fantastic in Depth review!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelchrist8500]

Outstanding!

[@Stopinvadingmyhardware]

Would prefer if it could mount some decent glass on the front and had an IR sensor. Just a suggestion Indonesia

[@danaforeman4349]

As I have used the Zoom Q2n-4K, and yes it’s a fine unit for what it is cost wise. And this unit does seem to be superior in a number of ways, however, it would be a good sell if you could zoom in manual rather than step through levels of zoom settings. The audio improvements are great. Hope this one’s better on the power as the Q2n eats power like it’s there is no tomorrow. But I’ll have to research this more for the purchase. Granted streaming looks ok. But I thought I notice some lag.

[@harrymiram6621]

Having used the Q2n-4k, have mine hooked into 20k power bank. Have also recently purchased Q8n-4k & will patch that into another power bank!-lol

[@TheOfficialLCProductions]

This was great! Small note about the little brother version. I use my Q2n-4K and can tell you it does have an 1/8" mic input for lav mics but using it bypasses the XY-Stereo mic on it. I would love to see an 1:1 video comparison. In my experience the Q2n-4K has more fisheye look to it in the wide.

[@TheOfficialLCProductions]

Also what camera did you use for the intro? Panasonic? Cannon?

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching and the comments! We will look into that and possibly get a video like that down the line -- thanks for the suggestion!

[@jwpepper1876]

The camera used for the intro and B-roll of the Q8n4k is the Sony FX3.

[@rihki0kennebrew]

A very fine job sir!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@BurninSven1]

Thanks for sharing, a Behringer mixer and OBS or similar program will work just as good though. Or you could get an Atem Mini and record directly to the internet on the places that allow that.

[@BruhLuuhTheArtist]

Great Review! Thanks.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@ampthebassplayer]

As someone who records a lot of footage at gigs, I don't think I would go for this. I think being able to set the camera in one spot and the audio recorder in another spot is the kind of flexibility I would miss having it all in one unit.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for commenting!

[@alternatecapacity]

Cool camera

[@asmrcarousel]

Lots of bands perform in low light setups, so if only Zoom would consider the cam's capability in low light as fundamental in their product design, they'd come up with a really competitive product. Like for example it would pitch not only to musicians but also content creators like lifestyle vloggers and asmrtists and anyone who wants to create good quality content on both fronts image and audio, on the go and with little fuss. I'd be cool to have such a compact and versatile product. And if they'd add some nice image stabilization that's would be the cherry on top for no fuss because if it worked well maybe there'd be no need for a gimble.

[@mannycepeda1]

Great camera, I'm getting one right away!!!

[@BeniRoseMusic]

I was excited to see this just dropped, I had my eye on the Q8 since it supports embedding multi-track audio, but wanted 4k. But WHY did they change the combo jacks to XLR only?? Why would you make something worse in an product revision than it was before???

[@HuyConWargaming]

I think it must have to do with the relative placement since the jacks are now going width wise. Could replace the capsule on top with the combo jack capsule though so not a total lost cause

[@MissMeowsic]

I’m not pleased I had to buy all new cables and memory card just to upgrade from the Q8. I loved being able to have my 2 digital pianos in conjunction with the mic capsule for zoom piano lessons. Someone mentioned the xlrs cant be used at the same time as the mic capsule for webcam. The remote component being purchased separate is greedy on the part of zoom.

[@scourneene]

I was considering getting a zoom H6 or F6 for live steaming then thought I may regret not looking into getting video incorporated for our clients. Love that this camera has XLR and a SD card. hummm...

[@chrisrdunn]

Definitely could see buying one of these soon. Great overview. Thanks!

[@jwpepper1876]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VespertiliKildem]

Wait a second... Zoom? The hand recorders brand created a HAND CAMERA in 4k? Holy meloni. And it can become a webcam??? 400 euro. Pricy, but... yummy. The orchestra part was lovely. I see you use the rode wireless go, like me ahah

[@Drumsholic]

Very nice camera of course but the build in effects except the EQ is useless cause you cannot use the channel separation to change if you didn't want reverb to bass drum as used to did the most sound engineers gives you reverb to the total drumset.Also the xlr inputs allows you to connect it at the 2 outputs of your Audio Interface so you can easily make multichannel audio videos and upload them straight ahead!!Nice Product!! Congratsulations to Zoom and to you for the full description!!

[@DiconmigoJesus]

awesome review God bless!!! buying it!!

[@coldwarunicorns]

Best equipment review, in ever.

[@congamonty]

The non-articulated display is a non-starter for me,, since I mount my Q8 on a tall mic stand boom so I can shoot down on our band. The articulation allows me to position the camera without having to climb on a chair.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you for your comment!

[@nekkenek12]

Looks and sounds great. I am looking for a line in signal directly from my mixer to the camera. Are the xlr input’s correctly usable for this? Who can tell? Thanks in advance.

[@GrzegorzReg]

I was truly interested in the new camera, but I need to say I'm a bit disappointed. I have Q2n4K and is well below my expectations when it comes to the quality of video, especially in low light, and from this review I see that Q8N 4K will have similar quality of videos. My problem is that if I want to record a choir at the concert (done usually in the evening with low light in the church), I get a lot of noise on the video, which is difficult to be removed (smartphone video is at better quality). Indeed, the sound is great, but I can get the same with my H2N handy recorder at a lower price... overall - what's the point of offering a camera when you say "sound is the most important of it" (it's like offering poor car, just because you're great in air-conditioning). Zoom offers a lot of sound recorders with great possibilities, but their cameras... well if you know you'll have a strong light it's for you, else search for a better option and just satisfy with their sound recorders (I have livetrak l-8 and H2n and they are both great!!)

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for the comments. We think this camera is great for folks who don't already have the awesome audio recorders that Zoom offers. And sometimes smartphones can be harder to use when needing to film for longer concerts or if you need your phone for other things. Thanks for watching, and for your interest!

[@VoicesofMusic]

This camera has small sensor, so the video quality will be less than a 4K smartphone. But it will have decent audio.

[@Paul-D]

thanks for the vid, think im going to try one of these for my channel :)

[@jwpepper1876]

Let us know how it goes!

[@fassphoto]

Thx for the Awesome video

[@jwpepper1876]

Glad you liked it - thanks for watching!

[@tylerw8216]

Nice review. Just purchased it.

[@WhoaRude]

It looks like they downgraded from the XLR/TRS combo jacks on the q8 to only having XLR on this one. I wonder why they would make that change...

[@janniswildermuth1499]

Maybe because the ports are on the side of the camera this time around and a large TRS is really long? I'm not sure about this, but the space needed to fully push in the TRS is probably most of the way through the camera from side to side. Since in the last version the ports were in the back, there might have been more space since the space was needed along the long axis of the camera. That's just a theory though, A CAMERA THEORY!!! (excuse the small reference in the end)

[@tossedpenny]

Easy fix... you can pick up 1/4 female to XLR Male adapters for several bucks and you're back to the same flexibility with the original Q8.

[@anthonyjohn3445]

Great review, thanks man!!

[@anthonyroberts9232]

Thanks for the review I like the camara and will definitely buy one in the near future

[@jwpepper1876]

Let us know what you think once you get it. Thanks for your comment!

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

これは完全に優れています

[@angelodiluce4008]

i love this man.. beautiful man

[@gmcilwain]

I few questions regarding recording a live performance of a band. I am new to using a video recorder and seeking advice on the following: a. What setup did you use with the EX-H8 Mic capsule? b. What type of power bank or brand did you use while recording the drums? c. Which applications do you use to enhance reverb and equalization? I am frustrated with the weak sound quality of my recordings during live performances. I have questions about the placement of the video recorder: a. Should I record directly on stage? b. Should I position the recording gear in front of the band? c. Should I record directly from the Board? The only issue with this method is that I am not controlling the camera. Thank you in advance for any assistance!

[@SimplicityForGood]

Can it be useful to connect ones sound card to the usb c, like an audient id 14 mkll between your personal microphone that makes hour voice sound the best and to the sound card and then into the camera? And then connect the youtube streamer hub to your ipad and stream directly this way from singing on a more professional level live by the mic best specifically for you?