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

Last year, J.W. Pepper put out a video on what we thought (at the time) was the best-sounding and most affordable video camera for musicians and music teachers - the Q8 Handy Video Recorder. Well, that camera debuted in 2015, and it has carried its weight since then - but now, we are very excited to announce the long-awaited successor to the Q8, the Zoom Q8n-4K Handy Video Recorder.
And I am even more excited to get say this next part… Zoom was kind enough to send a pre-production unit for us to try out for 30 days to make this video, so we are very thankful to them for sending it along and giving us this exclusive first look. Just know that they did not ask us to make a video for this… we wanted to do it because, like the Q8 before it, this camera is tailor-made for musicians and music teachers - and the new version is even more equipped, so we wanted to go in depth with this and compare it head to head to with some other models, including the original Q8 and the new smaller option that Zoom offers, the Q2n-4K.
Products in the video:
Zoom Q8n-4K Handy Video Recorder - www.jwpepper.com/Zoom-Q8n-4k-...
Zoom XAH-8 (Stereo and A/B capsule) - www.jwpepper.com/Zoom-XAH-8-M...
Zoom EXH-8 Quad XLR Input - www.jwpepper.com/Zoom-EXH-8-4...
Zoom VRH-8 Ambisonic Mic Capsule - www.jwpepper.com/Zoom-VRH-8-A...
Zoom EXH-6 XLR Microphone Capsule (XLR Ports) - www.jwpepper.com/EXH-6-XLR-TR...
Zoom XY-6 Capsule (XY Stereo) - www.jwpepper.com/Zoom-XY-6-Ad...
Zoom MSH-6 Capsule (Mid-Side Stereo) - www.jwpepper.com/MSH-6-Mid-Si...
Zoom SGH-6 Capsule (Shotgun) - www.jwpepper.com/SGH-6-Shotgu...
Zoom SSH-6 (Stereo Shotgun) Capsule - www.jwpepper.com/SSH-6-Stereo...
Zoom ECM-3 Extension Cable - www.jwpepper.com/11342004.ite...
Zoom ECM-6 Extension Cable - www.jwpepper.com/11342005.ite...
Zoom Q2n-4K Handy Video Recorder - www.jwpepper.com/Q2n-4K-Handy...
Zoom H8 Handy Audio Recorder - www.jwpepper.com/Zoom-H8-Hand...
Timestamps:
Intro - 0:00
Introducing the Q8n-4K Handy Video Recorder - 00:22
What's in the box? - 1:35
A look at the new camera body and features - 2:07
Ergonomics and portability - 2:32
All-new mic capsules from Zoom - 2:47
Previous capsules and models - 3:27
All ports on the camera - 3:40
Button layout at the back of the camera - 4:06
Memory card type and availability - 4:36
Flip-out screen - 4:52
Screen button layout and guide - 5:12
Mode button - 5:17
RES button - 6:05
FPS button - 6:21
Brief... VERY brief explanation of Frames per Second (FPS) - 6:39
Audio button - 7:13
FOV button - 7:24
Scene button - 7:45
Bright button - 8:01
Mixer button - 8:10
Display button - 8:19
Play button and Settings button - 8:30
Using the camera as a webcam - 8:38
Why the Q8n-4K is a great webcam - 9:36
Webcam example: My home office - 9:53
Drum set example 1 - 10:35
Drum set example 2 with additional mics - 12:17
Vlogging example - 14:02
Wind ensemble example: WCU Wind Ensemble - 14:51
Smaller option: Zoom Q2n-4K and its differences - 16:07
Value for Audio Quality - 16:36
Wrap-up - 17:15
Like... Comment... SUBSCRIBE! - 17:55

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@andylaoda2495]

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

[@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!

[@ChavaPerezSPR]

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

[@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).

[@SpunckyJew6969]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@johnny-tv]

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

[@AndySaenz]

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

[@jerzboybeats9555]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimmeskimen7779]

Thanks for taking the time to make this so understandable.

[@tvn2855]

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!

[@reread2549]

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

[@DrRoberto]

Sooo cool!!! Blows my mind this quality!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@jorgemiro1613]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you!

[@Akziis]

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

[@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!

[@iancraig]

A really helpful look at this camera. Many thanks. Can I ask about exposure? Are there just three brightness levels or is that just for the display and the camera does it automatically? It obviously copes with wide ranges of brightness, from that dark concert hall to outdoors, but I’m wondering how it does it. I’m about to review it myself and am very curious how it does it.

[@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.

[@anthonyroberts9232]

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

[@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.

[@dimitargadzhev3800]

Thank you for the perfect presentation!!!

[@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.

[@anthonyjohn3445]

Great review, thanks man!!

[@DiconmigoJesus]

awesome review God bless!!! buying it!!

[@chrisrdunn]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glenguldbeckmusic3410]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@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!

[@CameronJay]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you for watching!

[@orchiddoug]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching, Doug!

[@MichelDomingue7]

Very interesting camera! Thanks for this great presentation!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks, Michel! Glad you liked it!

[@RicoTracks24]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for commenting on the funky drumming!

[@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.

[@johnmac8084]

Great summary of the features, thanks

[@michaelchrist8500]

Outstanding!

[@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.

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@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.

[@Jeremy-su3xy]

Definitely number 1 wish list.

[@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.

[@expositiontvjm]

Thanks for the review. I really like this video recorder. I think the selling point is the great audio quality. Some people may be complaining about the quality of the video but I take it as a great 1080 video quality although is 4k. As a Keyboard player I wander if I can take the sound from an audio interface into the video recorder? Once again thanks for the awesome review.

[@upstairstudio371]

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

[@erwickdsouza]

This is an outstanding review and overview.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@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

[@Paul-D]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Let us know how it goes!

[@KismaBlakeA55]

Best review for this device so far.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you!

[@Pabula]

Thanks for the Zoom Q8n-4K review. Wondering if it will be like Zoom Q2n-4K, great with audio... not so great with video, seems it had the same or similar lens, but not sure if you compare them side by side to see if there are improvements on the video side, specially as a webcam?

[@craigdrummer13204]

Once again a great video with great information, I was looking a the last model and saw this one so its on the way!! Thanks again for putting in the work, now if I can just find a 49” monitor for my drum room, any suggestions???

[@wahidanwary2015]

Very impressive and useful information about q84k.

[@rexcellencemagee6729]

Awesome review!

[@mannycepeda1]

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

[@josephr.lejeune4539]

Very well done. Thank you!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thank you, Joseph!

[@gvrpresentsbearwilliams]

Awesome review! Thank You!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@BruhLuuhTheArtist]

Great Review! Thanks.

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@stevenaustin4591]

I may add this to my wishlist :)

[@joseguitare9109]

Very good review ;)

[@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!

[@tylerw8216]

Nice review. Just purchased it.

[@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.

[@yeesenchai]

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

[@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.

[@ebentechstudio]

Thank for the video. Can i use Zoom Q8n-4K Handy Video Recorder for live streaming ? does it have clean HDMI? Does it overheat or what's the temperature ?

[@angelodiluce4008]

i love this man.. beautiful man

[@JulianoMolteni]

WONDERUFUL REVIEW!! thanks a lot mister.!! 🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@kenshin0151]

Good job !

[@Edikani]

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

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@topendtorque]

Hey there, great review, does the standard mic work if you are standing behind the camera, talking whilst filming infront of you?

[@kemorejackson89]

Amazing 👏

[@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!

[@KarimNagi1]

This was so helpful. And you are a great drummer too !! I am trying to figure out if the 4 audio channels are separate, after recording simultaneously. Would I be able to mix and edit each track individually after recording (as if it were a 4 track recorder)? Thank you.

[@jwpepper1876]

Hi, Karim! Thank you! The 4 audio channels (out of the box) are 2 channels of built-in stereo XY and 2 channels of separate audio using the XLR Ports. This would be 3 tracks of multi-track recording. However, using the EXH-6 that we showed here, you can get 4 individual channels/tracks of XLR inputs, just like a 4-track recorder in WAV…plus 4k video.

[@scottbogfoot]

I was already going to get this, I had the q2n4k but was unsatisfied almost got the old q8 1080 one just for the form factor. The only downside I can see is it don't have very good fps options, in 1080 and definitely in 720 it should do 120-240 fps like the hero9. Drummers would love to slow down cymbal hits to 240 frames. Do it have a optional remote and can you pause a recording? Oh do it have a cold shoe attachment spot?

[@DawahDigital]

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

[@dayparsons1906]

Thanks a lot for this review ! May i ask you what gear did you use to create this video ? Is it a q8n4k ?

[@alexmanojmathews]

Brilliant video. I think its awesome u did a drum video (since this is what I'm looking out for). My question is. For the audio of any drum cover I'd record, would u recommend I use the audio of the Zoom Q8n 4k or use an addtional Yamaha EAD 10 or drum triggers through a module or a combination of th3 Yamaha EAD10 & a set of drum triggers . I'm thinking along the lines of recording drum tracks for covers and for songs in the making. Waiting to hear from u. Cheers

[@alessandrofontana71]

Greta video, thanks. I am a Drummer: have you tried using the 2 XLR mic inputs for a kick and snare mic and the others as over head mics?

[@michaelanderson4265]

Thanks for this review! ( musician & music teacher )

[@jwpepper1876]

Our pleasure! Hope it was helpful!

[@violistanton]

Hi! thanks for the review! Looks like a super camera for teachers. Turning on and of the lav mic is a fantastic idea! Does this device have a overdub option to layer a recording one onto another?

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching! There is no overdub option, but all that can be done in an editor like Audacity or even GarageBand.

[@FritoBoy30]

Thanks for the review. I'm looking at this camera to film our marching band. Looks like it will pick up great audio but I still wonder about the video quality compared to modern phones.

[@IncarnateParanormal]

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

[@GuyLeeguitar]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@wtsgnon]

This is the best info on this product i have found.Grateful for it.Thanks!Di you add the reverb and EQ from exterior sources or are those features in the Q8N 4K?

[@jwpepper1876]

We're glad it was helpful, Ron! Those were added in editing, but there are built in features as well,

[@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.

[@tammanaq]

Thanks for the video! Looks like a perfect all-in-one solution. How fast and precise is the auto focus? And can it record in 32 bit float resolution like the new Tascam X8. That would be perfect!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching and your question! The auto focus is fixed, and there is not a deep depth of field so mostly everything is in focus. It does not support 32 bit float.

[@fassphoto]

Thx for the Awesome video

[@jwpepper1876]

Glad you liked it - thanks for watching!

[@NicolasDerudder]

thanks for this review, can i ask a question? would this a a great affordable solution for making quality meditation video's with perfect audio?

[@AndreAmirLive]

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

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!

[@danaycomedy]

Great video! I'm looking for a camera to record my comedy shows. I was considering this camera but I'm not sure if it would be good as I sometimes have to set the camera far from the stage behind the crowd and zoom to the stage. Would you be able to recommend a camera that would be good for comedy club setting? Thanks

[@PLXFX]

What effects like the gate or comp are best to use in extremely loud live performances? The old Q4 had a concert setting to gate any clipping and it worked perfectly. Is there an equivalent feature on this camera?

[@rihki0kennebrew]

A very fine job sir!

[@jwpepper1876]

Thanks for watching!