What I DON’T like about the Zoom Q8n-4K!!

This camera has such great audio and yet, Zoom skimped on the video section. It is a totally automatic camera so as a videographer, you have no control at all over the picture quality.
I have been using it recently only to get home and be disappointed with the results.
So this video is about the things that I have been struggling with, although I'll say again, it has great audio!!!

[@gsonn18]

Excellent review on this video camera. The best review of seen!

[@iancraig]

Thanks Ronald.

[@JeffreyHansell]

Great review. You made it easy for me to decide whether or not to buy it for my purposes. Well done.

[@iancraig]

Great. Exactly the aim of the video. Thank you Jeffrey.

[@soldatbr]

Very good, your video clarified many things. I wanted to leave the DLSR to record clips and use more practical and smaller equipment, I thought of the Zoom Q8n or Q2n which has the same SONY sensor and the same Logitech lens. This issue you explained about automatic ISO; noise/grainy in dark environments and FOV quality, I had not observed. Now I return to study new possibilities. Thanks for sharing, God blessed you!!

[@iancraig]

Hopefully, it’s saved you some money!

[@donhagerman4868]

Thanks!! Awesome feedback

[@iamshake7778]

Honest and on point! I owned this one and I also owned the previous model of this (the Q8). Thank you for your honest review. I was expecting that they would just upgrade the Q8 (the previous one before this) but they actually did cut some things. Peace!

[@iancraig]

Thanks iamshake. I was trying to be as honest as I could be without getting too aggressive about it!!

[@iamshake7778]

@@iancraig yup! I know what you mean😅 I myself wants to make it a better one. It has its strength (audio wise) BUT video itself my SONY Cx405 (which is I know you also own) is way better and fun to play around. Peace!

[@radu3g]

I remember about my Q4n (I dont have it anymore) it was in the menu a setting called scene, with a few presets like auto, night, club, concert, sunset and so on. And they were changing the behavior of the camera accordingly. The footage you posted looks very similar with my Q4n, probably the same sensor.

[@iancraig]

Yes, there are 5 (I think) settings on the Q8. They don’t change the white balance though, which I thought strange. They look like they change the gamma. It’s a shame that the video aspect hasn’t been developed much since the earlier models because the audio is brilliant.

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Interesting video, yes it has a very wide FOV and Zoom is known for their audio quality but with no stabilization and it's lack of ISO control makes this a pass. Great video Ian

[@iancraig]

It’s a strange camera Andre. It can capture nice images, but only in certain circumstances. Great pity really.

[@BrianMartininc]

Thank you this was Ana amazing video. No type of stabilization was the deal breaker

[@iancraig]

Yes, hand holding is out with this one. Personally, I think I’d use another camera and a recorder. For xlr mics, I use a battery operated phantom power unit. For me the lack of colour balance control and high level of noise in low light does it!

[@fransv1398]

Thank you for the excellent review Ian. The next Zoom will be better I hope.

[@iancraig]

We can always hope. Perhaps if Zoom sees things like this, they might act on it. You never know.

[@fransv1398]

Your review will be of great value for Zoom.

[@pastordan02]

I noticed that one of your backgrounds was a window and the daytime outdoor exterior scene beyond. I don't know what your interior lighting setup was, but in my experience that's a tough background to work with. I'm actually impressed that the camera could deliver the video quality that it did under those circumstances.

[@iancraig]

Hi Dan. That wasn’t the dynamic range of the Q8n. I used another camera. I used a couple of lights in the room on me so that I matched the background a bit better. Without the lights I was a shadow! I also lowered the contrast in post.

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Thanks for this. Starnge product - I can't wrap my wits head it.

[@iancraig]

Yes, it is an odd one! A camera with no picture controls but excellent audio. Weird indeed.

[@marcelvogel805]

such a useful video. thank you

[@iancraig]

Thank you Marcel. These kinds of videos can be taken two ways .... a) an insult to current owners or b) useful for people considering it! It is meant as a useful video, not running the camera down.

[@RA-el6zj]

Nice review. I once bought a q2n-4k and instantly returned it because of the horribly grainy video quality in anything other than full daylight. This doesn't seem to be much better on that part. (also the display on the q2n was something to laugh at or cry about, a personal choice) I feel Zoom doesn't take it's customers seriously with these cheap parts. Common, just make the can a bit more expensive, but with acceptable video quality. Then, you have a killer product.

[@iancraig]

Yes, it was a great pity. I don’t understand why they made a camera with such awful low light performance for say, musicians, who often work in low light studios or halls! I’ve had so many emails from musicians who bought this, thinking they’d get really high quality video. Well, on a bright day you do ……….

[@alirezanassiri2079]

So thanks for information👏👏🙏

[@michaelyolch79]

I was just about to pull the trigger on one of these as a secondary camera for KZbin videos. Thank you for saving me all the money!

[@iancraig]

Basically why I made it. Consider a Sony camcorder.

[@michaelyolch79]

@@iancraig I actually purchased a full-size camcorder 2 years ago and never even turned it on! A Panasonic AG-AC30 HD. I was going to sell it, but maybe I'll give it a shot. Plus I have an iPhone 14 PRO, and a Fujifilm X-T5 coming TODAY! I just want the simplest, best quality thing since I'm new to video. But I certainly have options!

[@iancraig]

I often use a Sony AX53. Lovely camcorder tbh. The audio preamp is good too.

[@recordclassicalmusic]

Me too! Thanks for this!

[@recordclassicalmusic]

@@iancraig Please do you have any suggestions?

[@Gerry926]

I still like my Q8hd. I tried separate interfaces and cameras but there's so much software to learn and I just want to play. It's great for putting down a quick idea without opening a pc. Agreed, it's limited and it's not really the shortcut we were hoping for. The fact that people are even looking for an easier way than the "better" methods, says a lot.

[@iancraig]

The idea is great Gerry. It only needs small things added and it would be a lovely camera to have because of its sound. Even simple presets for cloudy, sunny, indoor white balance would make a big difference. The noise in low light though can be a problem for stage people. I even struggle with noise using a Sony ax53 camcorder. That’s not great in low light. It can’t match the Zoom for sound though.

[@Gerry926]

@@iancraig Agreed. It definitely could use more features for those that want to do more. I use it indoors, with optimal lighting available. I'll keep it for the quick stuff but I just got a Scarlett 2i2 and I'm looking for a good camera. Thanks

[@krashdude1]

Great video with helpful info. This seems like it will be perfect for my applications.. I make basic music video demos with one or two performers in my recording studio. This unit allows me to send a perfect live mix from my mixing console through the XLR inputs of keyboards, guitar and vocals all at once. Hard to find this feature anywhere near this price range. The video quality is good enough to get an act hired in a small venue, but the studio mixed audio will be the selling point.

[@iancraig]

That’s about it. This is a good audio recorder although the onboard effects are a bit naff. The camera can get you by. It could have been better, but for sound, I liked the way that the q8 worked.

[@kennethjolley]

I like it for what its for. To record me playing and pick up the audio. Mostly just to record my fingering on the guitar and saxophone. I never viewed this as a camera for anything other than recording music session that's what the xlr is for. If your not using the xlr this camera has no real advantage. XLR and the price was my selling point.

[@iancraig]

I record stage shows but the camera on this just isn’t good enough. Field of view is a bit wide. Fine in bright lighting but in lower stage lighting, it’s really not great. Sound is fantastic though..

[@genericyoutuber3394]

Thank you for pointing-out the flaws. I was going to purchase a few of these, but I am going to find another option.

[@iancraig]

The funny thing is that it's capable of great results but offers no real control over picture.

[@scourneene]

I was going to get one as well...but....so what did you end up with?

[@gsonn18]

Did you find another option? What did you end up with?

[@scourneene]

@@gsonn18 hey Ronald...despite the short comings of the video aspects I did buy it...I'll just need to make due and watch my lighting apparently.

[@gsonn18]

@@scourneene Cool! Thanks for the quick reply. I bought one as well but I haven't opened it yet. I'm thinking that it would be nice if there were a optional lens attachment that would reduce the weather of the frame.

[@radek1cihak]

Very realistic and fair assessment. nice guy

[@iancraig]

Thank you Radek. Always difficult if you’re not that happy with something!

[@radek1cihak]

@@iancraig Due to the wide angle of the Q8, the use of the green screen is very limiting - it forces me to put the camera as close as possible and thus lose the possibility of different views. I record songs on KZbin and I would like each one to look a little different, but I have to place the Q8 in the same place, the only possible place... XLR connectors offer the use of more distant microphones, but as the distance increases, I immediately get things in the picture that should not be in the shot. And so the lens is prepared only as a documentation and almost excludes long-term creative use

[@radek1cihak]

@@iancraig DJI Osmo Pocket 2 offers the additional use of a lens that changes the angle of view without cropping the resolution. I don't know if something like this would be possible for the Q8... If the angle wasn't so wide, it would be a totally perfect camera

[@iancraig]

Exactly Radek. I’m a retired oboist and now do theatre shows occasionally. This camera doesn’t work for me either. It reacts to gels, is awful with spots and you can’t adjust, so the picture is poor but sound is excellent. The field of view is far too wide and unflattering. Makes people look fat! My Zoom camera has gone. Couldn’t use it for anything good really. It really does need a longer lens and imo, some basic picture controls.

[@shawnsdrumcave]

Thanks for this video. I just bought this, now I understand its limitations but I'm basically looking for a point and shoot to record/video drums in the same controlled environment with decent lighting every time, no outdoors, concerts or anything like that. Hopefully It will do what I need, watching this on my 75" it doesn't look bad too me.

[@iancraig]

In good lighting, it’s dead sharp. The problems come with low lighting or if gels are used. Then grain becomes an issue. I often get a better result on a camcorder.

[@shawnsdrumcave]

I'm no videographer or sound engineer haha so I need something REALLY simple, I'll just be planting this on a tripod from 6, 8 or so feet away, not worried about close ups or anything like that and have decent lighting down in my drum room/basement but can add more lighting if need be. Like I said this video was really helpful. Thanks. @@iancraig

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Very interesting stuff.. I'm going to stick with my Sony Handycam for now. Keith

[@iancraig]

Way better.

[@CFMRocks]

Why do we always get stuck paying for products that are so limited. This was sapposed to be a musicians best friend. Think I’ll stick to recording audio through my recording interface before buying this camera. I have the HD model and was close to upgrading. I’m seeing there is no need. Thanks for the informative video. Cheers 🍻

[@iancraig]

I don’t get it either. Maybe they think musicians aren’t bothered about the picture? Weird. You’re better off with a camcorder and a separate wav recorder and syncing it later! I get better results in theatres with cheap Sony camcorders!

[@thomascordery7951]

As a camera that's aimed at musicians as a market, the video auto gain sounds like it would be very limiting. I should think a popular use in that market would be shooting a gig at a club, where the general lighting is typically a take it as you find it affair. In fact, its very wide lens could make it ideal for taking the wide angle stage shot where other cameras / phones could be set up to take close in shots for an inexpensive multi-camera production, but a grainy image on the wide shot would be disappointing. I do like the idea of interchangeable Zoom mics as they have several available, as well as the flexibility provided by those XLR inputs. Thanks for doing this review; this is really useful information.

[@iancraig]

It’s a difficult one Thomas. I’m a retired musician and know that for concert/show videos, it is really nice to get wide open stage shots as well as close up shots of performers. This won’t do that. Another complication can be stage lighting. If colours are used, it can upset the colour balance on the camera and there is no proper over-ride for white balance. So really, this is best for well lit, perhaps single performers or just overall band shots on a tripod, because there isn’t even any form of stabilisation. To me, it’s a sound recorder with a camera as a second thought. People keep asking me what else is there for this kind of money. I would rather get a decent video and spend more or just take an audio recording than have a load of poor quality videos. To be honest, I can get better results from a phone or camcorder and a stereo mic. Problem is that a good stereo mic isn’t cheap. I use a Rode Stereo or a Sennheiser MKE 440. Other than that, shotguns going into a recorder and sync’s later works well. There isn’t really a cheap option that gives both great sound and great audio. This is a compromise.

[@lensmanonline]

Hi Ian hope you are well, Definitely very good audio, the picture quality is okay which is a real shame. The Q8n had great potential but it seems that Zoom missed the mark completely on this one, maybe the next one they might rethink the video side of the camera. Could help wondering what Kermit was doing in the background 😁. Best wishes stay safe Jon

[@iancraig]

You know, it’s funny you mentioned Kermit. I was just watching it and suddenly saw him. Lucy’s playing tricks on me!! The opening shots on m6. I’m loving that camera!!

[@lensmanonline]

@@iancraig I have to admit I've been watching a lot of M6 reviews on YT, definitely the next level up from the M50.

[@ww1www]

Sometimes I have to document events. I set up an audio recorder with a mike or two, also set up a gopro or smartphone on a tripod, fixed and walk around with a handheld camera to take closeups and similar. In post, when my handheld footage is unusable, I switch to that fixed cam as a wide image. Now, something like this Zoom could be ideal for this purpose: one less device, fully auto and fixed focus... Were it just a but less expensive, I would try one. :)

[@iancraig]

It’s very sharp, but very wide field of view and no stabilisation makes it difficult, plus no real white balance control other than auto.

[@ww1www]

@@iancraig stabilisation is a non-issue, it would sit on a tripod anyway. Lack of manual AE and white balance and the lock thereof is though.

[@StreekMusic]

Hi Ian! Love you vids...ive just subscribed and have been binging... Can I ask, in your opinion, at this price point, is there a better option for me to record videos and guitar/amp reviews for KZbin? It will be on a fixed tripod. Thanks mate! Keep up the great work!

[@iancraig]

Thanks Streek. I think probably a phone would do a better job with a lavalier going into Into it. There are some nice Sony camcorders like the cx450 which has a 3.5mm input. I think the biggest problem with this camera is low light and the fact that there is no colour adjustment. If you are shooting in consistent conditions, then you could set this one up with bright lighting and it would be fine, although it’s very wide angle of view might distort the shape of guitars and amps. For instance, being so wide angle might bend the guitar fretboard so that it looks a little odd. Personally, I would prefer to spend more and get something with more control and a cheap Zoom recorder if you need good sound. The Zoom H1n sounds brilliant both for speech and music and doesn’t cost a lot. The cheaper end for cameras is always a compromise, which is what the Q8 is really. They didn’t compromise on sound but the video aspect isn’t great. For KZbin, 4k isn’t a ‘must’ yet. I think most watch on a phone or iPad type arrangement so 4k is overkill really. So if you’re starting, you don’t ‘have’ to get 4k which can be difficult for some computers to edit. A nifty pocket camera that is good enough for KZbin. Has 3.5mm audio in (with and adapter). Is brilliant for vlogging. Has excellent picture quality but doesn’t ‘look’ like a camera in public and even sits on its own gimbal is the Osmo Pocket 2. Tiny little camera, that can even give out of focus background, is dead smooth handheld and goes up to 4k 60fps. Not wide as wide angle as the Q8 so no distortion. Biggest problem is that it is tiny. I set it up in advance and get excellent results with it though. That gives a better picture than the Q8.

[@StreekMusic]

@Ian Craig Audio,Video, Reviews & Tips Thank you so much for that brilliant reply mate. Lots of serious info there for me. I'm a complete novice when it comes to cameras. That Osmo Pocket 2 sounds great. Could I just use the Zoom H1n thingy with it then? Or how about an older model refurbed iPhone with the Zoom H1n? I'll have the whole thing permanently set up in a large shed. I was going to get a good ring light and there are other general lights already there. Thanks again Ian. Legend!

[@iancraig]

You can use a Zoom H1n with any camera or even use it as a handheld mic. You have to spend time sync’ing it with the camera audio and then switch the camera audio off, leaving the Zoom audio. Clarity of sound is then fantastic. It is worth going to the trouble for KZbin videos because the sound is so clean. A phone will do the job. An earlier model of phone might not be quite as good with video. More modern phones are razor sharp, but not earlier ones. (In general) you can put a mic into a phone direct though via usb (again, a little more tricky with earlier models). The Pocket 2 would easily give you good footage. In a studio with lighting and on a tripod, it would look great. It is more versatile because it doubles up as a video camera for outside. I find it fantastic with a lav mic. I recently made a video on a Devon abbey called Buckfast abbey. That entire video was done on a Pocket 2 with a lavalier. Also, Trago Mills. If you watch them, you’ll get more of an idea what the Pocket 2 can do….. even in very poor lighting. If you’re looking at a Q8, the Pocket 2 is better and would serve you well in many different situations. Because of its tiny size though, it is best to ‘pre’ set it up before you go out and video.

[@BobIGomez]

I am still using the Q3HD. It has close to 11 years of use on it. I have considered allot of other options. For the time being I will stick with it, or just maybe give the Q8n-4k a chance. peace

[@iancraig]

I would say that if you’re happy with what you get from the Q3HD, then you’d be happy with this. I’m looking at it more like a full blown video camera where quite honestly, it’s really lacking but what it does in bright light is very sharp. It can’t cope with more challenging situations, that’s all really.

[@joaquito13]

which camera are you using in the beginning of your vid? thanks!!! great work!

[@iancraig]

I think it might have been a Canon M6 with a soft filter.

[@greecewithmycamera]

Hi there, and thank you very much for the great Review. Id like to ask you about this camera, if it has Zoom in - Zoom out. I d like to use it for training speeches. Thank you

[@iancraig]

No zoom. There is just a switch for field of view.

[@greecewithmycamera]

@@iancraig Thank you very much!!!

[@mattbba8451]

Thanks. I did not buy it because of this video. I use a separate pro audio recorder and track match in post.

[@iancraig]

It seems like a really great audio recorder, but a really poor video camera.

[@RobbiRocks]

At that 5 min mark on the sound/audio quality etc, if options are limiting. The over all volume/sound quality is still a full crystal clear sound though? As these Zooms are designed and made for musicians, those in the arts

[@iancraig]

Yes. I'm a retired pro musician and got one for recording stage stuff. Great for sound. Not great for video. I'm sure most musicians would also want a good picture as well. I'd rather have a decent camera and a separate recorder to be honest. Although this is a cheap option, really, you're paying for an audio recorder with a camera bolted on.

[@RobbiRocks]

@@iancraig Fair call, also after recording footage from this, How do you upload onto social media?

[@richardschannel9995]

Great review! I need to record a promo video of guitar students at school and had hoped this would provide good audio and video quality. Need to rethink? At the end of the review, you mentioned using an external mic for excellent results, so perhaps I could use my mics (I have a Blue Yeti USB mic + a pro AKG 414 mic) through the Zoom recorder? My Samsung S10e phone produces high-quality video so I could record the video on this and the audio on something else. I can post edit and sync the audio and video together in Adobe Premiere. I have a laptop with Cubase and a good mic preamp but setting all this up would take too long, and I'm looking for something quick, convenient and mobile. I'd be grateful for any suggestions?

[@iancraig]

Thank you Richard. This is an excellent audio recorder so using xlr mics will definitely sound great. Video quality is ok but no controls. Everything automatic. If this had white balance control and better exposure control other than automatic, it would have been an excellent buy imo. No stabilisation so a tripod is a must. Because there is no aperture control, there are no ‘depth of field’ things that you can do, like focus on an instrument with a blurry background. Everything is in focus, like an action cam. To be honest, it does feel more like an action cam with excellent audio! For me, it’s a slightly odd camera but it can produce pleasing results in good lighting.

[@richardschannel9995]

@@iancraig Thanks for the advice.

[@jamesb8193]

Whew, I almost bought one....

[@iancraig]

It’s a tempting package with that onboard sound, but unfortunately, it’s more like a sound recorder with a video camera bolted on!

[@ericmpena]

For KZbin video purposes, is it better to use an iPhone camera paired with a Zoom handheld + mic, and then sync the audio and video post recording? Or is there any benefit to using this Q8n-4k over a phone + Zoom setup?

[@iancraig]

No benefit at all for video. Audio is good though.

[@Deech72]

Has this happened to you? I uploaded an 8 minute movie to Dropbox for a friend to download. When he viewed the download, the video wasn't synched with the audio. And this wasn't edited at all! Was the camera audio and video. When I went to DB to view (not download) the video, it played fine. Any ideas??

[@iancraig]

You have me puzzled!

[@Deech72]

@@iancraig This actually happened to a gopro once. I think after a firmware update or a different SD card it was fine. But in this case, I have no clue :(

[@iancraig]

No, I haven't a clue either! Try a different player?

[@Deech72]

I was so bummed when I shot my band's show and the whole video was totally grainy! I thought maybe because I zoomed in, but maybe that but definitely the low light. I set it to Concert Light thinking that would solve it. Nope. I was told to mess with the Bright button. Have you tried that?

[@iancraig]

You can’t stop the automatic exposure taking over completely and setting the iso wherever it wants. This is the biggest flaw of the Zoom. Everything is auto and there is nothing that you can do to ‘correct’ flaws. The ‘Bright’ button will just make the picture brighter or fuller by boosting the iso even more! Their advice was wrong!!! Poor low light performance and auto colour balance make this camera pretty useless indoors or on a stage, Chris. It’s a very limited camera. Great pity because many musicians that don’t particularly specialise in video are buying these in the belief that they will work well on stage! Stage shows can be tricky to video because of lower light levels with spots and gels. Generally, I use a Canon camera for stage stuff because I can use a lens that opens up to f1.4 which lets in a lot more light and helps you to avoid a high iso. The Zoom has a tiny sensor as well which makes things more tricky. BTW, I’m an ex musician. Retired now. I was a full time oboist and used to record a lot of film backings, London shows and radio work for quite a few years. Also did backing tracks for groups and played in a few myself on the keyboards!

[@Deech72]

@@iancraig Thanks for the insight! What Canon camera would you suggest for low light/stages, etc? And would it have a decent mic as well or is it one or the other? BTW I'm retired from the Navy (as a musician) but still very busy in music...cheers!

[@iancraig]

For stage video, I use either the Canon M50 or even better, the M6. Not cheap options, but the secret isn’t in the camera, it’s the lens. I use a Sigma 50mm F1.4 lens. Very bright and sharp. Or a Sigma 30mm F1.4. On the Canon M series, a 50mm works out more like 80mm which is great for portrait and getting a little closer to the stage. For confined work, I use a Sigma 16mm. Again, very bright. You can buy the Canon bodies on their own and the lens separately, but this isn’t a cheap option. Problem is that many cheaper cameras cheap out on the lens, which is the light gathering tool. Bright lenses aren’t cheap. Stage photography is very tricky because there is often quick movement and low light. A bright lens is the key. You would get close to pro shots using that. Sound is a whole different area. Even a cheapo Zoom H1n recorder might help (and you sync in post) The problem is that cheaper cameras will do it, but the shots will be hit or miss depending on how much light you have. This is where this Zoom camera is drastic. It’s low light performance is dreadful and everything goes grainy. The best value Canon in my opinion is the M6. But just the body and get a faster lens. The standard lens with the Canon is a bit slow for stage work. Problem though is the cost. If you want to stay with cheaper cameras then for convenience, the Sony Camcorders like the CX625 with a mic on top or even better the Sony ax53, but they aren’t low light cameras so results will depend very much on light levels. The ax53 is the better camcorder. When I add up the cost of the gear that I use for stage recording, it’s frightening, but the results are consistent. Canon M6 Sigma 16, 30 and 50mm lens Tascam DR70e recorder Microphone varies from a Rode shotgun to a studio mic. Couple of thousand! That’s why people go for the Sony camcorders, although results can be very inconsistent. The stage shots on your video channel are ok. A bit grainy but to be expected in those gel shots especially. The sound has been done well too. Really, it depends on your own threshold for video noise. Some people don’t mind it and certainly with colour balance, if you are using heavy gels on stage, then the colour can wander all over the place and people wouldn’t worry. It’s a pity you can’t borrow a Zoom to see whether it’s good enough for you. A lot depends on just how good quality you want really. Believe it or not, for my home videos, I try to get as close and consistent as BBC if I can. Both for sound and video.

[@Deech72]

@@iancraig Wow, thank you so much for all the info! I do a lot of synching which is why I attempted to get something that will just do everything for me. But maybe I'll keep doing the synching with better audio now from the Zoom. I can always use it in brighter light situations, but was just caught by surprise at my last couple gigs. And even at home with low light actually!

[@iancraig]

That stage stuff you’re doing is complex and actually, you might benefit from a mixer with multiple mics in front of the cabinets. You’re doing a great job though. The Zoom is brilliant in bright light. Other than that, it’s hit and miss. Really it’s designed for beginners. No controls other than on the sound side, and they’re basic. Convenient, but not dependable. Unfortunately, most cameras don’t do both sound and audio well. One or the other. I was hoping the Zoom was going to stop me needing so much gear for stage, but it’s just not good enough really. However, I sell the videos so they have to be good.

[@guitardrummer1]

Dear Jan.. Nice job 🙂 i feel that maybe you can help me and answer to my questions.. I just have fun in recording my performance for KZbin, but i'd really like to improve the video quality.. I use a zoom q4 that is very practical and pretty good for audio.. But video.. 😩 i simply connect my guitar pedal board/audio interface to the audio input of q 4 while monitoring everything through the headphone output of it, so i get only one file with audio and video synchronized...working all day i have no time for post sync/editing like pro youtubers do.. So I'd like to do the same thing with a Semi professional reflex, mirrorless, o video recorder.. I selected some models with headphone out and mic in.. But the doubt is this.. Will the mic input be capable to Accept an audio output?.. Maybe adjusting the output level and mic in level? Or the result will Be pretty bad with hiss and distortion? Unfortunately, the only recorders with a real audio input cost way too much for a simple fun 😃.. Sorry if i bother you.. Any help is appreciated.. And anyway.. Many thanks! Cheers P. S. I never considered to upgrade to zoom q8, because i red negative opinion on video quality.. It's incredible that zoom doesn't make an effort to improve it..

[@iancraig]

Hi. Believe it or not, music recording to video is pretty difficult. I’m a retired musician and there was nowhere that I ever worked where little video cameras like these were used with their onboard sound. The problem is that most cameras compromise on sound. That’s why the recording of audio is normally treated as a different thing altogether. On top of that, normally poor lighting or spots and gels cause havoc with cameras. Currently, I record theatre shows occasionally and have to go to great lengths to record audio. To do those shows, I use multiple cameras with a totally separate audio recorder and decent mics. I use a combination of camcorders and two Canon Mirrorless cameras. Loud sounds (pop/rock music) can sound disgustingly bad going straight into a camera mic and actually normal mics sometimes too because of sheer volume and room acoustics. I took a look at your videos and I noticed that you are using low resolution. Does the Q4 go up to 4k? I would use a minimum of 1080p. That will improve video quality. Having said that, your videos don’t look bad at all and work well for what you are doing. Sound is good, but resolution is low. If it’s just for home/fun I would suggest a nice little mirrorless camera with a lens that really opens up for low light. That massively improves video quality and is where these Zoom cameras are really poor. I use a camera that you would probably regard as too expensive, a Canon M6 with a Sigma lens that opens up to F1.4, which allows me to video virtually in the dark! If you can accept lower video quality (similar to the Zooms really) then a cheaper camcorder with a separate recorder is really a better way to go. Still not great though. Or a stereo mic on top of the camera like a Rode Stereo. The problem with theatre is that it is normally a terrible environment for both video and sound! So really for what you’re doing, the Zooms are probably your best bet, because if you want better video quality, you need to spend quite a bit. The Zooms allow you to put a decent audio sound direct in which no other cameras at that price do. As a recorder, it’s excellent actually. As a camera ……… so there is the compromise. Really, you’re paying for a good recorder. You could keep the Q4 for sound (and b roll) and buy yourself a mirrorless like the Canon M50 (body only) and look for a lens that really opens up. That way, you have excellent sound from the Q4 and excellent picture from the Canon. Or maybe a little Sony ZV-1 which could double up for you as a general videoing camera. (Not so good in low light but a great little camera) Unfortunately, there is no ‘easy’ or cheap way around it. The cheapest way I guess is to buy very bright lighting so the Q4 doesn’t struggle so much. That would fix the video because it is sharp once the light is bright. What cameras are you considering? I’d keep the Q4 for audio and just put it directly under the video in post. It’s not that hard to do, especially if you’re doing just one take for each track.

[@guitardrummer1]

@@iancraig first of all.. Thank you so much Jan!! really, you have been so kind and informative.. I appreciate a lot 😊.. But maybe you forgot to answer to my main question.. 😊 or maybe, you've never tried this option and can't answer..is the mic input of a camera usable just like the audio input of my zoom Adjusting input and output level? See, i thought about the option of a reflex or mirrorless so that i could also start again with the passion of photography.. Or, also i thought.. Let's buy a Sony video recorder like the FDR-AX43A, or the HDR-CX625 that i guess have a better video quality than Zoom, and in the future I'm Gonna buy a reflex.. Anyway my zoom q 4 is 720 fps resolution.. Pretty low.. And..yes ! i know that with some semi professional lights things will get Better but how much?... My zoom q4 would be ideal with a better video quality.. So fast and practical.. Not only i don't have time to dedicate to synch and edit, but i am not good with softwares too.. 😁... I'm confused.. Will i ever come to a conclusion? 🤨😞.. Thanks again... P. S. My budget would be around 800 euros..

[@iancraig]

The audio input on most cameras is a 3.5mm plug. So, to use XLR mics, I use a battery XLR power block. The mic plugs into the block and then a lead comes out of the block straight into the camera. To input a guitar direct, you would probably need to go from a mixer. That works REALLY well. I use a Rode NTG5 shotgun mic quite a lot this way and also Studio mics. You can adjust levels on camera. Generally, I aim to get as high an input as I can and lower the camera gain. That reduces noise. Cameras have a preamp inside them. I also use a brilliant camcorder, the Sony AX53. Dead easy and quick to use with great battery life. Does 4K at 30FPS and 1080 at 60FPS. That has more control over the picture than the Zoom cameras and a better picture. Bright lights will make the Zoom use its lowest ISO and the picture would sharpen up. Have you tried the Zoom outside? If that looks sharp, then that’s what you’d get with bright lighting. All cameras work best with brighter lighting. The camcorder route is great and if you’re in a hurry, they’re ideal. I made a video in about 20 minutes this morning with my AX53. Literally switched on and videoed in automatic. Saves time. Generally, the camera does a pretty good job and I have used it in low light as well. They’re a good option for video, but if you’re thinking of going into still photography later, a DSLR makes sense or a Mirrorless. My favourite is the Canon M6 mainly because of its small size and ease of use. With a fast lens, it’s brilliant but takes a little more to set up than a camcorder. Generally, I set mine to ‘auto iso’ which allows me to select whatever shutter speed or aperture I want because the ISO automatically adjusts. Or if you want, totally Manual or totally automatic. It’s a good option for the price. The M50 is close but not quite as easy to use because the M6 has two dials - one for shutter and one for aperture. It’s there at your fingertips. For high quality sound you need a good mic or a mixer for your guitar. Then feed it straight into camera. Mics are a minefield as far as sound goes. Especially with guitar. There are a massive range of frequencies and harmonics with guitar that a mic needs to pick up. Direct is easier, but as I said, you’d need a mixer or a DI box to match the guitar output to the mic input of your camera. With cameras, the more you pay, the more you get. Basically a good lens will work in duller lighting better because they open up more and are sharper. That’s where Zoom have jumped in on a certain market with the Q series ….. musicians who want easy and good sound without editing. It does that but as you say, they skimped with the picture quality, probably assuming that musicians wouldn’t be that bothered. But by their nature, musicians are almost OCD about things and probably, in the end, most want good audio AND good picture. That takes a lot more money!

[@guitardrummer1]

@@iancraig strange, yesterday i answered you, but i put some external links that maybe youtube doesn't accept..anyway..thanks again for being so informative and available 🙂 i'll keep on investigating if the different impedance between audio input (zoom) and mic input (sony, lumix, Canon) could be a problem for what i want to do: the best and fast audio/video recording with the minimum effort ☺..one simple 3.5 cable from the headphone output of my pedalboard audio interface to mic/audio input of a reflex or video recorder.. I subscribed, so i'll keep whatching you videos and learn a lot from you 🙂..Cheers

[@iancraig]

Just a quick reply. You could take a 3.5mm lead from headphone out. Turn it down and slowly turn up until you hear distortion and then back off. You want the audio out high and camera preamp low, so lower preamp while raising output. It’s not ideal but might work and not introduce noise from mismatched impedances. A DI box (direct injection) is an interface that helps to stop mismatches between output and input.

[@StaunMusic]

I'm working on making guitar videos for KZbin and understanding all the technical stuff, and I hope I can get some advice from you or anyone reading this. So far, I've got the Svive Procyon Key Light, Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd generation), and Studio One 6, but when it comes to cameras, I have no idea what I need. I'm thinking static camera placement, 4K video, maybe just 1080, and XLR input. The main thing I'm looking for is no post-editing. The sound from my guitar is in sync with the video from start to finish. So after some research, I found your video, so if not the Zoom Q8n-4K, what else is there? I hope you can help. :D

[@iancraig]

If you’re wanting to make music videos with no post work then it’ll do the job with its own microphone. If you use xlr mics, you will probably need to be boosting levels in post, maybe compression and EQ. Then as far as picture quality goes, it’s a question of how good a picture you want. With no post work and little effort and lights installed, the Zoom will work for you. Ask yourself, do you really want a static video on a tripod from the same angle for the duration of a piece? That can be quite tough to watch.

[@StaunMusic]

@@iancraig I never thought about it being tough to watch. Thank you for your advice.

[@iancraig]

Yes. I record shows and music stuff and not being able to vary angle etc while performing can be tedious to watch. Recording my daughter playing piano, I shoot from rear left and right. Close up on hands. Close up on face. Full on face over piano and at relevant places I switch between them. That’s four angles just for a piano player for a say, 4 minute piece. I produced a children’s series during Covid where for static shots, I used three cameras aimed at whatever needed to be shown so the audio had to be recorded separately and sync’d later. The Zoom wouldn’t have been that useful. Too wide angle on lens, poor in lower light. Close ups look distorted because of the wide angle. Everything in focus and no shallow depth of field. Sound would have been good though with external mics.

[@user-nv9ek5zj4t]

Hello, I'm curious, does the record button on your Zoom Q8n-4K feel spongy or does it click like the other buttons.

[@iancraig]

I’m sorry. Mine has long gone. I had no real use for it, but from memory, I don’t remember anything odd about the record button.

[@user-nv9ek5zj4t]

@@iancraig Ah it was worth the shot asking, thank you for taking the time to reply. I found your videos helpful in selecting the camera for myself!

[@Skoogorganist]

Is there a latency when connected to a screen/monitor via HDMI?

[@iancraig]

I don’t know. I never tried it.

[@pluckerpick]

Good review, does it work in 4k when used as a webcam?

[@iancraig]

I’m sorry, I don’t know. I’ve sold it on now.

[@pluckerpick]

@@iancraig I think I have decided it's not for me, Audio looks interesting but Video quality disturbing. Looking at the Insta 360 webcam which will do most of what I need - Thanks

[@iancraig]

I didn’t keep it because of the lack of control over picture quality. Audio was fantastic but there’s literally nothing you can do with the video. It’s quite a strange camera tbh.

[@adamtahirpianist]

Hi, Would you be kind enough to tell me what the finished product file size would be of a single .mov File with Audio from all four sources (2 XLR mics and the the 2 x XY Zoom Mics that come with the device) with the video set to 720p, 30FPS for 45 minutes? I have to sit a performance music exam soon and the college are insisting that the file size be less than 1gb for a 45 minute video. I am hoping that the zoom Q8n will be all I need for this exam. Thank you.

[@iancraig]

I have no idea what the calculation is. I would suggest just taking a minute’s worth of video and rendering it so that you could multiply the bit rate by 45. Then adjust the bit rate until you get the figure that you want. Or just make the video and alter the bit rate.

[@adamtahirpianist]

@@iancraig Thank you Ian. It's very hard to find this info. I even asked Zoom Corp and they didn't know lol ... guess I'll have to buy the Zoom Q8N and just hope it will be less than 1GB ... Thanks again for the great video reviews.

[@iancraig]

The camera won’t affect the final bitrate. That just dictates the quality of the initial footage. It’s the rendering that affects how large the file is. If you use VBR, you get better quality for a lower bit rate because the software uses more for frames that change a lot and less for static frames. So if you can, try VBR.

[@adamtahirpianist]

@@iancraig thank you so much Ian. That's extremely useful to know. I will try this method. Thank you so much for helping me out. I noticed the Q8 does 480p but for the Extra €100 I'd rather get the Q8N as it's a bit more current and after this exam I'll never use the lower video settings like 480p. I'll let you know how I get on when I've made some recordings of me playing the piano! Thanks again

[@iancraig]

You’re welcome Adam. I’m an ex oboist and did a lot of recording and theatre work. I’ll be very interested how your piano recording comes out, because you know, the piano is a difficult instrument to capture well. The number of times I hear piano sounding ‘tinny’ or nasty with no real body or proper fundamentals with proper overtones. My wife is a pianist and it’s a killer to record well. Record a minimum of 1080p but render to 480. Much better that way. In fact, I’d video in 4K and bring it down. Software does a brilliant job at reducing big files down. Can look better than in camera.

[@AnthonyCarrier]

Ok so what do you recommend...Audio quality is very important...

[@iancraig]

I’m not recommending anything. Just reporting what I saw! The audio on this is fantastic.

[@Thehybriddanceband]

We shoot for a band. Audio is everything...video quality can be average. If you want good video use your iphone. It's all abound the sound for musicians. With XLR inputs you can come out of the board into the camera.

[@iancraig]

It would be nice to have a good picture to match the audio though.

[@Thehybriddanceband]

@@iancraig Pls let us know then where we can find a great video cam for this money that has this sound quality with the ability to plug in 4 XLR inputs coming off the mixer board. Zoom doesn't want to compete with modern day iphones and Samsung phones for video quality. That said now let's hear audio recording quality on a smart phone. It's all about what are the applications your needs are.

[@iancraig]

Absolutely about application and needs. I wouldn’t be doing promos on this though tbh. I would rather use another camera and a separate recorder. Of course, on a tight budget, corners have to be cut. This is really just a recorder with a bolt on camera; almost as an afterthought. Where do you post any videos? The three I watched were 360P! Nothing in a better resolution?

[@TheAppalachianYeti]

So it sounds like a good camera for concert footage

[@iancraig]

As long as the lights are bright and no gels are used. You slso need to be quite close with the angle of view being so wide. Sound is terrific. Picture is OK.

[@TheAppalachianYeti]

@@iancraig I'm starting to get into videography and photography. If you were to recommend a camcorder that is a good mid level for people getting started in videography, which would it be? Because I am 2/3 cromagnon, and the tech lingo loses me.

[@photo-markus]

Does it support Timecode?

[@iancraig]

No. I don’t think it does. It already embeds excellent audio with video so no real need for a separate recorder because it’s an audio recorder in its own right.

[@michaelyolch79]

A "decent" camera for little things, but I'd say definitely not good enough to be a primary camera for a KZbin channel.

[@iancraig]

Yes, that’s how I feel about it really. It’s sharp enough but lacks a lot of important picture controls like white balance, shutter, aperture. It’s a shame, because even just adding a white balance control would have helped it enormously.

[@tobarramania]

It's somewhat amazing that a thing labelled "zoom" can't do... zoom

[@iancraig]

Yes. It is quite funny really. I just can’t believe that Zoom would produce a camera with no real controls other than audio.

[@duranarts]

“A bit at odds” is being too nice. I can see why they skimped on the quality for affordability but it is ultimately a camera. And this alone is turning off a lot of serious video enthusiasts.

[@iancraig]

Trouble is, there will always be someone out there who loves their camera! They get very upset by criticism, but I agree absolutely. It is a camera and as such, should have some control over the picture!

[@duranarts]

@@iancraig Amazing review by the way. Really helped me make an informed decision!

[@iancraig]

That’s the main thing. To be forewarned is to be forearmed and it’s just not nice to buy a new camera only to find that it’s seriously crippled for no real reason really.

[@zaneblack1132]

Zoom is a flagship audio company they aren't really shutterbugs

[@iancraig]

I know. These types of cameras are a great idea and just need a small amount of tweaking in the picture area and they’d be fine. Even just a decent colour balance setting would help. Sunny, cloudy, tungsten, auto. I have a few of their audio recorders. They’re ok; not sure that they’re on the same level as say, sound devices though. They do nice portable gear.

[@TheCoolProfessor]

Auto everything = deal breaker

[@iancraig]

That’s about it! A sound recorder with camera bolted on.

[@ShanMichaelEscasio]

Famous KZbinrs giving tips for starting content creators: at most AUDIO is more important than video. People would rather watch a poor quality video but with a good audio than a good video with poor audio! Zoom: Hear that? let's capitalize on this and provide "content creators" and musicians with a camera they have no control over but with top notch audio. Me: might as well get my mjirrorless camera of choice and just buy a zoom field recorder. P.s: i would have considered buying this to film the last years of my being in a band. But then zoom kinda sucks not listening to their users so f*ck it.

[@iancraig]

I’m kind of flabbergasted that a company like Zoom could make a camera with no picture control tbh. As you rightly say ….. even a cheaper camera and and recorder would be better.

[@ShanMichaelEscasio]

@@iancraig you said it. I was chonestly considering getting this first rather than the sony zv e10 to film my band's last years...but then not many people here have posted bar scenes taken with the thing. Like that's the thing i am most interestwd to aee: how it handles low light.

[@iancraig]

Low light performance is poor. It turns grainy and there’s not a lot you can do about it other than turn the lights up. I’m a retired musician and I can’t really think of that many occasions when I would have used this to record video. If you have gels on stage, then it alters the white balance of the camera! BTW, I have an E10. If you want to record in 1080p, it’s not so good. The picture is soft. 4K is way better, but my Canons offer way better 1080.

[@PrinceTheSigma]

This is absolutely TERRIBLE. Might as well use your cell phone to record and overlay audio. Come on Zoom. Can you borrow some engineers from Samsung??

[@iancraig]

Zoomsung. Yes, it’s not a great camera tbh. No white balance and poor low light performance makes it pants for theatre stuff with gels.

[@wmextra]

I thought the same thing and I experienced it I thought I was using fcpx wrong but it is the camera

[@JohnKenneymusic]

It's not meant to be an action cam its for musician who need good audio sound for recording at home this makes it a lot easier. If you look at his video here you see descent picture quality and sound this ia actually a good deal if you try to find these features on sony canon pioneer your talking 2000 to 4000 us dollars don't even come with a sim card lol. Maybe some jealousy or other products companies I mention don't want this they sure would love to kill your Iphone or android.

[@iancraig]

On stage, it’s white balance reacts to coloured gels and spots because it’s totally automatic so he had to turn coloured lights off while filming this video. He also had to turn lights on above and sit close to an open window so that it didn’t look grainy. These days, phones can match this in picture quality so a phone and an audio recorder can produce very similar results. Even a cheap Tascam DR05 with a mic sounds pretty good. The Zoom doesn’t ship with an sd card either. Nowadays, I think phones are pretty capable. He wouldn’t ever use this as an action cam because it doesn’t even have stabilisation or water resistance. Zoom could have done a lot better on the camera side and improved on the old version, but they didn’t really and certainly, any camera in a studio (non lit place) needs to have good low light performance. In all honesty, Zoom could have done better by improving on the video side in comparison with the old version, but they didn’t. I’m a retired musician and I wouldn’t have used this.

[@RobDeelComedy]

Too bad the camera quality isn't on par with the audio quality. Sad face...

[@iancraig]

If the camera picture matched the audio, this would be a great camera indeed!

[@fabianvasquezjr8852]

get your mugg closer!

[@iancraig]

With a wide angle lens? A little bit closer and it would have been up my nose. You do realise that this has a massively wide field of view? 150 degree field of view!!! Unless you use the digital zoom which degrades the picture …… So whadya want? Close up grainy or clean and virtually up my nose? 🤣