Zoom Camera Comparisons (Q2n VS Q2HD VS Q3)

[@Tawny-b1c]

Great, thoughtful review that actually shows the different aspects of each camera. For what it's worth, I liked the sound from the Q2HD in every comparison

[@RedeyePerc]

I agree with that. The Q2HD is pretty close most of the time. Thanks for watching!

[@alwayssmileinthesun326]

For me the Q2HD is by far the best sounding. More sensitive high end and much more realistic mids. The low end is about the same on all I felt. Great comparison Redeye. Really appreciate the video. I'm still at a bit of a loss as to who would be interested in buying such gear. Not saying to doesn't make sense, but I think the number of consumers for this is limited.

[@RedeyePerc]

I agree. The Q2HD sounds the best, but I can't tell a big difference with any of them, at least nothing a little EQ wouldn't fix. The Q2n is marketed specifically towards musicians that want to shoot KZbin videos, or record their band at rehearsal or at gigs, hence the super fisheye lens, and the ability to get REALLY close to your subject. Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@lacousticasessions2589]

Deep respect for The Q2HD!

[@leonardofigueiredo2518]

Thank you man, great video, thank you for that. I see a more pristine anc clear sound in Q2HD.

[@SoundsAndGear]

Great vid man, the Q2HD sounds the best to me, interesting!

[@RedeyePerc]

I do like the sound of that one better as well, but just barely. I'm glad they have vastly different lenses so they compliment each other rather than competing like all the GoPro craziness. Thanks for watching!

[@SoundsAndGear]

Cool, yeah I hear ya! Does it have stabilization?

[@RedeyePerc]

I doesn't have any stabilization. I think they intend tripod use mostly.

[@SoundsAndGear]

OK, got ya, thanks. Would be cool for run and gun shooting if it did :)

[@RedeyePerc]

SoundsAndGear.com I've seen a few new very small gimbals on the market that could probably do a better job with stabilization than that.

[@daedalusjones4228]

Excellent video. Just what I needed. I just ordered a used Q2HD for 50 bucks. After seeing your video, I made the right purchase. Very dramatic difference in video. Thanks.

[@RedeyePerc]

Glad this helped! Thanks for watching.

[@gonzo2.0]

Very well presented comparison. The effort and time invested to help other musicians did not go unappreciated.

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. I'm always looking to get the best live recordings I can, so these kind of comparisons help me a lot. Look for some new ones in the next few months using the H4n.

[@radek1cihak]

Good video. Reasonable view. No unnecessary talk. Clear informations. Thank You.

[@radek1cihak]

... it just doesn't seem to speak to the music teacher, but to the officer :-)

[@suryapratap9696]

I think Q2n has more balanced sound. Q2hd is loud but not that clear !! And i respect Q3 as you started with it !!

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks! I agree with all of that. The difference isn't huge, but it's certainly noticeable.

[@SIELband]

Zoom Q3HD Handy Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5jCYWqFq6uYhdU

[@misterkholl]

Q2HD sound + Q2N view = Perfect! I'm impressed with the Q2HD sound!!! seems ready to go to me. Q2N you will need some mixing. q3 sounds not so good. Result: If you dont mind to edit the sound, Q2N is a more attractive and flexible product, specially in low light conditions (perfect for a whole band indoor concert).

[@RedeyePerc]

I agree completely. I like that they have really different lenses and you can choose whichever one will work for a situation. The audio is close enough that a little EQ and editing should produce good results with both of them. The Q3 was their first attempt, so take that into consideration.

[@rytmydjembe]

I have q2hd and I was testing q3hd , and q3hd have better sound quality. q2hd is better for recording voice and mono sound. I'm talking about q3hd not q3.

[@MatthewFordVictoria]

To deal with Glare from lights or the sun, I'VE GOT THE ANSWER!!!! All you need is Velcro Strips with an Adhesive Backing. As the Q2n Lens sticks out about 1/8th of an inch, apply a narrow strip of fuzzy velcro around the lens. Then using a flexible plastic lid from a can of Coffee or whatever, cut it to the shape of the letter D, creating a shade similar to those on Traffic Lights. Applying prickly Velcro to the flat edge, press it to the fuzzy Velcro, and Bingo!

[@erartne]

Zoom Q2 HD semms to be the best one.

[@_istudywater]

Great video! Thanks for sharing the different models.

[@elipses667]

Hi. I want to know which one you prefer between zoom Q3 (not Hd) or Q2HD?? The sound and video it is very difference?? Thanks. Great video

[@SwePianoholic]

Besides from this being a very good comparison, I really like your drumming =)

[@RedeyePerc]

Sorry for the late reply - Thanks! That keeps people interested I hope.

[@tomatojuice12]

Hey Redeye - thanks so much for this great video. To my ears, the Q2HD and Q2N are both a level above the Q3. However, I do not notice much difference between the Q2HD and Q2N - do you concur?

[@gratemusic3008]

I use the Q2n. Awesome video ✌

[@Zushikikato]

Great review! Q2n for me. Sound Sig is flat and that's how it really should be for easy tweaking on post processing. Thanks man!

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks for watching. I wish I could tell the difference by ear, but I can't really. Drummer ears. :)

[@kathrynwest1072]

I am loving thefisheye lens on the q2n

[@dadjames]

nice comparison, thanks!!

[@DavidGuilbaultSongs]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@SIELband]

Zoom Q3HD Handy Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5jCYWqFq6uYhdU

[@ChronoWaveDynamics]

I feel the biggest difference here between the Q2n and the 2hd is that, as far as sonically, the 2n captures more of the entire sound while the 2hd captures the direct sound better. I feel as though while a direct sound might seem better, I feel like once you start adding instruments it might peak or muddy up faster? Maybe, I'm not sure but the 2n's quality is significantly better than really either of the other two. The lens flare Issue is such a silly oversight on Zooms part, but then again, what product comes out without some kind of dumb flaw haha Thank you for Making this video though, because I feel like it's confirmed my wanting to get a Q2n even more

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks for the input! I admit that my ears are not good enough to make an informed pick between the Q2n and the Q2HD. I have never recorded a full band with the Q2HD, but with the Q2n it comes out great. There are several songs on my channel if you want to check one out. The lens flare thing is annoying, but certainly fixable, so that makes this very good for the price in my opinion. Take care!

[@EzBeat14]

great video! well done!!

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks! Much appreciated.

[@muzikmon2267]

The zoom Q2HD best all around

[@RedeyePerc]

I think that one is best when you are going to be farther away from the sound source and need the tighter video field of view. The Q2n is better when you are up close. The audio for each is so close that it doesn't matter.

[@richardsorice4509]

I used to use a Flip video camera. They're out of business and no longer support their software. It's a terrible shame. Was the easiest thing to use. I just got a Zoom Q2n H4. It's my hope to use two of these for different angles and record some of my gigs for my KZbin channel and to use for promotion to get more gigs. The question:. What will software would you use to edit and merge the two videos and sync the audio? Thanks for the great video.

[@abdiasr482]

so I just got a q3 ( someone gave it to me ) Do you think is still good in 2020? just the audio part I'm asking, I know video sucks exept of course if i encouter a UFO.

[@KenSundberg]

Great Jobb !

[@89Ludwigs]

You should do a comparison test of the GoPro cameras with an explanation of editing software, and miking setup. That would be very interesting.

[@RedeyePerc]

I could shoot a video like that and have been considering one for a while now. What kinds of things would you like to see me go over? The more points I have to hit, the easier it would be to put together. Thanks!

[@89Ludwigs]

I've been considering the GoPro setup for a while. Any information you could give us would be a help. The GoPro cameras need to be hooked up to some kind of miking mix because they have no on board microphones. I like the fact that it's possible to use multiple camera angles. But, have no clue about editing software. So, it's a bit intimidating to jump into it without knowing anything about the system. There's not a lot of information available about how to set them up. A full run down of the setup with 3 camera angles (Top, side, front) would be spectacular. I'm sure there are lots of drummers that would appreciate a video like that. Thanks !

[@89Ludwigs]

The people at GoPro might even appreciate something like that.

[@89Ludwigs]

I did a quick check on KZbin and there's nothing explaining how to set up multiple GoPro cameras for use with a drum set. Zero. There's a few videos that discuss using multiple cameras. But, they don't mention anything about sound at all. I'm using 10 microphones on my kit. How do we sync the cameras, and get the sound on the video ? It would be nice if somebody covered this topic, and discussed the software a little bit. Obviously, there's a lot to cover. It may take more than one video shoot. That's probably the reason there's not much on KZbin about it. It's not the easiest of subjects to cover.

[@RedeyePerc]

I have been thinking about doing a video exactly like you request for more than a year now. I've even written out some notes and topics. It seems that I need to go ahead and do it. I have a full week off work between Christmas and New Years, so I will pencil that in as my major project. Also - CO's comments about syncing are spot on. Don't worry about combining audio and video at all until the editing stage. A full volume clap in a location where all of the cameras can see you is all you need. You just match up the sound to the visual during editing. Do you currently have any video editing software? I use Adobe Premiere elements, which goes for around $60-80 and it's got everything I need for KZbin level music videos. I suggest downloading and getting familiar with that or another program of your choice asap. That is the major hurdle in this process.

[@addictedtogear]

I have a couple questions. Can you trigger the recording remotely somehow? Also can you connect an external lapel mic to the unit? It doesn't seem like the best solution for youtube since you cannot see yourself in the camera while recording ( no flip out options for the screen). Also the lens has a pretty obvious distortion due to the wide angle lens.

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks for watching! There is no remote capabilities. You can connect a lapel mic. It's not a good vlogging solution, but rather made for musicians and better suited to tripod use. The wide angle is a problem sometimes, but it lets you get really close to the music source so as to get a good audio recording.

[@89Ludwigs]

Very interesting. As a photographer, I can spot what appears to be grainy images right away. I don't care for the HD. It looks like a very grainy image. The Q2N is interesting. The image quality seems much improved over the Q3. I may have to consider picking up the Q2N. I have the Q3. Image quality has been a bit of a challenge with the Q3. They all sound about the same to me. Sound quality with these recorders is very good in my opinion.

[@RedeyePerc]

I agree - they all sound very good and not much different from each other. The Q3 video is pretty rough when scaled up to 1080 pixels high. I like the Q2HD video, but I have to get so far away from a drumset to get everything in view that the sound suffers. I don't even try to get a full band in view using that camera. I think that's the big selling point with the Q2n, a GoPro-like field of view with great audio. At $160, it's worth it.

[@89Ludwigs]

I have microphones on my drums and am running them through a PA system into floor monitors. I also have a Hotspot Monitor right behind the Hi Hats with volume control. I found that having the Q3 somewhere between the floor monitors and the drums gives me my best sound. Although, I shot a few of my early videos without microphones and some of those sounded OK. It gets loud. But, I usually wear ear plugs, and my garage is sound proofed fairly well. I can control the sound better by using the PA system. The real problem I have with the Zoom Q3 is the built in microphone doesn't seem to pick up bass frequencies very well. I just can't seem to get the low end.

[@RedeyePerc]

Have you tired the recorder out in front of your drums? I think the best spot is 4 feet in front of the kit, 5 feet off the ground, and pointed down at the front of the bass drum. Anywhere else, and I would totally loose the kick sound. These days, I'm using the H6 and I mic the snare and kick separately, then put the H6 above my head. That's been the best easy sound I've found for my videos.

[@89Ludwigs]

I haven't tried moving the recorder around to get a better bass sound. I did try fiddling around with the adjustments on the PA system. I can only crank the bass up so much because of feedback. maybe I should try some different positions of the recorder. I do have it in about the same position you describe. However, I tend to point it at the toms rather than the bass drums. It never crossed my mind to point it down at the bass drums. I have it positioned between the floor monitors also.

[@goodtimefolkrock]

i have the Q 2 hd and i feel like its too close all the time ......like the camera needs to be 6 feet away to get just a soloist in the shot ....records great audio though ....use it more for recording bootleg audio from concerts than videos

[@agressor7905]

I think Q2HD sound better. Or maybe just a little louder)) in some moments you can hear how Q2HD better records high frequencies, and on Q3 they are not heard behind the drum

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks for watching and for your input. My ears aren't so good that I can hear something off unless it's really bad, so I like getting opinions from others on stuff like this. That's why I don't try to process the audio being compared. Take care.

[@thegadgetrulez]

I agree, the highs are by far the brightest on the Q2HD

[@manucontrovento]

Hi! I've got a question about Q2n: is it possible to record at the same time the microphone input AND the line input? Let's say I want to shoot a video podcast in which I need to record my voice (from mic) while I perform something on a sampler (which would run into the line input). Thanks!

[@AriaMusicVibe]

What settings on q2hd. Would a phone be as good now?

[@LetArtsLive]

no cowbell?. I want one

[@implumkrazy]

USES ENERGYSER LITUM BATETTERY THEH LAST FOR A FULL 3 OR 4 ONE HOUR SETS FOR ANYONE REORDING BANDS

[@4nedjo22]

very, very useful video. Thank you for sharing!

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks for watching! I am glad this video has helped a few people out.

[@jimilove7773]

Great vid!

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks! I'm planning some more comparison videos this fall. Stay tuned...

[@rondias2367]

thx for your time... great video

[@RedeyePerc]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@hidetada08]

Q3 its awesome

[@SIELband]

Zoom Q3HD Handy Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5jCYWqFq6uYhdU

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

What else does it do.

[@SDPickups]

Sweetwater now sells the lens hood and a lens cap for $10 on Ebay.

[@RedeyePerc]

That's actually the first reasonable price I've heard for the hood and cap. Thanks!

[@RichieVitale]

Great videos (and playing) Redeye! The fisheye lens on the Q2 is great for filming a whole band. Do you think at the further distance you could have improved the recorded sound on the Q2 if if turned up the gain or fiddled with it in some other way? It was very presentable close up though.

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks! Much appreciated. I do think I could have slightly improved the distance recording by compressing the loudest notes and then boosting the volume a couple of times. In the end, it would still have an echo type sound that was clearly far off, though. It works really well when there is a PA system for a full band or a clinic, and it's much louder at that spot.

[@RichieVitale]

So Redeye . . . for a 5 piece jazz band would the Q2 be your pick because the lens angle is wider or do you have another choice for this type of camera/recorder (not a camcorder)?

[@RedeyePerc]

My first choice for any live music is the Zoom H6, H5, or H4n for audio only, then as many GoPros as you can get for the video, but that can get expensive quickly. If you want a cheaper, one unit solution, I would definitely use the Q2n. The sound is great, and that wide angle lens should get everyone in the frame. If you want something a bit better, take a look at the Zoom Q4 or the Q8. Both of those should work well too.

[@RichieVitale]

Thx Redeye, very kind of you!

[@RedeyePerc]

No problem. Let me know how it works out for you. Mine worked well for a 20 piece high school jazz ensemble, but I haven't been in front of a smaller group for a little while.

[@StephanS]

I had the Q3 when it was new back then. Not bad and quite a good sound, but it's horrible dated and was obsolete shortly after. It even drained the battery in no time. I dont miss it to be honest.

[@RedeyePerc]

I used my Q3 for about a year, then it was outdated really quick. It did get me interested in video, so I'm grateful.

[@LawrenceRhodes]

Hard to tell sound. Maybe Zoom needs to make a zoom lens.

[@paulysci925]

Q2hd hands down winner

[@RedeyePerc]

I think the audio is very close with all of these. I use the Q2HD when I know I will be farther away and that pinhole lens is needed for a good shot. Thanks for watching!

[@juliansaadeh8]

I am willing to by a camcorder and the q2n seems to be the best for the price but I am worried about the flare you mentioned. What do you think ?? Is it a big deal or I can get rid of it easily?? (I am not willing to buy the seperate pack for the hood) Thank you in advance. Great channel 👍😎

[@RedeyePerc]

I do think the flare is a big deal. Check out my rant about it specifically in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3m0ZqipZqyBjLs To be totally fair, it does not happen in all lighting situations, just those where there is a light source above or in front of the camera, regardless of the type of light (flourescent or incandescent). The $50 for that accessory pack is ridiculous. I complained loudly enough that they are sending me a lens hood separate from that pack. But it's not for sale separately yet. It is pretty easy to get rid of the flare if you have something to place above the camera. I used a music stand and it worked, but it was not at all convenient. The camera microphones sound great, so you have to balance that against the convenience of the lens issues. I don't think there is another camera out right now that has good audio and video both for this price. Maybe take a look at the Zoom Q8 and Q4. Thanks for watching!

[@RedeyePerc]

Someone just told me on another video that he used some sticky stuff and put a guitar pick on top of the lens and it worked. Maybe give that a try since it's so small.

[@АлексейСубочев-н4в]

Are there a "mic angle" settings on Q2n like Q2HD has? I use 60 degree setting on my Q2HD because it sounds more natural for me. Using wider setting makes sound more wet, the room seems bigger. You use 120 degree setting I see. Could you tell me, please, do you use more narrow sound on Q2HD, and (if you do) how do you find it compared to Q2n?

[@RedeyePerc]

The Q2n does not have a mic angle setting. They are fixed. Honestly, I did not realize the Q2HD had that either (I borrowed it), so I don't feel like I can give you a good opinion there. On the H6, the mics physically spin, so I use that all the time. I try to keep it on the tighter setting for drumset for the reason you state, so the room doesn't affect the sound too much. Thanks for watching!

[@АлексейСубочев-н4в]

Redeye Percussion, thank you for your answer.

[@thegoldenradio8858]

I know this may sound like a stupid question but would the Q2n be good for a narrow boat? I want to mount a camera on top of the boat to record vlog style boating videos. Is it good for outdoor... Or should I get something els if so what should I get

[@RedeyePerc]

Not a stupid question, just unusual. I think the super-wide lens on the Q2n would be very good for close positioning on a boat, but...I don't think the unit would do very well if you get it wet. I would use a GoPro anywhere near water, since it has a totally waterproof housing. The problem there is that while inside the housing, the microphone is really muffled, so you would need another recorder for audio only. Maybe something like the Zoom H1 in your breast pocket so it's close to your mouth, but still somewhat protected from any spray. You then have to combine the audio and video files later, but that would be my setup for something like what you want to do. Good luck! Let me know if you figure this out and I'll watch.

[@ronnkerber1059]

what is the best handyshare and Zoom software to use with the Q2HD?

[@capeheartriz]

I have the older Q3HD....my question...are they using the same mikes as the newer Q2n???.....they all sound about the same to me

[@Rushrabb]

Hi, What do you have plugged into the q2n? I was told that it willnot take a remote. I ordered the h2n remote so I guess I will send it back. What is the EXT plug hole for? Thanks Great vids..

[@RedeyePerc]

The "EXT In" is for an external microphone. I'm using a $25 wired lapel mic for the talking parts of the video. I removed it for the drum recordings. Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Take care!

[@timlobb7309]

I want to record just video + direct line in from electronic drum module. Is that input you're using for lapel mic stereo? Nice work btw.

[@RedeyePerc]

That's a great idea. The lapel mic I have is mono, so the file from it was also mono. I looked in the manual and it doesn't say anything about that jack being stereo. I would be happy to check it for you, but I don't know how to go about that...can you think of a method?

[@colaiuka]

Great video. Which sound file did you use to record on the Zoom Q3? Thanks!

[@SIELband]

Zoom Q3HD Handy Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5jCYWqFq6uYhdU

[@gonkuz]

Hi there! I have a Zoom Q2HD but has a problem on the video, it's a little bit delayed and does not sync on the audio. I tried also upgrading the firmware but could not upgrade it. What's the better solution for this? Thanks!

[@RedeyePerc]

Whenever I have this problem, I have to adjust it with my video editing software. Are you using a PC or a Mac? The .mov file type is a Mac original and sometimes PC have trouble with it. Maybe check your Quicktime drivers, but I'm not totally sure, sorry.

[@gonkuz]

I just upgraded the firmware on my Zoom Q2HD. I'm using a Samsung Windows 10 laptop right now. I guess my QuickTime driver has a problem. Thanks for the help and info.

[@RedeyePerc]

Ray Luis D. Monserrata - If you have an HDMI cable, try recording something then watching back on your TV. If it's fine, then your laptop has a driver issue. If it's delayed there too, then it's the camera.

[@gonkuz]

Ok, Thanks for the advice I'll try it first.

[@ronaldgore7892]

I had this problem with mine also. I didn't know that it also has to do with what type of media card you use too. Speed.

[@mikeschumacher9715]

I was really disappointed to buy the Qn2, onlyto find out the batteries don't last more than 90 minutes. After the fact I bought the package of power cord, hood, and holding handle. Also bought the battery pack for longevity in mobile situations. Still playing with it, trying to blend music over my speakers and out of the drums. Also has no remote start/stop capability.

[@RedeyePerc]

MIKE SCHUMACHER Try this - play to something on headphones instead of a speaker. Record drums only on the Zoom. Then mix the track with your drums later. You can get a really decent usable recording that way.

[@JulianFernandez]

Thanks!

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks for watching!

[@phaedrabandatlanta]

So if I have a Q2HD do I need a Q2N ?

[@RedeyePerc]

That depends on how you like the lens and field of view on the Q2HD. I don't think the sound is any better on the Q2n. The big deal is that the Q2n had a super wide angle lens and you can get way closer to the subject and still keep it all in frame. So if you are typically far away, the Q2HD should be good, but if you want to get really close, like 2-3 away and still have everything in frame, then consider getting the Q2n, or just get a GoPro, but you would have to mix the Q2HD sound with the GoPro video later. Thanks for watching!

[@phaedrabandatlanta]

I would like to get closer up so I the Q2N would be better

[@stewartdegner260]

Q2 hd is the one Thanks PS I use a portable power supply good for hours and hours I bought and tried the Q2 n with extra battery pack. The screen is too small for my near 70 year old eyes ( with glasses). The buttons were small also. Sent it back. My beatup glued together + rubber bands Q2 hd will have to do

[@renandias7926]

Hi Stewart. What kind of portable power supply are you using with the Q2HD? I also have one, but I find myself in trouble running out of AA batteries all the time.

[@stewartdegner260]

@@renandias7926 HI Ranan, I use a 12-VDC deep cycle lead acid battery, with a Pure SIGN power inverter. Both were bought on E Bay. Depending on what gear you have, multiple hours use. Then a recharge at night.

[@renandias7926]

@@stewartdegner260 Thank you!

[@Ohm51]

I bought a Q2HD a few years ago and its never been out of the box (such is life) (but now have a need for it). I have a concern about the potential tradeoffs in placement ... that where I may need to place the camera for best field of vision may not be in an optimal position for audio? Since I also own the H2n audio recorder ... I'm wondering if it would be possible to (easily) combine the audio from both sources in post production? If anyone might know?

[@RedeyePerc]

Ohm51 The one issue with a combo unit is placement for optimal video vs best audio. I regularly record audio separately and combine them, which requires a video editing program to line them up correctly. I don’t think it’s too hard, but I had a graphic design background and the program wasn’t hard to learn. If you’ve never done anything like that before, it might be difficult. Adobe Premiere Elements is what I use.

[@Ohm51]

@@RedeyePerc ... Thanks for that. So if I'm understanding you correctly ... it can be done (not natively within the Zoom's general capabilities) but in post production if one has the proper software and skill set (I don't have either at this point I'm afraid) ... so not easily. I'm a drummer too and was hoping to use the Zoom Q2HD for video, supplemented with audio from the Zoom H2n placed perhaps 2 feet in front of the kick about 30" off the floor ... and combine the 2 audio sources into the final mix. Wherein the Q2 would essentially be capturing the general room soundscape and the H2n acting as a close mic.

[@Ohm51]

I have an additional question if you dont mind? On starting the video you said the Q2 and Q2n were set to record in 1080p. Would setting the Q2 HD in 720 increase the field of vision, or have no effect on it (other than the increased video definition)? I'm guessing the focal length (or rather the image width in this case) is dictated entirely by the camera's fixed lens, but perhaps I'm mistaken on that?

[@RedeyePerc]

Ohm51 There are 5 field of vision settings on the camera that you can use in 1080 mode. I’m not sure what happens when you set it to 720 actually, but you are then capturing much less video information and limiting your options. KZbin is all 1080 and higher already.

[@Ohm51]

@@RedeyePerc ... Thanks again for the clarifications. I'm almost certainly confusing myself (& others) in a confluence of misunderstanding the various functions and probably using improper terminology. That the Q2n has now dropped considerably in price and has been supplanted with newer model higher functioning iterations ... so perhaps my questions are moot. In that regard though do you believe the newer models are significantly better in audio quality, or is Zoom more refining the video side of their devices functionality and adding increased value by offering better camera enhancements? Wherein the audio aspects (having already been pretty consistently great) have reached a plateau of what might be packed into such a small device?

[@MattDonaldson]

Has this been tested in a club with a live band ? A low lite situation?

[@RedeyePerc]

I have used the Q2n many times with my live band in dark bars. It works as well as a GoPro. Gets a little grainy, but is still okay. Outside in sunlight looks amazing.

[@drumken]

My poor old Q3HD is damaged, the screen turns on black, and nothing I can do. So I think it's time to switch to his younger brother Q2n. I just hope the mics are also the real deal on Q2n, the video quality looks great. (I own the GoPro hero 4).

[@RedeyePerc]

I can't tell much difference between the audio on Q3HD and Q2n. It seems to be just the wide angle lens vs. the smaller pin lens. I really like having both options. Thanks for watching!

[@drumken]

Redeye Percussion The Q2n has come two days ago! Happy owner! :)

[@RedeyePerc]

Great! I hope it works out for you.

[@drumken]

Redeye Percussion absolutely! :)

[@tomasviking]

What kind of setup is on zoom q2hd? What level of mic gain etc.?

[@RedeyePerc]

I don't recall exactly, but I typically set the gain so that my snare hits around -3dB on the camera meters.

[@jimgraham4700]

What stands do you have on the cameras?

[@RedeyePerc]

I had to look at the video again. I really like the Manfrotto tripods, but their high level stuff is ridiculously expensive unless you are a professional. I luckily found a couple at my local Meijer when the briefly carried them. The Q2n in the middle is on this - www.manfrotto.us/manfrotto-mkcompactlt-bk-compact-light-black The Q2HD on the right is on this - www.manfrotto.us/manfrotto-mkcompactacn-bk-compact-action-black Both of those were about $65, but they are well worth it. The Q3 is on a cheap Sunpack one I got at Walmart for $15.

[@germangismondi944]

What level of gain are you using in zoom q2hd???

[@RedeyePerc]

I can't recall the exact setting, but what I always do is set the level so that the loudest sounds I'm playing come in at around -3dB on the on screen meter. It depends on so many things, that a number setting out of 10 wouldn't help you much anyway.

[@jhs5150]

Up close they Q2s sound pretty close and better than the Q3. From a distance the Q2HD wins hands down sound-wise. To me the Q2n doesn't sound as good as the Q2HD and the Q3 lags behind both. I have both the Q2HD and the Q3HD and both sound great. Too bad you didn't have a Q3HD to test with the others.

[@RedeyePerc]

I agree with all of that. I don't think the difference is huge between the two Q2s, but it's there. I skipped the Q3HD when went with the GoPros and the H4n and now they are hard to find. Take care and thanks for watching!

[@elimaurer9491]

Hi, which video editor (free) would you recommend for putting these vids on to social media?

[@RedeyePerc]

Sorry for the late reply - I don't have any experience with free editors. I use Adobe Premiere Elements, which is under $100. It's the only one I have used and fits the work nicely.

[@Guitarman20]

Q2HD!!!!!

[@SpezlvomAnneNr1]

q2hd all the way

[@LawrenceRhodes]

Rockpals 350W Portable Power Station PD Pioneer 20000mAh 80W AC Portable Laptop Charger Belkin Travel RockStar Battery BANK 3000 MAH + Charger + Surge Protecto One of these aught to work and some have a solar panel. Unless you are married to batteries. I use Panasonic NIMH. Yes running out while recording is a bummer but any of these starting a 19 dollars should cure your range anxiety.

[@jimgraham4700]

I have the Q3HD

[@RedeyePerc]

That's the only one I missed. I came out right when I moved to GoPros and the H6, so I never got one.

[@vovaku1]

Q2n несколько размытый .

[@Drumdays]

Q2 seems to pick up the hi hat better

[@RedeyePerc]

I agree. It's better with the high end stuff.

[@goldeneggduck]

The sound of the Q2n sounded very flat. The Q2HD or even the Q3 are better. If they try to sell it to musicians, they may be in trouble! It is not just the volume but the dynamic range.

[@RedeyePerc]

I agree with that. I think it's probably easy to fix later with software, so it's not a deal breaker considering the price and the B+ quality of the camera. Thanks for watching!

[@cuteboi_kd22]

goldeneggduck. can i shoot mini movies with it

[@cuteboi_kd22]

Redeye Percussion. can i shoot mini movies with it?

[@RedeyePerc]

I don't see why not. If the picture quality is good enough for you, then sure.

[@user-ok6ef9zn4f]

goldeneggduck omg the q3 audio is not better than the q2n at all lol. the q3 highs were completely blown out and muffled. listen to symbols

[@djkaneck1]

Ok.....

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks for watching.

[@teluproductions]

the lens hood is located in the accessory pack...kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKiUZ4GOeN1no68

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks. I still think it should be free with the camera like every other lens on the market, but at least it's available now.

[@saturnguitars9274]

For 159$US, I'm Psyched to be able to record my Trio on the Q2n. Saves a lot of time and editing to get a few songs to Digital. Psyched.

[@RedeyePerc]

This is a pretty useful unit for the price. It could be better, but it's still cheap enough that I overlook that.

[@PaulvanDruten]

Use a big SD card and a powerbank, problem solved!

[@RedeyePerc]

That's the solution I'm currently using. Works well. Thanks for watching!

[@122Music1]

Nice playing.. They all are average.. Always fuzzy video , and never complementary to the sonic environment. Weak and hollow sounding never catching the dynamics of a live performance. Listening without watching video tells me that the sound quality varies from better low end, less low end, weak low end, average attack and mic response. It all just sounds like a boom box recording that does not clip. Listening on $300 dollar headphones and a transformer based preamp.. Q2HD had the most visceral audio quality.. Q2N was weak in every way Q3 is the Q2N with lesser audio quality..

[@RedeyePerc]

Thanks for the input. I'm more of a player than an audio critic, so I don't notice some of the subtle differences. I think these are all good for the money spent, but there are obviously better sounding and looking methods out there.