Zoom F3 | A Longterm Review and Practical Use Case

Welcome to my KZbin channel!
We officially have a channel goal: 1,000 subscribers by the end of 2023! Like what you see? Join along for the ride! I'm on a mission to create more KZbin content weekly - putting my thoughts of the last 7 years as a full time videographer into videos with little nuggets of advice on videography as a business.
Here's the Zoom F3 and how it's been an absolute gamechanger for my workflow over the last year.

[@moviewryter1985]

Subscribed. Glad to be in your first 500 subs. Looks like 410 to be exact. Great videos!

[@RossBarnett02]

Appreciate that! We’re on the way to 1,000 subs - who knows where we’ll be after that.

[@OldManBombadil]

Solid. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@RossBarnett02]

Yessir!!

[@dherveyphotography]

I just got mine today. Pairing with the mke 600 and 6k Pro

[@RossBarnett02]

That’s a sweet combo!!

[@ww1www]

You look at Tascam. Well, on the X8, colour touchscreen is NOT just fancy, it is VERY functional. It is a proper mixer, offers manual EQ, a full podcast deck and a lot more. The F3 is just a very simple recorder. I have both and love both. But they excel at different things.

[@RossBarnett02]

True, I’ve always been a “1 device for one use case” type of person. So having multiple things into one device is just more room for user error. I think that might be why I love the simplicity of the F3. It’s hard to mess up.

[@ww1www]

​@@RossBarnett02When I am not going out particularly for shooting a gig, or I dunno what I will have to deal with, I appreciate having as much versatility in my travel bag as just possible. The X8 has saved my butt a number of times as it does so many things besides being a recorder :)

[@Granfoss]

A question. If I want to record stereo sounds with my Røde Stereo Videomic X. Do I need a 3,5mm to 1 XLR or 2 XLR to get stereo?

[@RossBarnett02]

@@Granfoss you’ll need a “3.5 male to dual XLR cable”. Utilizing both XLR ports on the zoom F3. Then, you can change the input mode from mono to stereo to get a single stereo track.

[@pedrosanchez4035]

Subbed, good video... Worth noting that when using XLR to 3.5 trs adaptor it needs to be able to provide basic power, like any microphone jack socket on just about every other product on the face of the planet. I was very disappointed when two adapters I bought from amazon, which look exactly the same as the ones you are using. It was stated they were specifically compatible with Rode microphones, but they do not function with a Rode videomicro II, which is as basic as it is popular and works on anything with a jack socket trs or trrs. The 2V-5V DC it requires does not even qualify as "phantom power", it is just standard. Do correct me if I am wrong. So right or wrong, make sure an adaptor you get allows current to go to the mic, cheap may not be cheerful. You might not need it right now depending on what mics you are using, but should the need arise you will have a 3.5mm socket that works with any mic.

[@phemieflash_]

Thank you for this. Could you link the 3 cables you mentioned to pair with this?

[@RossBarnett02]

I don't have the specific links, but Male Quarter inch to Female XLR Balanced, Male XLR to Female XLR Balanced, And Male RCA to Male 3.5" balanced are the three cables I use. Got them all in 6ft and all on amazon.

[@blufordbirdsong1834]

Great video. Thanks. Do you think the play, pause buttons are more for musicians. I use my other zoom recorders to record my own guitar and vocals. I record and then listen back all the time. I am thinking about upgrading from a zoom h5 to this, for the better preamps. Having the playback buttons would be a must for me. Thanks again for the great video.

[@RossBarnett02]

There’s definitely a few different options for the use of play/pause buttons. This F3 is more designed as a “field recorder” rather than studio recorder, so for capturing audio in the field the buttons get rarely used. But, I also get why they include them for multiple purposes 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@obarovft314]

i will like to see a video of it connected wirelessly with rode wireless go or any other

[@RossBarnett02]

Interesting! Why would you want to do that? Are you live streaming?

[@shootloadrepeat]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hojNo6hooLOFoMksi=kUECdaB0bHER2Yo3 Here is a not-so-great example. I use this every time I record. The DJI MIC LAV is usually my secondary mic.

[@techtechuw597]

Would be awesome if it had a battery charging option. So it could be mounted more permamently and have no need to change batteries - just use rechargable.

[@RossBarnett02]

That would be awesome - but the usb-c port does provide unlimited power when running long takes. I’ve mounted it to a light stand with a v-mount battery before for all day power without changing batteries.

[@bikeweeknation7833]

I use the wireless dongle to link it with my Timecode Systems boxes on cameras.

[@RossBarnett02]

interesting! That is a great idea. Is that using the bluetooth dongle or something different?

[@bikeweeknation7833]

@@RossBarnett02 yes via Timecode Sytems units. An Ultra sync blue sends Bluetooth timecode from the master clock timecode box on my A cam, to my B cam, a GoPro, an IPhone and the Zoom recorder. Great for Live event and music videos ( can get a mixed audio line level from the board) and other multi cam stuff.

[@bikeweeknation7833]

@@RossBarnett02 yes , I use the Dongle

[@NetvoTV]

Can you use the USB C port as line in audio with USB C mic and 3.5mm mic with adaptor? If I plug a pair of pencil condenser mic directly into it, can I get good stereo when they don't angled but parallelly straight? Or should I just get recorder with build in stereo mic, or Sennheiser MKE 440, there's not much dedicated stereo mic

[@NetvoTV]

Or should I get Zoom M3 to do it all?

[@NetvoTV]

Also yeah man, I do prefer this screen than Tascam X8 and X6, the LCD looks more grounded and old school and the battery is another good nostalgia experience too! And other KZbinr say the LCD able to look at in sunlight and the Tascam colourful smartphone screen harder to see, the screen is better for newcomer but just learn a bit and you will get it!

[@NetvoTV]

Why can't the Bluetooth build in but need an adaptor, same goes for Tascam, the signal hard to send out? I rather have a line in than the need of a hole for an adaptor!

[@RossBarnett02]

Really just depends on the application/use case here. I don’t see anything in the manual about using the usb-c port on the F3 as an input. The USB-C is all about power, or using as an interface for computer settings. You can definitely use a 3.5 mic (powered or unpowered) with a 3.5mm to xlr adapter. I believe I show the adapter I use around the 7 minute mark. The stereo mic question really depends on how you need to use it.

[@johnnyweissmuller5838]

Whats the rode mic you recorded this with?

[@RossBarnett02]

Rode NTG5 a few inches from my mouth just out of frame. But, don’t get caught up too much on the mic. Any shotgun mic directly out of frame boomed overhead will work for something like this.

[@johnnyweissmuller5838]

@@RossBarnett02 thanks! It sounded great! Im getting the f3 and the mkh416, i was really torn between the 416 and the ntg3, but the low end on the rode might pick up more unwanted sounds.

[@pedrosanchez4035]

@@RossBarnett02 In was struggling with some adaptors connecting Rode to F3. When I was looking for a solution I saw a lot of chatter about people saying that the NTG5 "does not play well with the Zoom F3" which was disappointing as I just about to order one, I just got the F3 today. Problems with excessive noise I saw reported Which is the best shotgun for the F3 Are you aware or have experience of any issues between the NTG5 and the F3? Thanks

[@RossBarnett02]

@@pedrosanchez4035 I run a Rode NTG5 with the Zoom F3 every day for my KZbin setup in the office. Also a great interview setup. They are fantastic together. But to answer the question, no. I’ve never had any excessive noise issues with the NTG5. Regardless of the location.

[@pedrosanchez4035]

@@RossBarnett02 Thank you very much, particularly for being so swift, I literally have one waiting in a shopping basket. 😎

[@gbwalther3198]

Since the Zoom F3 doesn't support internal timecode, how are u synching your audio and video? Traditional with sticks? Or have u come up with a better solution? 😎😎

[@RossBarnett02]

Good question, typically I have some sort of on camera microphone to record scratch audio. And syncing the tracks in post is easy within Final Cut. So, I’ve never really had an issue/had a need to utilize timecode before. I’ve talked about this briefly in my Rode Wireless Pro videos as well - just how I do not have a need for timecode within my current workflow.

[@gbwalther3198]

@@RossBarnett02 Thanks Ross for your timely reply. I have a Zoom F3 which I picked up last year, but haven't used it yet because I was concerned about the timecode issue. So I guess, I'll have to give Final Cut a try also & see how it works for me. By the way, you and your buddies "Two Fly Guys" wedding videos are very impressive. Nice integration of the drone stuff & actual weddings. 😘😘

[@RossBarnett02]

@@gbwalther3198 appreciate that so much!

[@ww1www]

Colour touchscreen on the Tascam Portacapture series is actually the best thing that ever happened to prosper grade recorders. 💕 Not because it looks cool, but because it adds useful functionality. Being able to mix or set EQ in such a small, compact package is so convenient... especially if you livecast.

[@obarovft314]

pls share the wireless pro video link. I have been wondering how recorders which just record 32 bit float with no set framerate will sync with 24fps and 30fps at the same time.@@RossBarnett02

[@Illuminationsfromtheattic]

This was a very helpful video - I'm seriously considering an F3 myself for recording live music and ambient sounds. The lack of a 3.5mm input makes me hesitate a bit, as does the price. I'm also considering the Tascam DR-60 mkii, which does have the 3.5mm input, and is about half the cost of the f3. I also like the mounting options with the Tascam, but it apparently is noisier than the F3, and is much more complicated to use.

[@RossBarnett02]

The 3.5mm input is something I very much want out of the next generation of the F3 - for now, I have a 3.5 to XLR adapter that pretty much stays in one of the inputs on my recorder for that "just in case" moment. The adapters are cheap and small - so they don't add much bulk/weight to the overall footprint. For now, I'll carry the adapter everywhere just in case I ever need it.

[@RossBarnett02]

I briefly show the adapter and talk about it at 7:25. Hope that helps!

[@tangomango6]

I guess , it's better to go in for a Ride VXLR + connector than any recorder 🙏

[@JeffBourke]

The battery life is a disaster. I have had this show full to going dead halfway through a take. Disaster.

[@RossBarnett02]

Interesting! Are you running phantom power or line input? When using the line input - I have no problem running the F3 4-5 hours during a wedding reception. I do know phantom power draws more from the batteries - but you can always power via USBC

[@jannarkiewicz633]

You have skills at presenting but it took you 1 minute and 24 seconds to start the review.

[@RossBarnett02]

Technically 2 minutes and 13 seconds since “my history with zoom” doesn’t have anything to do with the F3 review. But, I get your point. Appreciate the comment!

[@jannarkiewicz633]

@@RossBarnett02 I just subscribed. BTW: my latest problem in video land is a GREAT video I have put together and for 2 seconds my kid yells in another room. Capcut does not remove it (I'm a the pro level). Adobe Podcast removes it but then it changes my audio to not sound as good. Any ideas?

[@RossBarnett02]

@@jannarkiewicz633 hmmmm, tough one there without seeing the file… If it’s for KZbin - I say post it as is. I have a 2 year old yelling downstairs in some of my videos and it’s hard to notice. Could go the Adobe Podcast route and turn the default 90% correction down to something like 50%. If you’re using Adobe Podcast I recommended exporting the entire track - not just the bad part - so it’s all even. Hope that helps!

[@tangomango6]

I got thr same combo of F3 with mke600 : but havent tried yet😭

[@RossBarnett02]

Fantastic setup!