So, so sorry. I tried to search the archives, but anything with the word "zoom" comes up. I may get a Zoom Q3, and I know other forum members have this, but I couldn't find the old posts.

Please give me a review. I'd like an "all-in-one" device, and also, my flip-corder doesn't have a mic. output jack, so a Zoom H1 isn't feasible.

Overall, do you like the audio quality of the Q3? I just browsed a few YouTube videos that used the Q3, and the quality is pretty good to me.

This might be the thread that you're looking for. I have one and I'm pretty happy with it. All my videos are recorded with the Q3. It's convenient because you don't need to do much editing.

Here's a video I did recorded on the Q3



Converted the .mov file using Any Video Converter.

For easy video recording with decent sound quality at a reasonable price, it's hard to beat the Zoom Q3. If you're curious, you can check out my youtube channel; many of the videos there were made using the Q3. (I always specify the recording setup in the comments.) I also have a few videos with H4 audio, if you want to compare.

That being said, for pure audio recording, I prefer my H4. The problem with the Zoom Q3 is that it is not possible to import the files into audacity (or, at least, I haven't figured out how to do so), which means that I am not able to normalize the audio portion of the file. And it's hard to tinker with the recording levels to get the volume at the right point. So I still use my H4 to record .wav files to burn to CD, while simultaneously recording with the Q3 for YouTube purposes, and I just put up with the lower than desirable volumes on my Q3 videos.

I sure wish Q3 would come out with a HD version, though. I'm tempted by all the beautiful HD videos I see on YouTube that people are making with the Flip HD, but I am too cheap/lazy to buy one and edit my H4 audio to the Flip video. (The Flip audio is not adequate, imo.)

I've got a flip vidoe recoded too, and using the Zoom H1 with it really isn't so bad. Most vedeo editing software will allow one to add audio and adjust the position of the audio so one can sync the two.

Another benefit is that I can put the audio recorder right above the open lid of my upright. Plus , at about 100$ us it's a good deal if you alredy have the video recorder.

Just my 2 cents.

I think that the sound quality is very nice. You cannot beat the convenience of having both audio and video together. To be honest, I haven't explored editing possibilities yet, being the technological dolt that I am, it will take a bit of time to do so. However, for the purposes I use my Zoom Q3 for right now (recording my weekly improvements, recording aspects of my lessons, recording my sons playing their instruments), I am really happy with it. Hope that this helps.

Ben, Monica, and Icicles: I have spent lots of time on all your channels, and I do quite like the sound quality (and of course your playing too).

Monica, I remember your old posting where you weren't quite satisfied with the sound quality of the Q3 (and had to revert back to the Q4), so this had me a little concerned. Icicles, thanks for reposting the thread. I read through it, and now understand how you got around it.

eweiss, thanks for posting your link too. I think both the sound and video is awesome. I don't need HD quality for piano videos, as I'm more interested in the sound quality.

@Ben, I saw your new videos with the H1, and they're great. Unfortunately, my JVC Everio has no mic. output, otherwise I would've gotten the H1 too...

PS-I start my new job in November so I'll be getting myself a Christmas present...maybe an early one for the recital.

Hmm... maybe I came across more pessimistic than I intended to, cebukid. I wouldn't say that I wasn't "quite satisfied" with the Q3 sound, and I am indeed still using it for YouTube purposes. But I like the H4 sound a smidgeon better and record with it at the same time for purposes of burning to CD.

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/q3hd/

I'm waiting for that one to come out. With a bit of luck I can get it just in time to make a recording for the ABF recital.

I'd also need to get my pieces recital-ready and my piano freshly tuned, of course.

oh man... you DID have to show me that, didn't you?!?

Guess I know what's going to be on my Christmas list.

Ooh... Sweetwater is showing the Q3HD as being "available very soon." Of course, that's what they said about the Q3 for maybe six straight months.

But I emailed the catalog page to my hubby and hinted strongly that I would be asking Santa for one for Christmas.

i have a zoom q3; click on my youtube link below for recordings with it.

things i like about it: good sound quality; easy to use; easy to post-process and upload

things i don't like about it: audio & video in one unit (so you're always compromising either camera location or mic location); does NOT have a mid gain - only high, low and auto (this is my biggest complaint, and that doesn't change with the Q3 HD)

things i don't care about: HD

all in all i'm happy with it.

VERY tempting indeed!
- Steve

How much does it cost?

Current street price is $299. I remember when I jumped on the H2 yonks ago, this time I'm going to hold out for prob 6mths and pick one up for $199 hopefully.

Besides I'm saving for my iPad although I torn since I know next year (Q2?) they're going to produce v2.0 with a bloody retina screen

Very much looking forward to condensing my sheet music library into one easy to carry around device. The other great thing is I can store my music on there also as a reference as to how the pieces are supposed to be played.

OK sorry kind of went off on a side loop there
- Steve

Hi Monica-

I also have a Zoom Q3, and I am able to import the files into audacity or whatever else. When you plug your Zoom Q3 into your computer, you should see a folder pop up on your desktop, just as if you had plugged in an external drive. If you drill into that folder a couple levels, you'll find the .wav files for everything on the Q3. You can then copy them onto your desktop. In fact, that's the only way I transfer files from my Q3 to my computer. I don't use any special software that might have come with the recorder.

(In fact, my complaint about the Q3 is that I find I *have* to normalize the audio-- on the low input setting it's too soft, and on the high input setting it gets loud and distorted; my solution is to record on low and then normalize. I find this very unsatisfactory; maybe I'm doing something wrong. I'll make some tests and ask about them later on.)

-Jason

You have a very nice repertoire and I have subbed to your channel.

Upon a lot of side discussions with BenPiano (thanks Ben!), I have decided to "go cheap" and get the Zoom H1. I like the sound quality, and I won't have to compromise mic. location.

I'm "tech-savvy" (and patient) enough to blend audio and video to get a decent YouTube video and audio recording. My JVC Everio does have HD functionality so I don't ever have to worry about video quality either. Plus, I'd like to start recording my practice sessions more often, audio only, and would like to get optimal sound quality.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the feedback on Q3. Maybe one day when it's cheaper, I'll buy it.

Glad I could help, you'll be happy with it!

On a side note, after listening to a couple of other pieces I've recorded on my new H1, I think the recording sounds better than hearing the upright live in the room it's in. It seems kind of strange that it would, but I'm really digging this thing so far.

Now only if it could help me hit the right notes.

Hmmm... I could've sworn that when I tried to import my Q3 files into audacity, the program bombed. Are you recording audio only? Or both audio and video? Maybe I was importing the video portion and not the .wav portion. I will definitely go back and fiddle with it some more, because I'd love to normalize the volume on my videos.

Hi Monica
I also use Jason's technique.
I've never used the video function on my ZoomQ3, only the audio.
My computer can take a couple of minutes to recognise I have plugged in the ZoomQ3.

The website of a Dutch music store says they'll have it in stock November the 2nd, and they sell it for €296.

Quite pricey but I might get it. If I do you'll notice at the next ABF recital.

Entheo,
I checked out your yutube recordings, and the audio sounds pretty good. Do you find placing the recorder behind the piano gives you better audio. I saw some some recordings with the recorder near the keyboard. Do you use audacity to convert you files? Really enjoyed listening
Dot

Currently Sweetwater has the Zoom Q3 listed for $199

I'm not sure how you're doing your importing. In more detail than before, here's how I import videos: when I plug my Q3 into my laptop via the USB port, an icon named Q3_SD appears on my desktop, and I go through the following folder hierarchy: Q3_SD -> DCIM -> 100_ZOOM. Inside 100_ZOOM, I find all the videos, as .mov files, that are on my Q3. (They're .mov files, not .wav files as I incorrectly stated earlier.) Once you're copied the .mov files onto your desktop, you should be able to import them into Audacity or whatever.

I hope that helps.

-Jason

You don't even have to do that. Just set the recorder for audio recording only and it will generate the file type you select. I use a higher MP3 setting. It will then generate an mp3 file. Easy breezy.

thanks salzdt and cebukid for listening!

i'm actually placing the Q3 on a mini-tripod ON the piano's plate itself, inside the piano. since sound quality is top priority this is the location that i've found is the best. hence, most of my videos are shot from that angle. as i said earlier, one of the drawbacks of the Q3 is the inability to separate the camera from the mics. of course i'd prefer to have the camera on the keyboard and the mics on the soundboard, but i didn't want to fuss too much with the technology when it comes time to record, and with the Q3 you just press Record and away you go.

the Q3 comes with a built-in editing application, but it's just for cropping the video. i've tried post-processing with Quicktime Pro, but when uploaded to youtube it gets compressed and loses my settings. so what you hear is pretty much the way the Q3 captures the sound, with its current settings (low noise filter off, auto gain, etc.)

i got mine off of ebay from unique_squared_inc; package deal with extra memory and a bunch of other goodies; @ $200. i highly recommend getting an AC adaptor as well.

cheers.

Hi eweiss
Where do I find the mp3 and the higher mp3 setting ?
My files are currently wav. Will mp3 give a better sound ?

All your Zoom Q3 questions answered here http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=49215.0 I know. It's a trombone forum. But you'll be surprised at how good the info is.

Entheo

Add me to the list of folks who watched and listened to your videos. I was most impressed with both the skill of your playing and the quality of your recordings.

Do you get any hiss or white noise with the Zoom Q3 (I didn't hear any in the videos)? I currently use a Flip HD camera for both my video and audio and although it is ok for my purposes I do get an annoying hiss that is quite audible through headphones.

LOL..sorry..I can't help it. A trombone forum? Now, that's as geeky as it gets...LOL.

PS-I was a band geek too, so I'm "allowed" to poke fun.

PPS-Trombone forum conjured up images from this movie (although he's not playing a trombone)..lol:

thanks bill!

no, no hiss or white noise. the Q3 has fairly high quality condenser mics, which distinguishes it from other camcorders. i too looked at the Flips, but sound quality trumped video quality for my purposes. if only the new Q3HD had a mid-gain, they'd be primed to take a bigger share of the home grown youtube music recording mkt IMHO.

Hi Momica,
I just listened to your recording of Canon in D, really enjpoyed your playing. For someone self taught you deserve a big . I have the zoom Q3and have recorded only in the audio, converted files with Audcity and uploaded to ABF recital, I have not used the video, 1. I'camera shy, 2. not sure if audacity will handle vieo. So my question is, if you upload a recording to Youtbe, is it easier to upload from Youtube to ABF recital.
Dot

I have a Zoom H2, the sound clarity from which I'm more than happy with.

For shooting HD videos with quality sound and having the ability to position the camera and mic separately, whilst obviating the need for time consuming video/sound editing, my solution will probably be to buy this camera which, crucially, has an input for an external mic, such as the H2. In this price bracket I believe it's unique in offering this function.

Thanks for the link Cruiser. This looks like the perfect option for me. I do already have the Flip HD but am not happy with the audio for piano recordings. I also have a Zoom H2 in which I'm extrememly happy with the audio. I'd like to try video but don't really want to spend a lot to upgrade. This looks like a great solution at an affordable price and reviews are pretty good too!

I really do appreciate the step by step directions (which is exactly what I need... )

But... when I do exactly the procedure you describe, I get the following error message: "Audacity recognized the type of file [and here it just repeats the long file name]. Importers supposedly supporting such files are: FFmpeg-compatible files, but none of them understood this file format."

So I'm massively confused. I get this error message, incidentally, whether I try to import the file directly from the Zoom vs. copying it to the desktop first. And my zoom file is a .mov file, just as you describe. So why isn't it working for me?!?!?

(I'm running Windows 7, but I got this error when I tried on my old computer with Windows XP. I'm also running the latest audacity version, but I got this error when I tried it with an earlier version on my old computer. I'm baffled.)

I also get this error if I try it with the raw Zoom file vs. the "finished movie" version you get after editing it with the bundled Zoom software and then saving it to the computer.

Hi Dot! Thank you so much for your nice compliments. That Canon arrangement is a pretty one, indeed.

If all you're working with are the audio files, it is easier and better to just upload to the AB forum recital from your computer, using the .mp3 file you created in Audacity (and I would normalize it first, too, for the reasons we've been talking about.) The recital software requires mp3 files, but YouTube files will generally be in other formats, e.g., .mov or .wma etc. YouTube also adds another layer of compression when uploading, so the quality won't be as good.

That being said, the recital template has a place for you to add a link to a YouTube video, and a lot of folks will both upload an mp3 file AND a YouTube link for their piece.

p.s. You don't have to be camera shy. With a judicious placement of tripod, you can arrange the video so it shows only your back or even just your hands.

For this last recital, I went very low-tech. and I converted my YouTube video to MP3. There's websites that do this for you - just google YouTube to MP3 conversion. The MP3 sounded horrible and artificial, and made my cheap Chinese piano sound even worse! I hope my Zoom H1 will improve the sound. My piano really doesn't sound that bad live, as it does in YouTube.

The Q3 also generates mp3 files. Just set the recorder to audio.

Monica,

I'm out of my depth here-- I don't use Audacity. But a quick look online suggests to me that Audacity doesn't know how to import .mov files. If this is correct, then you can't take the .mov files produced by the Q3 and import them into Audacity. (It sort of makes sense, since Audacity is a program for sound editing, and .mov is a *video* file format.)

So, if you really want to first record video, and then edit the audio from that video, you'll have to use some other program to convert the video file to an audio file; e.g. convert the .mov file into an .mp3 file. I think itunes will do that for you.

On the other hand, if you don't care about the video at all, you can just use the Q3 in audio-only mode. Then it will produce a true audio file, not a .mov file, and you can import it into Audacity.

-Jason

Well, I'm glad to hear that it is indeed a fundamental incompatibility between audacity and .mov files, and not computer stupidity on my part. But I'm sorry there's not an easy fix. I could do what you suggest, but in that case, I'd be better off just using the H4 separately and then editing it onto the Q3 video. I guess I'll just live with the slightly softer than optimal volumes for the time being.

Monica,
Thanks for the info. I think for now I will stick with just recoding audi o. When I have more time, I will fiddle with video.
Dot

I use Any Video Converter to convert .mov files to .wmv files. Works like a charm everytime.

Okay so here's a recording with the H1 that I just got today. As BenPiano suggested, I put it right inside - lid open - and put it on a "ledge."

This is audio only, by the way (playing one of my familiar pieces) - the video is just my gals at the petting zoo. (but you're welcome to give me feedback on my home movie too...lol).

I think the audio quality is great - far better than my previous videos with the flip-corder.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMjICp1yPv8