Anybody try a Zoom Q3HD?

[gtone]

Just picked one up for a stupid low price, so figured I couldn't go wrong. Impressions?

[Feynman]

I borrowed one for a day, so my opinions are nearly without merit:

It didn't do too well with the low light of my practice room, and if it had any way to zoom, I couldn't find it. The audio quality was very good (for solo classical guitar at least).

I'd like to find a good simple solution for these things, so if you can provide an extended use report I'd be interested in reading it.

[gtone]

Online reviews (FWTW) seem to echo the same sentiments - good audio and some serious trade-offs in video capabilities. Was thinking I'd use it to hone skills in practice and maybe post the odd video. While the jury's out on how well it'll perform for that, this unit is a lock to sound better than the digital video recorder we now have (couldn't be worse). Guess I'll find out about the light levels in my music room soon enough.

[geoff_hartwell]

I have both the Q3 and the Q3hd, and have used both for posting to my YouTube account.

The Q3HD is miles ahead as a video device, but still limited. For a stage performance it's fine. Low light bar, not so much. Bring fresh batteries for each set - they run out of juice about every hour. And make sure to stop it periodically - if you leave it going for an hour then stop it, the info will be lost as it tries to save a huge file to the flash memory. I typically have someone hold it for a song or two then trade off with someone else. This also makes it way easier to upload/edit etc.

If you're planning on filming indoors, experiment with each of the video settings (auto, concert, night - I generally prefer 'night' unless it's in broad daylight) and plan on sourcing some extra light. A floor lamp pointed at the ceiling and a couple of desk lamps (one on either side) will make a huge difference.

For what your intending (rehearsal and basic video upload) it will be perfect, once you get used to it.

Best of Luck,

Geoff

[gtone]

Many thanks for the feedback and tips, Geoff.

I'd seen the clips of you and Sonny Landreth before (killer, btw...), but it didn't occur to me that they were recorded via Q3HD. I think I'd be satisfied with that audio quality, but I can see your points about the video quality, particularly indoors or in low light. Thinking the steadiness of a tripod can only help the cause with these.

[Morris Davis]

I have a q3hd. Same issues - great audio, mediocre (at be) video. About the battery life - use energizer lithium,not alkaline. Will last a few hours no problem.

[Thundernotes]

I have one and like it, for what it is: Simple and relatively cheap. I think it's a great teaching tool for observing your playing and sound. Captures all your guitar-faces too!

[Feynman]

For anyone in the market, check out the Olympus LS-20m as well.

I suppose at these prices and form factors that anything is a compromise, but it sure seems handy.

[gtone]

I have a q3hd. Same issues - great audio, mediocre (at be) video. About the battery life - use energizer lithium,not alkaline. Will last a few hours no problem.

Thanks for that tip, Morris...

[Feynman]

How's it working out for you? I'm torn between the two models, and am really hoping someone comes out with something better than both. I'm fairly impatient though, so I'm feeling the itch.

[gtone]

Still hasn't made it here yet (shipped outta the MidWest). Some Canada Customs dude's likely trying it out for me as we speak...

[gtone]

Item arrived, it's a Q3 vs the advertised Q3HD model. Guess that explains the stupid low price. Hopefully E-Bay seller and I can get this resolved!

[Thundernotes]

They are certainly NOT the same thing. Hope you get some satisfaction with the seller.

[gtone]

What would have been a "stupid low" price for a Q3HD turned out to be a "stupid high" price for the Q3. Seller offered a generous refund claiming that she didn't know the difference, so I took that rather than taking a beating on return shipping and waiting 3 wks for a full refund. I realize the Q3 is inferior to the Q3HD, but at the end of the day, I got it up for a decent price and it might just work for what I need it for. If I decide to upgrade to the Q3HD, Olympus or whatever down the road, can prolly sell this locally or one of my sons can use it.

[geoff_hartwell]

Right On.

It'll be fine for personal videos (in lots of light and for audio reference for rehearsals and jams.

Please post an update when you can!

GH

[gtone]

Initial impressions?

1) There's a fairly sharp learning curve with these things. So much so, that you find yourself concentrating on light/sound issues and battery life instead of your playing. Once I get those sorted, can concentrate more on that aspect and use this thing for its intended purpose.

2) It loves mids, lows are OK but highs distort very easily. Interestingly, seems you have to attenuate highs to the point where you starting wading in the muck and lose almost all articulation. It doesn't translate that way on the recordings, but you do lose a healthy amount of "cut" and presence as a result.

3) Onboard mics are very sensitive. Need decent volume levels in order to cover noises from picking, fingers sliding on strings, stomach ruminations, etc.

4) The video quality is pretty marginal (imagine the Q3HD's a good step up) - quite grainy, but should suffice for my needs (can't wait to record band rehearsals).

5) Seems to benefit from supplementary light, but be careful what you use and how you use it! First test clip has flourescent worklight from floor - bright, high shadows and orange hoodie burns out your retinas!

Second clip has same light, but placed on top of son's Ampeg SVT full stack.

6) As much tone as you lose recording, you get further degradation uploading to Youtube. Makes you appreciate how good someone must sound live if they have pretty good tone on YT (yes, I'm talking about guys like Geoff Hartwell, Jaye Isham, etc.).

First clip - farting around with cowboy chords, some delay and two small amps:

Zoom Q3 test 1 - import Standard

Second clip - a bit of rhythym playing and a drum machine, big amp: