Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder (Metal Blue) Review
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Been using this product for about a month now, and I'm generally really loving it, but I knew exactly what I was getting into before I bought it. I'm not going to rehash too much what's already been said about this product in other reviews, but on a very basic level, it's good if you're expecting non-HD video, and know that the mics in it are from the Zoom H4 product and not the H2 which had superior and twice as many mics.
That being said, I recently discovered that there is a firmware update for the Q3 (version 2.01, released on Jan 5th 2010) and I STRONGLY recommend Q3 users apply this update immediately. It can be downloaded from their Japanese site here: [...] download link and instructions are in English on that page
The main function of this update is to address how the video records in low light situations. Before the firmware update it was nearly impossible to get good video recordings in low light situations (such as in a small concert venue) the video was too dark often resulting in near black recordings. The firmware update gives you two video settings now, Automatic which is good for low light situations, and Concert Lighting which is designed for high light situations. The change in video quality in Automatic mode is stunning, significantly increasing viewing capabilities in low light. For example, shooting in my living room with the original firmware at night with just a soft diffused floor lamp the room was very dark and I was unable to make out anything else except the light itself. On the new firmware with the exact same lighting situation, the whole room is light now and visible in the video, even the darker recesses of the room are viewable. Similar results with the Concert Lighting setting, this one I won't be able to check out anytime soon, but regardless both video options now are considerably brighter than the original firmware making my initial disappointment with this product smoothed over very nicely. Keep up the great work Zoom!
Also it's worth going back to that site every now and then to check for more firmware updates.
Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder (Metal Blue) Feature
- Built-in stereo condenser microphones with X/Y configuration for true stereo imaging
- Get up to 1 hour of video with bundled 2GB SD card
- Accepts up to a 32GB SDHC card for 16 hours of video
- Video resolution of 640 x 480 at 30 frames/sec (MPEG-4 SP)
- Includes on-board editing software, YouTube uploader software, Apple Quicktime, TV cable, softcase, windscreen, 2GB SD card, two AA Batteries
Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder (Metal Blue) Overview
The Q3 Handy Video Recorder brings Zoom's renowned audio technology to the camcorder, making it the best sounding video camcorder you've ever heard. The Q3 uses the same microphone capsules as our industry-leading H4n Handy Recorder and is perfect for recording anything where great audio and video are a must. From live musical performances and rehearsals, interviews, conferences to video podcasts, journalism, education, recitals, weddings or sports, the Q3's pristine audio quality takes your videos to another level.Designed with everything you need to make your movies right out of the box, the Q3 includes HandyShare software for editing, and a 2GB SD card for up to 1 hour of video recording time. And the Q3 will also accept up to 32GB SDHC cards for a staggering 16 hours of moviemaking!The Q3 puts a little bit of video and a whole lot of audio together in one quick and easy to use camcorder that lets you produce great movies on the go.
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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 25, 2010 02:52:59
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