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Zoom Q8 Video recorder with stereo microphone

Item # 851ZQ8

You don't need a whole production crew to capture high-definition videos with detailed, pro-quality sound —...

You don't need a whole production crew to capture high-definition videos with detailed, pro-quality sound —...

Item # 851ZQ8

Shop all Zoom Video Cameras

About the Zoom Q8

Ralph Graves

Shoot videos that look and sound great

You don't need a whole production crew to capture high-definition videos with detailed, pro-quality sound — just a Zoom Q8. This camera's compact design means it travels easily with you wherever you want to record. Place it in front of the stage to capture your band's live performances, or even bring it up on stage with you for a different perspective. High-quality built-in stereo mics and versatile audio inputs make this camera ideal for video blogging, webcasts, and other kinds of creative video work, too.

Shoot videos that look and sound great

You don't need a whole production crew to capture high-definition videos with detailed, pro-quality sound — just a Zoom Q8. This camera's compact design means it travels easily with you wherever you want to record. Place it in front of the stage to capture your band's live performances, or even bring it up on stage with you for a different perspective. High-quality built-in stereo mics and versatile audio inputs make this camera ideal for video blogging, webcasts, and other kinds of creative video work, too.

Zoom Q8

Pro-quality microphones are built in

The recorder's detachable X/Y stereo microphone pair can record professional-quality sound to an optional SDXC memory card. Capture AAC audio files to save space, or record uncompressed stereo WAV tracks with resolution up to 24-bit/96kHz. For even more detailed sound, you can connect two additional microphones, to lay down a total of four tracks simultaneously. The Q8 features two XLR/TRS combo connector inputs with selectable phantom power, so you can use dynamic or condenser microphones, or line-level signals from a mixer.

Simple audio controls

Rely on the camera's automatic gain settings, or adjust the levels manually as you need. The built-in stereo mic module and the additional inputs have easy-to-use gain knobs for dialing in your levels precisely. A low-cut switch helps eliminate low-end rumble. And for recording outdoors, the included foam windscreen minimizes rustles from wind gusts.

Simple video controls

The Q8 also makes video recording easy. It features three lighting modes: "Concert" for settings with bright stage lights, "Night" for low-light clubs and venues, and "Auto" for just about everything else. You can also switch to Manual mode and make your own adjustments.

Monitor your recording in real time using the Q8's built-in speaker or headphone output with adjustable volume control. The rotating 2-11/16” LCD touchscreen lets you frame your shots and adjust settings — whether you're behind the camera or in front of it. The monitor is detachable, too, so you can save battery life when you don't need it.

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Product highlights:

  • detachable stereo X/Y microphone
  • removable 2-11/16" full-color rotating LCD touchscreen
  • records directly to optional SDXC cards
  • f/2.0 fixed wide-angle lens
  • included foam windscreen helps reduce low-frequency noise
  • built-in speaker
  • built-in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with over 2 hours operation
Video Features:
  • supports WVGA and 3M HD video formats up to 2304 x 1296 pixels at 30fps/24 Mbps
  • supports 24 Mbps and 16 Mbps high-def video with frame rates up to 60fps
  • three video preset options (Auto/Concert/Night) for use in a wide range of lighting environments
  • 4X digital zoom
  • compatible with Skype®, USTREAM Producer, and other live-streaming applications
Audio Features:
  • supports AAC and uncompressed WAV audio formats up to 24-bit/96kHz
  • three-position mic gain switch with Auto-Gain control (Concert/Meeting/Solo) and Peak LED
  • low-cut filter for the elimination of low-frequency noise and rumble
  • built-in audio mixer
  • record video soundtracks or make stand-alone stereo or four-channel audio-only recordings
Connections:
  • two combination XLR/TRS mic/line inputs with selectable phantom power
  • 1/8" line-level/headphone output with dedicated volume control
  • mini-HDMI output for connection to HDTVs, selectable between NTSC and PAL
  • mini-USB for live streaming and data transfer to and from computer editing software (cable included)
Included accessories:
  • foam windscreen
  • 50 cm USB cable
  • tripod to three-prong action camera mount adapter
  • lens cover
  • lens hood
  • strap
Specifications:
  • recorder (microphone closed): 2"W x 4-3/4"H x 6-1/4"D
    • weight: 10.6 oz.
  • LCD screen (detached): 1-5/8"W x 1-15/16"H x 3-7/16"D
    • weight: 1.8 oz.
  • warranty: 1 year parts and labor
  • MFR # ZQ8

What's in the box:

  • Digital video and audio recorder
  • BT-03 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (3.7V 1700mAh 6.29Wh)
  • Lens hood (with tether string)
  • Lens cover
  • Foam windscreen
  • Wrist strap
  • Accessory mount adapter
  • 40" USB cable (Type A USB on one end and Mini-B 2.0 USB on other end)
  • User Guide
  • Included items list
  • Optional mic capsules card
  • Warranty registration card
  • Q8 Recommended SDHC/SDXC cards
  • Disposal statement

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Product Research

Features
Recording Features

Features

Overview: The Zoom Q8 is an HD video and 4-track digital audio recorder combined, designed for music and video creators, podcasters, bloggers, and educators. It features an interchangeable mic system and two XLR/TRS combo jacks. The Q8 has a 2.7" wide full color LCD touchscreen panel, and comes with a rechargeable battery, and a variety of accessories.

Lens: The Q8 features an F2.0 fixed focus wide angle lens with a focal distance of about 16.6mm (35mm equivalent). The focus range is 14.2" to infinity. The camera has a digital zoom with five levels that allow you to get closer to your subject. A slip-on lens cap is included to protect the lens when not in use. In addition, a lens hood is supplied to help keep out unwanted light.

Microphones (L/R Input): The Q8 comes with the detachable XYQ-8 Stereo Microphone capsule, with two unidirectional condenser microphones in a 120° X/Y configuration. The microphones can handle sounds up to 140dB SPL. A single rotary Input Gain control lets you change the level of the L/R input. A foam windscreen is included for use when recording outdoors in windy conditions. When not in use, you can lower the mic capsule so it is flush with the top of the recorder. You can remove the XYQ-8 capsule and attach other optional capsules, such as the SGH-6 Shotgun Mic, SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun microphone capsule, XYH-5 Shock-mounted X/Y microphone capsule, XYH-6 X/Y Mic capsule, or the MSH-6 Mid-Side Mic.

XLR/TRS Combo (1/2 Input): On the back of the Q8 are two combo connectors that can accept either XLR or TRS balanced or unbalanced 1/4" cables. The inputs can handle both mic-level and line-level signals with ease, with internal switching contacts automatically detecting the signal type. If you are using high-quality condenser (powered) microphones, a simple menu option provides Phantom Power (+12V/+24V/+48V) to the Inputs 1/2. Two rotary gain controls allow you to independently set the levels for Input 1 and 2.

Outputs: The Q8 features several outputs on the rear panel: a 3.5mm combined line/headphone stereo output, a Micro HDMI (Type D) output, and a Mini-B 2.0 USB port. The USB port can be used as mass storage, an audio interface (44.1k/16-bit), and a webcam (WVGA/720p video/48kHz 16-bit audio). USB bus power is also supported.

Recording Formats: The Zoom Q8 has a 1/3" 3MP CMOS image sensor, and can record video in MOV format (MPEG-4 AVH/H.264) in the following resolutions: 3M HD (2304 x 1296) 30 fps, HD 1080p 30 fps, HD 720p 60 fps, HD 720p 30 fps, WVGA 60 fps, and WVGA 30 fps. Audio is recorded in uncompressed WAV files (16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96kHz sampling) or compressed AAC (64-320kbps bit rate / 48kHz sampling).

Recording Media: The Q8 Handy Recorder records video and audio to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards up to 128 GB. No memory card is included with the recorder.

Power Requirements: The Q8 is powered by the BT-03 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. The battery can be charged in the camera via USB in about 4 hours 30 minutes. With the optional Zoom AD-17 battery charger, the battery can be charged in 2 hours 45 minutes. Operation time on a fully charged battery is approximatly 3.5 hours (recording 720p/30fps with LCD closed). With typical use, the battery lasts about 2 hours (recording 720p/30fps with LCD opened and condenser mic connected to combo jack).

Mounting Options: The Q8 has a 1/4" threaded tripod mount that allows you to place the recorder on a tripod or other mount with a 1/4" screw. The included Accessory Mount Adapter allows you to mount the Q8 onto a standard GoPro swivel mount.

Recording Features

Recording Modes: The Zoom Q8 offers the following recording modes:

  • MOV: The four channels of audio from the mic capsule L/R inputs and external 1/2 inputs are mixed to stereo and saved together with the video into a single video file (MOV format).
  • MOV+WAV: Audio files recorded in WAV format are saved for each audio track at the same time as video files. The audio from the mic capsule L/R inputs and the audio from the external 1/2 inputs are saved as separate files.
  • Stereo Audio: The four channels of audio from the mic capsule L/R inputs and external 1/2 inputs are mixed to stereo and saved as a single stereo audio file. No video is recorded.
  • Multi-Audio: The four channels of audio from the mic capsule L/R inputs and external 1/2 inputs are saved as separate audio files (WAV).

Mixer Screen: The Q8 has a built-in mixer and audio processor that allows you to control the input and output signals with the following tools:

  • Low-Cut Filter: The Low-cut filter can be used to reduce the effect of wind noise and vocal pops on your recording. You can set the cutoff frequency at 80Hz, 120Hz, or 160Hz.
  • Dynamics: The Dynamics digital effect offers three settings to reduce audio dynamics and compensate for volume changes:
    • Limiter: The limiter reduces the levels when input signals exceed a set level.
    • Compressor: The compressor reduces high levels and boosts low levels.
    • Leveler: If low-level sound continues, the input signal can be amplified and adjusted to make the volume even.
  • Input Pad: When you're connecting a mixer with a standard output level of +4dB, you can set the Q8 to reduce the signal level by -20dB.
  • External MS Matrix: Signals from an MS format (Mid-Side) stereo mic through inputs 1/2 can be converted to an ordinary stereo (left/right) signal.

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