Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder

Overview

The Q8 marries high-definition video with high-resolution audio, making it the perfect camera for music and video creators everywhere. Its 160 degree wide-angle lens and digital zoom ensure that you’ll always capture the complete picture. Combine that with ZOOM’s groundbreaking interchangeable mic capsule system and two XLR-TRS combo inputs, and you have a world of audio options.

Complete compatibility for total versatility.

The Q8 comes with its own specially designed detachable X/Y microphone, yet it’s compatible with many Zoom microphone capsules. If you already use an H5 or H6, you can swap their capsules with the Q8 too. (* EXH-6 TRS/XLR Combo Capsule is not compatible with the Q8.) 

The Total Package

The Q8 offers a large full-color LCD touchscreen for ease of use, along with a wealth of advanced features. Dual combo XLR/TRS inputs allow the connection of external microphones and line-level sources, and a built-in speaker and stereo Headphone/Line Out jack provide audio monitoring; there’s even an HDMI output for video monitoring. 

Its high-quality 160-degree wide-angle lens and flexible mounting options mean that you can shoot high-def video anywhere you go. Plus, there’s a USB output that allows the Q8 to be interconnected with your computer so you can use it with your favorite streaming or editing software.

Your Go-To Tool 

Whether you’re a musician, indie filmmaker, podcaster, blogger, teacher, or video pro, you’ll find the Q8 to be the perfect creative companion.

The Evolution Continues

The Q8 offers a slew of innovative features that make it incredibly versatile.

Full range, crystal clarity. 

The Q8 delivers that same great Zoom sound quality you’ll find in all of our products, with support for high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio. It comes with a high-quality detachable X/Y microphone or you can connect different Zoom mic capsule. 

A low-cut filter and foam windscreen allow you to eliminate low-frequency noise and rumble, and there are three Dynamics settings, as well as a built-in compressor and limiter. Audio can be recorded along with video, or the Q8 can be used as a standalone stereo or four-channel audio-only recorder. 

Go beyond High Definition.

The Q8 goes beyond standard HD, offering 3M HD (2304 x 1296 pixels @ 30fps /24mbps) as well as two kinds of HD (24mbps and 16mbps for increased storage capability) at frame rates of up to 60 fps at 720p for capturing fast action video. 

Its F2.0 aperture / 160˚ wide-angle lens ensures that you’ll capture every moment with full realism and sharp definition. Three “Scene” presets allow you to use the Q8 in a variety of different lighting conditions. And support for both standard and HD video file formats assures that you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to storage and streaming. 

Change your point of view.

Need a different POV? The Q8’s got you covered. Not only can it be attached to any standard tripod, it comes with a tripod-to-three-prong converter, so you can use it with every kind of action camera mount, too. 

Take your Q8 onstage and mount it to your mic stand, amp, or drum kit. Shoot video from front row center and use the supplied stereo X/Y microphone to capture the audience experience. Or use the Q8 at the mixing position and record the feed from the board, as well as the sound of the room. Use multiple Q8s for a dramatic mix of different angles — the full-color touchscreen LCD is fully rotatable so you can always view your image regardless of camera positioning. 

Connectivity, power to spare, and selectable file formats. 

A built-in USB port enables live streaming and allows the Q8 to be used as a webcam or USB microphone. It also allows connection with other equipment and computer software — even an iPad* — for post-production capability. . 

The supplied lithium-ion battery that powers the Q8 can be recharged easily in the studio or in the field, using either an optional AC adapter or via USB. Battery life is more than two hours when shooting at 720p/30fps. In audio recording-only mode, battery life is extended further still. 

The Q8 records directly to SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, up to 128GB. Video is stored in MOV file format, with various HD settings for maximum video quality, or you can shoot in standard definition (SVGA) when space or streaming bandwidth is at a premium. 

Recorded audio can be integrated directly into the MOV file, or audio can be saved separately from the video data. 

Whatever you’re into music, video, podcasting, blogging, or teaching the Q8 can help you achieve your creative goals. Here are just a few suggestions for ways it can be used.

Musicians: Capture the total experience.

Great performances can be elusive … but with the Q8, they can live forever. Capture the total experience — not just the sights but the sounds, too. Shoot video from the audience and use the supplied wide-angle X/Y mic to capture immersive sound. Take your Q8 onstage to get close and provide the musician’s perspective. Or use it at the mixing position to combine sharp high-def video and stereo room sound with the crisp, clean audio signal coming straight from the board. 

Indie Filmakers: Run and gun

The compact size of the Q8 and its compatibility with both tripod mounts and three-prong action camera mounts mean you can shoot footage anywhere, from perspectives other cameras simply cannot capture. Take it to remote locations. Indoors or outdoors, wherever you go, you can count on your Q8 to deliver crisp video with superior audio.

The Podcaster: Unique perspective, pro quality.

Get creative and do it right. By bringing together high-definition video and high-resolution 24-bit/96k audio, the Q8 allows you to take your YouTube creations and podcasts to a whole new level. Use your Q8 to educate and entertain, turn viewers into subscribers, and let advertisers know that you’re the real deal. 

The blogger: Make a Statement

Don’t let anything get in the way of the story. The Q8 is perfect for electronic newsgathering, for conducting interviews, and for creating personal video blogs and podcasts. Capture video and audio to an SD card for later editing with your favorite software or stream it live; you can even use the Q8 as a web camera or USB microphone. 

The Teacher: Spread the Word

With its high-quality sound and crisp, sharp video, the Q8 is the perfect teaching tool, ideal for creating detailed video lessons and demonstrating fingerings, bowings, and other playing skills. Use it to capture students’ rehearsals and performances so they can review and perfect both form and technique, documenting and enabling their musical growth. 

The Video Pro: Features that matter. 

With single-button recording, self-timer, high quality wide-angle lens, and sensing options that automatically adapt to various lighting situations, the Q8 is the ideal tool for creating professional-quality videos with pristine audio. 

Transfer the files to your favorite editing software via USB and turn your raw footage into high-quality productions. The Q8’s compact size makes it the perfect B-roll camera too, allowing you to go where your big rig can’t and capture video from unusual angles. You can even use the Q8 as a standalone audio field recorder. 

Use the Optimal Mic Every Time

The Q8's modular design means that you can always use the best microphone for every recording environment. (* These mic capsules except XYQ-8 are optional accessories.) 

XYQ-8 WIDE-ANGLE X/Y CAPSULE: Immersive audio for Incredible video. 

X/Y stereo recording allows you to cover a wide area yet still maintain a strong center image. The XYQ-8 capsule is specially designed for use with the Q8. It features two matched unidirectional condenser microphones set at 120 degrees relative to one another for immersive stereo that compliments the wide-angle image delivered by the Q8 lens. 

XYH-6 LARGE DIAPHRAGM X/Y CAPSULE: Audio so clear, it's like you're there. 

The XYH-6 capsule allows you to craft realistic stereo recordings in every kind of environment. It adds dual large diaphragm mic elements with adjustable width—choose 90 degrees for a more focused sound or 120 degrees for a wider stereo image. It's a great choice for live recording and for capturing sound effects in the field. 

XYH-5 SHOCKMOUNTED X/Y CAPSULE: From jet engine to pin dropping. 

The two matched unidirectional condenser microphones in the XYH-5 capsule are housed within an advanced shockmount to minimize vibration and handling noise. The design of the XYH-5 also allows it to handle extremely loud sounds, making it perfect for use at live rock concerts, for SFX/foley work, and for electronic newsgathering. 

MSH-6 MS CAPSULE: Mid-side possibilities. 

Mid-Side recording allows you to precisely shape your sound. The MSH-6 MS Capsule contains dual mic elements: a forward-facing, unidirectional mic (the “Mid”) and a side-facing, bi-directional mic (the “Side”). They capture a fully mono-compatible stereo image, making the MSH-6 ideal for film, video, and television projects. 

SGH-6 SHOTGUN CAPSULE: Focused sound, compact size.

The SGH-6 Shotgun Capsule adds a professional-quality, highly directional microphone to the Q8, creating the perfect setup for broadcast and ENG (electronic newsgathering) applications. Three elements combined with digital signal processing inside the SGH-6 give you the highly directional pickup power of a conventional shotgun mic in a unit only half the size—great for recording dialogue and narration with no intrusive mic in the scene. 

SSH-6 STEREO SHOTGUN MID-SIDE CAPSULE: The best of both worlds. 

The SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun capsule adds a super-directional mic for capturing sounds directly in front, plus a bi-directional one for capturing ambient sounds. It's ideal for location recording, allowing videographers and content creators to capture dialogue or narration with the center microphone and mixing in the desired amount of environmental sound captured by the side microphone. 

Features

• Records directly to SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, up to 128GB
• High-quality 160° wide angle lens with selectable viewing angles (F 2.0/16.6mm) 
• Uses a system of interchangeable audio input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera
• Supplied detachable stereo X/Y microphone (XYQ-8) 
• Compatible with all Zoom microphone capsules (sold separately) 
• Full-color rotating LCD touchscreen
• Support for five HD video modes, up to 2304 x 1296 pixels (3M HD), as well as two WVGA modes
• Frame rates of up to 60 fps for capturing fast action video and slow motion playback
• Three imaging sense options (AUTO/CONCERT/NIGHT) for use in all lighting environments
• Self timer
• Digital zoom
• Records video in MOV format (with or without audio) 
• Records audio in AAC and WAV formats, up to 24-bit/96k
• Up to four tracks of simultaneous audio recording
• Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad
• Analog-style gain controls for each input
• Built-in audio mixer
• Stereo link function
• Built-in compressor, limiter, and leveler
• MS Matrix function converts Mid-Side signal from external mics to standard stereo
• Supplied foam windscreen and low-cut filter for the elimination of low-frequency noise and rumble
• Dedicated Headphone output / Line out 
• Built-in speaker for fast monitoring
• HDMI video output for connection to HDTVs, selectable between NTSC and PAL
• USB interface for live streaming and data transfer to and from computer editing software
• Webcam and USB mic function for use with external devices such as computers and iPads (Apple Camera Connection Kit required) 
• Direct monitoring for zero latency during use as a USB mic
• Compatible with USTREAM Producer, Flash live Media Encorder, Skype, and other popular streaming applications
• SD card reader function
• Rechargeable Li-Ion battery (chargeable via USB or optional AC adapter) 
• Battery life of more than 2 hours 
• Standard tripod mount
• Includes tripod-to-three-prong converter for compatibility with all action camera mounts