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I'm having trouble choosing an audio recorder. My main objective is to get the one with better recording sound quality (in my price range, ~$150 USD or so). Things like extra features I don't really care about. I'm not too concerned about video either, although if it comes with that capability that's fine Mainly I'll just be using it at home for self-recording purposes.
Anyway, from what I gather, the Zoom Q3 has two condenser microphones, while the H2 has 4 microphones of the non-condensor type. They are both about the same price on amazon right now (H2 - $138 and Q3 - $149). It's my understanding that condenser mic's are better. Would it be smarter to get the Q3 under the assumption that its recording quality will be better? Or am I missing something here? You would think that a dedicated audio recorder like the H2 would be the way to go, but the price of the Q3 video recorder with its condenser microphones caused me a little confusion? Does anyone have experience with the 2 models and can comment on their recording quality?
Posts: 482
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)
RE: Zoom H2 or Zoom Q3 ?? (in reply to JuanDaBomb)
Hi Juan,
I have been using my Zoom H2 for around 2 years now. The quality of the recordings are very good, plus it has a few other features that may come handy (i.e tuner, metronome, A-B player, etc).
I have not tried Q3, so I can't comment. I think the video can be helpful. I record lessons played by my teacher and I often think that it would be helpful to see the fingers too!
Posts: 407
Joined: May 26 2010
From: Sarpsborg,Norway
RE: Zoom H2 or Zoom Q3 ?? (in reply to JuanDaBomb)
Im going for the one with a camera, the quality seems good, I have the H1 but it is basicly destroyed now...
I think having video capability is a good thing as well, and if you are pricticing you can use both sound and video to point out mistakes you do yourself( i really need that anyways )
There are some videos around here and on youtube showing the q3
RE: Zoom H2 or Zoom Q3 ?? (in reply to JuanDaBomb)
Thanks guys for the advice! I ended up going with the H2, but only because I found one used on Craigslist It works great. I think it'll cover my needs nicely.
Posts: 598
Joined: Feb. 9 2007
From: Paris, France
RE: Zoom H2 or Zoom Q3 ?? (in reply to JuanDaBomb)
I have the Q3HD... excellent sound quality but the video quality is not the best. This is definitely a toy directed more towards sound than picture. I use it to film concerts, lessons and my own practice... there's nothing bad to say about it, except that the plastic casing does not seem very solid. I have had no problem with it though, and it has gone through a lot of abuse.
All in all, I think that if it's sound you're more concerned with, then stick with the Q3 and save a few bucks... I don't think that there's a major difference in picture quality between the Q3 and the Q3HD.
In terms of sound quality they should both be the same... and they really shine there! Plus they are very easy to use... always a plus for technology challenged people like me!
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Mainly I'll just be using it at home for self-recording purposes. 
) 
It works great. I think it'll cover my needs nicely.
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