Designed for both music and video creators, the Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder combines HD video recording with Zoom's high-quality audio capture technology. It features a wide-angle 160° lens to capture the entire scene or stage, and records beyond Full HD resolution video up to 2304x1296 at 30 fps. On the audio side, the Q8 records up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio and inherits the interchangeable microphone system of Zoom's H5 and H6 recorders, making it compatible with a variety of optional mic capsules. Included with the Q8 is a 120° X/Y stereo condenser microphone capsule well-suited to capturing live events, concerts, or videos of yourself playing with studio-quality sound. The Q8 also features dual XLR/TRS inputs for inputting professional microphone and line-level sources, giving you up to four simultaneous channels of audio when combined with the X/Y mic capsule.

In addition to 2304x2196 video recording, the Q8 can capture 1080p video at 30 fps and 720p video at 60 or 30 fps to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards up to 128GB in size. It can also record WVGA video at 60 or 30 fps when lower file sizes are needed. Video can be monitored on a flip-out 2.7" touchscreen LCD, which also provides a convenient interface for adjusting video and audio settings. A micro HDMI port allows you to connect the camcorder to your HDTV to watch your footage. When it comes to recording audio, the Q8 provides a lot of options. When highest-quality audio is needed, you can record using 16 or 24-bit uncompressed WAV formats at 96, 48, or 44.1 kHz. When audio quality isn't as important and you want to save space on your SD card, you can choose to record audio using the compressed AAC format with bit rates from 64 to 320 kbps. A headphone/line output jack is provided for monitoring your audio.

By connecting the Q8 to your computer via USB you can use it as a card reader or a USB microphone. You can even use it as a high-quality USB webcam to stream audio and video. The USB port also provides power for charging the included 1700mAh lithium-ion battery. Also included with the Q8 are a foam windscreen, USB cable, and a 1/4"-20 to three-prong adapter for use with GoPro-style mounting accessories.

Beyond HD Recording

The Q8 captures up to 2304x1296 video at 30 fps, which gives you more resolution than Full HD 1080p. The extra resolution is useful when you want to crop or reframe a shot. You can also record in standard 1080p at 30 fps, as well as 720p video at 30 or 60 fps. Additionally, you can choose to record lower resolution WVGA formats when smaller file sizes are needed. Video is recorded in the .MOV format.

160° Wide-Angle Lens

With a wide 160° angle of view, the Q8's lens captures nearly everything in front of it. This lets you get the camera closer to the action to record clearer audio of your subject, while still capturing the entire scene. When an ultra-wide perspective isn't what you're after, a step-zoom feature lets you select from five narrower FOV options for tighter-framed shots.

High-Quality Audio Recording

The Q8 gives you the same high-quality audio formats as Zoom's dedicated audio recorders. You can record in AAC and WAV formats, up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Outboard audio controls and a touchscreen LCD let you quickly adjust and fine-tune your audio settings, including adjusting volume, gain, and low-cut filter. Audio can be recorded along with video or separately, enabling the Q8 to function as a standalone four-channel audio recorder.

Detachable Stereo X/Y Condenser Microphone Capsule

The Q8 comes equipped with a detachable X/Y stereo microphone capsule that features two matched unidirectional condenser microphones set at 120° apart. The microphones feature a maximum sound pressure input of 140 dB SPL and an input gain up to +47 dB. Because the capsule is detachable, the camera is also compatible with other Zoom microphone capsules. This means that if you already own an H5 or H6, you can swap capsules between devices.

Note: EXH-6 TRS/XLR Combo Capsule is not compatible with the Q8.

Dual XLR/TRS Combo Inputs

Dual XLR/TRS combo jacks let you input audio from external microphones and line-level sources. Each input has selectable phantom power and -20 dB pads.

Input Gain (PAD off): -∞ to 55 dB
Input Gain (PAD on): -∞ to 35 dB
Input Impedance: 1.8 kOhms or more
Maximum Input Level: +22 dBu (PAD on)
Phantom Power: +12 / +24 / +48V
Equivalent Input Noise: -120 dBu or less

2.7" LCD Touchscreen

The 2.7" LCD touchscreen can be rotated to be viewed from a variety of angles. When the screen is positioned to face the front of the camera, the image rotates so it is right side up. This is useful when recording videos of yourself playing. The touchscreen interface makes it easy to adjust video and audio settings.

USB Microphone/Webcam

By connecting to a computer using a USB cable, you can use this recorder as a card reader or USB mic, as well as a web camera to stream audio and video. You can also connect it to an iPad using the optional Apple Camera Connection Kit. The camera is compatible with Ustream Producer, Flash Live Media Encoder, Skype, and other popular streaming applications.

Operation as Mass Storage: USB 2.0 High Speed
Operation as Audio Interface: Class: USB 2.0 Full Speed, 16-bit/44.1 kHz
Operation as Webcam: WVGA/720p video size, 16-bit/48 kHz audio

Scene Presets

Choose among three different lighting settings. For most situations, choosing "Auto" will give you the best results, as it adjusts lighting conditions automatically. You can also select "Concert Lighting", which is better suited for live shows, concerts, and other situations with bright lights, or "Night" for maximizing results when recording at night or in dark environments.

Lighting Settings

Choose among three different lighting settings. For most situations, choosing "Auto" will give you the best, clearest results, as it adjusts lighting conditions automatically. You can also select "Concert Lighting", which is better suited for live shows, concerts, and other situations with bright lights. Choose "Night" for maximizing results when recording at night or in dark environments.

Camera Mounting

In addition to a 1/4"-20 threaded hole, the Zoom Q8 can be used with GoPro-compatible mounts using the included 1/4"-20 to three-prong adapter. This makes it easy to attach the camera to a mic stand, clamp it to a guitar, or place it anywhere onstage or rehearsal room.

Additional Features

Records to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards up to 128GB
Built-in audio mixer
Stereo link function
MS Matrix function converts Mid-Side signal from external mics to standard stereo
Low-cut filter (80 Hz, 120 Hz, 160 Hz)
Dynamics control (Limiter, Compressor, Leveler)
Combo headphones/line output jack for audio monitoring
Built-in 400MW monaural speaker
HDMI output for connection to HDTVs; selectable between NTSC and PAL
1700mAh Lithium-ion battery provides more than two hours when shooting at 720p 30 fps (longer in audio-only recording)
Foam windscreen included

UPC: 884354014759

Zoom Q8 Specs

Key Specs

Image Sensor	1/3"-Type CMOS
Image Stabilization	No
Zoom	Digital
Still Image Support	No
Display Type	Primary Monitor: Articulating 2.7" Touchscreen LCD
Media/Memory Card Slot	Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Type	BT-03

Imaging

Image Sensor	1/3"-Type CMOS
Sensor Resolution	Effective: 3 Megapixel
Image Stabilization	No

Optics

Focal Length	16.6mm (35mm Equivalent)
Maximum Aperture	f/2
Minimum Focus Distance	14.2" / 36 cm
Fixed Focus	Yes
Zoom	Digital

Recording

Internal Recording Modes	AVCHD/H.264 2304 x 1296 at 29.97 fps [24 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080p at 29.97 fps 1280 x 720 at 29.97/59.94 fps 800 x 480 at 29.97/59.94 fps
Still Image Support	No
Audio Recording	WAV, AAC-Channel

Exposure Control

Interval Recording	No
White Balance	No

Display

Display Type

Primary Monitor: Articulating 2.7" Touchscreen LCD

Features

Scene Modes	Presets - Yes
Creative Effects	No
Built-In Speaker	Yes

Interface

Media/Memory Card Slot	Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video I/O	1x Micro-HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Output
Audio I/O	2x XLR / 1/4" TRS Combo Input 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone/Line Output
Other I/O	1x Mini-USB (USB 2.0) Output
Remote Control	No
Mobile App Compatible	No
Wireless	No

Power

Battery Type	BT-03
Estimated Battery Life	2 Hours

General

Built-In Light	Light - No
Shoe Mount	No
Tripod Mounting Thread	1/4"-20 Female
Dimensions (W x H x D)	6.2 x 1.9 x 2.7" / 15.8 x 4.8 x 6.9 cm (With Lowered Mic Arm) 6.2 x 1.9 x 4.7" / 15.8 x 4.8 x 11.9 cm (With Raised Mic Arm)
Weight	10.58 oz / 300 g (Body Only)

Packaging Info

Package Weight	1.65 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	8.9 x 8.2 x 3"

Zoom Q8 Reviews

See any errors on this page?

question

can i use the Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone?

Asked by: Oliver

Yes you can use basic Lavalier Condesner microphones and to use the Rode SmartLAV+ you will need to use the Rode SC3 3.5mm TRRS to TRS Adaptor for smartLav.

Answered by: Whitney H.

Date published: 2018-08-26

Can Q8 output video and audio through ATEM Mini?

Asked by: Scott

Yes. The Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder will send a clean HDMI output (both audio & video - 1080i)

Answered by: Moe

Date published: 2021-11-04

CAN THIS CAMERA WORK ON PAL VIDEO SISTEM?

Asked by: gilad

The recoring system of the Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder is NTSC.

Answered by: Whitney H

Date published: 2021-12-20

question

does it 25p recording ?

Asked by: Ngan

This camera does not offer 25p recording:Video Format:2304 x 1296p at 30 fps (24 Mb/s H.264)1920 x 1080p at 30 fps (H.264)1280 x 720p at 30/60 fps (H.264)800 x 480 at 30/60 fps (H.264)

Answered by: Mark S.

Date published: 2018-08-26

question

I WANT TO KNOW IF COULD BE USED WITH ELECTRICITY AND BATTERY?

Asked by: Anonymous

The Q8 can be powered using either the internal rechargeable battery, or via USB. To power via USB, you can either use USB bus power from a computer or a Zoom AD-17 power adapter (sold separately) to connect to a wall outlet.

Answered by: Zoom Customer Support

Date published: 2023-09-13

Does it have cold shoe mounts?

Asked by: James

No. Unfortunately, it does not.

Answered by: Jabari

Date published: 2021-02-08

Is there a date/time stamp record setting?

Asked by: Couirey

No, that we are aware of, no date/time stamp record settings are available on this product.

Answered by: Bruno

Date published: 2021-12-10

question

What are the audio input impedances and levels? Are they hardware or software switched? Can you provide audio specs?

Asked by: Anonymous

These audio specifications are not published. All camera controls are accessed from the camera's MENU. Here are the available details:Microphone Recording Angle: 120Channels: StereoAudio Format: AAC and WAVSampling Frequency:AAC: 48.0 kHzWAV: 96.0 kHzWAV: 48.0 kHzWAV: 44.1 kHzBit Rate: AAC: 320.0 kbpsAAC: 256.0 kbpsAAC: 192.0 kbpsAAC: 128.0 kbpsAAC: 64.0 kbpsWAV:24.0-bitWAV:16.0-bit Owner's Guide:<a href= http://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/106913.pdf target= _blank >http://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/106913.pdf</a>

Answered by: Mark S.

Date published: 2018-08-26