Review on 📹 Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder with 3M High Definition Video and Stereo Microphones, Dual XLR/TRS Combo Inputs, Four Tracks of Audio Recording – Ideal for Recording, Music, YouTube Videos, Livestreaming by David Sokolov

I really wish I could give this camera a higher rating. I'm a classical musician and the sound quality from a smartphone or consumer camcorder just doesn't match what I'm doing. I bought this Zoom Q8 on the recommendation of a colleague. The sound is as close to pro level as you can get for a small sub-$500 camera and on par with other Zoom audio recorders (I have an H4). The camera is small and compact. and light weight. Those working with an electronic keyboard or an external set of microphones and a mixer have the option to connect audio directly to record without hum, white noise, distortion, or unwanted "sound enhancement". Each channel has an individual gain control. So thick that I didn't test the built-in X/Y mics, but the audio quality recorded by others who have the same camera is really excellent. Here you get real HIFI quality; previously BEST. But apart from that, there are too many downsides. Let's start with video quality. That's below average, at best comparable to a first-generation security camera. The fisheye effect is very annoying. The cheapest vlogging camera, even my phone, is way better. With the Scene/Low Light setting and the (digital) zoom setting, I get something that's almost acceptable, and since video quality is NOT my priority, we'll leave it at that. The battery goes on. It empties in no time. Purchasing a spare battery and charger (not included) is essential unless you want the camera to "run on juice" with a charging cable. Speaking of which, the charging port is OLD micro-USB style. This may be done on purpose to prevent someone from plugging the juice into the new "Video Out" micro-USB port, but be aware if you need to replace or buy a longer power cord. However, the biggest problem is the video format. It ONLY creates .mov videos and has no built-in converter to other standard/more common formats like mp4. So be prepared to invest in a video format converter as .mov is not widely used. So Instagram doesn't accept it. In conclusion, if we could send a man to the moon and fly a helicopter to Mars, why isn't the industry able to develop a consumer-grade camera that delivers BOTH video and audio quality without interruption? Bank beyond my understanding. Honestly.