



Zoom
Zoom Q8 HD Video & 4-Track Recorder
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.
The Q8 does come 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 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.
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 Q8 offers a slew of innovative features that make it incredibly versatile.
AUDIO FEATURES
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.
VIDEO FEATURES
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.
FLEXIBLE MOUNTING
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.
USB, BATTERY LIFE, AND FILE TYPES
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.
* Apple Camera Connection Kit required.
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.
THE MUSICIAN
THE INDIE FILMMAKER
THE PODCASTER
THE BLOGGER
THE TEACHER
THE VIDEO PRO
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
XYH-6 LARGE DIAPHRAGM X/Y CAPSULE
XYH-5 SHOCKMOUNTED X/Y CAPSULE
MSH-6 MS CAPSULE
SGH-6 SHOTGUN CAPSULE
SSH-6 STEREO SHOTGUN MID-SIDE CAPSULE
Recording media | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (up to 128GB) |
Imaging sensor | 1/3-inch 3-megapixels CMOS sensor |
Optics lens | Fixed Focus (36cm to ∞), F2.0, Focal distance about 16.6 mm (35 mm equivalent) |
Video format | MPEG-4 AVC / H.264(MOV) |
Video resolutions | 3M HD (2304 x 1296) 30fps, HD1080p 30fps, HD720p 60fps, HD720p 30fps, WVGA 60fps, WVGA 30fps |
Audio formats | WAV (Quantization: 16/24bit, Sampling Frequency: 44.1/48/96kHz) AAC (Bit Rate: 64 to 320kbps, Sampling Frequency: 48kHz) |
Audio functions | Lo-cut filter (80Hz, 120Hz, 160Hz), Dynamics control (Limiter, Compressor, Leveler) |
Image functions | Digital zoom (5 steps), Scene selection (Auto / Concert Lighting / Night), Self timer (off / 3sec / 5sec / 10sec) |
Display | 2.7" wide full-color LCD, Touch screen |
Built-in mic | X/Y stereo mic (XYQ-8) 120° XY stereo format Maximum sound pressure input: 140dB SPL Input gain: -∞ to 52dB |
INPUT 1 / 2 | TRS/XLR combo jacks Input gain (PAD off): -∞ to 55dB Input gain (PAD on): -∞ to 35dB Input impedance: 1.8 kΩ or more Maximum input level: +22 dBu (PAD on) Phantom power: +12 / +24 / +48V Equivalent input noise: -120 dBu or less |
Output connector | Combined line/headphones stereo mini jack microHDMI (Type D) |
Built-in speaker | 400mW 8Ω, monaural speaker |
USB | Mini B type [Operation as mass storage] Class: USB2.0 High Speed [Operation as audio interface] Class: USB2.0 Full Speed, 16-bit/44.1kHz [Operation as webcam] WVGA/720p video size, 16-bit/48kHz audio Note: Operation as audio interface and mass storage supported with iPad (Apple Camera Connection Kit required) Note: USB bus power supported |
Power supply | Lithium-ion battery DC 4.2V maximum voltage DC 3.7V nominal voltage 1700mAh capacity |
Battery recharging times | USB: 4 hours, 30 minutes (approximate) AC adapter: 2 hours, 45 minutes (approximate) |
Battery operation time | More than 2 hours (when recording 720p/30fps) |
AC adapter | ZOOM AD-17, sold separately: DC 5V/1A |
Dimensions | Mic lowered: 158mm (L) x 48mm (W) x 69mm (H) Mic raised: 158mm (L) x 48mm (W) x 119mm (H) X/Y mic (XYQ-8): 50mm (L) x 37mm (W) x 32mm (H) |
Weight | Recorder (including battery): 300g XYQ-8 capsule: 40g) |
Included accessories | Detachable stereo X/Y microphone capsule (XYQ-8), Foam windscreen, Rechargeable Li-ion battery(BT-03), USB cable (1m), Tripod to three-prong action camera mount adapter, Lens cover, Lens hood, Strap, Operation manual |
Optional accessories | XYH-5 X/Y mic capsule, XYH-6 X/Y mic capsule, MSH-6 Mid-Side mic capsule, SGH-6 Shotgun mic capsule, SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun mic capsule |
- 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
- Supplied detachable stereo X/Y microphone (XYQ-8)
- Compatible with all Zoom microphone capsules (sold separately)
- Full-color rotating LCD touchscreen
- 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