The videos of Steve Gadd and Dave Weckl using it were already going round, but at Winter NAMM 2017 we wanted to see it for ourselves: the Zoom Q2n camera. And indeed, it is a very small and handy video recorder that does have a lot of features. For images, one of the best features is the high-quality 160° wide-angle lens that just makes astonishing images. Another one is that the microphones can handle sound levels up to 120 dB - and that is a lot for such a small camera. Below are all the specs in video and text. And you can watch Dave Weckl and Steve Gadd using the Q2n from Zoom.
It is probably not what you buy it for, but the Q2n is also capable of recording audio only. When you switch the camera off, the built-in X/Y mics take care of the WAV format audio files for you. That can be good, considering the amount of data the camera can store; it takes memory cards up to 128 gigabytes. Another feature worth mentioning is that the Q2n had 10 different scene-options for different lighting environments.
A disadvantage of the Q2n is that is doesn't come with the handy items that other camera brands do add to the package. The camera will cost you more when you want the regular items that make it easier to work with. For instance a shoe mount, an adapter, a strap, a lens hood or cap or even a USB to micro-USB cable. Perhaps Zoom will include some of them in the next upgrade of the camera.
The Zoom Q2n explained John Molfetas from Zoom takes you through all the Q2n features.
Dave Weckl: Introducing the Zoom Q2n
Dave Weckl and the Zoom Q2n: Groove #2
Steve Gadd and the Zoom Q2n: Live at the Blue Note Steve playing between sets at Chick Corea's 75th birthday celebration at the Blue Note in NYC.
The Zoom Q2n features
High-quality 160° wide-angle lens (F2.0/16.6 mm)
10 "Scene" options for use in different lighting environments, plus ‘Auto’ setting for automatically adjusting how the camera captures specific scene conditions
Built-in X/Y stereo microphones capable of handling sound levels up to 120 dB SPL
Can be used as standalone audio recorder, with data saved in WAV format, up to 24-bit/96 kHz
5 field of view (FOV) settings
Records directly to micro SD/SDHC/SDXC cards up to 128 GB for extended recording times
Easy one-button recording
Color LCD
Support for two HD video modes, 720p and 1080p
Video bitrates up to 24 Mbps for improved image quality
Frame rates: 1080p/30fps HD, 1080p/24fps HD, 720p/30fps HD, 720p/24fps HD
HDMI video output for connection to HDTVs, selectable between NTSC and PAL
Records video (with audio) in MOV format
Analog-style level control with onscreen level metering and 2-color status LCD on lens
Auto Gain function automatic control over audio input level
Stereo input for use with external devices plus support for plug-in power
Headphone/line-level for fast audio monitoring
Low-cut filter for the elimination of low-frequency noise and rumble
USB interface for live streaming and data transfer
Compatible with USTREAM Producer, Flash Live Media Encoder, Skype, and other popular streaming applications
Webcam and USB mic function (with direct monitoring) when used with computers and iOS devices (Apple Camera Connection Kit or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter required for use with iOS devices)
Operates with two AA batteries for approximately two hours
Built-in standard tripod mount
Included with the Q2n
2 x AA batteries
Operation manual
Optional Q2n accessories
WSU-1 universal hairy windscreen
HS-1 hot shoe mount
MA-2 tripod to mic stand adapter for Handy Recorders
