Perfect, thank you for this comparison. I was put off by the grainy video in the original Q8 and purchased a Q2n 4K around 2 years ago. Was waiting for Zoom to come up with an updated version of the Q8. After seeing your very concise yet informative review and a few other reviews where the video samples were presented, I must say that I am disappointed with Zoom. I tolerated the video on the Q2n 4K and planned to sell it when the Q8n arrived, but other than the benefit of XLR inputs and swappable mic modules, the product seems not worth the effort. I would even pay more if they at least had an included an optical zoom lens as opposed to the grainy digital zoom. I like Zoom audio products on the whole, but they seem to keep missing the mark on the video end. I am not expecting pro quality video by any means at this price point, however, what's on offer is uninspiring especially after so many years since the original Q8 was released.
I agree, but I will say that my Panasonic G7, with a Zoom H5 for videos is wonderful with cost at the $1000+- mark. I think Zoom is targeting this for music makers that otherwise wouldn’t have an decent option.
Thank you. Saved me $399. I"ve had the Q2n-4K and really hoped that the difference in the camera bodies (and the prices) indicated a real upgrade in the video quality. The "4K" doesn't really deliver the expected image quality, unfortunately. This has been a great camera for recording rock band rehearsals and performances, but it's not capable of creating quality video content. I can hear what I need to hear and the image tells me what's happening at the time. I have an older Canon DSLR that takes a beautiful image but it's big and bulky. I've been looking at the GoPro offerings but really can't get a sense of audio quality. They aren't really targeting musicians. The video quality seems much better though, and if an external mic could match or surpass the Zoom audio quality, I would get it.
I used the GoPro for a very long time until the Hero 8. Video quality didn’t seem as good as prior GoPro. Sound is not that great even with the media mod. I’m with you buying the zoom sound with better video. A lot of TH-camrs use compact mirrorless with onboard mic. I have used my Panasonic G7 with the Zoom H5 plugged in for sound. Comes out great.
My favourite use for this is plugging my NU-X mighty space from the phones output into the ext on the q2 and recording playing over a backing track. It records in studio quality. Obviously films it too. 👍
Hi! Thanks for this awesome video. I was just wondering as I have a heavy metal band (myself the vocalist, a bassist, guitarist & drummer) guitars are electric so have distortion. Would the q8n4k or q2n4k be better for our band? Are we able to plug all instruments into a mixer with the 2n4k or would it be better for me to buy the 8n. Basically not sure which one to purchase for plug in reasons. If you could recommend which is suitable for a full heavy metal lineup band that would be great. Thanks!
Just found your channel searching for info on the q2n. Instant sub. A simple camera with a TRS line in is what I've been searching for and this seems to fit the bill perfectly. I have no use for XLR inputs so good to know there's no need in purchasing the q8 (for me). Would you recommend any other cameras like the q2n? Do they exist?
Hi Deb, I'm trying to find a camera in order to record some covers that I'm going to post on various platforms and I've read that the Zoom brand is among the best producers for best budget cameras audio-wise. I'd like to know if the video is really that low quality or if it's somewhat average. I've checked online and I've found that the Q2n camera is 12 megapixels (which is not that much, considering that Huawei P8, a 2015 smartphone, has the same amount). Bear in mind that I'm not interested in super high quality videos, I'd just like to know if a Q2n 4k can get the job done. Thank you for the video.
I think the Q2n would be great for you. If you have good light the video is good. Sounds is always great with Zoom. The Q8n and Q2n are easy to use. No fuss or setup. Truly point and shoot. I would not recommend this for photos.
Don't think of 12 megapixels, as in stills. In video quality, 4K , Best quality (means bigger files more battery cap.) 1080P, a step down ( smaller files with slightly less quality but longer battery cap) and 720 P is smaller files and less quality, ( more than enough the Phones BTW). The beauty of the q2n-4k is it's small and GREAT sound, acceptable video, easy set up and placement. I don't like the screen on the back, its hard to frame the shot accurately, especially against a wall or up high, it's just aim and pray. I would love the flip out screen SET UP of the q8N-4K on the Q2N-4K, are you hearing this Zoom? maybe in the next version? Domo aregato.
I have the small one, and just got the big one as well, but for some reason the video quality on it is much worse than the other one... I expected it to look either the same, or better, but somehow it's much worse. Any ideas on what's up with that?
The settings will make a huge difference as well as lighting. Try them both at the same time, with same presets, and they should be equal. They have the exact same camera specs.
Thank you ! I have a question, for the recorder , q8n and q2n which one you think is better ? Only for the recorder song , because they have different recorder .
Hi, Would you be kind enough to tell me what the finished product file size would be of a single .mov File with Audio from all four sources (2 XLR mics and the the 2 x XY Zoom Mics that come with the device) with the video set to 720p, 30FPS for 45 minutes? I have to sit a performance music exam soon and the college are insisting that the file size be less than 1gb for a 45 minute video. I am hoping that the zoom Q8n will be all I need for this exam. Thank you.
Zoom is a great audio product company but this venture into video has left a lot to be desired. I fell for the "shiny stuff", the bells and whistles and buttons. So when I received my Q2n-4K on Saturday, I was excited. That was until I unpacked everything. This thing is not much larger than a GoPro and doesn't come close to any 4K imaging I've ever seen. The monitor on the rear of the device looks like it's straight out of Flip Phone land. Why this thing comes with a wide angle lens hood is beyond me. It has so many hands-on features that you'd think they all functioned. My tests showed that regardless of the video settings from 4K to 720p, the noise and poor quality went up and down the line. The various filters tend not to live up to their designated names and functions and the lid that protects the batteries and the SDXC card is so poorly produced that if you pull the locking latch too hard or quickly, it will eventually break. Don't get me wrong. The concept of this product is amazing but the engineering and execution doesn't match the underserved hype. My 1080p Logitec Logi computer streaming camera looks more 4K than the Q2n-4K. It was originally $249.00 but dropped to $199.00. There's a reason for that and it's the low performance of the product. I received mine on this past Saturday and I couldn't wait to contact Zoom Monday morning to start the return process. Don't waste your money on the Q2n-4K unless they drop the price another $100.00 and then you still might be overpaying for it.
The Zoom camera venture is definitely geared towards sound as opposed to video. Too bad we can’t have GoPro video with Zoom Q sound. You definitely have to pay attention to light and the different camera modes as this makes a huge difference in video quality.
I am still using the Q3HD, which is close to 10 yrs old. Guess I am leaning toward the Q2n4k since I usually use the line in from my mixer on my TH-cam videos. Though it seems the Q2n 4K is getting dated. Thanks
Good morning Bob. You definitely need to replace your Q3. Anything you get will be huge improvement on video. I’m using the Q2n 4K and don’t see a need to upgrade it. I bought it on a fluke when I saw it on Reverb.com used. Figured I’d give it a try. With very low expectations I had intended to try it and resell it. Well, I’m using it a year later. If you don’t need the additional plugins this camera has the same lens and onboard mics as the Q8n.
I’m making multicam videos as a Drummer with 4 views. Sound NOT important as the drum kit will be premixed through a digital console X32. So just need good picture . Being I need 4 cameras price is issue. It actually looked like the Q2N had a better color , cleaner picture. So I’m leaning that way and not bad to get 4K for $880 for 4 cameras !!!
Year after year Zoom continues to get it wrong against available Lens Technology. WHY?? If you own a Q8..... KEEP IT and Supplement the cheap video quality with your basic $200 cell phone camera.
I think Zoom is trying to balance the cost against the device for musician not necessarily a photographer- videographer. Would be very nice to see a product come out for both even in the $1000 range.
You will find filming with good lighting makes a HUGE difference. Lighting is everything with the Zoom cameras. Mount it on tripod, use with good lighting and play with the different video settings. You will go from bad flip phone to good video.
I disagree. This was the side-by-side review I needed to make a purchase decision TODAY, as I am not upgrading (as I imagine Michi's needs case might involve). I'm afraid that the price difference just to get two XLR inputs and interchangeable mic capsules (which I will never want or need) is not worth $150. I do hope it will accept USB microphones as inputs to the USB-C input, as I own a Rode VideoMic NTG that - if USB-C capable - can send in both a main channel track [L] and a "safety" channel track [R] together, which works on my phone, so I do hope it works here.
I think everybody knows the Q8n-4K takes better video than the Q8. And I’ve seen videos showing the Q2n-4K outperforming the Q8. This video answers the question, how do the two winners of the 3 compare? I’d still like to see some comparison footage. Specs don’t always guarantee the end result. And it seems like there should be more than XLR inputs to justify the price difference. But until more test footage of the Q8n-4K is posted, this lets us know that it’s probably in the ballpark of the Q2n-4K.
Perfect, thank you for this comparison. I was put off by the grainy video in the original Q8 and purchased a Q2n 4K around 2 years ago. Was waiting for Zoom to come up with an updated version of the Q8. After seeing your very concise yet informative review and a few other reviews where the video samples were presented, I must say that I am disappointed with Zoom. I tolerated the video on the Q2n 4K and planned to sell it when the Q8n arrived, but other than the benefit of XLR inputs and swappable mic modules, the product seems not worth the effort. I would even pay more if they at least had an included an optical zoom lens as opposed to the grainy digital zoom. I like Zoom audio products on the whole, but they seem to keep missing the mark on the video end. I am not expecting pro quality video by any means at this price point, however, what's on offer is uninspiring especially after so many years since the original Q8 was released.
I agree, but I will say that my Panasonic G7, with a Zoom H5 for videos is wonderful with cost at the $1000+- mark. I think Zoom is targeting this for music makers that otherwise wouldn’t have an decent option.
best review' out of loads i have watched
I have given your video my rarest rating...
Helpful.
Thank you. Saved me $399.
I"ve had the Q2n-4K and really hoped that the difference in the camera bodies (and the prices) indicated a real upgrade in the video quality. The "4K" doesn't really deliver the expected image quality, unfortunately.
This has been a great camera for recording rock band rehearsals and performances, but it's not capable of creating quality video content. I can hear what I need to hear and the image tells me what's happening at the time.
I have an older Canon DSLR that takes a beautiful image but it's big and bulky.
I've been looking at the GoPro offerings but really can't get a sense of audio quality. They aren't really targeting musicians. The video quality seems much better though, and if an external mic could match or surpass the Zoom audio quality, I would get it.
I used the GoPro for a very long time until the Hero 8. Video quality didn’t seem as good as prior GoPro. Sound is not that great even with the media mod.
I’m with you buying the zoom sound with better video. A lot of TH-camrs use compact mirrorless with onboard mic. I have used my Panasonic G7 with the Zoom H5 plugged in for sound. Comes out great.
My favourite use for this is plugging my NU-X mighty space from the phones output into the ext on the q2 and recording playing over a backing track. It records in studio quality. Obviously films it too. 👍
Exact comparison I was looing for. Thank you!
What you get?
Hi!
Thanks for this awesome video.
I was just wondering as I have a heavy metal band (myself the vocalist, a bassist, guitarist & drummer) guitars are electric so have distortion. Would the q8n4k or q2n4k be better for our band? Are we able to plug all instruments into a mixer with the 2n4k or would it be better for me to buy the 8n. Basically not sure which one to purchase for plug in reasons. If you could recommend which is suitable for a full heavy metal lineup band that would be great. Thanks!
you can take your mixer out > into the q2n-4k ( it cuts out the built-in mics and becomes a great stereo recorder) but still records the video.
I think you could go either way. The comment above by highlightsvideo is spot on.
Just found your channel searching for info on the q2n. Instant sub. A simple camera with a TRS line in is what I've been searching for and this seems to fit the bill perfectly. I have no use for XLR inputs so good to know there's no need in purchasing the q8 (for me). Would you recommend any other cameras like the q2n? Do they exist?
It is the best in this price range.
Hi Deb, I'm trying to find a camera in order to record some covers that I'm going to post on various platforms and I've read that the Zoom brand is among the best producers for best budget cameras audio-wise.
I'd like to know if the video is really that low quality or if it's somewhat average.
I've checked online and I've found that the Q2n camera is 12 megapixels (which is not that much, considering that Huawei P8, a 2015 smartphone, has the same amount).
Bear in mind that I'm not interested in super high quality videos, I'd just like to know if a Q2n 4k can get the job done.
Thank you for the video.
I think the Q2n would be great for you. If you have good light the video is good. Sounds is always great with Zoom. The Q8n and Q2n are easy to use. No fuss or setup. Truly point and shoot. I would not recommend this for photos.
@@DebErney Thank you for your time!
Don't think of 12 megapixels, as in stills. In video quality, 4K , Best quality (means bigger files more battery cap.) 1080P, a step down ( smaller files with slightly less quality but longer battery cap) and 720 P is smaller files and less quality, ( more than enough the Phones BTW).
The beauty of the q2n-4k is it's small and GREAT sound, acceptable video, easy set up and placement.
I don't like the screen on the back, its hard to frame the shot accurately, especially against a wall or up high, it's just aim and pray. I would love the flip out screen SET UP of the q8N-4K on the Q2N-4K, are you hearing this Zoom? maybe in the next version? Domo aregato.
I have the small one, and just got the big one as well, but for some reason the video quality on it is much worse than the other one... I expected it to look either the same, or better, but somehow it's much worse. Any ideas on what's up with that?
The settings will make a huge difference as well as lighting. Try them both at the same time, with same presets, and they should be equal. They have the exact same camera specs.
LET ME KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT. I’m on the fence about replacing my Q2n 4K with this.
Thank you!
Thank you ! I have a question, for the recorder , q8n and q2n which one you think is better ? Only for the recorder song , because they have different recorder .
The Q8 has better sound and the Q2n has better video. Have you looked at the new Q8n? amzn.to/3By33cf
@@DebErney Thanks for your answer! Yep,I have see it, so q8n4k and q8 ,the recorder quality (the Sound) is the same?
The Q8N is the best of both the Q2n (good video) and the Q8 (good audio)
Can you transfer videos directly to your smartphone for either models ?
Never tried to do that.
Hi, Would you be kind enough to tell me what the finished product file size would be of a single .mov File with Audio from all four sources (2 XLR mics and the the 2 x XY Zoom Mics that come with the device) with the video set to 720p, 30FPS for 45 minutes?
I have to sit a performance music exam soon and the college are insisting that the file size be less than 1gb for a 45 minute video.
I am hoping that the zoom Q8n will be all I need for this exam.
Thank you.
You would have to contact Zoom.
@@DebErney thanks Deb ... I'll just take the chance and order the Q8N soon as even Zoom Corp couldn't tell me the answer. Thanks anyway
Zoom is a great audio product company but this venture into video has left a lot to be desired. I fell for the "shiny stuff", the bells and whistles and buttons. So when I received my Q2n-4K on Saturday, I was excited. That was until I unpacked everything. This thing is not much larger than a GoPro and doesn't come close to any 4K imaging I've ever seen. The monitor on the rear of the device looks like it's straight out of Flip Phone land. Why this thing comes with a wide angle lens hood is beyond me. It has so many hands-on features that you'd think they all functioned. My tests showed that regardless of the video settings from 4K to 720p, the noise and poor quality went up and down the line. The various filters tend not to live up to their designated names and functions and the lid that protects the batteries and the SDXC card is so poorly produced that if you pull the locking latch too hard or quickly, it will eventually break. Don't get me wrong. The concept of this product is amazing but the engineering and execution doesn't match the underserved hype. My 1080p Logitec Logi computer streaming camera looks more 4K than the Q2n-4K. It was originally $249.00 but dropped to $199.00. There's a reason for that and it's the low performance of the product. I received mine on this past Saturday and I couldn't wait to contact Zoom Monday morning to start the return process. Don't waste your money on the Q2n-4K unless they drop the price another $100.00 and then you still might be overpaying for it.
The Zoom camera venture is definitely geared towards sound as opposed to video. Too bad we can’t have GoPro video with Zoom Q sound.
You definitely have to pay attention to light and the different camera modes as this makes a huge difference in video quality.
Thank you
I am still using the Q3HD, which is close to 10 yrs old. Guess I am leaning toward the Q2n4k since I usually use the line in from my mixer on my TH-cam videos. Though it seems the Q2n 4K is getting dated. Thanks
Good morning Bob. You definitely need to replace your Q3. Anything you get will be huge improvement on video. I’m using the Q2n 4K and don’t see a need to upgrade it. I bought it on a fluke when I saw it on Reverb.com used. Figured I’d give it a try. With very low expectations I had intended to try it and resell it. Well, I’m using it a year later. If you don’t need the additional plugins this camera has the same lens and onboard mics as the Q8n.
thank U, very good
The video and audio is very comparable. If you need the extra inputs the q8n is better.
@@DebErney I went for Elgato Facecam
Is the editing software different?
No software I’m aware of.
I’m making multicam videos as a Drummer with 4 views. Sound NOT important as the drum kit will be premixed through a digital console X32. So just need good picture . Being I need 4 cameras price is issue. It actually looked like the Q2N had a better color , cleaner picture. So I’m leaning that way and not bad to get 4K for $880 for 4 cameras !!!
you may want to check out GoPros. the picture is a bit better. Also take a look at REVERB.COM and see what they have used.
Year after year Zoom continues to get it wrong against available Lens Technology. WHY?? If you own a Q8..... KEEP IT and Supplement the cheap video quality with your basic $200 cell phone camera.
I think Zoom is trying to balance the cost against the device for musician not necessarily a photographer- videographer. Would be very nice to see a product come out for both even in the $1000 range.
good 411
I was so excited about it. Then I looked at the specs. Are you getting one?
@@DebErney Thinking about it
Zoom Q8 N4k has a poor video quality its all fuzzy like a old flip phone
You will find filming with good lighting makes a HUGE difference. Lighting is everything with the Zoom cameras. Mount it on tripod, use with good lighting and play with the different video settings. You will go from bad flip phone to good video.
Comparison should’ve been between ZOOM Q8n-4K and Zoom Q8, not Zoom Q2n-4K!
The specs on the q2n and q8n are much close on lenses (4k). Q8 was 1080p a much lower resolution.
@@DebErney agree, but according to zoom, Q8n-4K is the next generation (4k version, plus other enhancements) of Q8 and not Q2n-4K!
I disagree. This was the side-by-side review I needed to make a purchase decision TODAY, as I am not upgrading (as I imagine Michi's needs case might involve). I'm afraid that the price difference just to get two XLR inputs and interchangeable mic capsules (which I will never want or need) is not worth $150. I do hope it will accept USB microphones as inputs to the USB-C input, as I own a Rode VideoMic NTG that - if USB-C capable - can send in both a main channel track [L] and a "safety" channel track [R] together, which works on my phone, so I do hope it works here.
I think everybody knows the Q8n-4K takes better video than the Q8. And I’ve seen videos showing the Q2n-4K outperforming the Q8. This video answers the question, how do the two winners of the 3 compare?
I’d still like to see some comparison footage. Specs don’t always guarantee the end result. And it seems like there should be more than XLR inputs to justify the price difference. But until more test footage of the Q8n-4K is posted, this lets us know that it’s probably in the ballpark of the Q2n-4K.
This is the one we needed. 4K model to 4K model.
The old Q8 was a big mistake. Poor video quality. Find other reviews out there already.