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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Who's using the Zoom H2? Any tips?
Paul W Gillespie, Photographer
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Annapolis | MD | USA | Posted: 8:45 AM on 07.15.10 |
->> Well I bought the Zoom H2 for doing audio slide shows. I was debating back and forth between the H2 and the H4n. Of course after I made the order I started think I should have got the other one. As usual it is a money vs will I use it enough choice. So those with the H2, what are some tips? What accessories do I need, ext mic, ect. Does it do a good enough job?
Thanks
Paul |
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Alex Witkowicz, Photographer
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Denver | Co | USA | Posted: 11:04 AM on 07.15.10 |
->> I've found the H2 to be fantastic on it's own, without any accessories. I've had great results with just the built in condenser microphone - the trick is getting the mic close to the audio source, and selecting either the front, rear, or all 4 mics, depending on the situation. Make sure to read the manual thoroughly to learn more about that.
It has a threaded mount on the bottom, so I usually pop it on a light stand, which gives it some more versatility. Don't hand hold it, because the sound from your hands will be recorded. And don't use that included stick thing they give you with the tripod screw - it breaks apart very quickly.
Check out a film I just produced with all the audio (interviews + music) recorded using the H2: http://vimeo.com/12402140 - for the interview, the mic was ~2 feet from his mouth, and for him playing guitar solo, the mic was ~3-4 feet away. The room was very quiet, which helped a lot as well. The Gain was set to medium for everything.
I think the sound quality is excellent for my purposes. The H4n has a lot more bells and whistles, but it is also larger and more cumbersome. And for me, I already have enough crap to carry around, so I appreciate the bang for the size and bang for the buck of the H2. |
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Paul W Gillespie, Photographer
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Annapolis | MD | USA | Posted: 9:06 PM on 07.15.10 |
->> Thanks Alex. I tried to watch your video a few times on two different computers and it froze both of them up, not sure why. I could hear some of the audio and it sounded good.
I want to be able to do interviews and collect ambient sound. Sometimes I will be able to set the recorder on a table or stand, but I can see other times when I am going to have to hand hold it, like talking to a coach after a game and such. Maybe I need a wireless mic or wired one. I am not sure it is all fairly new to me. |
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Nic Coury, Photographer
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 9:14 PM on 07.15.10 |
| ->> I love the H2. Clean, easy to work with audio. |
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Paul W Gillespie, Photographer
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Annapolis | MD | USA | Posted: 9:21 PM on 07.15.10 |
| ->> Nic, any recommondations for settings, external mics, or how to hold and not make noise? |
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David Stephenson, Photographer
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Lexington | Ky | USA | Posted: 9:25 PM on 07.15.10 |
| ->> I did not like mine and quit using it soon after I got it. Cheap build and would not play nice with external mics. Easy to use, yes. And great sound quality with the internal mic. Too much noise with an external mic and the card door broke off way too easily for me. |
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Nic Coury, Photographer
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 9:32 PM on 07.15.10 |
->> I don't use an external with it and it's easy to use. I don't have a problem with the build quality, but that's just me.
I use 256 MP3 and they're clean. I like making slideshows at concerts in Big Sur with it.
Here's an example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQBJDSZVrIM
Also, I did very little post on it. Shortened it in Audacity (a free program). |
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Joel Hawksley, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Athens | OH | USA | Posted: 9:58 PM on 07.15.10 |
| ->> Keep it close to what you're recording and stay away from wind. |
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Dominick Reuter, Photographer, Assistant
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Boston | MA | USA | Posted: 10:14 AM on 07.16.10 |
->> I have a fleet of these I check out to students for multimedia, and they are simple, one-task devices.
The card doors have fallen off about half of the units, but they all still work.
As an individual unit, I prefer these to the original H4, but I don't know how it compares to the newer one. The lack of XLR inputs will seriously hamper your expansion opportunities, and there are only two 1/8" inputs - line and mic.
It certainly does a fine job, especially at that price point - audio quality is solid. The two main drawbacks for me are the mic sensitivity is adjusted with a switch, so you cant make smooth changes, and the thing is very slow to start up (10 seconds) from power off.
If you're willing to double your budget for this, the H4n, or really anything else in the next price bracket is worth considering.
- D |
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Tami Chappell, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Atlanta | Ga | USA | Posted: 11:02 PM on 07.17.10 |
| ->> Paul I have used one for several assignments and think its been great. It is very sensitive to all ambient sounds such as wind etc. Works best wth either the clip on mic or on the stand. Don't hand hold it. And yes keep it as close to your subject as possible. Sound is great if you get it all right. |
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