Pro tip: throw in some batteries, but plug into a portable charger when using.
Musicians prioritize audio over video. The video is serviceable. It’s not near as good as an iPhone or Galaxy camera. But it gets the job done.
We used a couple of phone cameras to record different angles, and having video of any kind made it super easy to sync the audio from the Zoom to the video of the phones.
I love this thing. I watched reviews. I knew what I was buying. And it does the job fantastically.
Sure better video would be great, but this device is super affordable and easy to use. And the audio really is fantastic.
For fun, I used this as a mic on Teams meetings. It sounds incredible. Called my gf from a different room so I could hear what she sounded like between the MacBook mic and this. The Zoom sounds pro. Pretty close to a Shure SM7b.
If you can’t tell, I’m in love.
My only true grievance: it’s 2024. Just update the charging port to usb C. Don’t have to change anything else. But man I really do have micro USB. It’s structurally inferior and antiquated.
Zoom Q2N-4K Handy Video Recorder with XY Microphone
4.1 | 984 ratings
Price: 179.2
Last update: 12-29-2024
About this item
Records 4k/30p HD 150° wide-angle lens (F2.8/15.2 mm) with 5 field of view (fov)
Built in X/Y stereo microphones for superior audio up to 24-bit/96kHz
Use as a Webcam for Livestreaming, Remote Learning, and Teleconferencing with Mac and PC
12 preset lighting scenes including “auto” smart selector
Perfect or Musicians, Teachers, Youtube, and Working From Home
Built in X/Y stereo microphones for superior audio up to 24-bit/96kHz
Use as a Webcam for Livestreaming, Remote Learning, and Teleconferencing with Mac and PC
12 preset lighting scenes including “auto” smart selector
Perfect or Musicians, Teachers, Youtube, and Working From Home
Product information
| Item Weight | 1.13 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.25 x 3.5 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| ASIN | B07K114TFB |
| Item model number | Q2n-4K |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars
956 ratings
4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #19,761 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #43 in Camcorders |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | October 29, 2018 |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Hardware Interface | MicroSD |
| Battery type | Alkaline |
| Media Format | MP3 Audio |
| Standing screen display size | 2.8 Inches |
Top reviews from the United States
Carl Brown
Great Audio. Meh Video. And that’s ok.
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024jlo138
Definitely worth it!
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2018
jlo138
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2018
So far the device is made quite well. It has a heavier feel then the original Q2n and the buttons even feel better in comparison. It’s hard to explain but it makes the Q2n feel cheap because this seems more solidly built even though they share a very similar design.
Accessories:
The Windscreen from the previous model can also be fitted on the 4K as well. Just make sure you install the lens hood (included) before the windscreen this way it helps keep the fur out of the lens itself. Mind you, doing this outside on a windy day will almost guarantee the windscreen getting in the lens fov. It does help, especially if you like to keep a ceiling fan on high in the same room you may be doing a video in while using this camera. The lens hood and lens cap from the older Q2n is not compatible with the 4K model. The Mic stand adapter is though.
Audio:
I just want to touch on this for a sec as when you set it at the highest quality, windows computers may have an issue with it and not play any sound at all. Not sure if this is a driver/codec issue but Mac users won’t have this problem. iPad and iPhone users won’t have this problem either. Any other audio setting below the highest will work for Windows users just fine. Zoom has the best audio on a small camera I’ve ever heard before.
File type:
It’s .MOV and they will airdrop for you Apple users and work in iMovie without a problem. The Q2n is the same if you wanted to know.
Audio Line out:
It doesn’t mention the headphone jack doubling as a line out but I was successful in doing so. It doesn’t say on either model but the Q2n and the Q2n-4K both work, as long as I turned off “plug in power” in the settings and it was just as clear as my Zoom H2n Recorder which I normally use for this. [I’m referring to using the cameras as a Mic for gaming capture where the audio is direct line into my capture device]. You can use the headphone jack normally for headphones just fine and it has a volume adjustment. The Plug In Power is for external Mics that require power to operate them as you can input those into either model Q2n which will bypass the XY mics built in. There’s a separate Mic In 3.5mm jack for that on the cameras just below the headphone jack.
SD Card and Recording Times:
(with Max Audio) This camera will take up to a 256gb Micro SDXC card and when using an XC, it will record in a seamless recording. Only to stop when the card is full or you stop it yourself. If you use a SDHC (these are up to 32gb capacity), the files will be broken every 4gb.
128gb Card:
4K30/24fps=3hr 31min
1080p60fps=5hr 9min
1080p30/24fps=9hr 51min
720p30fps=20hr 50min
Camera Off 96k24bit WAV Audio=61hr 42min (highest quality)
I formatted my own card in the device to get those numbers. Video bitrate up to 76Mbps which is likely 4K mode and I can’t test whether it’s a constant or variable.
Lens:
A fixed focus 150 degree fisheye wide angle lens. f2.8/15.2mm. I did see a comment where they (Zoom) replied saying it’s 16mp, though I don’t see this anywhere on the website.
More:
Runs off 2AA batteries and it’s recommended you use Lithium as they will last much longer. Record times with various battery types are listed on Zooms website. You can power the device with a usb power supply and avoid AA batteries altogether.
Lens is a 150 degree wide lens and the older Q2n is a 160. The Q2n Lens can easily be replaced but I’m not so sure about this one yet.
The Q2n-4K isn’t compatible with Gimbals and doesn’t offer any kind of image stabilization.
There isn’t any kind of optical zoom as it’s all digital and on 5 presets.
No still photos option. Of course you can always take a screen shot but this could easily be added in a FW update. Mind you, they never added this to the previous model.
Same small screen. I wish they gave an option to turn off the selected settings displayed on screen to make the image fill the viewing space. The camera view is just so small with the current settings in the way.
Thanks for reading! Even if you already have the Q2n then this is definitely worth the upgrade. A camera that does 4K, Digital Recorder and Microphone! Plug in another Mic, listen live with headphones and even HDMI out to a tv/portable monitor while recording... Why not? You can’t go wrong with this at the current $199 price point.
A full video review will be on my YT channel at Para-holiX hopefully soon.
Questions then just ask. I may have left some out as it can be found on the Zoom website.
*Edit
A 55min file at 1080p/60fps will be 25gb with the highest audio as well.
*Update
If your video is blurry, it may be the device you’re playing back on. If it’s not the device then YT/Para-holiX and I have a video showing you how to replace the lens and focus it back if that’s your issue. We’ve done a video on the previous Q2n model as well.
Images in this review
Stephen Szczepanik
An Engineering Marvel! But The External Battery Case Is A MUST
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2019