Zoom has just launched an updated version of its popular compact video camera the Q4 and the new handy cam – the Q4N – comes with a lot more than just an extra letter.
It is now capable of 2.3K video recording, combined with the company’s professional audio capture technology and also features 10 new advanced lighting presets, designed to capture live musical performances, concerts or even high-res rehearsal videos for Youtube (with studio-sound quality, no less).
Under the bonnet. the Q4N features a 1/3-inch 3-megapixel CMOS sensor and is capable of recording video up to 2.3K (2304 x 1296) resolution at 30fps/24Mbps (3M HD), and in lower resolutions at 30fps/5Mbps directly to SDXC cards (up to 128 GB).
It has a 160º wide-angle lens with 5X zoom and an improved apeture of F2.0. With ‘Scene’ lighting presets such as ‘Concert Lighting’, ‘Concert Low-Light’, as well as presets tailored for recording in jazz clubs, rehearsal spaces and outdoors in broad daylight.
Setting the Q4N apart from other action cameras in its price range, is a pair of pop-up condenser microphones which are capable of A/B (for wide stereo recording at events.) or X/Y (for straight in front/centered recording) configurations.
The microphones can record stereo audio up to 24-bit / 96 kHz WAV, with 140 dB SPL (sound pressure levels). It also sports a 1/8″ stereo input jack with plug-in power for external microphones, a headphone/monitor output, a built-in speaker and a HDMI output for monitoring or external recorders.
Other features include one-button recording, automatic microphone gain adjustment, lo-cut filter and a rotating flip-out full colour touchscreen LCD with on-sceen level meters. It is powered by a rechargable Li-ion battery and is capable of up to three hours of continual recording.
Once its released, it will ship with a 3-prong action camera mount adapter, a microphone windscreen, and a lens hood. Optional accessories include the GHM-1 Guitar Headstock mount and the MSM-1 mic stand mount (both pictured below).
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Zoom Q4N was just released in Japan with a RRP before tax of ¥30,000 (Yen), we can expect it to be released worldwide sometime in the new year.
For more info, check: www.zoom.co.jp/zoom-q4n
SPECS
| Recording media: | SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (Class 10 or higher, up to 128 GB) |
|---|---|
| Image sensor: | 1/3-inch 3-megapixel CMOS sensor |
| Lens: | Fixed focus (36 cm – ∞), F2.0, Focal distance approx. 16.6 mm (35 mm equivalent), 160˚ FOV |
| Video format: | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (MOV) |
| Video resolutions: | 3M HD (2304×1296) / 30 fps / 24 Mbps, HD1080p / 30 fps / 24 Mbps, HD1080p / 30 fps / 16 Mbps, HD720p / 60 fps / 15 Mbps, HD720p / 30 fps / 8 Mbps, WVGA 60 fps / 8 Mbps, WVGA 30 fps / 5 Mbps |
| Audio formats: | WAV (16-/24-bit quantization, 44.1/48/96 kHz sampling frequency)
AAC (64–320 kbps bit rate, 48 kHz sampling frequency) |
| Audio functions: | Lo-Cut filter, Auto Gain |
| Image functions: | Digital zoom (×0.75/×0.85/×1.00/×1.30/×1.50),
Scene selection (Auto / Concert Lighting / Night / Concert-Low Light / Dance Club / Jazz Club / Concert Hall / Rehearsal-Studio / Garage / Outdoor / Sunset) |
| Self-timer: | (Off/3sec/5sec/10sec) |
| Display: | 2.0″ full-color touchscreen LCD |
| INPUT: MIC | |
| Type: | 120° A/B and 120° X/Y stereo |
| Maximum sound pressure input: | 140 dB SPL |
| Input gain: | -30 to +44 dB |
| INPUT: EXTERNAL INPUT | |
| Input connector: | Stereo mini jack |
| Input gain: | –∞ to +26 dB |
| Input impedance: | 2 k Ω or more Supports plug-in power |
| OUTPUTS | |
| Output connector: | Combined line/headphones stereo mini jack |
| HDMI connector: | Micro Type D |
| Built-in speaker: | 400 mW 8 Ω mono speaker |
| USB: OPERATION AS MASS STORAGE | |
| Class: | USB 2.0 High Speed |
| USB: OPERATION AS AUDIO INTERFACE | |
| Class: | USB 2.0 Full Speed |
| Specifications: | 44.1 kHz sampling rate, 16-bit |
| USB: OPERATION AS WEBCAM | |
| Specifications: | WVGA/720p video size, 48 kHz / 16-bit audio |
| Note: Audio interface and mass storage operation with iPad is supported. Note: USB bus power supported |
|
| GENERAL | |
| Power supply: | Lithium-ion battery: DC 4.2V maximum voltage, DC 3.7V nominal voltage, 1,050mAh capacity |
| AC adapter: | ZOOM AD-17, sold separately: DC 5V/1A |
| Recharging times: | Using USB: about 3 hours Using ZOOM AD-17: about 2 hours |
| Battery operation time: | About 3 hours or more (when recording 720p/30 fps video with LCD closed) |
| External dimensions: | Main unit (mic stored): 119 (length) × 51 (width) × 62 (height) mmMain unit (mic extended): 119 (length) × 39 (width) × 86 (height) mm |
| Weight: | 6.0 oz / 178.6 grams with battery 5.5 oz / 155.9 grams without battery |
