Zoom Debuts HD A/V Pocket Video Cam

By Greg Tarr On Oct 4 2010 - 4:01am

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. — Zoom has introduced its first handheld video recorder capable of capturing both the ultra-high-quality stereo audio and FullHD 1080p video.

Due to the emphasis on sound fidelity, the Q3HD Handy Video Recorder ($299 suggested retail) is being billed as the perfect video recorder for capturing concerts and musical performances, in addition to everyday events.

The camera offers the option of selecting 720p 30/60 fps or 1080p/30 fps HD video recording. Picture fidelity is said to be high through the use of a new lens and imaging sensor.

Files are recorded using the H.264 video codec at MOV files, while audio can be captured in a variety of formats including 96K/24-bit WAV, and DVD, CD and AAC standards.

The Q3HD uses the same microphone capsules as its high-quality audio recorder — the H4n Handy Recorder — with two onboard, studio quality condenser mics configured in a wide 120 degree X/Y pattern.

High, Low and Auto level functions are offered to set sound levels using an icon-based user interface.

The Q3HD can also be used with the video function disabled for sound-only recordings.

For video, three light settings are offered including auto for (indoors and outdoors), concert lighting, and night (low-light).

The lens includes a large aperture, and 4x digital zoom.

A built-in USB cable is offered for easy connection to PCs, and an HDMI output allows direct connection to an HDTV.

Additionally, Zoom includes HandyShare software to edit and upload movies to Web sites like YouTube and social networks.

Recordings are captured to SD cards, up to 32GB in capacity. A 2GB SD card is included with the camera, and will hold up to 45 minutes of HD video at a time.

Also included is HandyShare editing software and two AA batteries.

Zoom, which is based in Japan, uses Samson (based here) as its U.S. distribution partner.

Mark Wilder, Samson’s marketing director for Zoom, said the Q3HD will be available in October at retailers including Best Buy, Amazon, Sam Ash, B&H and others.