Zoom H4n - just ordered

[stephenvv]

Okay, instead of lens, the first part of GH1 kit is audio and the Zoom H4N seems like the best option from what I can tell.

An image this good needs good audio and I'm hoping to use it both as a camera mounted stereo mike, a double-system sound recording and a combo (XLR mics and onboard stereo) since it does 4 channel recording.

I'm planning on trying to always run a feed, wired and/or wireless into GH1 for sync purposes.

Not sure what the best/stable camera mount for easy access to controls. Any thoughts?

BTW, I ordered from Amazon - one the marketplace sellers had it for $349 with 16 GB class 6 card and mini tripod.

[Kholi]

Nice!!! I'm jealous! I cant' wait to get my own, man. I'm really excited about the reports on this in conjunction with the GH-1, but any camera will do.

I plan on using one for the feature this May, paired with some Wireless Lavs.

Please report back asap!

[ChipG]

Hey guys I'm working on making a small porta brace style shoulder bag or belt clip bag to hold the Zoom H4N and either a Mix Pre or Beachtec, it'll have velco on the front to stick a wireless receiver or two on it if need be and a little pouch for a couple extra batteries / sd cards. It's going to be really small and light for field / doc productions, fast action stuff and perfect for a one man doc shoot, about 1/5th the size of the portabrace bag for sound devices gear.

This with a single earbud type monitor device and the little GH1 camera will get me access into places that I wouldn't be allowed into with a hvx and large portabrace audio bag. Times are changing!

[dougspice]

Soon Skynet will know everything!

In all seriousness, the bag sounds cool. Are you building it from scratch? I don't know how big the Zoom is exactly, but a mental estimation based on the size of the XLR inputs tells me that this thing would probably fit nicely inside an AK mag pouch. So something like this might be a good place to start from:

http://www.wiskur.com/pictures/MP40.jpg

Or like this, with MOLLE straps:

http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/opticsplanet_2048_612902865

You'd have to cut some holes in it, I guess.

[stephenvv]

Nice!!! I'm jealous! I cant' wait to get my own, man. I'm really excited about the reports on this in conjunction with the GH-1, but any camera will do.

I plan on using one for the feature this May, paired with some Wireless Lavs.

Please report back asap!

Will do. I will test it with my HV30 before it goes on the selling block. I will post results here.

[ChipG]

Soon Skynet will know everything!

In all seriousness, the bag sounds cool. Are you building it from scratch? I don't know how big the Zoom is exactly, but a mental estimation based on the size of the XLR inputs tells me that this thing would probably fit nicely inside an AK mag pouch. So something like this might be a good place to start from:

http://www.wiskur.com/pictures/MP40.jpg

Or like this, with MOLLE straps:

http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/opticsplanet_2048_612902865

You'd have to cut some holes in it, I guess.

Funny you put those up, a friend makes tactical / weapons bags for guns, I was going to ask him to make a custom one for me so no I actually wouldn't be making it myself unless he says no but a case of beer always goes a long way. Who knows, if people like it maybe he could add it to his line of products.

[puredrifting]

Cool idea Doug! I like it.

Dan

[dougspice]

Yeah, I'm personally in love with 5.11's SERE bag, so I've been thinking of various MOLLE contraptions that might be appropriate for filmmaking as well as... secret operations.

In other news, when is someone gonna make a camera with Weaver rails?

[LizaWitz]

In other news, when is someone gonna make a camera with Weaver rails?

Hopefully never. Weaver rails are my nomination for Worst Standard Ever. (But maybe its just because things called by that name may often not fit the standard?)

[dougspice]

Hopefully never. Weaver rails are my nomination for Worst Standard Ever. (But maybe its just because things called by that name may often not fit the standard?)

Obviously you've never spent any time doing web design. ;)

[Tim Joy]

Just got the new Zoom H4n. It's pretty cool. I was multi-tracking in 10 minutes without ever touching the manual. (Yes, I'm a man)

My question is this: In terms of sync, what speed does the GH-1 record at? The D90 is obviously straight 24fps, which will sync with any recorder running at 24fps or 30fps. I haven't checked the H4n, but I'm assuming that it runs at the 29.97 or 23.976 speed? (same thing really) So to sync with the d90, the video clips would have to be conformed to 23.976. A pain. Is the Gh-1 the same way?

[artforme]

Nice!!! I'm jealous! I cant' wait to get my own, man. I'm really excited about the reports on this in conjunction with the GH-1, but any camera will do.

I plan on using one for the feature this May, paired with some Wireless Lavs.

Please report back asap!


Which Wireless Lavs do you recommend?

[puredrifting]

Audio recorders like the zoom don't record at frame speeds, they record at bit depth/sample rates.

Dan

[puredrifting]

Lectrosonics.

Dan

[Tim Joy]

Audio recorders like the zoom don't record at frame speeds, they record at bit depth/sample rates.

Dan

So you're saying that it will sync either way? No matter if the camera runs at 24.000 or 23.976 ? Mmmmm....

[LizaWitz]

So you're saying that it will sync either way? No matter if the camera runs at 24.000 or 23.976 ? Mmmmm....

I think the NLE will handle it if you align the audio and video tracks right at the beginning.

[Nektonic]

I think the NLE will handle it if you align the audio and video tracks right at the beginning.

From what I've read lately in my research on these digital audio recorders, you might get into a situation where the sync speed is eventually lost, even if you perfectly align the audio to the video at the beginning of the clip. This seems to be an issue on long running clips, so for narrative work it might not be much of a problem. For events though, that is where I would be more concerned.

There are ways to figure out the difference in speed between your camera and audio device. I can't find the link about it in my bookmarks, so I'll see if I can re-google it.

I'm no expert on these audio recorders, so if anyone who has experience with these types of devices please chime in and shed some light on this issue.

Edit: I'm seeing some stuff on dvinfo saying that the H4n has fixed the sync problems with video. Can anyone clarify this?

[Peter J. DeCrescenzo]

Before folks go spending lots of money on external audio recording gear for use with the GH1, it would helpful if a current GH1 owner/user could do some basic, careful tests/comparisons of its audio capabilities when connected to a pro external mic and mixer (not the optional Panasonic mic).

The reason I mention this is that it's possible the GH1's built-in audio circuitry might actually be capable of very good results when used with a pro mic & mixer connected to the GH1's 4-pin "mic/remote" jack.

Even though the GH1 almost certainly has audio auto-gain which can't be disabled, it's possible the behavior of its auto-gain circuit might be fairly benign & highly useful. This has been the case with some prosumer cams in the past. For example, I believe the Sony PD-150 miniDV cam actually had better-sounding audio when it's auto audio-gain feature was turned on compared to when it was turned off.

Some careful real-world tests of the GH1's audio capability using a pro external mic/mixer may help prevent others from doing unnecessary/expensive guesswork.

The audio tests don't require scientific lab gear (although that would be nice!), but it will require an appropriately-wired audio cable & plug, a pro-quality mic, a pro audio interface/mixer, a nice external amp, pro headphones and speakers, and a good set of ears.

Maybe a pro audio tech here could volunteer to work with a "nearby" GH1 owner/user to do some tests like this?

Hunter, if you have time, hardware-wise I've got everything except the 4-pin plug ... maybe we can cobble a test together?

[puredrifting]

Nektonic has it right.

Think about it. These little recorders do not have TC in or out or TC capability. They have no sync or genlock capability. They have no TC track. So there is no time code or a time base. A recorder records the sound independently so the frame rate of the video recording device is irrelevant. Even when you slate it with a clap board at the head and tail, the two devices, the camera and the audio recorder, will eventually fall out of sync. The question with the 5D MKII is will the recorder stay in sync for up to around 12-15 minutes? Because that is as long as the Canon can record in one shot. It will vary from camera to camera and from recorder to recorder, a lot of it is honestly luck as far as if you obtain two non TC, non Sync devices that will stay in sync for a decent amount of time.

The good news is that since both devices are digital and solid state, there are no tape variables as we used to have, no capstan slippage, servo speed fluctuations, etc. I would be willing to say that you should be able to easily get at least ten minutes sync with almost any audio device and the Canon 5D MKII or the Panasonic GH1. Possibly longer. But you will never know until you try with your own devices because there are variances in the clock accuracy in each different sample.

Dan

[Nektonic]

I still like the idea of having my sound man using an external digital audio recorder and not having to always be tethered to the camera anymore. I just can't forget to slate any takes, which when hooked into the camera by XLR meant that if you forgot sometimes it wasn't a problem.

I found then lost a link to a method of figuring out the actual ratio that your camera recording speed differs from your audio device's recording speed. Once you know the actual percentage, all you have to do is apply that speed change to your audio clips and you should have the right sync. I'll see if I can find it. And as Dan says, it might not even be a problem for the average length of a take on a narrative project. I mean, most takes don't last longer than a minute, maybe two sometimes in certain cases.

[Ken Steadman]

I bought this for my zoom h4n http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-FOS-FR2LEBAG lets me see the screen I put a piece of foam on the bottom to lift it up a bit already has cable holes on both sides

[stephenvv]

The remote control is in stock and JR http://www.jr.com/product/productDetail.jsp?navProduct=ZOO_RC4 - just ordered one.

[nsoltz]

I have two of the original Zoom H4's and have been testing the H4v for a couple of weeks. I'll end up buying it when my eval period is over.

I have never actually tested on a long shot to see when (and not if) it goes out of sync. I helped in post with a 30 sec commercial where the audio was recorded with the H4 and there were no sync issues.

[Tim Joy]

The results are in- Here's what I found.

Recorded video with D90 (24.000fps) for 5 min.
and
Audio with H4n- @ 48k 16 bit. with 3 slate/clapper marks throughout.


Dropped them both into a 24.000fps timeline, sync'd. At 2 minutes, sync was within a few frames. At 5 mintes it was way off. 20-30 frames.

So...

I conformed the video to 23.976
Dropped it into a 23.976 timeline with the same audio, sync'd.

PERFECT SYNC for the whole 5 minutes. That's all you need anyway.

Take what you will from this. I believe this was Zak's workflow, and now I see why.

[artforme]

Wow, good to know!

[stephenvv]

that's excellent news. mine should be here this week.

[Tim Joy]

On a side note- I noticed that while playing back the video on the camera, the internal sound was out of sync by at least 4-8 frames. I don't know if it's the same once transferred to a computer, but maybe it's better not to use the internal sound as a sync reference for your external audio...

[Kholi]

Awesome. Time to order my H4n!

[puredrifting]

Get on the bandwagon Kholi. Mine arrives Thursday.

Dan

[Kholi]

What what! I'm actually planning to use it with the RED, oddy enough. The Gh-1 will just have a bonus tool.

Oh yeah, I already told you about that though!

[stephenvv]

Mine just arrived - quick test and it works great with my AT shotgun - preamps on phantom are very, very quiet. Seem better than DVX and way, way better than HV20/30/40.

Much more solid construction than earlier - interface and controls nice (could do quick record test, turn on phantom, change to 96/24 without reading manual)

[stephenvv]

Can't decide if flash bracket or hotshoe is the best way to mount. Thoughts?

[Kholi]

I'm going hotshoe to help balance the camera out, making the body heavier on oen man shoots anyway.

reason being, I plan on ditching the entire concept of a Mattebox and probably a follow focus as well, using circular filters and a threaded lens hood instead. It'll put some weight on the end of the camera, the H4N on the top of the body should help even it out a bit.

Good place to have it anyway if you're pointing at a subject, I'd think.

WiFi lavs are my next purchase.

[stephenvv]

hmm - that's a good thought. makes sense and looking at flash brackets, they seem like they would always be in the way.

[ryansheffer]

I have spent the last few days playing with my new H4N. I would strongly recommend it.

I'm definitely not an audiophile, so take this with a grain of salt.

I didn't like the H4 because of its layout and menu system. The H4n is built better, has a better menu and system and button layout.

Like I said, I'm not an audiophile, but I'm confident that the onboard microphone can get the job done for most people when sound isn't an issue - meaning its a great tandem for something like the GH-1.

It works perfect as an audio interface both with OSX on a system level and with final cut when using the voice over tool.

On top of that the 4 track audio recording is absolutely fantastic. Lav two people and get the ambience of the room on the onboard mic or you can rig up a third mic into the input on the back of the thing.

Also - I got it from a company called Unique squared on ebay. They shipped quick and I got everything they promised.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Zoom-H4n-H4-n-Recorder-4-Track-Mobile-16GB-EXTRAS_W0QQitemZ370196573599QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item56316f6d9f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1308%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

$349
zoom H4n
mini tripod
16Gb class 6 SDHC
Samson headphones (a lot nicer than i expected, btw)

I also bought a $20 windscreen on ebay that has helped a ton recording outdoors.

[androoow]

24bit 96khz is like the HD in audio terms compared to 16bit 44.1khz which is like SD ( video compared ) .. so question .. do you guys actually record at 24/96 as acoustic recording is where 24/96 shines .. or is everyone happy with their "standard deff" audio at 16/44.1 or48 ???

can many NLE deal with a 24/96hz recording???

Ive been recording my music at 24/96 for the last few years... it gets bounced down to 16/44.1 for CDs eventually , but i want the masters at the highest possible rate ...so ...
what do people record at here for their videos ??????

[Kholi]

Does anyone have any sync'd examples to post on Vimeo? I'd love to hear! Just compress with the best audio settings and subpar video settings. =D

[ryansheffer]

I just finished editing a feature documentary recorded using the H4. The only time I ever had syncing issues was when using 44.1khz audio in a 48khz timeline. Whenever the timeline and clip settings were the same, I never had any issues. I will test the H4N but I can't imagine the result will be different. I can't post anything because of an NDA. I'll do some tests with H4N.

[Tim Joy]

24bit 96khz is like the HD in audio terms compared to 16bit 44.1khz which is like SD ( video compared ) .. so question .. do you guys actually record at 24/96 as acoustic recording is where 24/96 shines .. or is everyone happy with their "standard deff" audio at 16/44.1 or48 ???

can many NLE deal with a 24/96hz recording???

Ive been recording my music at 24/96 for the last few years... it gets bounced down to 16/44.1 for CDs eventually , but i want the masters at the highest possible rate ...so ...
what do people record at here for their videos ??????

Audio for video I always go with 48k 16bit. Anything higher is overkill for dialog IMO, plus the headaches in the NLE.

[stephenvv]

Also - I got it from a company called Unique squared on ebay. They shipped quick and I got everything they promised.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Zoom-H4n-H4-n-Recorder-4-Track-Mobile-16GB-EXTRAS_W0QQitemZ370196573599QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item56316f6d9f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1308%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

$349
zoom H4n
mini tripod
16Gb class 6 SDHC
Samson headphones (a lot nicer than i expected, btw)



They also sell the same kit, same price on Amazon and it came fast to me as well.

[Kholi]

Got mines today. wewt. Time to do some audio syncing.

[puredrifting]

Question for those using the 5D MKII with the H4N? The 5D MKII records 44.1Khz audio. Since I only need the 5D MKII audio for matching sync, are people recording 44.1Khz with the H4N and just dealing with 44.1 KHz audio in post or are they recording 48Khz audio with the H4N?

I have been only feeding FCP 48KHz audio for the entire time I have been on FCP, even back in the day when DV camcorders like the VX-1000 only had 32KHz audio. I would always sample rate convert it to 48KHz. Now with the 5D MKII and the H4N, not sure what sample rate I should work at. I am not even thinking of 24/96 as it is total overkill unless you are recording classical or acoustic music or have talent whispering.

Recommendations from some 5D MKII/H4N users?

Dan

[Kholi]

Incredible :o

[kenn michael]

Dan,

The samplerate isn't going to be the dealbreaker for sync with the 5D. What will throw the audio out of sync is if you do not conform (slow down) the 5D footage from 30fps to 29.97.

I'd record at 48K since it's the standard rate for audio post. As long as you play the footage back at 29.97, you should be golden.

[puredrifting]

Thanks Kenn:

I understand that, I was just wondering if anyone is conforming their FCP timelines to edit at 44.1KHz if they were using the audio from the 5D MKII?

Back in the olden days of DV tape, this was such a big deal, but these days it seems as if this is not such a big deal anymore although even today, my G5 will still exhibit a few chokes here and there with mis-matched sample rates. Probably not an issue on a new Mac Pro though.

Dan

[kenn michael]

Oh gotcha :)

Yea, these days, no real big issue with cutting in 44.1. I think for the most part, it ends up being more about your desired workflow and if you're going to be doing audio sweetening in another app. If you're staying in FCP from start to finish 44.1 will be fine. If going to DVD, the encoder will samplerate convert back up to 48K anyway.

[SonicStates]

Audio for video I always go with 48k 16bit. Anything higher is overkill for dialog IMO, plus the headaches in the NLE.

Perhaps for dialogue but in any case 24/96 can be converted down to whatever format is necessary...now perhaps the argument can be made that if it's going to end up in lower 'rez' then whats the point? But I'll leave it up to a much brighter spark than myself to elaborate (please be aware that this is based from a music perspective and if you are shooting dialogue only not necessarily applicable but for sound acquisition for post it definitely applies especially when you get into sound manipulation)

"Use 24 bit for every recording if you have this feature. I was a believer for the past decade that 16 bit was the way to go and I have absolutely changed my mind. No matter of what you are recording this is true. If you have a nice mic, a very good preamp and a clean audio system and are recording highly dynamic instruments such as acoustic guitars, classical orchestras, acapella vocals, the difference will be there. Quiet passages will be less likely struggling to stay above the noise floor on your system. One can record with no compression. You can record at lower levels, with more headroom. This ensures that the occasional peak is not truncated at the top and it will give converters some room the breathe. Because you are not pushing the limits of your bandwidth, your instruments will sound clearer, and the vocals may sound "cleaner", the song will mix better and there will be less noise." Mr. Tweak

Of course a lot of people won't be using their recordings for sound design and 'just' for recording dialogue...I would still recommend 24bit

[Kholi]

Anyone know if using an XLR Splitter is okay with this system? Say if you want to run one Shotgun into both the left and the right channel?

[puredrifting]

Kholi:

While splitting an analog signal is never th best idea, you could probably get away with it and it would sound okay. I was just checking to see if Zoom built in double channel routing of single input sources as many electronics do. No dice, when you switch to the mic inputs, the mic channel indicator switch the mic is plugged into pulses with the signal, but both channels light up. But it only records to the channel the mic is plugged into.

Then there is the big picture, why do you want a mono source on two channels?

The only thing I am not sure of is what does phantom power do when reverse outputting 48v through two channels back to the mic? Not sure at all and I don't have an ohm meter handy to tell me electronically what that would do. Proceed at your own risk if you are using a phantom mic.

Dan

[Kholi]

Mostly because it's only recording to the left channel. I suppose you could just duplicate that channel in post then drop it on the right, or which-have-you.

Next up, Wireless!

[puredrifting]

There is a good reason to do that and channel offset is the reason. You set one higher and one lower and that way if the higher input channel is overdriven, you still have the lower channel as a safety net.

A lot of my mixes end up as mono anyway so I just center pan mono sources.

Dan

[stephenvv]

There is a good reason to do that and channel offset is the reason. You set one higher and one lower and that way if the higher input channel is overdriven, you still have the lower channel as a safety net.

A lot of my mixes end up as mono anyway so I just center pan mono sources.

Dan

XLR Splitter does work although I've not yet tried it with phantom power on - phantom is on/off not per input.

But the limiter and compressor functions (not autogain, which it has as well) have variable settings so I will test to see if I even need the splitter with this.

[stephenvv]

Audio for video I always go with 48k 16bit. Anything higher is overkill for dialog IMO, plus the headaches in the NLE.

24-bit gives you much better dynamic range and lower noise floor (assuming you have a low noise mic, recording system) that allows more in post etc. While 16-bit recordings can and do sound great, 24-bit is almost always better. A seasoned sound guy persuaded me of this a few years ago and I do everything 24-bit when possible and it really pays off.

Plus, for location sound, 24-bit and high SPL mikes means more overhead for very loud/soft enviros.

As for 96Hhz - 48k, 24-bit may be all you need. 96Hz really does not make an audible difference unless what you are recording is very demanding (say a live jazz band, strings, piano, complex sounds) and you have very good mics plus a high-end mixing system AND the output will be at high quality (blu-ray, digital cinema, IMAX etc.)

PS, If using 96/24 is a pain in your NLE, you're using the wrong NLE

[SonicStates]

So this little badboy has phantom...time to have a closer look at the specs. It could beat (in convenience and "shoulder aching factor") the hell out of lugging around my fostex FR-2...with separate power pack....and Lunatec V3.
To anyone who's got one, what are the pre-amps like on the Zoom?

[SonicStates]

Plus, for location sound, 24-bit and high SPL mikes means more overhead for very loud/soft enviros....



....PS, If using 96/24 is a pain in your NLE, you're using the wrong NLE

:thumbup:

[stephenvv]

To anyone who's got one, what are the pre-amps like on the Zoom?

BTW - it has 24 and 48v phantom...

Pre-amps are great with built in mike and phantom power condensers. With some dynamics a bit of hiss, but way less than previous zooms.

Samples here: Noise floor: http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-noise.html#samples

Recordings: http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-sound-samples.html

[ChipG]

Does the Zoom H4N have an internal clock with date? Does it save the date and time the audio clip was taken to the file on the sd card?

[SonicStates]

BTW - it has 24 and 48v phantom...

Pre-amps are great with built in mike and phantom power condensers. With some dynamics a bit of hiss, but way less than previous zooms.

Samples here: Noise floor: http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-noise.html#samples

Recordings: http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-sound-samples.html

Cheers muchly!

[puredrifting]

Does the Zoom H4N have an internal clock with date? Does it save the date and time the audio clip was taken to the file on the sd card?

You can even have it stamp the file names as time and date. This thing is way impressive for a mere $349.00

Dan

[Kholi]

How do you get it to roll the time, Dan? And how do you get it to stamp it?

That'll help with organizing and possibly syncing as well. Maybe.

[ChipG]

You can even have it stamp the file names as time and date. This thing is way impressive for a mere $349.00

Dan

Dan,

Question for you, If I set the enternal cam clock to the same time as the Zoom would I be able to associate the correct audio files with the video files give or take 2-3 min? I'm talking about just getting them close and later sync in post?

Thanks,
Chip

[puredrifting]

How do you get it to roll the time, Dan? And how do you get it to stamp it?

To check the date and time of a file...
File > file name > Information > Date (Doh, wait a minute, this isn't time of day recorded, this is clip duration, my bad, it says 00:09:06 but this is duration, not time of day) At first, I thought this was time of day.

To setup H4N to stamp clips with date...
Rec Settings > File Name > Date

Oh well, at least you can get the date stamp.

Dan

[Kholi]

Yeah I have no issue with that. Clip Duration helps anyway. No big deal.

Slating is perfect regardless.

[Car3o]

don't leave out M-Audio Micro Track II

[puredrifting]

I used the Zoom H4N yesterday under pretty lousy conditions with a cheap mic. I own quality mics but needed to record in stereo for a bunch of musicians at a music festival. $99.00 Sony MCS-907, which I have leftover from the MiniDisc days, not a great mic, definitely low end consumer. I need to buy a decent stereo mic at some point but I only record music once in a while. The end result was surprisingly good. The other thing I really dug was that the Zoom is very responsive once put into record pause mode. Hit record pause and as soon as you can unpause it, it is recording instantly. Perfect for video shooting where you are starting and stopping the recording constantly so you have the same number of clips as your video clips, makes it easier for syncing.

Unfortunately I didn't have a mount for the Zoom itself so it stayed in my camera bag with just the cheap Sony mic taped to my tripod or resting on my tripod case when we were sitting down. This Zoom continues to impress me, it make a really nice recording. Undoubtedly the built in stereo mics would have sounded better, just didn't have a way to mount it as I was run and gunning.

I feel like a kid with a new toy, I am going to be using the Zoom to record all kinds of stuff mainly because it is effortless and sounds so good for so little money.

Dan

[Kholi]

Ditto. Got my REDHead today. W00t. Cheap, Fuzzy, effective.

Now it's just a matter of getting the hang of this thing and teaching someone else how to use it.

Oh, and thankss for the mono mix down tip for only one boom, Dan!

[ciné-ernesto]

Hey, guys,

1.I know this question comes and goes all the time, but what are you using to rig the h4n to the camera?

2. And I don't know if someone brought this up, but wouldn't it be interesting to have a split shutter release cable (like I just got one for the D90) that had one end going to the camera and the other to the Zoom so to start and stop recording on both at the same time? (in case it's not a crew situation) I bet some of these people that make timer cords could analyze the zoom remote control to come up with something like this...

3. Tim Joy, could you share what method you used to "conform the footage" ?

Best all.

[puredrifting]

The H4N is probably kind of large to rig to a camera unless it is a big broadcast camera. I carried it in a Think Tank Speed Demon bag along with the extra lenses, batteries and CF cards for the 5D MKII.

The remote idea would be cool but not sure it is possible.

Dan

[stephenvv]

I just ordered a hot shoe mount and just got the optional remote control Zoom makes. Should be able to test on an HV30 this weekend

[Finster]

I know this question comes and goes all the time, but what are you using to rig the h4n to the camera?



I've been wondering the same thing. I just got my H4n & was reading through the manual last night. But I got to wondering ... how am I going to mount this to my tripod? Velcro?

I was just looking at the Genus Standard Adaptor Bars System (http://www.genustech.tv/genus-products/genus-standard-adaptor-bars-system.html). Perhaps I could buy longer support bars/rods and have them extend further out the back ... and somehow mount the H4n on top of the bars??? What do you guys think?

Here's my cut-n-paste in Photoshop ...

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s169/jwfinster/h4n_rods.jpg

[Tim Joy]

Hey, guys,

3. Tim Joy, could you share what method you used to "conform the footage" ?


I used Mpeg streamclip when converting to Apple intermediate codec and changed the frame rate from 24 to 23.976

You can also use compressor, or any other export which allows you to change the frame rate.

[mcgeedigital]

Just ordered one with the remote.

I think it will be more handy than lugging the Tascam HD-P2 around.

[ryansheffer]

Hey guys,

I put my H4N in a hot shoe that rotates on a circular joint so that I can rotate it onto the left side of the camera. It has worked wonders both in terms of audio and in terms of balancing the camera. This way I hand hold it with the right hand grip and focus with my left hand. The H4N is the perfect weight for a counter balance.

Not the prettiest method, but I'm damn happy with its performance.

Pardon the image quality - macbook pro webcam

[Kholi]

Hey guys,

I put my H4N in a hot shoe that rotates on a circular joint so that I can rotate it onto the left side of the camera. It has worked wonders both in terms of audio and in terms of balancing the camera. This way I hand hold it with the right hand grip and focus with my left hand. The H4N is the perfect weight for a counter balance.

Not the prettiest method, but I'm damn happy with its performance.

Pardon the image quality - macbook pro webcam


Awesome. That's what I plan to do for run n'gun / interview work. whenever that comes up, anyway.

Otherwise a belt clip for the boom guy, run with it.

I love this thing!

[saaby]

macbook pro webcam

Wondered why everything was mirrored!

[David W. Richardson]

An old still photographer's trick for steady handholding....

Hold your left hand in front of you, palm up.

Place the lens barrel of the camera in your left hand, so your fingers wrap naturally around the focus ring, f/stop ring, etc.

Tuck your left elbow in against your stomach.

Grip the right side of the camera with your right hand, but keep the bulk of the camera's weight in your left hand.

Tuck your right elbow against your chest or stomach.

You'd be surprised how much steadier this makes your handholding. At least, I was.

[Polanski]

I know this is almost twice the price: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/594741-REG/Marantz_PMD661_PMD661_Professional_Portable_Flash. html

But the ground noise is almost imperceptible through the line in.
In fact, this is the one I have in my wish list.

[josephj]

Looks like this is a must have. Just ordered mine on ebay.

Zacuto has just released a product specifically for the zoom h4n to be used on dslr's. Check it out here:


http://www.vimeo.com/4782593

Whoa, what's that sound?? That's the sound of more money flying out of my pocket! grrr...

[Drcoffee]

External recording is all new to me. Why this particular model for this purpose, over any other models by M-Audio, Tascam, Fostex, Marantz, or Edirol?

Also, sorry for being ignorant, but what's the point of stereo recording, when you can just pan the audio in post?

[ciné-ernesto]

Hey Ryan, where did you get that hotshoe ?

[Oedipax]

Just ordered mine (plus that custom Redhead). Amazon's got the recorder for $326.14 at the moment w/ super saver shipping, bit cheaper than B&H.

Can't wait to start messing around with it - could've really used it on a job last week where we wanted to record some ambient sound and had to grab what we could with the XHA1's on-camera mic.

[gg1969]

Recorded Colin Firth on one last week in momentary gap in shooting on location last week, and the subsequent ad is on telly worldwide, so expensive don't always mean the "best" :) It's what ypu do with it, not what they tell you to do with it as I'm sure we all know! And let's remember - no-one leaves a film whistling a two shot ;p (yes I am a sound man lol)