Zoom H4 or H4N

[xocomil]

I have read a thread looking at some of the differences btw the H4 and newer H4N. But it is still not clear to me whether the H4N has much better sound than the H4 (preamps).

I would use it mounted to GH1 and use to record natural sound in documentary setting, narrative voiceover, and attached to a wired/wireless lav mic for interviews.

Max inputs would be two (although I'd probably just have one xlr in use and use the zoom mics as a backup).

I'm in Canada and H4N goes for about $325 used/$375 new.

H4 can be picked up used for under $175.

Not sure how long I'll keep the camera so trying to keep expenses down.

Thanks.

 

[mojo43]

Not sure if this is an option, but I picked up the H1 and it works very well... You wouldn't need to used wireless lavs with the H1. Sorry, that doesn't answer your question but I thought that I would throw that out there...

 

[xocomil]

Not sure if this is an option, but I picked up the H1 and it works very well... You wouldn't need to used wireless lavs with the H1. Sorry, that doesn't answer your question but I thought that I would throw that out there...

Thanks mojo. I'd really like to have the option to use a wireless/wired lav ... much better in noisy environments.

 

[Cassius]

The H4n is noticeably better. If you're doing pro level work, you need at least that. If you're not you can get whatever. It depends on your exact needs.

 

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

Thanks mojo. I'd really like to have the option to use a wireless/wired lav ... much better in noisy environments.

If I recall, the H1 records at 44.1K rather than the standard 'video' rate of 48K (and also doesn't it record in MP3 mode rather than uncompressed WAV format?). In addition, I don't think the H1 has XLR inputs, nor 48V phantom power. So a number of options such as mics with phantom power needs, would not be an option...

In the audio section the H4n has been discussed, and it seems that the pre-amps are a bit better for the H4n. I recall also there was some commentary about taking the output of a mixer or external pre-amp and the H4n needing to have that 'attenuated'... but I don't have a H4n so I can't go further on that topic...

I've not done too many tests, to attempt to determine 'noise floor' of the device, using the mics that I have, a couple of 'dynamics' that I've had for quite a long time, and an Oktava MK--012 that I bought recently as well... I'm just getting around to do more test with the GH-1 for image quality issues... I've had the camera for nearly a year... where does the time go...

 

[mojo43]

H1 does not have xlr or phantom power, but it has 48K 24bit and also has 96K 24bit and supposedly has the same preamps as the H4n (or so I remember reading)...