Zoom H4n - just ordered

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.
 
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.
 
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...
 
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!
 
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)
 
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.
 
hmm - that's a good thought. makes sense and looking at flash brackets, they seem like they would always be in the way.
 
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-R...4|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1308|301:1|293:1|294:50

$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.
 
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 ??????
 
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
 
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.
 
androoow said:
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 ??????
Click to expand...

Audio for video I always go with 48k 16bit. Anything higher is overkill for dialog IMO, plus the headaches in the NLE.
 
ryansheffer said:
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%7C240%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)
Click to expand...

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