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Post by snakehips on Apr 20, 2020 15:28:48 GMT
Hi there !
While I'm stuck with a broken left wrist, awaiting healing, I've been looking at my youtube videos and stuff, wondering what I can do to improve picture quality AND audio quality without breaking the bank.
Generally, I've been using my ipad or iphone to record videos. Before that, I was using a digital video camera (but of the type from the days when video file formats were not as easily transferable or as high quality). I am nearly at the stage of thinking about upgrading my iphone as my current 4yr old iphone SE is not holding it's charge so well now. Should I just stick to using my phone (a new one) for solo blues things to put on youtube, or upgrade to something more specifically designed for the job ?
I've seen adverts for the Zoom Q2 and higher video quality Zoom Q2 4K (£183 is the best UK price I've seen). Built-in stereo mics and supposed to be great audio quality. Looking further I found there is a Q8 model with 4-audio channel mixer - L&R channels for the onboard stereo mics, plus two combi inputs (XLR&jack) for the other 2 channels. The added flexibility to use your own mics and/or mix in with the onboard mics is tempting. They don't yet seemed to have brought out a 4K version of this though - and the picture quality is being shot down a little in reviews. Choices, choices !!!
Any other audio/video devices worth considering ??
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Post by 5slide on Apr 20, 2020 15:42:31 GMT
Hi Richard, I use a little zoom H1 stereo recorder and it does a pretty decent job. It's fairly old now so I'm sure the Q2 will be quite a bit better. I'm a professional photographer so I use a Canon 1DX Mk II for recording my videos, it's total overkill for YouTube and it gets compressed massively anyway but I don't really have anything else except for iPhone and iPad. I then sync the movie and audio in iMovie. It seems to work ok and it gives a better sound than if I recorded everything through one device like an iPhone.
I'm looking at upgrading to a decent mic and mixer etc but don't have the funds until we're all in a better situation.
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Post by coach on Apr 20, 2020 20:13:13 GMT
Just remember this is slippery slope! Once you start upgrading your recording signal chain, the more you will pick up of the room. This is almost always another problem which will need addressing (unless you happen to be recording in an acoustically treated studio live room, or somewhere which sounds nice like a concert hall or that cave in Lanzarote where they have classical concerts).
I think I'd be inclined to get a good USB/Lightening interface and a couple of condenser mics and have a play with positioning. As for the video side of things, most people view on phones or little laptop screens. How good does it need to be?
You are one of those people who sound good on any old thing though.
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Post by snakehips on Apr 20, 2020 22:22:23 GMT
Hi again,
You are all right in many ways. My videos ate all amateur, dodgy lighting often, some more successful than others sonically, and some more recent videos of mine have been poorer than older ones. That’s partly down, I think, to where I downloaded them onto youtube from - as my work internet has better speed (than at home) or something so I think it gets less compressed, or something ! Just positioning the iphone/ipad well is not all that easy. Might go for the Zoom Q2 4K, it’t just the lure of 4 channels and two combi inouts of the older Q8 seemed attractive.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2020 23:29:39 GMT
Richard--people don't go on YT to see Hollywood style productions but good players,which you are. I recently got an iphoneXS from my supplier (EE bah gum) in exchange for another 2yrs. of extortion but I have to say the video/photo quality is pretty amazing. More than adequate for your purposes.
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Post by snakehips on Apr 21, 2020 8:54:34 GMT
Hi Graeme !
Yes, I suppose, if I upgrade to the latest iphone SE, like I think I will, I should probably have better audio & video. Positioning it is one difficulty though.
Thanks for your help.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2020 10:19:28 GMT
I bought one of THESE recently which works a treat on a tripod or boom stand giving all the flexibility you could want.
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Post by snakehips on Apr 21, 2020 12:03:52 GMT
Great stuff, thanks !!!
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Post by Michael Messer on Apr 21, 2020 15:24:18 GMT
The iPhone 11 Pro that I got recently has an extraordinarily good video and stills camera. It also, with a good mic, records as well as any digital recorder I have used.
Having said that, I have seen very good results with the new Zoom cameras. Either the Q2 or the Q8, both are excellent.
Shine On Michael
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Post by snakehips on Apr 21, 2020 21:40:11 GMT
Hi again,
Choices, choices !
I'm needing a new phone more than a dedicated recording device, so maybe I'll just go with the iphone. I suppose I don't have to hurry on the decision as I can't play yet, to record myself !!! (with my broken wrist)
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Post by Michael Messer on Apr 22, 2020 18:56:49 GMT
Going back onto topic. Snakehips, the iPhone 11 Pro with a good mic, either the Zoom iQ7 or better still, the Shure MV88, makes a really high quality video and recording setup. I have been doing some recording over the past few days, just using my iPhone, and it's really good quality.
Shine On Michael
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Post by snakehips on Apr 22, 2020 23:03:57 GMT
Hi again !
Thanks for the advice. The Zoom Q8 needs an updated version to match up to the Zoom Q2 4K video quality.
It might be that I only need the Q2 4k for good video quality, and use the stereo mic purely to match the audio in it's time-line, to audio I could record on my Zoom R16 multi-tracker.
All different ideas. Think I'll go for the phone upgrade and get back to y'all. Thanks again !
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2020 9:47:55 GMT
Hi again, Choices, choices ! I'm needing a new phone more than a dedicated recording device, so maybe I'll just go with the iphone. I suppose I don't have to hurry on the decision as I can't play yet, to record myself !!! (with my broken wrist) I would go for new phone and Shure MV88 mic. This combo works great. Here is one of my videos using that microphone. It’s a great little mic and works with most of apps. If you get Filmic Pro app you’ll have a lot better quality and control than iPhone camera app.
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Post by snakehips on Apr 23, 2020 9:58:45 GMT
OK, thanks for that - I'll look into that.
All the best !
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Post by snakehips on Apr 23, 2020 10:17:31 GMT
Some reviews of the Shure SV88 talk about latency issues.
Have you noticed the audio and video are not in sync with each other - especially on fast songs ?
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