Free Shipping with no minimum purchase. Learn more »

Cart (800) 222-4700


Zoom Q3

Portable Video and Audio Recorder with 2 Built-in Stereo Microphones, LCD Screen, Onboard Speaker, HandyShare Editing and Uploading Software, and 2GB SD Card

Item ID: Q3zoom

Click to enlarge
Free Shipping

Get more value at Sweetwater

  • Retail Price $374.99
  • Sweetwater Savings -$125.02
  • Shipping Free! FREE Shipping
    This item ships FREE, with fast, reliable delivery from our centrally located warehouse. Learn more »
  • Lifetime Tech Support Free! FREE Lifetime Tech Support
    Trust Sweetwater's award-winning Tech Support department for FREE online and phone tech support, including our famous 20,000 article Knowledge Base. Learn more »
  • 2-Year Warranty Free! FREE 2-year Warranty
    Regardless of the manufacturer's warranty, we'll protect this gear for two years.
    Learn more »
  • Sale Price: $249.97
or make 3 easy payments

Yes, It's In Stock!

This item is available for immediate delivery. Our centrally-located warehouse ensures you the fastest delivery time in the industry. Order now by adding to your cart or call your Sales Engineer.

Capture YouTube Videos with Studio Sound!

When you've got a Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder in your pocket, get ready for fun. This handheld marvel combines amazing video recording with brilliant audio recording, making the Zoom Q3 the coolest gadget on the block. It even comes with HandyShare video editing software that's got a built-in YouTube uploader, so you're ready to share your creations with the world. Whether you start off recording band rehearsals and performances, then branch off into capturing interviews and video casts, you'll keep finding new ways to use your Zoom Q3. YouTube's never sounded this good!



The Q3 uses the same microphone capsules as Zoom's incredible H4n Handy Recorder, making it perfect for recording anything where great audio and video are a must. The list of your recording possibilities is endless: record band performances and rehearsals, interviews, conferences, video casts, school events, and more — the Zoom Q3's amazing audio quality takes your videos to another level. Best yet, the microphones are arranged in an X/Y pattern for excellent imaging. The result is a great sounding recording with natural depth and highly accurate imaging every time... all at the touch of a Q3 button.

Beyond all that, you'll be amazed by the quality of the videos you capture with the Zoom Q3. This mighty little gadget can capture MPEG-4 SP videos at 640 x 480 resolution. Cooler yet, it has a 2.4" LCD screen with a 320 x 240 viewing resolution, so you can check out the videos you just captured, or load up your card for on-the-go watching of your favorite newly created flicks. There's even a built-in speaker and a jack for your headphones, so you're 100% ready for playback.

Want to share your creations? With a built-in USB cable, your Zoom Q3 is ready to transfer your projects to your computer whenever you are. Plus, it comes with HandyShare software that works on both Mac and PC computers. This software makes it easy to edit your projects, so they're ready to share with the world. Just use the built-in YouTube uploader to instantly get them up on the Internet — with the Q3, it's never been easier to create and share videos on your Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube pages.

Designed with everything you need to make your movies right out of the box, the Q3 includes HandyShare software for editing and a 2GB SD card for up to 1 hour of video recording time. The Q3 will also accept up to 32GB SDHC cards for a staggering 16 hours of moviemaking! Other in-the-box accessories include a TV cable, a soft case, a windscreen, and two AA batteries. The USB cable is built right into the Q3 for serious convenience. Simply put, once it's in your hand, you're ready to go!

Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder Portable SD Audio/Video Recorder Features at a Glance:
  • Portable video and stereo audio recorder
  • Built-in stereo condenser microphones with X/Y configuration for true stereo imaging
  • Get up to 1 hour of video with bundled 2GB SD card
  • Accepts up to a 32GB SDHC card for 16 hours of recording time
  • Large 2.4" LCD display with a resolution of 320 x 240
  • Video resolution of 640 x 480 at 30 frames/sec
  • Video Format: MPEG-4 SP
  • NTSC / PAL TV output
  • Optics Lens Type: Fixed Focus (0.8m to infinity) with 2x digital zoom
  • Audio formats with video include 44.1/48kHz 16/24-bit Linear PCM WAV or MP3 up to 320kbps
  • Audio only formats include 96kHz 16/24-bit Linear PCM WAV
  • Auto Record Level automatically adjusts audio levels during recordings
  • Uses two standard AA batteries or NiMH rechargeable batteries
  • USB 2.0 with built-in cable
  • Windows and Mac OS compatible
  • Built-in speaker and tripod mount
  • Includes onboard editing software, YouTube uploader software, Apple Quicktime, TV cable, softcase, windscreen, 2GB SD card, two AA Batteries

The Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder lets you capture amazing videos — and brilliant stereo audio — anywhere you go!

Can We Help?

call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us
to get personalized advice from a Sweetwater Sales Engineer.

Recommended Accessories

Reviews
based on 5 customer reviews

THE Zoom Q3 - UNLIKE any other ~

by Gary W. Ek - southernmostmedia.com from Key West, Fla.
December 14, 2009
Music Background: Sound and Video Engineer for 30 years - now Working in Key West Florida
The Zoom Q3 is NOW my Favorite Concert and Interview Camera, At 1/12 the cost of my Pro Mini DV Camera and with a picture quality comparable to HD, the Zoom Q3 is My NEW FAVORITE.
Especially do... read more [+]ing concerts with Loud Volume Levels- It has an Auto Volume Setting that compresses Loud Concert Levels to Normal Listening!
It Hates Low Light - But loves High Volume.
I Love this Camera -Ready to Go - OUT OF THE BOX!
I use a Mono pod and a set of Headphones -some extra Batteries and a 32gb Card for up to 16 hours of Great Video - With a 1 step dump to my Laptop its off to Facebook or You Tube in Minutes. close [-]

For What It's Worth

by Monte from NYC
November 20, 2009
Music Background: extensive
This is one fun and easy (I repeat, "easy") recorder to work with. Yes, it is not a HD video camera. However, for what it is, the videos are good enough to enjoy. The audio is brilliant. Now, the reas... read more [+]on that I gave it five stars is that the Q3 has a built in USB cable which is constructed well and quickly loads the takes from the Q3 onto a computer desktop. I use a Mac and the files can sweetly load into Garageband into the Film editor for tweaking, and then, you can export the edited version into iTunes. All of the aspects from shooting to editing are smooth and easy, and hassle-free. I'd give the Q3 a 4.75 if I could instead of 5, because a single person operation of the unit when filming is a bit tricky as far as positioning the camera (since the monitor is on the side facing away from the performer and placement is crucial due to the fixed lens). This is a wonderful quick reference tool or an avant-guard music video production tool, or just a fun thing to carry around with you all day and capture whatever you want with happy results. It is sooooooo easy to operate. The learning curve is not a steep one as is the case with many complex hand held recorders. You are up and filming minutes from taking the Q3 out of the box for the first time. For what it's worth...it's worth getting one. close [-]

Q3 Sound

by Sonny harris from Pine Mountain, Georgia
December 13, 2009
Music Background: Production of Evangelistic Blues
The recording is awesome and the picture is good but light is an issue but can quickly be handled with two strings of Blue Micro LED over-head christmas lights. A directional lamp on the instrument an... read more [+]d your lookin too cool. Again the sweet mixture of vocal and tube amps through a rockin PA give a studio sound to your video presentation. It Rocks ! close [-]

Video Recorder for the Audio Nut

by Fred from Alfred, Maine
December 5, 2009
Music Background: FinalRune Productions Audio Drama
It is as billed. Audio comparable to Zoom H2 (which I absolutely adore) with video. Video is OK for web use but nothing you would want to put on a DVD.

As such, it's great for videobl... read more [+]oggers, concert-goers, etc. but not really to do your next music video. I am using it to record "behind the scenes" of audio productions and it is excellent for that use.

I'm disappointed that Zoom didn't take things a step further and make this a A/V interface via USB for your computer, e.g. the best Skype cam ever made. Doing so would've made this a great tool for live streaming, etc.

I think you can rig it up using the provided A/V dongle and a USB interface but it is not nearly as elegant as natively offering the feature. close [-]

Is not what I was hoping for

by Kenny from Whitsett
November 9, 2009
Music Background: Musician
First off I give it a three due to the Audio recording abilities Not it Video capabilities. In order to record video you must have ample light or it just is too dark. I do have the Zoom H4n and for au... read more [+]dio recording it rocks in a live situation. I would recommend the Q3 but just make sure you have plenty of light. close [-]

Also popular

See Also: Field Recorders

Zoom Q3

Today's Payment: $93.32
Includes $10 processing fee
Payment 2: $83.32
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $83.32
In approx. 60 days

Buy Today, Make

Sweetwater's Flexible Payment Plan is a convenient, interest-free way to buy gear now and stretch your purchase across three budget-friendly payments. Simply choose the "3 Easy Payments" option in your cart, and we'll divide your purchase amount into three budget-friendly payments, billed to your current MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. There is a $10 processing fee for using this service. It's just another way we make shopping at Sweetwater easy and convenient!

Get your Zoom Q3 now and spread out the payments!

Our Customers Say...

Ninety-five percent of everything in this studio came from Sweetwater. My Sales Engineer is a lifesaver. I started working with him around 2005, talking to him about what my vision was for the studio. He was right there all the way.
Sidney Carter, Douglassville, PA

Sweetwater Sound Inc.
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Get Directions »

Toll-Free (800) 222-4700
Local (260) 432-8176
Fax (260) 432-1758
E-mail us

Telephone hours:
9-9 Mon-Thu, 9-8 Fri, 9-7 Sat EST

Retail Store hours:
9-8 Mon-Fri, 9-7 Sat EST

HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime.

© 2010 Sweetwater Sound Inc. All rights reserved. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Site Map | Links | Downloads | Press Releases