Reddit reviews Zoom Q2HD Handy HD Video Recorder with 2GB SD Card and Two AA Batteries
We found 6 Reddit comments about Zoom Q2HD Handy HD Video Recorder with 2GB SD Card and Two AA Batteries. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Built-in condenser microphones with 30° to 150° Mid-Side stereo configurationVideo resolution of 1080p at 30 fps or 720p at 30 or 60 fpsAccepts up to a 64GB SDXC cardsUSB 2.0 High Speed, mini-HDMI (Type C) and 1/8-inch stereo Line/Phones connectorsPowered by two standard AA batteries, AC adapter or USB bus
Zoom Q2
OK Video, Great Audio. Highly recommend.
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Q2HD-Handy-Recorder-Batteries/dp/B008TVGUJC
You're probably inexperienced in making recordings. Youtube some violin videos and determine what makes a good or bad video. You want to be able to see your hands, whole body, clearly. You want to be able to hear clearly.
Give yourself way more time than you think you need. Maybe an hour for each 5 minutes of music, and breaks.
Record over two sessions if possible. One to just get stuff recorded. The second to rehash all the stuff that didn't work well. The point of these tapes is not to show perfection, but a high level of competency in rhythm, intonation, sound quality.
If you're using a pianist, rehearse with them several days before you record.
Regarding room selection:
Don't record in an echo chamber church. It masks what you're doing, and it's obvious. That's the worst!
Don't record in a room that's covered wall to wall in carpet.
Something in between, like a large classroom, small church, etc. would be better.
If you don't have professional equipment or a huge budget, the Zoom video recorders are surprisingly good, especially on a 60fps recording mode (bow strokes line up perfectly with the audio).
They're so cheap that you might as well have one as a backup when your other equipment fails.
I'd suggest the Q3HD, which I have, but it's discontinued. But this works too:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Q2HD-Handy-Recorder-Batteries/dp/B008TVGUJC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414702461&sr=8-1&keywords=q2hd
I assume you're looking for a simple solution that doesn't involve setting up a whole recording rig. If that's the case, then I think the Zoom Q2HD would be a great solution. This will capture a straightforward video of your playing with clear, un-distorted audio. Probably the most hassle-free way for you to get a decent recording with video.
It's a Zoom Q2HD Handy Video Recorder. I turn the video function off whenever I record sound.
Regarding audio...forget about getting good sound with the built-in mic of a cheap camcorder. In fact, not even a good camcorder. If your sound budget is also tight I'd suggest a Zoom H1 with a dead cat on it. A dead cat is to cut down/eliminate rumble you get from wind outside. A quick search found this. The Zoom H1 you should be able to find for under $100. I think I paid 70 or 80 on sale at Best Buy.
Edit: Another thought. Something like this or this will give you decent video and good audio. I don't have any personal experience with these, but it might work for you. Not much flexibility with the video though.