H4N Zoom

I’ve been using the 7D HDSLR set up for over a year now. I’m still getting used to it. I was really excited at first to use the somewhat new device, but as I’ve gone a long I’ve grown a bit disappointed in its ease of use. But, regardless I’ve been very happy with my H4N Zoom, which has been a HUGE help in working with the difficult workflow of the 7D.

I like that there’s Stereo, Multitrack and 4 Channel. I wish the Multitrack mode was a bit easier to use. I can’t monitor the individual channels very easily… I don’t know what level the audio levels are reaching or peaking at, so I’m times a bit worried to use it. But, it’s pretty good that it still exists.

In Stereo I can have two inputs. I’ve been using a shotgun and wireless lav setup for the stereo. Lav into L channel, stereo into R channel. I can link and unlink them so the lav will ONLY go to the left channel and vice versa. This makes it a lot easier to edit in post… each audio channel is its own channel therefore I can control each audio feed separately.

I concocted my own attachment for the H4N Zoom so I can connect it to my tripod or DSLR shoulder rig. I have the hot shoe adapters but I use those for my monitor or shotgun mic. I wish there was a ready made attachment for it; maybe there is and I just don’t know it. I use a clamp that has a 1/4 inch screw to attach to the H4N Zoom.

It’s also great that it’s small and compact. I can move it around if I don’t want to be tethered to a mic stand OR if I just want to gather audio.

I can shoot in 44.1khz/24bit, 48kh/16bit, 48khz/24bit and 96khz/16bit, 96khz/24bit. A great range.

The H4N Zoom is a must have for any DSLR video set up. If it weren’t for the H4N Zoom, I probably wouldn’t be shooting with a 7D. How else would I get audio?