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The Zoom Q3’s remarkable ability to record crisp and clear audio results in seemingly higher quality videos.  Although the video quality parallels the Flip, the sound quality goes far beyond anything the Flip -or any other comparable recorder- offers.  Despite the fact that the Zoom Q3 does not record in HD, you will still benefit from the ability to shoot quick videos with crystal clear audio.  You can upload videos recorded on the Q3 directly into your jiveSYSTEMS account.

This nifty little camcorder’s excellent audio quality is the result of its built-in dual condenser microphones.   Getting technical, the key to the Zoom’s great audio is the setup of left and right microphones that are at 90 degrees to each other on the same axis, ensuring sound enters the left and right channels at the same distance, thereby averting phase shifting.

Here is a video of Bobby Alessi recording himself playing acoustic guitar using the Q3 Zoom:

Pretty good right? The picture quality -while not jaw-dropping- is more than adequate for most of the business worlds web video needs.  I’ll admit, there is a bit of a trade-off in video quality for sound quality against an HD recording device.  I say it is worth it, especially since HD footage takes much more computer horsepower to edit and dramatically longer to render (even when doing the most basic video editing).  Also, take into account the fact that HD footage has a larger file size and still streams poorly on more computers than you would think (unless you are technically proficient at exporting video in H.264 and other HD codecs).  While portable camcorders like the Flip HD do encode to H.246, additional video editing is always required to achieve a truly streamable file size.

Side note: At jiveSYSTEMS, we offer video email and web video marketing software with unlimited coaching and support.  Our service is for recording video messages to be distributed to an individual or a group. Our software automatically encodes any videos you record or upload through our software.  If you want to learn how to produce videos, I belong to (and recommend) Dave Kaminski’s video production training program.  jiveSYSTEMS is about speed: hitting start, stop and then send.  You can record and send a video through jiveSYSTEMS in seconds.  Dave’s training is geared towards videos that you can afford to invest a half-day to produce, for example, a video for a sales page you are going to be driving thousands of leads towards.  I use my jiveSYSTEMS account for daily video email communications with either my webcam or the Q3 Zoom.  When I create a video for squeeze pages, I whip out my Sony HDR-SR11 prosumer camcorder, Interfit softbox lights, and Adobe Pro Premiere video editing software [I also use Sony Vegas].  When putting videos in blog posts, I like to use the Q3, but I do edit the footage (even though it’s filmed in SD) to reduce the file size.  I then upload the video to TubeMogul, which automatically uploads the video to several video sharing sites (YouTube, Vimeo, and many more).

The Q3 comes with software to enable you to upload your videos straight to YouTube.  This software doesn’t work very well, though it does include a basic editing tool.  [In fact, I haven’t been able to get it to connect with my current YouTube account at all.]   It seems that it requires the creation of a new YouTube account in order to use that feature.  The Q3′s software has built-in trimming capabilities which make video editing out those awkward silent parts (and funny faces) at the beginning and end of your videos simple.   The camcorder itself has the unique ability to turn off the video portion and receive audio only, which records at a staggering 96 kHz / 24-bit resolution, exceeding CD quality.  This is especially useful for recording audio-only interviews or using it as a voice recorder for notes, documentation, etc.  In regards to battery, the Q3 will take either 2 AA batteries, rechargeable batteries or an AC adapter, giving you the flexibility to record videos anywhere.

Side Note: I use rechargeable batteries for three reasons: 1) they are better for the environment; 2) they are more economical; and 3) it is a portable camcorder – using an AC adapter with the Q3 would be the equivalent of going camping, setting up your tent, and then sleeping outside.

Just like I did with the Flip Video, I take the Q3 almost everywhere with me. This is because you just never know when inspiration is going to hit you, and when the opportunity does arise it pays to be ready.   To carry the device, I use the Turek Q3 hard case which clips to my belt.   I haven’t taken it as far as playing a game of cowboys or the Wild West -drawing the camcorder off my belt clip to “shoot” a video- but the thought has crossed my mind on more than one occasion.   I am a dork, what can I say… ?

Whether you are just starting to leverage web video to communicate with your prospects and clients or if you’re an experienced professional, the Q3 is a sound investment.  This camcorder is a rock solid recipe for success with web video.  I bought my Q3 through Amazon for $250.