Zoom Q3HD battery life?

invader3k · #1 04-15-2012, 05:32 AM

Is it just me, or is the battery life on this thing not good at all? I just bought a brand new Q3HD two weeks ago, and have tried using it at a couple of our practices. I get a half hour of recording time, and then it powers down! I am recording at 720p/60fps and 192 kbps for audio. The second practice, I was using a brand new 32 gb memory card, so I know that's not the issue.

Anyone have similar experiences? Do I need to adjust my settings, or simply go to always using the AC adapter with it?

**jmac** · #2 04-15-2012, 05:41 AM

The specs read "get up to 45 minutes of recording ..."

Thirty minutes of recording on double A batteries seems ok to me. Go with the power supply if you want to record longer.

Rockin Mike · #3 04-15-2012, 05:47 AM

Used mine for the first time to record a gig Friday night, 720p@30fps, 48kbps audio. Got the first set OK but it powered down right at the start of set 2 so I guess I got about an hour out of a fresh set of copper tops. That can get expensive.

Does anybody know if it get better battery life at lower resolutions?

invader3k · #4 04-15-2012, 06:31 AM

OK, sounds like my record times aren't that bad then. I think I'll be investing in some rechargeable batteries and using the adapter a lot more.

Vincent P · #5 04-15-2012, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by invader3k

OK, sounds like my record times aren't that bad then. I think I'll be investing in some rechargeable batteries and using the adapter a lot more.

Was going to suggest this; my son keeps a couple of sets, rotating with charges.

waleross · #6 04-15-2012, 07:54 AM

I have one and I only used batteries when I first got it to see if it worked. I do use re-chargable batteries but usually go with the adapter as I do with the Zoom H4N......

rob69 · #7 05-19-2012, 04:04 AM

I'm somewhat dissapointed by this device. When depending on batteries recording gigs of my band, I hold my breath when we play a 45 minute set. The Q3HD might just make it, or not. When switched off by running out of battery power it doesn't store the recording. That's a major downside of this thing.

Johnny Crab · #8 05-19-2012, 06:17 AM

IIRC it does have a "use less power" mode but I'm not sure if that messes with the FPS number or how it works. We(son and I) use Eneloops rechargeables and the wall wart. He uses the Q3 for master backup cam when shooting events and to pull some video off to mix in with the personnel cams.

A small powerpack will be "McGuyvered" here soon for shows where a wall wart won't work.

Steve · #9 05-19-2012, 08:16 AM

The Energizer lithium batteries are a real and significant improvement over the alkaline type but..they are not cheap.

invader3k · #10 05-22-2012, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob69

When switched off by running out of battery power it doesn't store the recording. That's a major downside of this thing.

That shouldn't happen. Something is either wrong with your unit or the settings you're using.

DWBass · #11 05-22-2012, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob69

When switched off by running out of battery power it doesn't store the recording. That's a major downside of this thing.

I may be wrong, but I think there was a software update that fixed this issue.

**jmac** · #12 05-22-2012, 08:57 AM

Sorry for hijacking the thread, but how does the device record in a low light setting; like a bar?

Most of the stuff that I found on youtube is of pro concerts; where there is plenty of light.

DWBass · #13 05-22-2012, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmac

Sorry for hijacking the thread, but how does the device record in a low light setting; like a bar?

I believe that was also addressed with that same software update. I'm almost sure there was a thread on this.

danwat1234 · #14 11-27-2012, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob69

I'm somewhat dissapointed by this device. When depending on batteries recording gigs of my band, I hold my breath when we play a 45 minute set. The Q3HD might just make it, or not. When switched off by running out of battery power it doesn't store the recording. That's a major downside of this thing.

High quality NiMH rechargeable AA batteries is where it's at. "Sanyo XX" or Powerex 2700mAh is the ticket.

The thing with alkalines is that their voltage lowers when there is a high load. NiMH and Lithium does not.
Yes NiMH is 1.2V instead of 1.5V but alkaline is at 1.2V when it gets down to ~50% charge level anyway, and like I said the voltage of Alkalines may droop from the load of this high end camcorder. So combined the alkalines might not be useful in the camcorder before they are actually discharged all the way.

NiMH batteries can have a lot more usable capacity than alkaline for high drain devices.

Use a quality slow charger that has independent charging circuits for each battery and you're golden.