• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Zoom Q3HD battery life?

invader3k

invader3k

Feb 12, 2004
2,851
51
46
Fort Atkinson, WI
www.facebook.com
#1
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?
 
#3
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?
 
#7
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.
 
#8
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.
 
#14
rob69 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
#15
invader3k said:
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?
Click to expand...
I found this neat 3hr solution battery back up pack here:
Zoom Q3 camera q3hd h4n r16 extended power pack battery power mobile back up | HD Wearable Video Custom Mods By RageCams
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back