FAQ
Q3HD
Q3HD
Recording
What is the maximum available recording time for video and audio?
The maximum recording time depends on the capacity of the SD/SDHC card and the recording format. For details, please refer to the following chart.
Maximum Recordable Time
Movie Mode
| Data Format |
SD/SDHC Card Capacity |
| Video |
Audio |
2GB |
4GB |
8GB |
16GB |
32GB |
HD1080p
（30fps） |
PCM 24bit / 96kHz |
18m |
36m |
1h 13m |
2h 26m |
4h 52m |
| PCM 16bit / 44.1kHz |
23m |
46m |
1h 33m |
3h 6m |
6h 13m |
| AAC 192kbps |
26m |
52m |
1h 44m |
3h 29m |
6h 58m |
HD720p
（60fps） |
PCM 24bit / 96kHz |
19m |
39m |
1h 18m |
2h 36m |
5h 13m |
| PCM 16bit / 44.1kHz |
25m |
51m |
1h 42m |
3h 24m |
6h 49m |
| AAC 192kbps |
29m |
58m |
1h 56m |
3h 52m |
7h 44m |
HD720p
（30fps） |
PCM 24bit / 96kHz |
25m |
50m |
1h 40m |
3h 21m |
6h 42m |
| PCM 16bit / 44.1kHz |
35m |
1h 11m |
2h 23m |
4h 47m |
9h 35m |
| AAC 192kbps |
43m |
1h 26m |
2h 52m |
5h 44m |
11h 29m |
WVGA
（60fps） |
PCM 24bit / 96kHz |
25m |
50m |
1h 40m |
3h 21m |
6h 42m |
| PCM 16bit / 44.1kHz |
35m |
1h 11m |
2h 23m |
4h 47m |
9h 35m |
| AAC 192kbps |
43m |
1h 26m |
2h 52m |
5h 44m |
11h 29m |
WVGA
（30fps） |
PCM 24bit / 96kHz |
30m |
1h 1m |
2h 3m |
4h 7m |
8h 15m |
| PCM 16bit / 44.1kHz |
49m |
1h 38m |
3h 17m |
6h 34m |
13h 8m |
| AAC 192kbps |
1h 3m |
2h 7m |
4h 14m |
8h 28m |
16h 57m |
*The maximum file size is limited to 4GB. *Actual times may differ according to recording conditions.
Audio Mode
| Data Format |
SD/SDHC Card Capacity |
| 2GB |
4GB |
8GB |
16GB |
32GB |
| PCM |
24bit / 96kHz |
57m |
1h 55m |
3h 51m |
7h 42m |
15h 25m |
| 16bit / 44.1kHz |
3h 8m |
6h 17m |
12h 35m |
25h 11m |
50h 23m |
| AAC |
320kbps |
13h 53m |
27h 46m |
55h 33m |
111h 6m |
222h 13m |
| 128kbps |
34h 43m |
69h 26m |
138h 53m |
277h 46m |
555h 33m |
*The maximum file size is limited to 2 GB when PCM is selected and 4 GB when AAC is selected. *Recording times are approximations.
Is it possible to output video to a television as it is being recorded?
Yes, it is possible. Use the AV cable or HDMI cable included in the accessory set (sold separately) to connect the Q3HD to a television.
Does it support MP3-format recording?
No, it does not. The Q3HD uses the AAC format for audio compression.
What is the maximum sound pressure level for the built-in microphone?
The built-in microphone is rated for a maximum input sound pressure level of 130 dB.
I recorded a band performance with the built-in microphone and set the recording level properly, but the recording sounds distorted.
When using the built-in stereo microphone, physical vibrations caused by very low-frequency sounds can be recorded as distortion. When setting up the Q3HD, you should avoid locations that may be subject to vibrations from loudspeakers, a drum set or similar. Placing the unit on a soft cloth may also help to reduce vibrations.
Can I shoot still pictures with the Q3HD?
No, still pictures are not supported.
Does the Q3HD have an anti-shake function?
No, the Q3HD is not equipped with an anti-shake function.
Is it possible to perform long-term recording that exceeds the maximum MOV file size (4GB)?
Yes. When the 4GB file size is reached during recording, the Q3HD stores the file and then opens a new file for further recording.
Is it possible to perform long-term recording that exceeds the maximum WAV file size (2GB)?
Yes. When the 2GB file size is reached during recording, the Q3HD stores the file and then opens a new file for further recording.
HandyShare
I have erased the HandyShare application that was on the supplied SD card. Can I get it back?
Yes, HandyShare can be downloaded from our website free of charge. Select the installer on
the Downloads page.
Can I extract only the audio from a video that I have made?
Yes. The supplied HandyShare application allows you to save the audio as a WAV file.
When I try to upload a movie to YouTube, an error occurs and uploading does not complete.
YouTube uploading limits prevent movies that are longer than 15 minutes or larger than 2 GB from being uploaded. In addition, errors are more likely to occur at times when YouTube access traffic is heavy. In such cases, wait a while and try uploading again at another time.
Other Topics
Which SD/SDHC cards can be used with the Q3HD?
For information on SD/SDHC cards whose operation has been verified, please see
here.
Can I recharge the batteries with the Q3HD?
No, the Q3HD does not have a function for charging the batteries. You should therefore use a commercially available charger designed for the batteries you are using.
Can I use the Q3HD as a linear PCM recorder?
Yes. Please turn off the CAMERA function from the menu. Then, the Q3HD can be used as linear PCM recorder for sound only. By selecting 24 bit/96 kHz WAV file recording, high sound quality far superior to CDs can be obtained.
Can I use the Q3HD as a USB mic for my computer?
No, this is not supported.
Can I use the Q3HD as a web camera for my computer?
No, this is not supported.
Does it have an audio input jack?
Yes. It has a LINE IN jack that can be used to input sound from an external device. Microphones, however cannot be connected to this jack.
Can signals be input through both the LINE IN jack and the built-in microphones at the same time?
No, this is not possible. When an external device is connected to the LINE IN jack, the built-in microphones are disabled.
Can movies taken with the Q3HD be played back with Windows Media Player?
No, Windows Media Player does not support the MOV file format that the Q3HD uses. To play MOV files, use the QuickTime player available free of charge from Apple Corporation.
A WAV file recorded with 24-bit/96 kHz sampling cannot be played on my computer.
Depending on the media player or DAW software version, WAV files with high resolution and high sampling rates such as 24-bit/96 kHz may not play properly. Check which formats are supported by the software that you are using.
Where can I buy a tripod for it?
Tripods are usually sold as camera accessories. You can probably find one at a nearby electronics retailer. A tripod is also included in the optional APQ-3HD accessory set.
Is there a dedicated soft carrying case for the Q3HD?
Yes, the dedicated soft carrying case SCQ-3 is available separately as an option. Please contact your nearest ZOOM dealer.
