Question regarding the Zoom H5

NickZ2016 wrote:

JWAR1976 wrote:

Sorry what I meant was while the R5 records the photo and audio, the Zoom H5 records a backup of the audio track. The following is stated on the Zoom website

Backup-Record*

The H5’s Backup-Record function automatically records a duplicate set of L/R tracks with 12db less input gain. This audio safety net helps to protect your recordings.

*44.1 and 48 kHz WAV files only.

So what I was thinking is use the backup audio file and put into a audio editor to split tracks, so that the band / artist has mp3 / flac files of each song they performed.

That's the recorder creating two audio files on the recorder. You only need the second one if the first one clips. If the first one doesn't clip you'd never touch it.

No reason to have the recorder plugged into the camera other than making syncing later easier. But the camera mics are likely good enough for that. You'd also want to make sure the output from the recorder is good enough. I have the H6 and it's output can be an issue. You'd never use it over the file created inside the recorder.

Also if you're buying new I'd spend the extra money and get one of the newer 32 bit models. Much harder to clip and easier to fix in post. If you're only using one mic the smaller F3 might even be cheaper than an H5.

Thank you for the informative reply, the reason I was thinking about the H5 is that my local Camera shop has a open box one for £170 with full warranty, so is tempting.  I will definitely do some research on the F series range.  Regarding the 32 bit, I was originally looking at the Tascam Portacapture X8, which can be bought for just over £400, which is quite reasonable for a handheld device.

The venues I go to have very few tables and no tripods allowed on busier nights, so handheld is pretty much essential.