Zoom H5 – Advanced Sound Recorder – Hands On Preview

Japanese manufacturer Zoom announced today the availability of its new advanced H5 recorder early next month (the unit was first previewed a while back). The new device shares many of the features of the flagship H6 model announced a few months back but is significantly less expensive.

Last year Zoom introduced the extremely capable Zoom H6 sound recorder. However with a price tag of around $400 the device was a bit on the pricey side compared to some of the competition on the market (for example the Tascam DR-60D which cost about half).

The Zoom H5 on a Canon DSLR

Zoom-H5-canon
In order to appeal to a wider audience Zoom created the H5 – a simpler version of the H6 but still a very capable device.

Here are some of H5 main features (you can find more on the Zoom site):

  • A system of interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera (same as H6).
  • Includes detachable X/Y capsule (XYH-5) with extended signal capacity and shock mounted mics for reduced handling noise.
  • Four-track simultaneous recording (vs. 6 on the H6).
  • Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB (vs. 128GB on the H6)
  • Up to 24-bit/96kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats (same as H6).
  • Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, Selectable phantom power for either or both main inputs: +12/+24/+48V with 20dB pads for either or both main inputs.
  • Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC/Mac/iPad (same as H6).
  • Mountable directly to DSLR or camcorder with optional HS-01 Hot Shoe Mount adapter.
  • Monochrome display (the H6 has color display).
  • Over 15 hours of operation with 2 alkaline batteries (the H6 has over 20 hours of operation with 4 AA alkaline batteries).
  • Price: $270 (pre order on B&H).

A hands on with the Zoom H5 by Rob Rives from B&H

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK9RMOC8d3s[/youtube]

You can find lots more info on sound recording for HDSLR on our dedicated HDSLR sound channel here on LensVid.

The Zoom H5 – front

Zoom-H5-

Iddo Genuth
Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.

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