OVERVIEW:
This is the 2nd version of the super popular Zoom H1, and first I'll say I liked the old one better (more notes below). This is a stereo recorder with built-in mics in the X/Y configuration. It has a gain dial, instead of the up and down button pushes of version 1. I has a 3.5 mm input, but no way to lock the gain level or keep it from getting bumped...so using with a lavaliere mic is not going to work well (and this is not 32-bit float, so accidentally bumping the gain dial can be a disaster).

MAIN POINTS:
PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE?
PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE?
PART 3: IS IT COMMON?
PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY?
PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE?

PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE?

PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE?

PART 3: IS IT COMMON?

PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY?

PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE?

RECOMMENDATION:
I actually like the older Zoom H1 model more than this version (because of the numerical gain and the "lock" switch) but this recorder is small and lightweight and can be a good tool as well. Most of the time I use this as a "passthrough" to back up audio coming from an external microphone (on the way to the camera) but its stereo mics can be good for capturing "ambient" nat. sound (just make sure to use a furry windscreen). Again, this version doesn't have a "LOCK" feature (as version 1 does) so you can't really use it with a LAV and leave the recorder in someone's pocket, because the REC. LEVEL dial could get bumped.

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These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS.