Zoom H1

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For the smaller Zoom H1's just about any small modified belt clip would work. For the larger Audio Recorders like the Zoom H4n, I've been thinking of good ideas for a belt clip mount. These generic DSLR quick release clips have been around for a long time, but of course I'm not trusting my heavy DSLR on this thing. For something like a Zoom H4n, it should be no problem. A few different versions available, and even with the QR adapter knob in place, some still provide access to a tripod mounting hole. Might be worth a test, and the only caveat is you'll need to be wearing a belt. For those who shoot in the nude, this could be the deal breaker. Found below.

belt-clip-recorders-audiobelt-clip-zoom
find-price-button Digital SLR Camera Belt Clips

If you want to take a look at some smaller belt clips for the Zoom H1 (when using it as a body pack on your subject), these stainless steel universal clips would work well. You'll need to open up the hole a bit to attach to the tripod mount of the Zoom H1.

metal-belt-clip
find-price-button Small Stainless Steel Metal Belt Clips

• 36 Comments

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Standing Monopod

Here's a clever free standing Monopod that might be useful for more than just camera support. In the image they show a free standing DSLR with a long telephoto lens which is quite a bit of weight. Packs down to about 20 inches, much smaller and lighter than your basic light stand and with a mini ball head attached, it could also serve to hold a microphone, a portable audio recorder, or LED video light in place. Maximum height is approximately 4' 6".

Monopod light StandMonopod Tripod Standing

Should be able to hold a portable Photo Flash when working on portraits or Macro photography, or maybe just throw a small camera off to the side for Time Lapsing an event while you run around shooting. I guess something like this would also work as an extra stabilizer towards the end of your Camera Slider. The Monopod works as a usual monopod, but if you need it in free standing mode, it has three legs that extend to a fairly stable tripod stand (unlike the small feet on the Manfrotto's). If you're in the market for a Monopod, this might be pretty a cool dual, triple, or quadruple purpose stand.

Monopod Stand
find-price-button Free Standing Monopod With Tripod Feet

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Sanyo Eneloop KitSanyo Eneloop
find-price-button Sanyo Eneloop Battery Kits

I purchased the original set of Eneloops (white) from my local Costco about a year ago, and I have not had to buy AA, AAA, C Batteries, or D Batteries since. The set came with these very cool 'spacer' shells that transform simple AA batteries into C & D size batteries so you could use them on most portable electronics (not to mention all the kids toys and video game remotes).


Screen shot 2011-05-01 at 12.14.19 PM
Sanyo Eneloop Spacer AA to D size
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Sanyo Eneloop Spacer AA to C Size

Sanyo has also released a higher capacity XX (Black and Grey) Eneloop battery rated at 2500mah, which holds a charge capacity of 75% up to one year in storage. This is not a replacement for the original version. The new XX battery should charge on the original Sanyo Eneloop charger, but if used with the optional 'boost' charger, a single battery can be brought to full charge in about 40 minutes. I honestly don't know anyone using the new XX version, and the (white) original ones I'm using seem to do perfectly fine.

Sanyo Eneloop XX
Sanyo Eneloop XX Batteries

Besides the Eneloops's slow drain abilities during storage, these batteries will power any of your devices up to 5x longer than just standard alkaline. Definitely worth it in the field, and will save you money over time. I've used them with the AA battery adapter on DSLR Battery Grips, LED Video Lights, Portable Audio recorders, Flash Triggers, Canon Speedlights, to Wireless Microphones. It's an investment up front to get started with Eneloops, but i've been rocking all of my batteries for more than a year in constant rotation on the charger, and these have to be the best rechargeable batteries i've ever owned.

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zoom-tascam
(Left to Right) Zoom H1, Tascam DR-05, Zoom H4n

If anyone cares, here's the relative size of the Tascam DR-05 in between the Zoom H1 (left) and Zoom H4n (right). It's priced the same as the Zoom H1 and also lacks any XLR inputs. Although it's a bit larger than the Zoom H1, the Tascam DR-05 is just a better build overall. It has some decent weight to it too, so it doesn't feel very fragile. It's got many more features in the menu which is easy to navigate and obviously sounds great. The tripod mount in the rear has a metal insert (not plastic like H1), and i've had the same alkaline (the ones that came with) batteries in there for over a week now. So it doesn't drain over night like some odd Zoom H1 issues.

It's not as full featured as a Zoom H4n, but for the same price as an H1 it's a solid portable recorder. The Zoom H1 is still much lighter and smaller, and for those who are looking for a recorder to throw in someone's pocket with a LAV mic, it's still the way to go. By the way, if you're looking for an H4n the best deal was on the Manufacturer Refurb items. The first seller sold out, but there's one more seller with a few left. I've updated the link here: http://cheesycam.com/zoom-h4n-factory-refurbished-portable-recorder/

Tascam-DR-05
find-price-button Tascam DR-05

Zoom H1
find-price-button Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder