We bought this audio device for our NGO to capture audio on the go for our videos, interviews, podcasts and also in a booth to record voice over using XLR inputs. And for this price we just could not find anything that would match zoom h5 in its usability, audio quality and portability. As of right now you probably won't find anything better! Zero-handling noise is an important feature and here is your friend. This is not granted on all devices on the market. All these dials sit under sturdy steel bumper bars, partly for protection but also for practicality – it’s far easier to smoothly adjust the volume with this arrangement. the SHG-6 shotgun mike capsule, which is quite a small shotgun, good for a head-and-shoulders interviewee filmed at two or three metres, less so for distant zooming in a noisy environment Bought this to replace my old Zoom H4. Fairly easy to set up and use, and not surprisingly, better than the old H4!

The modular approach greatly increases the unit’s flexibility. I’ve used my old Zoom H4 for location recording and it worked well, but I think the H5, like the H6, has taken the versatility to a new level. For film work in particular, the addition of the shotgun and ability to record a couple of lavaliers at the same time, all with different levels, will be welcome. Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad Zero Handling noise thanks to the material the unit is made, XLRs just make the job with no complaints at all. Uses a system of interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera Note that these are not sensitive enough for direct input of guitar or bass; you’ll need a mixer or effects unit to sufficiently raise their levels. The gain dials are also easily accessible – the mike capsules have their own controls (the X-Y pair has a single stereo volume dial for the L-R channels), while the separate little gain dials for channels 1 and 2 sit below the display.I've been using Zooms for more than 10 years. Zoom H2, H4, H4, F1 and now Zoom H5. All of them remained working and in good condition when I sold them, and this one is the best of the bunch so far. It's really hard to find anything that could be improved in Zoom H5. Incredibly versatile (especially with detachable modules) and very reliable equipment. Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC, Mac and iPad (requires optional camera connection kit)

Cons: self noise when your exceed that 6-ish mark on a gain knob, battery life when using phantom power, only digital limiter the MSH-6 Mid-Side capsule, with its bulbous hemisphere facing directly forwards, capturing audio from directly ahead. Less obvious is its second microphone, which collects ambient information from either side (hence the name MS, for Mid-Side). The level at which this side information is added or subtracted from the front microphone can be adjusted after the recording in post-production The internal mic quality is still disappointing (not a significant improvement over H4). You gotta turn the nob to around 8 most of the time to get a decent sound but taht introduces an awful hiss. Also, I find the high frequencies quite harsh, almost distorted even in medium gain settings.Zoom’s H4 has been hugely popular, and with the H5 it seems its few shortcomings have been ironed out. Internal mics are way too frail, I broke a plastic part already when it fell from only half a meter height