Tascam DR-05 Size vs Zoom H1 & H4n

• • 14 Comments

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

14 thoughts on “Tascam DR-05 Size vs Zoom H1 & H4n”

  1. Emm

     Post author

    @Dyer - Even the best DSLR Filmmakers are satisfied with the Zoom H4n, I don't think you can go wrong with that.

  2. Dyer

    I want to invest in a digital recorder and looking for a reveiw and advice Tascam Dr 100 vs HN4 Zoom. I shoot a lot of events and interviews but plan on also making some short films. I'm currently shooting with 7D.

    Thanks

  3. Emm

     Post author

    @Cwow – Hmm..not sure. I don’t use mine in Auto settings or with low cut on.

  4. Cwow

    Hey Emm,

    I posted a question about the hissing in the H1 but forgot where i posted it so couldn't find your reply.

    Anyway i am getting a hissing on my H1 when using a lav mic or with ambient recording.

    my settings are low cut on, auto, wav files.

    any thoughts no what this is from.

    thanks

  5. Colin

    Tim,
    The sixty-dollar Tascam DR-03 has a manually controlled limiter. While in manual record level, you press record once to watch the meter while the record light flashes. Then press record a second time to record and the light is steady on. You are also able to adjust the levels manually while recording. However, you will hear the button make a clicking noise in the recording so it's probably best left alone after you press record.

  6.

    When you get around to doing the audio tests I'd love to hear how the limiter on the tascam holds up. That's a huge draw for me since (in theory) you can set your levels manually with the added insurance of the limiter in case things get too loud. Seems like a much more ideal setup for me than just putting it on auto but I haven't actually heard any samples of it.

  7. Emm

     Post author

    @Mickey Jones - Feels like metal to me and here's a picture to show there's an insert embedded into the case.

    Screen shot 2011-04-06 at 7.37.53 PM

  8. Mickey Jones

    Emm, are you sure it has a metal tripod mount because another site has said it's plastic like the H1.

  9. Emm

     Post author

    @Steve - Yeah i'll get there wit the sound test. The video with DSLR.bot I did was with the Tascam and built in mics.

  10. Emm

     Post author

    @Jack - I have only tested it recording myself or small groups, but haven't actually recorded live bands. The H1 sounds pretty good with live bands.

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