Topic: H2 or H4?

[Xontar]

Hey dudes,

I'm trying to decide between an H2 and an H4 for my first recorder. I'm hoping to upgrade at a later date, meaning I'd like to be able to add mics and a preamp, without needing to upgrade my recorder. My 3 concerns are:

- The H2's recording quality is probably too low for there to be any point adding an external mics and preamp
- The H4 is big, very big, cheaply made, and probably useless for stealthing
- I'm too poor for anything better

I'm hoping someone can reassure me on one of those first two points - is the H2 more upgradeable than I think? Is the H4 as big as I think, or can I do a shirt-pocket type stealth recording with it? I can get either for about the same price right now, I think, so ignore cost for now.

For now I'm only intending to openly tape (video + audio) student bands at college, so either would be good for that, but I'd also like to be able to record less friendly acts as they come up, so that factors into my decision. I don't know if this post has enough information for anyone to help me, but opinions and advice are appreciated.

[Belexes]

Save $ for a R-09HR if at all possible.

[Xontar]

That bad, eh? Problem is, saving money will take longer than I want to go without a recorder. I might buy a Zoom and sell it when I've got the difference; better than letting the music go unrecorded. I'm leaning toward the H4, unless someone tells me differently.

[Walstib62]

When you say h4, you really mean H4n, right? There is a big diff. between the 2. I have an H4n, and have had no problems with it at all. I have used it quite a bit at home transferring DAT to HD. I have used it out 6 or so times now. It has some quirks that can be worked around. It is loaded with features that other decks son't have. The built in mics are better than i thought they would be, but externals are better.
I'd say, so far, tht it is worth the 350 price tag.

[Kevin T]

Get the H2 ( Not H4) New ($150) used ~75-100. Spend the time to learn its best use & mic placement and the quality of the H2 mics will not dissapoint you.If thats out of your budget .........I suggest food stamps

[Neilyboy]

Id probably be willing to trade my (used once) zoom h2 for an iriver h120 if anyone is interested..

neil

[jbell]

I would do the H4n! 

[stevetoney]

He said the H4 is too big and at $350, he also said it's too expensive.  Besides, if he's gonna spend $350 on an H4n, then he should just go with the R-09HR for the same price and it easily fits in your shirt pocket. 

More on point with your criteria, the H2 gets you decent enough recordings, but it really does have limitations for what we do.  OTOH, I agree that the suggestion to pick one up used for $100 or less and use it until you can sell it.  This probably best meets your criteria because selling used gear means you don't have to absorb the cost of depreciation from new to used. 

[Xontar]

Thanks a lot for the help, everyone. I've decided to go with the H2, and one just hit Craigslist right near me.