New Zoom Help! Q3 audio/video keeps cutting off abruptly

Judson · #1 01-02-2013, 10:11 PM

I got the Samson Zoom Q3 audio/video recorder for Christmas and initially, I loved it.

Great sound, good picture and easy to use ... but ... for some reason the unit just abruptly cuts off at random times in the middle of recording. Very frustrating to be getting a great take and have it ruined by the recorder's issues.

This happens with new batteries, it happens with the AC adaptor plugged in, it happens when the memory card is completely empty.

Any ideas on what is happening before I take the thing back for a refund??

I'd really like to keep it and get it working right ...

sonicland · #2 01-03-2013, 05:06 AM

I seem to remember having a similar problem with mine and I fixed it by updating the software. Check your software version on the information screen in the main menu. If it's 1.15 or 1.00, you may need the update.

http://www.samsontech.com/zoom/produ...ecorders/q3hd/

Judson · #3 01-03-2013, 07:52 AM

Thanks!! Maybe this is the answer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonicland

I seem to remember having a similar problem with mine and I fixed it by updating the software. Check your software version on the information screen in the main menu. If it's 1.15 or 1.00, you may need the update.

http://www.samsontech.com/zoom/produ...ecorders/q3hd/

urlkonig · #4 01-03-2013, 09:47 AM

I had this same issue with mine. I contacted the Zoom/Samson tech support, and they basically gave me the option to send it in for service (said they had never heard of this problem before...) or to trash it, give that it was just past the warranty expiration date.

Despite my initial instinct to toss it, I did send it to them for "repair" (a six-week minimum wait). I'm not particularly optimistic at this point.

Judson · #5 01-03-2013, 10:43 AM

Wow ... this is worrisome! Luckily I'm still within the 15-day return window with Sam Ash ... need to hurry though, LOL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by urlkonig

I had this same issue with mine. I contacted the Zoom/Samson tech support, and they basically gave me the option to send it in for service (said they had never heard of this problem before...) or to trash it, give that it was just past the warranty expiration date.

Despite my initial instinct to toss it, I did send it to them for "repair" (a six-week minimum wait). I'm not particularly optimistic at this point.

Fran Guidry · #6 01-03-2013, 11:52 AM

Have you tried a different memory card? Have you formatted the card in the camera?

Fran

Judson · #7 01-03-2013, 01:17 PM

I went through the formatting steps a couple of times so I "think" it's done properly. I haven't tried a different memory card. I plan to run it back to Sam Ash where I bought it and either get them to straighten it out for me or just return it if they don't know what the problem is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fran Guidry

Have you tried a different memory card? Have you formatted the card in the camera?

Fran

Judson · #8 01-05-2013, 06:30 PM

Just to follow up: ... I took the Samson Zoom Q3HD back to Sam Ash today within the 30 day window from purchase and they replaced it with no hassle whatsoever.

Somethihg was definitely wrong with the first unit. The new one works perfectly!

I must giv a thumbs up to Same Ash in Raleigh ... I had lost the receipt, but all they did was look up my phone number in the computer and verify what I bought and when ... gave me a new one and I was on my way inside of 15 minutes.

Nice!!

Follow=up ... after several days, the new replacement is working great!! I think I got a lemon the first go around.