Zoom PCH-8

I spent a LONG time looking at their, and others',alternatives. My main application is charity video work (unpaid). I also liked the possibility of interacting with my guitars. The latter is unexplored but the former has been really wonderful with top quality sound through the XY speakers and ability to sync with three cameras (via Resolve). Powering from batteries or a usb both great. We may also need additional mics in the future....covered! I use as SD card and cable rather than putting card into PC. Main reason is that I am very nervous the SD card cover hinges will break. I have seen this happen with another of their models. It all feels very plastic and I am not sure how long it will last. I bought a (very expensive) cover for it which works great but I am VERY careful how I handle it in the field. Happy to follow up along term: there are not enough of such reviews....

Bought this to protect my Zoom recorder, as out in the field the many various inputs and outputs can get clogged fairly quickly, especially if You're working in an area that has both wind and sand, not the best combination. I'd very much recommend 3D printing or buying some dummy male XLR plugs to close unused inputs of the H-8, as that would be the most protection that You can achieve in the end. This jacket, although not fault-proof, is a decent accessory, providing a much needed boost in resilience to the elements. Before, anytime a light rain would start I'd try to shield the recorder, keep it in the backpack, etc, now it just trickles down. Of course You have to keep in mind that it's not a seal-tight solution, so yes, light rain / sprinkles is fine, but it's not a solution for proper rain. In general, the moment You put the recorder into the jacket, it just feels better, sturdier, more robust. It doesn't impact the dimensions too bad, actually it's roughly the same with or without it. There's also a couple of handy clips, if You want to hang it somewhere, and the transparent screen is a real lifesaver, as the touchscreen is pressure sensitive, so You can preview things and still use and adjust everything, even with gloves on! Now, the drawbacks, for me at least: the rear flap that you'd use to access batteries or the tripod mount, for the mount it's fine, but for changing batteries it's just a tad too cramped, thus getting to the little flap that opens the battery compartment difficult. Also, one of the elastics is in a very unfortunate position in regards to the SD card, making the extraction of the SD card very finnicky. Not impossible, but far from convenient. Overall, considering the price and the fact that it's actually well made, feels tough and does what it's supposed to do, I'd say that It's definitely worth it!