Samson known for high quality recording devices like the Zoom H4n and Zoom H1 believed there was a market for a combination portable HD video camera + quality Audio recorder. Now Olympus is set to follow in the same lines. Here’s a few specs below. These are very popular for musicians who want to record their musical performances in high quality audio + HD video and upload directly to YouTube and Facebook.

The LS-20M (Available June 2011)

Quick Specs:
1080p video or 720p and 640×480
30Fps
Records 24-bit
MP3 formats
2″ screen
1.46-inch LCD data screen that displays time, audio levels and battery life.
Dual condenser microphones
SD/SDHC card slot up to 2 GB
5.32 megapixel
HDMI, USB output
Auto focus lens and 4x digital zoom
5.4 ounces and measures in 5.3 x2.5 x 0.7 inch
The lens is at the TOP of the device between the microphones. WHY?!

Samson Zoom Q3 HD (Available now)

Quick Specs:
Built-in stereo condenser microphones with X/Y configuration for true stereo imaging
24-bit/96kHz WAV or up to 320kbps AAC
Get up to 1 hour of video with bundled 2GB SD card
Accepts up to a 32GB SDHC card for 16 hours of recording time
Large 2.4″ LCD display with a resolution of 320 x 240
Recorded movies can also be viewed on the player in 16:9 widescreen by turning it on its side
HD1080p 30fps, HD720p 30/60fps, WVGA 30 or 60 fps
Video Format: MPEG-4 SP
NTSC / PAL TV output
5 megapixel, F2.8 fixed focus lens with 4x digital zoom
Auto Record Level automatically adjusts audio levels during recordings
Uses two standard AA batteries or NiMH rechargeable batteries
USB 2.0 with built-in cable
Windows and Mac OS compatible
Built-in speaker and tripod mount
Includes on-board editing software, YouTube uploader software, Apple Quicktime, TV cable, softcase, windscreen, 2GB SD card, two AA Batteries

Samson Q3HD Video Camera + Audio Recorder

Olympus LS-20M HD Camera + Audio Recorder