A smartphone is a jack-of-all-trades. They take photos, but they’re still nowhere as good as a DSLR. They can calculate, but can’t do detailed algebra equations.
This applies to audio recordings as well. Smartphones can record, but they can’t do it well. Just listen to concert videos recorded with a phone and you’ll see what we mean.
If you’re a journalist or have another reason to record, you want a recorder that can deliver crisp audio regardless of where you are. We’re here to help.
We have two recorders to compare today: the Zoom H1 and the DR-07 by Tascam. Which is the better value?
The Price
As of this article, a new H1 goes for about $99 on its Amazon page. There are two colors to choose from, with black costing $99 and white going for $108. Why white costs more is unknown.
Then, there’s the DR-07, and its price has a big problem. It’s only available through third-party sellers, being discontinued from the manufacturer. There’s only one seller, and they’re selling it for $306.
That’s one noticeable price difference! To top it off, the DR-07 has a newer model, which costs $200 less than what the third party is selling the DR-07 for, but maybe the DR-07 is still the better value. Let’s see.
Storage
When picking a good recorder, you need to have one that has enough storage space to prevent you from having a filled memory card when you need it the most.
Both recorders come with a 2GB memory card, and you can switch out the card for up to 32GB storage.
With memory cards being so inexpensive, it should be easy to upgrade.
Battery Life
You don’t want your recorder to die on you just as the subject says something revealing.
The H1 has ten hours of battery life, and requires one AA battery. Meanwhile, the DR-07 needs two batteries and doesn’t say its battery life.
Both recorders can be charged via USB as well, or AC.
Other Features
They both have high-quality audio recordings with adjustable formats such as MP3 or WAV. Both allow playback and the ability to have your recordings automatically adjusted to remove noise or clipping.
The DR-07 comes with a few extra features, such as overdub mode, which allows you to record over your previous recording.
You also get a self-timer, which can come in handy if you need to record at a precise time.
Which is Better?
While the DR-07 has some great features, it’s obsolete. You can only get the recorder from a scalping third-party, which won’t provide you with customer service should you have any problems.
There’s a newer model of the DR-07 for much less, so check that one out. Meanwhile, the H1 wins this comparison. It’s cheaper, and provides you with about the same level of quality.
We hope this article helped you make a more informed decision. Until next time, happy shopping!
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Other Zoom H1 Comparisons
- Tascam dr-22wl vs. Zoom h1: Portable Recording Devices
- Zoom h1 vs. h4n: What is the difference between these two Zoom portable recording devices?
- Zoom H1 vs. H5: Which portable recorder will fit your needs best?
- Yamaha pr7 vs. Zoom h1: which one will you use to record all your special tracks?
- TASCAM DR-07MKII vs. Zoom H1: The battle of the portable digital recorders
- Zoom H1 Vs. Tascam DR-07: Which Recorder is More Worth it?