Olympus VN2100PC Digital Voice Recorder by Olympus
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Olympus VN2100PC Digital Voice Recorder
Digital camera Review: Good recorder! Picks up sound in the distance well
Summary: 4 Stars
I got this recorder because I am a journalism student in need of a compact, easy-to-use recording device. But the reason I chose this one was because of the USB feature that allows me to upload my recordings to my PC.
The uploading is very easy, once you know how to do it. The recorder came with software I had to install so I could grab the files. Being able to listen to my files on the computer instead of having to pause and rewind with my ear hunched to the recorder is great. My only complaint is that the files the software generates are .wav and cannot be changed. I manually change them to mp3s if I want to e-mail them. The .wav files aren't necessarily very large, but mp3s are the universal format and can be smaller, if need be.
The quality is good too. But you have to use the highest quality setting, which will use up more memory, but this thing has something like 3 hours on the highest quality setting for me, so it's not a problem. On the default setting, which is good but not the best, you can record talking fine, but music will sound muddled. I tried to record myself playing guitar and the vocals were clear but the guitar was a bit static-y. On the highest setting, it sounds clear. It's not the most pristine quality, so if you want perfect sound, prepare to spend more cash. But this is good for all types of recording -- board meetings, phone interviews, live interviews, music. I haven't had any problems yet. I can record a board meeting happening 15 feet away from me, no problem. I just turn the volume up when I play it back.
I have a minor complaint. I hate that the stop and record buttons feel the same. When I want to keep my recorder discreetly in my pocket, I forget which button is which because they feel the same and the recorder's button pattern is symmetrical. I'm going to have to put something on the record button or something so that mistake doesn't happen again. It's really not a big deal though.
One other nit-pick: I don't like that whenever I put new batteries in (I bought rechargeable batteries for this), it asks me to reset the date and time. I don't use the date or time function anyway, so I just press the button 4 times fast and it goes away. But it's still annoying. I'm guessing the date and time is used to stamp the recording files? I remember when the stuff I record is from, so I don't pay any attention to it on the recorder. To be fair, I've never had the batteries die on me. I tend to charge up my rechargeable batteries before I have something important I am going to cover, but the batteries never need to be charged. So it seems like this thing has good battery time too.
All in all, this thing is really useful and I haven't had any problems so far -- it does the job it's supposed to do. And though I got it as a gift, I think the price is more than reasonable for the amount of use I get out of it.
EDIT: I've owned this thing for a year now and still use it constantly. One problem that I should warn you about: when I put it in my purse or my pocket, once in a while the hold switch gets pushed somehow and then play accidentally gets pushed. I had an almost-embarrassing moment where had I recorded myself singing like a dork and my recorder was left in my purse and it started playing at a lunch meeting. Luckily, I caught it when I was away from anyone and turned it off immediately. But now I either leave my recorder in the car if I won't be using it, or I make sure to keep up with deleting/transferring old files.
Digital camera Review: Great Device
Summary: 5 Stars
As a college student some professors just lecture too fast... This recorder is just the right size to take to class and play back later to review notes. This recorder has everything you may want/need. First, the audio propeties are excellent for a device this size. The builtin Mic works great in the classroom. The builtin speaker is good but I would recomend earphones for better quality. I also liked the easy to menege menu options. I for one hate having to read through pages of instruction manuals... The interface is rather easy to manage and just takes a couple of minutes to master. I also like the idea that I can store multiple recordings like folders... This is a big plus for a device of this size and price range... Battery life is exceptional... I thought for sure I would be buying endless number of batteries or constantly recharging the NiCad's but I am not, this is another big plus. Finally the USB interface although slow is still rather good to upload my audio files. Now I have the ability to store and play as needed. I recomend this recorder for anyone!!!Digital camera Review: Great Portable Recorder
Summary: 5 Stars
I received the product on time in perfect condition & recently used it to conduct interviews in a conference setting. Even those interviews recorded in noisy places were clear.
I also used it to record part of a Q&A session in a room of over 600 people, where the speakers were using mics & I wasn't very close to the speakers. The voices are very clear & audible - a good quality recording
Transferring the files to my laptop was just a matter of plugging in the USB cable & opening the software - very simple.
Digital camera Review: Great Product
Summary: 5 Stars
Recorder works great! I record all of my lectures on HQ mode and have not had any problems hearing the replay. Also the .wav files convert easily to my i-tunes so I can easily upload them to my i-pod. The hold option saves the battery so I have not had to replace the battery excessively. So far I have been very satisfied with this purchase & it has allowed me to keep all of my lectures in order.Digital camera Review: Great Recorder
Summary: 5 Stars
Pros:
1. small and light weight
2. easy transfer of files to PC; just plug and transfer
3. great for college lectures
4. good sound quality
5. easy setup and plenty of options
Cons:
1. the speaker is not great but never really had to use it since you can transfer the files directly to your PC