BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

For many years, I have used a small pocket voice recorder (Olympus) to take notes in the field. It used a 60 minute mini-cassette; and, operated on two AA batteries. Only 5 inches x 2-1/2 inches, it fit conveniently into my pocket or a camera bag. I recently decided I wanted to use it during a "walkabout". . And, would you believe that after almost 40 yrs, it had ceased working. <smile>

My question to UHH: Can any of you recommend something similar? I have tried about half a dozen of the "new-fangled" digital recorders; and, they all seem to suffer from the same "problem". . .They are NOT built for the human hand! They are all part of this mad love affair with "Tinier is better!" They are so small; and, the buttons are so close together. . .that 1) They require the machine be held in one hand; while you attempt to push buttons with the other hand. 2) The buttons are generally so close together, it is almost impossible to NOT push two buttons at the same time (some type of pointer device is needed to accurately push various buttons) 3) The button designations require that you LOOK at the buttons with a "decoding dictionary" in your hand (because there are NO universal symbol for the various functions). . .

I am looking for an inexpensive unit because I want ONLY a simple recording and playback function. . .

Any suggestions and/or help will be greatly appreciated.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Do you have a cell phone? My iPhone has a Voice Memo app.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Why don’t you just use a smart phone. I’m sure all will record voice.
All will also take voice and turn it into written notes. Good luck
SS

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

I have good reason to believe that I am the ONLY person in the world who does NOT have a cell phone. Twenty years ago, I got rid of my cell phone. . Because I found I had no "real" use for it after owning one for almost ten years! <smile>

I should have put that into my request for information <smile>

PS. . .I am not just sitting back letting you guys solve my problem. . .I just discovered the cutest little digital recorder stuck away in an unused camera bag (apparently, I had not returned all of "them"). . .Not only are the digital recorders tiny. . The instruction sheets are also! And, the font size is about ONE (as in "1" or smaller!)

JPringle Loc: Australia

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-SK892-Mini-usb-pen-8GB-voice-activated-digital-voice-recorder-convenient-KF-/282750437402?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

No buttons!! Stays in a top pocket, clipped to your hat, or on a strap, or around your neck and on/off is by your voice?? Many other more refined available too, which can avoid triggering by background noise. I used one with a 'pen' form factor for a while. Just clipped into my shirt pocket. Note taker on board in the camera now.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

You are not alone! I don't use a cell phone either...

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

Thank you J Pringle. . However, the EBAY listing has in large red letters: Does not post to United States [Maybe it's a Trump Thing? <smile>]

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

JPringle Loc: Australia

Its from China. Not recommending the product, just the idea of a small simple voice activated recorder. Perhaps you could do a search from your own neck of the woods. Perhaps even an American made one. A start at your local electrical components store

Phil

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

Phil. . .I didn't know there were ANY digital devices made in the US . . .<smile>

JPringle Loc: Australia

Crayola Crayons??? Uh oh - they are devices for digits.


You are probably right!! And same down under :-)

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Get a cell phone! All active photographers should have one.

OK, I am not teenager, a millennium or a hipster and I don't walk around with the thing strapped to my face, I don't have that bluetooth thing sticking out of my ear, I do not text or talk while driving or crossing the street and I don't take the damn thing into the shower or the WC! I don't use the earbuds- I am not addicted.

HOWEVER, I can wire or transmit to it from my DSLR and use it for a tethered monitor, it has some really exciting and fun photo apps and editing stuff and the built in camera ain't to terrible for casual off the cuff shooting. i have sent screenshots to art-directors, editors and clients directly from locations and that save lots of time and ambiguity on certain assignments.

I can monitor my Email when I am not in the office or out of town. I can check in with this site wherever I am. My phone has a decent voice recorder and if I am recording photographic data for future reference or teaching, I can also knock off some quick shots of setups, equipment positions and allover views to go along with the voice recordings.

After all, it is a mobile TELEPHONE and if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, it is a godsend and even a lifesaver. I don't know about your city or town, but finding a working public telephone in this place next to impossible. If I am running late and have to shift an appointment or just want to avoid my family worrying about me, all I need to do is call ahead. I can be reached at all times but I don't use my cellphone to engage in long conversations, gossip or chewing the fat- I can indulge in those bad habits on my landline.

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

I appreciate all you've said about YOUR cell phone. . .However, I reviewed ALL of my phone bills over an 8-yr period. . .And, found ONLY six phone calls that NEEDED to be made "mobile" (Five of those calls were made at the time of the earthquake in San Francisco during the World Series. . .I was calling the hotel to confirm I was "on my way. . .Do NOT give my room away!" Because it took me almost 18 hrs to drive 200 miles because of the collapse of the Bay Bridge!). . .Every other phone call could have been made from my office or home landline. And, ALL my clients had no problem contacting me over that period of time. Besides, I NEVER gave my cell number to anyone (My wife did not have the number, either. . .And, she had no difficulty with that. . And, was always able to get a message to me within a short time)

I have no use for those "clever little apps" that clutter so many people's lives. . .Back then; and, not now!

The interesting thing is that over the past 19 yrs since I tossed my cell phone, the sun still rises in the East; and, sets in the West. . .

PS. . .re: Emergencies on the road. . .I still carry the phone in the car with me. . .Because "911" works even without a "service provider". . .It is a Federal law! And, I have used it at least half a dozen times to either report an accident I witnessed; or, to report an "alleged drunk driver."

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Unless you are shooting film, you can press the video button and talk to your camera. Leave the lens cap on if you want. Set the camera on the lowest video quality and the files will be pretty small. The good part is that they will show up in you computer next to the images files you are taking notes on.

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

Good idea. . .I almost never shoot video with my DSLR; and, never thought about what's available when shooting video. . .Thank you. . .