Zooms are great. If you want to spend a bit less and have very similar quality, look at the Tascams. I use the Tascam DR40: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005NACC6M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1398728259&sr=8-1
Has 2x 1/4in and XLR inputs, as well as dual recording modes (-12db and -6db) with two mic configurations. I've been using it for film productions and journalistic work for years. I could've gone with the Zoom H4n, but this the Tascam has served me quite well.
I use the Tascam DR-40 for all my DSLR audio needs. It is less expensive than the H4N. The one downside is that out of the box it will need a firmware update if you want to catch 4 audio channels from the device (two built in mics and two external mics). The firmware is easy to upgrade.
Here is a review of both done by Cheesy Cam: http://cheesycam.com/tascam-dr-40-vs-zoom-h4n/
Here is an amazon link for the DR-40 ($174.99): http://www.amazon.com/DR-40-4-Track-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B005NACC6M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349040942&sr=8-1&keywords=tascam+DR-40
Here is an amazon link for the H4N ($261.00): http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349041012&sr=8-1&keywords=zoom+h4n
Yes! Well, kind of. I have limited experience, but here's what I know:
I've been eyeballing the Tascam DR-40 for a while... I want this one because it has XLR and 1/4" ins if I ever wanted to do a field recording with a nicer microphone. The built ins are condensers, and sound great, but I've never used it for more than voice. A buddy of mine has one of these, it is awesome.
The lower end Tascams seem really nice too, although I've never used them... the DR-07 can record in XY or AB, which is nice, and their entry model DR-05 seems pretty nice too, but for an extra $20, I'd probably go with the next level for AB/XY functionality.
And if you really want to spend the bucks, another friend of mine has a Sony PCM-D50, you can get these on eBay for around $500. AB/XY configurations, and dual condenser microphones. This thing is a beast... we've used it to record everything from concerts to a mosquito truck and everything turns out crystal clear.