Canon Legria FS306 vs Canon Legria HF R46: Unveiling the Differences in Camcorder Excellence

What To Know

Two popular contenders in the Canon Legria lineup are the Canon Legria FS306 and the **Canon Legria HF R46**.
The FS306 boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with a black finish, while the HF R46 comes in a classic black and silver combination.
Both the Canon Legria FS306 and the Canon Legria HF R46 are capable camcorders that offer a range of features and capabilities.

Choosing the perfect camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the Canon Legria lineup are the Canon Legria FS306 and the **Canon Legria HF R46**. Both camcorders offer impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two models, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

In This Article

Design and Build
Image Quality and Recording Features
Lens and Zoom Capabilities
Connectivity and Features
Battery Life and Performance

Design and Build

The Canon Legria FS306 and HF R46 both sport compact and lightweight designs, making them easy to carry around. The FS306 boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with a black finish, while the HF R46 comes in a classic black and silver combination. Both camcorders feature a comfortable grip and a retractable lens, making them user-friendly and convenient.

Image Quality and Recording Features

Image Quality:

Canon Legria FS306: This camcorder utilizes a 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor with 3.29 million pixels, delivering high-quality Full HD video recording at 1920 x 1080 resolution. The FS306 also incorporates Canon’s advanced image processing technology, resulting in vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent low-light performance.
Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 features a 1/3.2-inch CMOS sensor with 2.91 million pixels, capable of capturing Full HD video at 1920 x 1080 resolution. While the image quality is good, it might not be as sharp or detailed as the FS306.

Recording Features:

Canon Legria FS306: This camcorder offers a wide range of recording features, including AVCHD and MP4 formats, progressive and interlaced recording modes, and various frame rates. It also supports high-speed recording at up to 50p/60p for capturing smooth slow-motion footage.
Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 also supports AVCHD and MP4 recording formats, but it lacks the high-speed recording capabilities of the FS306. However, it features a built-in microphone for stereo sound recording.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities

Lens:

Canon Legria FS306: The FS306 sports a 32x optical zoom lens with a wide-angle capability of 26.8mm, providing versatile shooting options for various subjects and distances.
Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 boasts a 57x advanced zoom lens with a wide-angle capability of 29.3mm, offering even greater zoom power for capturing distant objects.

Zoom Features:

Canon Legria FS306: This camcorder utilizes Canon’s Dynamic IS (Image Stabilization) technology, which effectively reduces camera shake, ensuring stable and clear footage even during zooming.
Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 also features advanced image stabilization technology, but it might not be as effective as the FS306’s Dynamic IS.

Connectivity and Features

Connectivity:

Canon Legria FS306: This camcorder offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and composite video output. It also supports Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless connectivity, allowing you to transfer footage to your smartphone or tablet and remotely control the camera.
Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 provides similar connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and composite video output. However, it lacks Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities.

Features:

Canon Legria FS306: This camcorder comes equipped with various features, including a built-in microphone, a 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen, and a dedicated zoom lever for precise zoom control. It also features a slow-motion playback function and a date/time stamp feature.
Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 also includes a built-in microphone, a 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen, and a dedicated zoom lever. It also features a slow-motion playback function and a date/time stamp feature.

Battery Life and Performance

Battery Life:

Canon Legria FS306: The FS306 boasts a decent battery life, allowing you to record for approximately 2.5 hours on a single charge.
Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 also offers a decent battery life, providing around 2.5 hours of recording time on a single charge.

Performance:

Canon Legria FS306: The FS306 performs well in various shooting scenarios, offering fast autofocus, accurate exposure, and smooth video recording.
Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 also delivers decent performance, but it might not be as fast or responsive as the FS306.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camcorder for You

Both the Canon Legria FS306 and the Canon Legria HF R46 are capable camcorders that offer a range of features and capabilities. However, they cater to different needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon Legria FS306 if:

You prioritize image quality and want the best possible video recording experience.
You need high-speed recording capabilities for capturing smooth slow-motion footage.
You value wireless connectivity for easy file transfer and remote camera control.
You are willing to spend a bit more for a more advanced camcorder.

Choose the Canon Legria HF R46 if:

You are on a tighter budget and need an affordable camcorder with good features.
You need a camcorder with a powerful zoom lens for capturing distant objects.
You don’t require wireless connectivity or high-speed recording capabilities.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Further

While the above comparison provides a comprehensive overview of the Canon Legria FS306 and HF R46, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences before making a final decision.
For example, if you plan to use your camcorder for filmmaking, you might want to consider the FS306’s advanced features, such as its high-speed recording mode and manual controls. However, if you’re primarily using your camcorder for family events and travel, the HF R46’s powerful zoom lens and affordability might be more appealing.
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s always advisable to read reviews and compare prices from different retailers before making a purchase.