What To Know
- While the Legria FS36 provides a greater reach, the HDC-TM90’s lens is slightly wider, offering a wider field of view for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots.
- The HDC-TM90, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional camcorder design with a larger body and a rotating LCD screen.
- The HDC-TM90 also offers a range of advanced features, including a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging your videos, a 3D mode for capturing three-dimensional footage, and a “i.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Canon Legria FS36 and the Panasonic HDC-TM90. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, making it difficult to decide which one best suits your needs. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each camcorder, helping you make an informed decision.
Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors
The heart of any camcorder lies in its image sensor, and both the Canon Legria FS36 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 offer distinct advantages. The Legria FS36 boasts a 1/2.88-inch CMOS sensor with 2.91 million effective pixels, while the HDC-TM90 utilizes a 1/3-inch MOS sensor with 2.07 million effective pixels.
Canon Legria FS36: The larger sensor size of the Legria FS36 translates to better low-light performance, capturing more light and resulting in less noise in your videos. This is particularly beneficial in dimly lit environments or when shooting at night. The larger sensor also contributes to a shallower depth of field, providing a more cinematic look with blurred backgrounds.
Panasonic HDC-TM90: While the HDC-TM90’s smaller sensor may not offer the same low-light prowess as the Legria FS36, it still delivers impressive image quality. The 3MOS sensor system, featuring three separate sensors for red, green, and blue, ensures accurate color reproduction and vibrant visuals. The HDC-TM90 also boasts a higher resolution, capturing videos at 1920 x 1080 pixels compared to the Legria FS36’s 1440 x 1080 pixels.
Lens: Zooming In on the Details
Both camcorders feature powerful zoom lenses, allowing you to capture subjects from a distance. The Legria FS36 offers a 57x optical zoom lens, while the HDC-TM90 boasts a 32x optical zoom lens. While the Legria FS36 provides a greater reach, the HDC-TM90’s lens is slightly wider, offering a wider field of view for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots.
The HDC-TM90 also incorporates a unique feature called “Intelligent Zoom,” which utilizes digital zoom technology to enhance the optical zoom range. This allows you to zoom in further without sacrificing image quality, albeit with a slight reduction in resolution.
Video Recording Capabilities: Capturing the Moment
Both the Canon Legria FS36 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 support high-definition video recording, but their capabilities differ in several aspects. The Legria FS36 records at a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 60 frames per second (fps), offering smooth and detailed footage. The HDC-TM90, on the other hand, records at a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 50 fps.
The Legria FS36 also offers a variety of recording modes, including AVCHD, MP4, and H.264, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your needs. The HDC-TM90 primarily focuses on AVCHD recording, offering high-quality video files compatible with a wide range of devices.
Audio Recording: Sounding Off
Both camcorders feature built-in stereo microphones for capturing audio, but the HDC-TM90 offers a slight edge in audio quality. The HDC-TM90 incorporates a “Dolby Digital 2ch” audio recording mode, providing clear and immersive sound. The Legria FS36, while still offering decent audio, lacks the same level of audio fidelity as the HDC-TM90.
Design and Features: Usability and Convenience
The Canon Legria FS36 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 offer different design aesthetics and features tailored to specific user preferences. The Legria FS36 features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. It also includes a built-in LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder for framing your shots.
The HDC-TM90, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional camcorder design with a larger body and a rotating LCD screen. The HDC-TM90 also offers a range of advanced features, including a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging your videos, a 3D mode for capturing three-dimensional footage, and a “i.A” (Intelligent Auto) mode that automatically adjusts camera settings for optimal results.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Fit
The Canon Legria FS36 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 are priced competitively, offering good value for their features. The Legria FS36 generally falls within a lower price range, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. The HDC-TM90, while slightly more expensive, justifies its price tag with its advanced features and superior image quality.
Recommendations: The Verdict
The choice between the Canon Legria FS36 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize low-light performance, a shallower depth of field, and a compact design, the Legria FS36 is an excellent choice. If you value advanced features, superior audio quality, and a wider field of view, the HDC-TM90 might be the better option.
Ultimately, both camcorders offer impressive features and capabilities, making them worthy contenders in the camcorder market.
What You Need to Know
Q1: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: Both the Canon Legria FS36 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. The Legria FS36’s simple interface and automatic modes make it easier to get started, while the HDC-TM90’s “i.A” mode simplifies settings for effortless shooting.
Q2: Which camcorder is better for low-light shooting?
A: The Canon Legria FS36 excels in low-light conditions due to its larger sensor size, capturing more light and producing less noise.
Q3: Which camcorder offers better audio quality?
A: The Panasonic HDC-TM90 provides superior audio quality with its “Dolby Digital 2ch” recording mode, ensuring clear and immersive sound.
Q4: Which camcorder is more compact and portable?
A: The Canon Legria FS36 boasts a more compact and lightweight design, making it easier to carry around and ideal for travel.
Q5: Which camcorder offers more advanced features?
A: The Panasonic HDC-TM90 features a wider range of advanced features, including GPS geotagging, 3D mode, and “i.A” mode, catering to more experienced users.