What To Know
- The Canon Legria FS36 boasts a sleek and compact design, making it easy to handle and carry around.
- The Canon Legria FS36 offers a decent battery life, lasting approximately 2 hours on a single charge.
- The Canon Legria FS36 is generally priced at a lower price point compared to the Panasonic HX-WA2.
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 HX-WA2. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the ultimate victor? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon Legria FS36 boasts a sleek and compact design, making it easy to handle and carry around. Its lightweight construction, weighing just 0.65 kg, adds to its portability. The Panasonic HX-WA2, on the other hand, is designed for ruggedness and durability. Its shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof construction (up to 10 meters) makes it ideal for adventurous activities.
Winner: For portability and everyday use, the **Canon Legria FS36** takes the lead. However, the **Panasonic HX-WA2** emerges as the winner for its rugged build and ability to withstand harsh environments.
Image Quality and Video Recording
Both camcorders offer impressive image quality, but with subtle differences. The Canon Legria FS36 utilizes a 32.5mm wide-angle lens with a 26.8mm equivalent focal length, capturing a wider field of view. Its 3.28 million pixel CMOS sensor delivers detailed images with accurate colors. The Panasonic HX-WA2 features a 28mm wide-angle lens with a 29.5mm equivalent focal length. Its 1/2.3-inch MOS sensor captures vibrant and clear images, even in low-light conditions.
Winner: The **Canon Legria FS36** slightly edges out the Panasonic HX-WA2 in image quality, thanks to its larger sensor and wider angle lens. However, the HX-WA2’s low-light performance is commendable.
Features and Functionality
Both camcorders offer a range of features that cater to diverse needs. The Canon Legria FS36 features a 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD, allowing for intuitive navigation and control. It also includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, enabling easy sharing of videos and photos. The Panasonic HX-WA2 boasts a 2.7-inch LCD with a rotating design, providing flexibility for different shooting angles. It also incorporates advanced features like underwater video recording, slow motion, and time-lapse.
Winner: Both camcorders offer a compelling set of features. The **Canon Legria FS36** wins for its touchscreen interface and NFC connectivity, while the **Panasonic HX-WA2** shines with its rugged features and underwater capabilities.
Battery Life and Storage
The Canon Legria FS36 offers a decent battery life, lasting approximately 2 hours on a single charge. It supports SDXC memory cards, allowing for ample storage space. The Panasonic HX-WA2 boasts a slightly longer battery life, lasting around 3 hours. It also utilizes SDXC memory cards, providing ample storage capacity.
Winner: The **Panasonic HX-WA2** emerges victorious with its slightly longer battery life, offering a more extended recording time.
Price and Value
The Canon Legria FS36 is generally priced at a lower price point compared to the Panasonic HX-WA2. This makes it a more affordable option for budget-conscious consumers. The Panasonic HX-WA2, with its rugged features and advanced capabilities, comes at a premium price.
Winner: The **Canon Legria FS36** offers excellent value for money, providing a solid set of features at a competitive price. The **Panasonic HX-WA2**, while more expensive, justifies the price tag with its exceptional durability and underwater performance.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Camcorder
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize portability, ease of use, and image quality, the Canon Legria FS36 is an excellent choice. However, if you require a rugged and waterproof camcorder for adventurous activities, the **Panasonic HX-WA2** is the clear winner.
Beyond the Comparison: A Deeper Dive
While the Canon Legria FS36 and Panasonic HX-WA2 offer distinct advantages, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and usage scenarios. The Canon Legria FS36 excels in everyday use, capturing family moments, travel adventures, and even basic vlogging. Its compact size and user-friendly interface make it ideal for beginners and casual videographers.
On the other hand, the Panasonic HX-WA2 caters to a more adventurous audience. Its rugged construction, waterproof capabilities, and specialized features make it perfect for outdoor activities, water sports, and even underwater exploration. If you’re planning to take your camcorder on extreme adventures, the HX-WA2 is the ultimate companion.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: The Canon Legria FS36 is more user-friendly and intuitive, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Q2: Which camcorder is better for underwater filming?
A: The Panasonic HX-WA2 is specifically designed for underwater filming, offering waterproof capabilities up to 10 meters.
Q3: Which camcorder offers better battery life?
A: The Panasonic HX-WA2 boasts a slightly longer battery life, lasting around 3 hours on a single charge.
Q4: Which camcorder is more affordable?
A: The Canon Legria FS36 is generally priced lower than the Panasonic HX-WA2.
Q5: Which camcorder is best for everyday use?
A: The Canon Legria FS36 is a versatile camcorder suitable for everyday use, capturing family moments, travel adventures, and more.