What To Know
- The Canon Legria FS36 features a sleek, modern look with a comfortable grip, while the Sony HDR-PJ200 has a more traditional camcorder design with a prominent lens barrel.
- The Canon Legria FS36 has a robust body with a metal lens barrel, while the Sony HDR-PJ200 relies on a primarily plastic construction.
- The Sony HDR-PJ200 also packs a variety of features, including a built-in projector that allows you to share your videos on a larger screen.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular contenders like the Canon Legria FS36 and the Sony HDR-PJ200. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one truly stands out? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each camcorder, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your filming needs and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Canon Legria FS36 and the Sony HDR-PJ200 boast compact and lightweight designs, making them easy to carry around. The Canon Legria FS36 features a sleek, modern look with a comfortable grip, while the Sony HDR-PJ200 has a more traditional camcorder design with a prominent lens barrel.
In terms of build quality, both camcorders are well-constructed and feel durable. The Canon Legria FS36 has a robust body with a metal lens barrel, while the Sony HDR-PJ200 relies on a primarily plastic construction. However, both camcorders are capable of withstanding the rigors of everyday use.
Image Quality and Video Recording
Canon Legria FS36:
- Sensor: 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor with 3.29 megapixels
- Video Resolution: Up to 1920 x 1080p at 60fps
- Lens: Canon HD Video Lens with 32x optical zoom
- Image Stabilization: Advanced Dynamic IS
The Canon Legria FS36 excels in image quality, delivering vibrant colors, good detail, and impressive low-light performance. Its 32x optical zoom allows you to capture distant subjects with clarity, while the Advanced Dynamic IS effectively minimizes camera shake, ensuring smooth and stable footage.
Sony HDR-PJ200:
- Sensor: 1/3.1-inch CMOS sensor with 2.91 megapixels
- Video Resolution: Up to 1920 x 1080p at 60fps
- Lens: Sony G Lens with 32x optical zoom
- Image Stabilization: SteadyShot
The Sony HDR-PJ200 also delivers excellent image quality, with sharp details and natural colors. Its 32x optical zoom provides ample reach, and the SteadyShot image stabilization system effectively reduces camera shake. However, its low-light performance might not be as impressive as the Canon Legria FS36.
Features and Functionality
Canon Legria FS36:
- Touchscreen LCD: 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 920k dots
- Built-in Microphone: Stereo microphone
- Audio Input: External microphone jack
- Connectivity: HDMI, USB, AV output
- Other Features: Face Detection, Slow Motion, Time Lapse
The Canon Legria FS36 offers a range of features that enhance its versatility and ease of use. The touchscreen LCD allows for intuitive menu navigation and control, while the built-in stereo microphone captures clear audio. The external microphone jack enables you to connect a high-quality microphone for professional recordings.
Sony HDR-PJ200:
- LCD Screen: 2.7-inch LCD screen with 230k dots
- Built-in Microphone: Stereo microphone
- Audio Input: External microphone jack
- Connectivity: HDMI, USB, AV output
- Other Features: Face Detection, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, Projecting Capabilities
The Sony HDR-PJ200 also packs a variety of features, including a built-in projector that allows you to share your videos on a larger screen. Its face detection feature ensures sharp focus on faces, and the slow motion and time lapse modes add creative options for your videos.
Battery Life and Storage
Canon Legria FS36:
- Battery Life: Approximately 2 hours
- Storage: SDXC card slot
The Canon Legria FS36 offers a decent battery life of around 2 hours, which is sufficient for most recording sessions. It supports SDXC memory cards, providing ample storage space for your videos.
Sony HDR-PJ200:
- Battery Life: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Storage: SDXC card slot
The Sony HDR-PJ200 boasts a slightly longer battery life of around 2.5 hours, giving you more recording time. It also supports SDXC memory cards, offering ample storage capacity.
Price and Value
The Canon Legria FS36 and the Sony HDR-PJ200 are priced competitively within their respective categories. The Canon Legria FS36 is generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Sony HDR-PJ200 offers a slightly higher price point due to its additional features, such as the built-in projector.
The Verdict: Which Camcorder Wins?
Choosing between the Canon Legria FS36 and the Sony HDR-PJ200 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Canon Legria FS36 is a great choice if you:
- Prioritize image quality: The Canon Legria FS36 delivers superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Need a compact and lightweight camcorder: Its sleek and portable design makes it ideal for travel and everyday use.
- Value affordability: The Canon Legria FS36 offers excellent value for money.
Sony HDR-PJ200 is an excellent option if you:
- Want a camcorder with projecting capabilities: The built-in projector is a unique feature that sets it apart.
- Need a longer battery life: The Sony HDR-PJ200 provides a slightly longer recording time.
- Are willing to pay a premium for additional features: Its higher price point reflects its enhanced functionality.
The Final Take: More Than Just a Camcorder
Both the Canon Legria FS36 and the Sony HDR-PJ200 are capable camcorders that can capture high-quality videos. However, it’s important to consider your specific requirements and budget before making a decision. If image quality is paramount, the Canon Legria FS36 is the clear winner. If you need projecting capabilities and a longer battery life, the Sony HDR-PJ200 is a compelling option.
Top Questions Asked
Q: What is the difference between the Canon Legria FS36 and the Sony HDR-PJ200 in terms of zoom capabilities?
A: Both camcorders offer a 32x optical zoom, providing ample reach for capturing distant subjects. However, the actual zoom performance and image quality might vary slightly due to differences in lens technology and image stabilization systems.
Q: Can I use an external microphone with both camcorders?
A: Yes, both the Canon Legria FS36 and the Sony HDR-PJ200 have an external microphone jack, allowing you to connect a high-quality microphone for professional audio recording.
Q: Which camcorder is better for shooting in low-light conditions?
A: The Canon Legria FS36 generally performs better in low-light situations due to its larger sensor and advanced image processing. The Sony HDR-PJ200 might produce slightly more noise in low-light conditions.
Q: Are there any other camcorders that I should consider besides the Canon Legria FS36 and the Sony HDR-PJ200?
A: Yes, there are many other excellent camcorders available on the market. Some popular alternatives include the Panasonic HC-V380K, the JVC Everio GZ-R440, and the Canon Vixia HF R80. These camcorders offer similar features and capabilities to the Canon Legria FS36 and the Sony HDR-PJ200, but with different price points and specifications.
Q: What are the main advantages of using a camcorder over a smartphone camera?
A: Camcorders generally offer superior video quality, zoom capabilities, and image stabilization compared to smartphone cameras. They also often have better microphones and more advanced features, such as slow motion and time lapse modes. However, smartphone cameras are becoming increasingly powerful, and they offer the convenience of being always at hand.