Canon Legria FS46 vs Sony HDR CX570E: Which Camcorder Offers the Best Value for Your Money? The Ultimate Comparison!

What To Know

  • The Canon Legria FS46 features a slightly larger body with a more traditional camcorder look, while the Sony HDR CX570E adopts a sleeker and more modern design.
  • The Canon Legria FS46 offers a rotating LCD screen, while the Sony HDR CX570E features a tilting screen, providing flexibility in shooting angles.
  • The Sony HDR CX570E boasts a built-in stereo microphone with a zoom microphone feature, which automatically adjusts the audio pickup based on the zoom level.

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 FS46 and the Sony HDR CX570E. Both camcorders offer impressive features and functionalities, making it difficult to decide which one is the perfect fit for your needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each model, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HDR CX570E boast compact and lightweight designs, making them ideal for on-the-go shooting. The Canon Legria FS46 features a slightly larger body with a more traditional camcorder look, while the Sony HDR CX570E adopts a sleeker and more modern design.
The build quality of both camcorders is excellent, with sturdy construction and a premium feel. The Canon Legria FS46 offers a rotating LCD screen, while the Sony HDR CX570E features a tilting screen, providing flexibility in shooting angles.

Image Quality and Video Recording

Canon Legria FS46:

  • Sensor: 1/3.2-inch CMOS sensor
  • Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 60fps
  • Lens: 32x optical zoom lens
  • Image Stabilization: Advanced optical image stabilization

The Canon Legria FS46 delivers impressive video quality with vibrant colors and good detail. Its 32x optical zoom lens allows for capturing distant subjects without compromising image quality. The advanced optical image stabilization effectively reduces camera shake, resulting in smooth and stable footage.
Sony HDR CX570E:

  • Sensor: 1/3-inch CMOS sensor
  • Video Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 60fps
  • Lens: 30x optical zoom lens
  • Image Stabilization: SteadyShot image stabilization

The Sony HDR CX570E also provides excellent video quality with sharp images and accurate colors. Its 30x optical zoom lens offers sufficient magnification for most shooting scenarios. The SteadyShot image stabilization system effectively minimizes camera shake, ensuring smooth footage.

Audio Recording

Canon Legria FS46:

  • Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone
  • Audio Input: External microphone jack

The Canon Legria FS46 features a built-in stereo microphone that captures clear and balanced audio. It also includes an external microphone jack, allowing you to connect a more professional microphone for enhanced sound quality.
Sony HDR CX570E:

  • Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone with zoom microphone
  • Audio Input: External microphone jack

The Sony HDR CX570E boasts a built-in stereo microphone with a zoom microphone feature, which automatically adjusts the audio pickup based on the zoom level. This helps to isolate the sound of the subject, even when zoomed in. Similar to the Canon Legria FS46, it also offers an external microphone jack for connecting professional microphones.

Features and Functionality

Canon Legria FS46:

  • Slow Motion: 120fps slow motion recording
  • Time Lapse: Time-lapse recording
  • Wi-Fi: Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and sharing

The Canon Legria FS46 offers various features to enhance your shooting experience. Its 120fps slow motion recording allows you to capture action sequences in slow motion. Time-lapse recording enables you to create captivating time-lapse videos. Built-in Wi-Fi allows for remote control of the camcorder via a smartphone app and easy sharing of your videos.
Sony HDR CX570E:

  • Slow Motion: 100fps slow motion recording
  • Time Lapse: Time-lapse recording
  • Wi-Fi: Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and sharing
  • NFC: Near Field Communication (NFC) for easy pairing with compatible devices

The Sony HDR CX570E also offers a range of features, including 100fps slow motion recording for capturing fast-paced action. Time-lapse recording is included, allowing you to document events over time. Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control and sharing of videos. Additionally, the camcorder features NFC for seamless pairing with compatible devices.

Battery Life

Both camcorders offer decent battery life, allowing for extended recording sessions. The Canon Legria FS46 provides approximately 2.5 hours of recording time, while the Sony HDR CX570E boasts a slightly longer battery life of around 3 hours.

Price and Value

The Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HDR CX570E are priced competitively, offering excellent value for their respective features. The Canon Legria FS46 is slightly more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.

The Final Verdict: Choosing the Best Camcorder for You

Choosing between the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HDR CX570E ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Canon Legria FS46:

  • Best for: Budget-conscious users, those who prioritize image quality and optical zoom
  • Pros: Excellent image quality, powerful optical zoom, affordable price
  • Cons: Slightly less advanced features compared to the Sony HDR CX570E

Sony HDR CX570E:

  • Best for: Users who value advanced features and connectivity
  • Pros: Advanced features like zoom microphone and NFC, slightly longer battery life
  • Cons: Slightly higher price compared to the Canon Legria FS46

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
Both camcorders are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. The Canon Legria FS46 offers a more straightforward interface, while the Sony HDR CX570E provides more advanced features that may take some time to master.
Q: Which camcorder is better for shooting action scenes?
Both camcorders offer slow motion recording capabilities. The Canon Legria FS46 provides slightly faster slow motion at 120fps, making it slightly better for capturing fast-paced action.
Q: Which camcorder is better for capturing audio?
The Sony HDR CX570E offers a zoom microphone feature, which can be beneficial for isolating the sound of the subject when zoomed in. However, both camcorders offer external microphone jacks for connecting professional microphones.
Q: Which camcorder is better for travel vlogging?
Both camcorders are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travel vlogging. The Canon Legria FS46 offers a slightly more traditional camcorder look, while the Sony HDR CX570E boasts a sleeker and more modern design.
Q: Which camcorder offers better value for money?
The Canon Legria FS46 offers excellent value for money, providing impressive image quality and features at a more affordable price. The Sony HDR CX570E provides a slightly higher price but offers more advanced features and connectivity options.