What To Know
- The heart of any camcorder lies in its image sensor, and both the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HXR-NX70U boast impressive capabilities.
- While the Sony HXR-NX70U’s larger sensor offers a slight edge in low-light situations, the Canon Legria FS46 excels in its ability to record 4K video at 25i, making it ideal for applications that require interlaced footage.
- However, it also adds a multi-interface shoe, allowing you to connect a variety of accessories, such as an external microphone or a wireless receiver.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two powerful contenders like the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HXR-NX70U. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This in-depth comparison will delve into the key aspects of each camcorder, helping you determine which one is the perfect fit for your filmmaking journey.
Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors
The heart of any camcorder lies in its image sensor, and both the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HXR-NX70U boast impressive capabilities. The Canon Legria FS46 utilizes a 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor, capturing stunning 4K video at 25p, 50p, and 25i frame rates. The Sony HXR-NX70U, on the other hand, features a larger 1/2.9-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional low-light performance and capturing 4K video at 25p and 50p.
While the Sony HXR-NX70U’s larger sensor offers a slight edge in low-light situations, the Canon Legria FS46 excels in its ability to record 4K video at 25i, making it ideal for applications that require interlaced footage. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Lens: Zooming into the Details
Both camcorders offer powerful zoom lenses, enabling you to capture subjects from a distance. The Canon Legria FS46 is equipped with a 57.6x optical zoom lens, reaching a remarkable 26.8mm to 1536mm equivalent focal length. This impressive zoom range provides incredible flexibility for capturing distant subjects.
The Sony HXR-NX70U, however, packs a more modest 12x optical zoom lens, with a 28.8mm to 345.6mm equivalent focal length. While it may not match the Canon’s zoom power, the Sony’s lens boasts a wider aperture, allowing for better performance in low-light conditions.
Audio: Capturing the Sound of Your Story
Audio quality is crucial for creating immersive and engaging content. Both the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HXR-NX70U offer dedicated microphone inputs and advanced audio recording capabilities. The Canon Legria FS46 features two XLR inputs, allowing you to connect professional microphones for high-quality audio capture. It also offers a built-in stereo microphone for convenient recording.
The Sony HXR-NX70U, on the other hand, comes with a single XLR input and a built-in stereo microphone. While it lacks the dual XLR inputs of the Canon, the Sony’s microphone offers excellent audio quality, making it suitable for most recording scenarios.
Connectivity: Staying Connected
Both camcorders offer a range of connectivity options for seamless workflow and content sharing. The Canon Legria FS46 features HDMI and USB ports, allowing you to connect to external displays and transfer files easily. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless remote control and file transfer.
The Sony HXR-NX70U provides similar connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi. However, it also adds a multi-interface shoe, allowing you to connect a variety of accessories, such as an external microphone or a wireless receiver.
Design and Ergonomics: A Comfortable Grip on Your Creativity
The design and ergonomics of a camcorder play a vital role in user experience. The Canon Legria FS46 boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and carry around. Its intuitive button layout and ergonomic grip ensure comfortable shooting sessions.
The Sony HXR-NX70U, while slightly larger and heavier, offers a robust and professional build. Its well-designed grip and button placement provide a comfortable and secure hold, even during extended shooting sessions.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camcorder for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HXR-NX70U boils down to your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize powerful zoom capabilities and 4K recording at 25i, the Canon Legria FS46 is an excellent choice. Its compact design and dual XLR inputs make it ideal for vloggers, event videographers, and filmmakers on the go.
However, if you require exceptional low-light performance and a larger sensor for capturing stunning images, the Sony HXR-NX70U is a compelling option. Its robust build, professional features, and multi-interface shoe make it a suitable choice for professional videographers and broadcasters.
Choosing the Right Camcorder: A Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Canon Legria FS46 | Sony HXR-NX70U |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 1/2.84-inch CMOS | 1/2.9-inch Exmor R CMOS |
| Zoom | 57.6x optical | 12x optical |
| 4K Recording | 25p, 50p, 25i | 25p, 50p |
| Audio Inputs | Dual XLR | Single XLR |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Multi-interface shoe |
| Design | Compact and lightweight | Robust and professional |
Information You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HXR-NX70U in terms of video quality?
A: The Sony HXR-NX70U offers slightly better low-light performance due to its larger sensor. However, the Canon Legria FS46 excels in its ability to record 4K video at 25i, making it ideal for applications that require interlaced footage.
Q: Which camcorder is better for vlogging?
A: The Canon Legria FS46 is a great choice for vlogging due to its compact design, powerful zoom, and dual XLR inputs for high-quality audio recording.
Q: Which camcorder is more suitable for professional videographers?
A: The Sony HXR-NX70U is a more professional-grade camcorder with a larger sensor, robust build, and multi-interface shoe for connecting various accessories.
Q: What is the difference in price between the two camcorders?
A: The Canon Legria FS46 is generally priced lower than the Sony HXR-NX70U. However, prices can vary depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Q: Which camcorder is better for shooting in low-light conditions?
A: The Sony HXR-NX70U offers better low-light performance due to its larger sensor and wider aperture lens.