Unleashing the Power: Canon Legria HF G50 vs Sony HDR-PJ380 Comparison

What To Know

The Canon Legria HF G50 embraces a more traditional camcorder aesthetic with a large grip, making it feel comfortable and balanced in your hands.
The image quality of a camcorder is paramount, and both the Canon Legria HF G50 and Sony HDR-PJ380 deliver impressive results.
The Canon Legria HF G50 features a built-in stereo microphone with a wind cut function, ensuring clear and crisp audio recording even in windy conditions.

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often come up in discussions: the Canon Legria HF G50 and the Sony HDR-PJ380. Both camcorders boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each model, helping you make an informed decision.

In This Article

Design and Build Quality
Image Quality and Performance
Lens and Zoom Capabilities
Audio Recording
Connectivity and Features

Design and Build Quality

The Canon Legria HF G50 and Sony HDR-PJ380 adopt distinct design philosophies. The Canon Legria HF G50 embraces a more traditional camcorder aesthetic with a large grip, making it feel comfortable and balanced in your hands. Its sleek black finish exudes a professional vibe, while the inclusion of a built-in lens hood adds a touch of sophistication.
The Sony HDR-PJ380, on the other hand, prioritizes compactness and portability. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it ideal for travel and everyday use. The sleek design and vibrant red color accentuate its modern appeal.
In terms of build quality, both camcorders exhibit solid construction. The Canon Legria HF G50 feels robust and well-built, while the Sony HDR-PJ380, despite its smaller size, maintains a sturdy build.

Image Quality and Performance

The image quality of a camcorder is paramount, and both the Canon Legria HF G50 and Sony HDR-PJ380 deliver impressive results. The Canon Legria HF G50 utilizes a 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor with 2.91 million effective pixels, capable of capturing stunning 1080p video at 60 frames per second. Its powerful DIGIC DV 4 image processor ensures excellent image quality, with vibrant colors, sharp details, and low noise levels.
The Sony HDR-PJ380 also boasts a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor with 2.91 million effective pixels, capturing 1080p video at 60 frames per second. Its Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processing engine contribute to excellent low-light performance and detailed image quality.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities

The Canon Legria HF G50 features a powerful 32x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 26.5-848mm (equivalent to 35mm). This impressive zoom capability allows you to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail.
The Sony HDR-PJ380 packs a 30x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 26.8-804mm (equivalent to 35mm). While slightly less powerful than the Canon Legria HF G50, it still offers ample zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects.

Audio Recording

Both camcorders offer excellent audio recording capabilities. The Canon Legria HF G50 features a built-in stereo microphone with a wind cut function, ensuring clear and crisp audio recording even in windy conditions.
The Sony HDR-PJ380 also boasts a built-in stereo microphone with a wind noise reduction function, guaranteeing high-quality audio recording.

Connectivity and Features

Both the Canon Legria HF G50 and Sony HDR-PJ380 offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. The Canon Legria HF G50 includes HDMI output, USB connectivity, and SD card slot. It also features advanced features like manual controls, zebra pattern, and focus peaking, catering to more experienced users.
The Sony HDR-PJ380 provides HDMI output, USB connectivity, and SD card slot. It also boasts a built-in projector, allowing you to share your videos directly on a screen.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial consideration for any camcorder. The Canon Legria HF G50 offers a decent battery life, allowing for approximately 2 hours of continuous recording.
The Sony HDR-PJ380, thanks to its smaller size and lower power consumption, boasts a longer battery life, providing around 3 hours of continuous recording.

Price and Value

The Canon Legria HF G50 and Sony HDR-PJ380 are priced competitively in their respective categories. The Canon Legria HF G50 is generally more expensive than the Sony HDR-PJ380, reflecting its more advanced features and capabilities.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camcorder

The choice between the Canon Legria HF G50 and Sony HDR-PJ380 ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Canon Legria HF G50 if:

You prioritize image quality and advanced features.
You need a camcorder with a powerful optical zoom lens.
You are comfortable with a traditional camcorder design.

Choose the Sony HDR-PJ380 if:

You prioritize portability and compactness.
You need a camcorder with longer battery life.
You want a built-in projector for convenient video sharing.

The Final Word: Finding the Perfect Fit

Both the Canon Legria HF G50 and Sony HDR-PJ380 are excellent camcorders that offer exceptional performance and features. By carefully considering your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision and choose the camcorder that best aligns with your creative vision.