What To Know
- The Panasonic HDC-TM90, on the other hand, features a more traditional camcorder design with a larger body and a built-in handle.
- The Canon Legria HF M56’s microphone is located on the top of the camcorder, while the Panasonic HDC-TM90’s microphone is located on the front.
- The Canon Legria HF M56 boasts a battery life of approximately 2 hours, while the Panasonic HDC-TM90 offers a battery life of approximately 3 hours.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Canon Legria HF M56 and the Panasonic HDC-TM90. Both camcorders offer impressive features and capabilities, making it difficult to decide which one reigns supreme. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and overall value, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon Legria HF M56 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 sport distinct designs, catering to different preferences. The Canon Legria HF M56 boasts a sleek and compact design, weighing in at just under a pound. Its compact size makes it highly portable, ideal for travel and everyday use. The Panasonic HDC-TM90, on the other hand, features a more traditional camcorder design with a larger body and a built-in handle. While it’s slightly heavier than the Canon, it provides a better grip and stability during filming, especially for longer shoots.
Both camcorders feature a rotating LCD screen, allowing for flexible shooting angles. The Canon Legria HF M56’s screen rotates 270 degrees, while the Panasonic HDC-TM90’s screen rotates 180 degrees, offering a slightly wider range of motion. In terms of build quality, both camcorders are well-constructed and feel durable. The Canon Legria HF M56 has a slightly more premium feel, with a metal body and a textured grip.
Image Quality and Video Recording
Image quality is a crucial aspect of any camcorder, and both the Canon Legria HF M56 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 deliver impressive results. The Canon Legria HF M56 utilizes a 32.5mm wide-angle lens with a 57x optical zoom, offering excellent wide-angle coverage and impressive zoom capabilities. It also features Canon’s DIGIC DV 4 image processor, which enhances image quality and reduces noise. The Panasonic HDC-TM90, on the other hand, boasts a 29.5mm wide-angle lens with a 32x optical zoom. While its zoom range is less extensive than the Canon, it still delivers sharp and detailed images.
Both camcorders offer a variety of recording formats, including AVCHD and H.264. The Canon Legria HF M56 supports 1920x1080p recording at 50fps, while the Panasonic HDC-TM90 supports 1920x1080p recording at 60fps. The Panasonic HDC-TM90 also offers a higher bitrate, resulting in better quality recordings, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Audio Recording
Both camcorders feature built-in stereo microphones for capturing audio. The Canon Legria HF M56’s microphone is located on the top of the camcorder, while the Panasonic HDC-TM90’s microphone is located on the front. Both microphones deliver decent audio quality, but the Panasonic HDC-TM90’s microphone captures slightly more detailed and clearer audio. Both camcorders also offer the option of connecting an external microphone for higher quality audio recordings.
Connectivity and Features
Both the Canon Legria HF M56 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 offer a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and AV outputs. The Canon Legria HF M56 also features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing for wireless transfer of footage to smartphones and tablets. The Panasonic HDC-TM90, on the other hand, does not offer built-in Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity, requiring a separate USB cable for transferring footage.
In terms of features, both camcorders offer a variety of shooting modes, including manual and automatic settings. The Canon Legria HF M56 features Canon’s Intelligent IS (Image Stabilization) technology, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce smoother footage. The Panasonic HDC-TM90 also features image stabilization technology, but it’s not as advanced as Canon’s Intelligent IS.
Battery Life and Size
Battery life is an important consideration for any camcorder, especially for extended shoots. The Canon Legria HF M56 boasts a battery life of approximately 2 hours, while the Panasonic HDC-TM90 offers a battery life of approximately 3 hours. The Panasonic HDC-TM90’s longer battery life is a significant advantage, especially for users who plan to shoot for extended periods.
As mentioned earlier, the Canon Legria HF M56 is a compact and lightweight camcorder, making it highly portable. The Panasonic HDC-TM90, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier, but it offers a more comfortable grip and stability during filming. Ultimately, the best size and portability will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Verdict: Which Camcorder Should You Choose?
Both the Canon Legria HF M56 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 are excellent camcorders that offer a range of features and capabilities. The Canon Legria HF M56 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability, image stabilization, and wireless connectivity. Its compact design, advanced image stabilization technology, and built-in Wi-Fi make it a great option for travel and everyday use.
The Panasonic HDC-TM90, on the other hand, is a better choice for users who prioritize image quality, audio recording, and battery life. Its higher bitrate, more detailed audio recording, and longer battery life make it ideal for professional-level videography and extended shoots.
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a portable and versatile camcorder with excellent image stabilization, the Canon Legria HF M56 is a great option. If you prioritize image quality, audio recording, and battery life, the Panasonic HDC-TM90 is the superior choice.
Choosing the Right Camcorder for Your Needs
To make the best decision, consider the following factors:
- Purpose of use: What will you be using the camcorder for? Travel, family events, professional videography?
- Portability: How important is portability to you?
- Image quality: What level of image quality are you looking for?
- Audio recording: How important is audio quality to you?
- Battery life: How long do you need the battery to last?
- Budget: What is your budget for a camcorder?
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the camcorder that best meets your needs and preferences.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: Both the Canon Legria HF M56 and Panasonic HDC-TM90 are user-friendly camcorders that are suitable for beginners. The Canon Legria HF M56 offers a more intuitive interface and a wider range of automatic shooting modes, making it slightly easier to use for beginners.
Q: Which camcorder is better for professional videography?
A: The Panasonic HDC-TM90 is a better choice for professional videography due to its higher bitrate, more detailed audio recording, and longer battery life. However, both camcorders offer professional-level features and capabilities.
Q: Which camcorder is more affordable?
A: The Canon Legria HF M56 is generally more affordable than the Panasonic HDC-TM90. However, prices can vary depending on the retailer and the time of year.
Q: Can I connect both camcorders to a computer?
A: Yes, both camcorders can be connected to a computer via USB.
Q: Do both camcorders offer slow-motion recording?
A: Yes, both camcorders offer slow-motion recording capabilities. The Canon Legria HF M56 supports slow-motion recording at 120fps, while the Panasonic HDC-TM90 supports slow-motion recording at 100fps.