Unveiling the Battle: Canon Legria HF R36 vs Canon Vixia HF R52 – Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly camcorder for capturing precious moments, the Canon Legria HF R36 vs Canon Vixia HF R52 debate might be on your mind. Both models offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one comes out on top? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right decision.

Design and Features: A Familiar Feel

Both the Canon Legria HF R36 and the Canon Vixia HF R52 share a similar design aesthetic, sporting a compact and lightweight form factor. This makes them incredibly portable, perfect for taking on family vacations or capturing spontaneous moments. The camcorders feature a comfortable grip and well-placed buttons, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
The key difference in design lies in the inclusion of a built-in flash on the Vixia HF R52. This feature can be invaluable in low-light situations, offering a brighter and more detailed image. The Legria HF R36 lacks a built-in flash, requiring you to rely on external lighting sources in dimly lit environments.

Image Quality: Capturing the Moment in Detail

Both camcorders boast impressive image quality, capable of capturing stunning video footage. The Legria HF R36 utilizes a 32.5mm wide-angle lens with a 57x Advanced Zoom, while the Vixia HF R52 features a 32.5mm wide-angle lens with a 58x Advanced Zoom. This slight difference in zoom capability might not be noticeable in most scenarios, but the Vixia HF R52 offers a slightly wider field of view, which can be beneficial for capturing expansive landscapes.
Both camcorders offer Full HD 1080p video recording at 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth and detailed footage. The inclusion of Canon’s DIGIC DV 4 image processor further enhances image quality, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details.

Audio Quality: Clear and Crisp Sound

Capturing high-quality audio is just as important as capturing great video. Both the Legria HF R36 and the Vixia HF R52 feature built-in stereo microphones, capable of capturing clear and natural sound. However, the Vixia HF R52 takes things a step further with its inclusion of a 3.5mm external microphone jack. This allows you to connect a professional-grade microphone, significantly enhancing the audio quality of your recordings.

Battery Life: Powering Your Creativity

Both camcorders offer decent battery life, allowing you to capture extended footage without worrying about running out of juice. The Legria HF R36 boasts a battery life of approximately 2.5 hours, while the Vixia HF R52 provides a slightly longer runtime of 3 hours. This difference in battery life might not be significant for casual users, but it can be a factor for those who plan on filming for extended periods.

Connectivity and Storage: Sharing Your Memories

Both camcorders offer a range of connectivity options for transferring and sharing your videos. They both feature HDMI output for connecting to a TV or monitor, USB connectivity for transferring footage to a computer, and SD card slots for storing your recordings.
However, the Vixia HF R52 takes things a step further with its inclusion of built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities. This allows you to wirelessly connect your camcorder to a smartphone or tablet, enabling you to remotely control recording, transfer footage, and even share your videos directly to social media platforms.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Camcorder

Both the Canon Legria HF R36 and the Canon Vixia HF R52 are excellent camcorders that offer impressive features and capabilities. The choice ultimately boils down to your specific needs and priorities.
If you prioritize budget and portability, the Legria HF R36 is a solid choice. Its compact size, lightweight design, and impressive image quality make it ideal for casual users who want a reliable camcorder for capturing everyday moments.
However, if you’re looking for additional features and enhanced connectivity, the Vixia HF R52 is the better option. Its built-in flash, external microphone jack, Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, and slightly longer battery life make it a more versatile and feature-rich camcorder.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the Canon Legria HF R36 and Canon Vixia HF R52 represent excellent choices, it’s important to consider other camcorders in the market. If you require 4K video recording capabilities or advanced manual controls, you might want to explore models like the Canon Legria HF G50 or the Canon Vixia HF G60.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: What is the difference between the Canon Legria and Canon Vixia series?
A: The Canon Legria and Canon Vixia series are essentially the same line of camcorders. The naming convention varies depending on the region, with Legria being used in Europe and Asia, and Vixia being used in North America.
Q: Do these camcorders offer any special effects or editing features?
A: Both the Legria HF R36 and the Vixia HF R52 offer a range of special effects, including slow motion, fast motion, and various creative filters. They also include basic editing features like trimming and adding transitions.
Q: Are these camcorders suitable for professional use?
A: While these camcorders offer excellent image and audio quality, they are primarily designed for consumer use. For professional videographers, more advanced models with features like manual controls, professional audio inputs, and 4K video recording might be a better choice.
Q: Can I use these camcorders to live stream?
A: Both the Legria HF R36 and the Vixia HF R52 do not have built-in live streaming capabilities. However, you can use an external device like a capture card to live stream your footage.
Q: What is the warranty on these camcorders?
A: Canon offers a standard one-year warranty on both the Legria HF R36 and the Vixia HF R52. You can also purchase extended warranties for additional peace of mind.