Canon Legria HF R38 vs Contour Roam 2: Which Camcorder Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially with the wide array of options available. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile device to capture your adventures, the Canon Legria HF R38 vs Contour Roam 2 comparison might be your starting point. Both camcorders offer distinct features and cater to different needs, making the decision a bit tricky. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key aspects of each camcorder, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed choice.

Canon Legria HF R38: A Traditional Camcorder Experience

The Canon Legria HF R38 is a classic camcorder designed for capturing high-quality videos in a traditional format. It boasts a powerful 32x optical zoom lens, allowing you to zoom in on distant subjects without compromising image quality. The camcorder features a 3.0-inch LCD screen, providing a clear view of your recordings, and a built-in microphone for capturing audio. Here’s a closer look at its key features:

• High-Quality Video Recording: The Canon Legria HF R38 records Full HD videos at 1080p resolution, ensuring crisp and detailed footage. It also supports AVCHD and MP4 formats, offering flexibility in file storage and editing.
• Powerful Optical Zoom: The 32x optical zoom lens allows you to capture close-ups of distant subjects without sacrificing image quality. This is particularly beneficial for capturing wildlife, sporting events, or even concerts.
• Easy-to-Use Controls: The camcorder features a user-friendly interface with dedicated buttons for key functions, making it easy to navigate and operate.
• Built-in Features: The Legria HF R38 comes equipped with a built-in microphone, a date/time stamp, and a variety of shooting modes, including slow motion and time-lapse, offering creative recording options.
• Compact and Portable Design: Despite its powerful features, the Canon Legria HF R38 remains compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use on the go.

Contour Roam 2: The Action Camera for Adventure Seekers

The Contour Roam 2 is an action camera designed for capturing high-quality footage during extreme activities. It boasts a robust and waterproof design, making it ideal for use in challenging conditions. The camera is equipped with a wide-angle lens, capturing a wider field of view, perfect for capturing adrenaline-pumping action. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its features:

• Rugged and Waterproof Design: The Contour Roam 2 is built to withstand the toughest conditions. It’s waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet) and shockproof up to 2 meters (6.5 feet), making it ideal for underwater adventures, mountain biking, or other extreme activities.
• Wide-Angle Lens: The camera’s wide-angle lens captures a wider field of view, perfect for capturing fast-paced action and scenic landscapes.
• High-Definition Video Recording: The Contour Roam 2 records Full HD videos at 1080p resolution, ensuring clear and detailed footage even at high speeds.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The camera features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control the camera remotely and share your footage wirelessly.
• Versatile Mounting Options: The Contour Roam 2 comes with a variety of mounting accessories, enabling you to attach the camera to helmets, handlebars, or other surfaces, providing flexible recording options.

Canon Legria HF R38 vs Contour Roam 2: Head-to-Head Comparison

Now that we’ve explored the key features of both camcorders, let’s compare them directly to help you make an informed decision based on your needs.
Video Quality: Both the Canon Legria HF R38 and Contour Roam 2 offer Full HD video recording at 1080p resolution. However, the Canon Legria HF R38 offers a wider range of recording formats, including AVCHD and MP4, providing more flexibility in editing and sharing.
Zoom Capability: The Canon Legria HF R38 boasts a significant advantage with its powerful 32x optical zoom lens, allowing you to zoom in on distant subjects without sacrificing image quality. The Contour Roam 2, on the other hand, lacks optical zoom and relies on digital zoom, which can degrade image quality.
Durability and Portability: The Contour Roam 2 is designed for rugged adventures, with its waterproof and shockproof design. The Canon Legria HF R38, while compact and portable, is not as durable and might not be suitable for extreme conditions.
Audio Recording: The Canon Legria HF R38 has a built-in microphone, while the Contour Roam 2 relies on an external microphone. This gives the Legria HF R38 an advantage in capturing clear and crisp audio, especially for interviews or situations where external noise is a concern.
Ease of Use: Both camcorders have user-friendly interfaces, but the Canon Legria HF R38 might be slightly easier to operate for beginners due to its dedicated buttons and traditional camcorder design. The Contour Roam 2, while intuitive, might require a bit more learning to master its features.
Connectivity: The Contour Roam 2 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for remote control and wireless sharing of footage. The Canon Legria HF R38 lacks these features, requiring a USB cable for data transfer.

Who Should Choose the Canon Legria HF R38?

The Canon Legria HF R38 is an excellent choice for those who prioritize high-quality video recording, a powerful zoom lens, and traditional camcorder features. It’s ideal for:

• Families: Capture precious memories of family gatherings, vacations, and special events with the Legria HF R38’s high-quality video recording and zoom capabilities.
• Hobbyists and Enthusiasts: The camcorder’s user-friendly interface and dedicated buttons make it easy to operate, perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with video recording and editing.
• Events and Weddings: The Legria HF R38’s powerful zoom lens and built-in microphone make it suitable for capturing important moments at events and weddings, ensuring clear and detailed footage.

Who Should Choose the Contour Roam 2?

The Contour Roam 2 is the perfect choice for adventure seekers who desire a rugged and waterproof action camera to capture their extreme activities. It’s ideal for:

• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Capture your mountain biking, skiing, surfing, or other outdoor adventures with the Roam 2’s robust design and wide-angle lens.
• Travelers: Take the Roam 2 along on your travels to capture scenic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and exciting adventures.
• Action Sports Athletes: Record your stunts, jumps, and other action sports with the Roam 2’s high-definition video recording and wide field of view.

Choosing the Right Camcorder: A Final Verdict

Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a traditional camcorder with high-quality video recording, a powerful zoom lens, and ease of use, the Canon Legria HF R38 is an excellent choice. However, if you need a rugged and waterproof action camera for capturing extreme activities and sharing your adventures, the **Contour Roam 2** is the way to go.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the Canon Legria HF R38 and Contour Roam 2 are excellent choices, there are other camcorders on the market that might be worth considering. Depending on your budget, specific features, and recording needs, you might find a more suitable option.

Top Questions Asked

Q1: Can I use the Canon Legria HF R38 for underwater recording?
A1: No, the Canon Legria HF R38 is not waterproof and is not designed for underwater recording.
Q2: Does the Contour Roam 2 come with a remote control?
A2: No, the Contour Roam 2 doesn’t come with a remote control. However, you can control the camera remotely using the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Q3: What are the battery life differences between the two camcorders?
A3: The Canon Legria HF R38 typically offers a longer battery life than the Contour Roam 2, especially when recording in high-definition mode. However, the Contour Roam 2’s battery life can be extended by using a compatible external battery pack.
Q4: What are the editing options available for each camcorder?
A4: Both camcorders offer basic editing features, but for more advanced editing, you’ll need to use external software. The Canon Legria HF R38 supports AVCHD and MP4 formats, while the Contour Roam 2 primarily uses MP4.
Q5: Can I use the Canon Legria HF R38 for live streaming?
A5: The Canon Legria HF R38 is not designed for live streaming. However, you can use an external capture card to connect it to your computer and stream live using streaming software.