Unveiling the Battle of the Cameras: Canon Legria HF R46 vs Canon Vixia HF M400

What To Know

The Canon Legria HF R46 is a versatile camcorder that packs a punch in a compact form factor.
While the zoom isn’t as powerful as the HF R46, the M400 still provides a respectable zoom range for capturing a variety of subjects.
The M400 is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and shoot on the go.

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re considering Canon’s offerings, the Legria HF R46 and Vixia HF M400 are two popular contenders that often leave users wondering which one best suits their needs. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of both models, helping you make an informed decision.

In This Article

Overview of the Canon Legria HF R46 and Vixia HF M400
Canon Legria HF R46: Key Features and Benefits
Canon Vixia HF M400: Key Features and Benefits
Canon Legria HF R46 vs Canon Vixia HF M400: A Detailed Comparison
Choosing the Right Camcorder for Your Needs

Overview of the Canon Legria HF R46 and Vixia HF M400

Both the Canon Legria HF R46 and Vixia HF M400 are compact and user-friendly camcorders designed for capturing everyday memories and special moments. They share several similarities, including:

High-Definition Video Recording: Both models capture stunning Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second.
Built-in Zoom: They offer impressive optical zoom capabilities, allowing you to get closer to the action without sacrificing image quality.
Easy-to-Use Features: Both camcorders are designed with intuitive controls and menus, making them accessible to users of all skill levels.

However, there are also key differences that set these models apart and cater to different shooting styles and preferences.

Canon Legria HF R46: Key Features and Benefits

The Canon Legria HF R46 is a versatile camcorder that packs a punch in a compact form factor. Here are some of its standout features:

Powerful 57x Advanced Zoom: The HF R46 boasts an impressive 57x Advanced Zoom lens, allowing you to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity.
High-Quality Image Stabilization: Canon’s Dynamic IS (Image Stabilization) technology minimizes camera shake, ensuring smooth and stable footage, even when shooting handheld.
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC: The HF R46 enables easy wireless connectivity to share your videos and photos on social media or transfer them to your smartphone or tablet.
Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: The 3-inch touchscreen display provides a user-friendly interface for navigating menus, adjusting settings, and reviewing footage.

Canon Vixia HF M400: Key Features and Benefits

The Canon Vixia HF M400 is another excellent choice for capturing high-quality video. It offers a slightly different feature set compared to the HF R46:

32x Advanced Zoom: While the zoom isn’t as powerful as the HF R46, the M400 still provides a respectable zoom range for capturing a variety of subjects.
Advanced Manual Controls: The M400 offers more manual control options, allowing experienced users to fine-tune settings like aperture, shutter speed, and white balance.
Built-in Microphone: The M400 features a built-in stereo microphone, providing clear audio recording for your videos.
Compact and Lightweight Design: The M400 is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and shoot on the go.

Canon Legria HF R46 vs Canon Vixia HF M400: A Detailed Comparison

Choosing the Right Camcorder for Your Needs

The best camcorder for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of when to choose each model:
Choose the Canon Legria HF R46 if:

You need a powerful zoom lens: The 57x zoom is ideal for capturing distant subjects or wildlife.
You prioritize image stabilization: The Dynamic IS system ensures smooth and stable footage, even when shooting handheld.
You value wireless connectivity: The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make it easy to share your videos and photos.
You want a user-friendly interface: The touchscreen display makes navigation and settings adjustment simple.

Choose the Canon Vixia HF M400 if:

You’re on a budget: The M400 is generally more affordable than the HF R46.
You want more manual control: The M400 offers advanced manual settings for experienced users.
You prioritize portability: The M400 is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.

Beyond the Features: Other Considerations

While features are important, there are other factors to consider when choosing between the Canon Legria HF R46 and Vixia HF M400:

Your shooting style: Do you prefer shooting handheld or using a tripod? The HF R46’s superior image stabilization might be more beneficial for handheld shooting.
Your experience level: The M400’s manual controls might be more appealing to experienced users, while the HF R46’s simplicity is perfect for beginners.
Your budget: The HF R46 is generally more expensive than the M400.

The Final Verdict: Your Choice Matters

Ultimately, the decision between the Canon Legria HF R46 and Vixia HF M400 comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Both models offer excellent video quality and user-friendly features. The HF R46 excels in zoom capabilities and image stabilization, while the M400 provides more manual control and a more affordable price point. Carefully consider your priorities and choose the camcorder that best aligns with your shooting style and budget.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I edit videos directly on the camcorder?
A: Both the Canon Legria HF R46 and Vixia HF M400 offer basic editing features, such as trimming and adding transitions. However, for more advanced editing, you’ll need to transfer the videos to a computer or mobile device.
Q: What kind of memory cards do these camcorders use?
A: Both models use SDXC memory cards.
Q: Can I use an external microphone?
A: Yes, both models have a microphone input that allows you to connect an external microphone for enhanced audio recording.
Q: What are the battery life differences between the two models?
A: The HF R46 has a slightly longer battery life, up to 2.5 hours, compared to the M400’s 2 hours.
Q: Are there any accessories I should consider?
A: You might want to consider a carrying case, an external microphone, a tripod, and extra batteries for extended shooting sessions.