Shooting for Perfection: Canon Legria HF S30 vs JVC Everio GZ-EX355 – A Comprehensive Camcorder Comparison

What To Know

  • The JVC Everio GZ-EX355 includes features like a built-in GPS for location tagging, a built-in projector for sharing footage, and a 3.
  • The Canon Legria HF S30 offers a USB port for connecting to a computer, while the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 provides both USB and HDMI ports for versatile connectivity options.
  • Both the Canon Legria HF S30 and the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 are excellent camcorders that offer a compelling set of features and capabilities.

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Canon Legria HF S30 and the JVC Everio GZ-EX355. Both camcorders offer impressive features and capabilities, making it difficult to decide which one suits your needs best. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of both models, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Build

The Canon Legria HF S30 boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. Its sleek black finish adds a touch of sophistication. The JVC Everio GZ-EX355, on the other hand, features a slightly larger and heavier build, but it still remains comfortable to hold. Both camcorders come equipped with a built-in handle, providing a secure grip during recording.

Image Quality and Video Recording

Both camcorders offer excellent image quality, but there are subtle differences. The Canon Legria HF S30 utilizes a 32.5mm wide-angle lens with 57x optical zoom, capturing stunning footage with vibrant colors and sharp details. The JVC Everio GZ-EX355 features a 29.8mm wide-angle lens with 40x optical zoom, providing a slightly wider field of view. However, the Canon’s higher zoom capability allows for closer shots of distant subjects.

Audio Recording

Both camcorders feature built-in stereo microphones, capturing clear and crisp audio. The Canon Legria HF S30 offers a slightly better audio quality, thanks to its advanced microphone technology. However, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 provides an external microphone jack, allowing for the use of a higher-quality external microphone for professional-grade sound recording.

Features and Functionality

Both camcorders come equipped with a range of features that enhance the recording experience. The Canon Legria HF S30 offers features like advanced face detection, slow-motion recording, and a built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. The JVC Everio GZ-EX355 includes features like a built-in GPS for location tagging, a built-in projector for sharing footage, and a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD for easy navigation.

Battery Life

The Canon Legria HF S30 boasts an impressive battery life of approximately 2.5 hours on a single charge. The JVC Everio GZ-EX355 offers a slightly shorter battery life of around 2 hours. However, both camcorders provide enough recording time for most everyday use cases.

Storage and Connectivity

Both camcorders support SD card storage, allowing for ample recording capacity. The Canon Legria HF S30 offers a USB port for connecting to a computer, while the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 provides both USB and HDMI ports for versatile connectivity options.

Price and Value

The Canon Legria HF S30 is generally priced slightly lower than the JVC Everio GZ-EX355. Both camcorders offer excellent value for their respective price points, providing a balance of features and performance.

The Verdict: Which Camcorder Is Right for You?

The choice between the Canon Legria HF S30 and the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize zoom capability, image quality, and battery life, the Canon Legria HF S30 might be the better choice. However, if you value features like external microphone connectivity, built-in GPS, and a touchscreen LCD, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 could be a more suitable option.

Taking the Final Shot: A Comprehensive Decision

Both the Canon Legria HF S30 and the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 are excellent camcorders that offer a compelling set of features and capabilities. The Canon Legria HF S30 excels in image quality, zoom capability, and battery life, making it an ideal choice for capturing everyday moments and family events. The JVC Everio GZ-EX355 stands out with its versatile connectivity options, built-in projector, and touchscreen LCD, making it a more suitable option for professional-grade videographers and those who need advanced features. Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your individual requirements and preferences.

Questions You May Have

Q1: What is the difference in resolution between the Canon Legria HF S30 and the JVC Everio GZ-EX355?
A1: Both camcorders offer Full HD (1920×1080) video recording at 60 frames per second.
Q2: Can I connect both camcorders to a TV for playback?
A2: Yes, both camcorders support HDMI connectivity for playback on a TV.
Q3: Do both camcorders offer slow-motion recording?
A3: Yes, both camcorders offer slow-motion recording capabilities. However, the Canon Legria HF S30 offers a wider range of slow-motion recording options.
Q4: Which camcorder is better for capturing videos in low-light conditions?
A4: Both camcorders offer good low-light performance. However, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 features a slightly larger sensor, which may provide a slight advantage in low-light scenarios.
Q5: Can I edit videos directly on the camcorders?
A5: Both camcorders offer basic editing features, such as trimming and adding transitions. However, for more advanced editing, you will need to transfer the footage to a computer.