Unboxing the Canon Legria HF S30 vs Sony Nex-VG20E: Which One Takes the Crown in Camcorder Excellence?

by

What To Know

  • The Canon Legria HF S30 features a traditional camcorder design with a rotating LCD screen and a built-in handle.
  • On the other hand, the Sony NEX VG20E sports a more modern, DSLR-like design with an interchangeable lens system and a detachable viewfinder.
  • The interchangeable lens system allows you to choose the best lens for your shooting needs, whether it’s a wide-angle lens for landscapes or a telephoto lens for sports.

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly camcorder for capturing your precious memories, the Canon Legria HF S30 and the Sony NEX VG20E are two popular contenders worth considering.
This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Canon Legria HF S30 and the Sony NEX VG20E, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key features. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which camcorder best suits your needs and budget.

In This Article

Design and Build Quality

Both the Canon Legria HF S30 and the Sony NEX VG20E boast a compact and ergonomic design, making them comfortable to hold and operate. The Canon Legria HF S30 features a traditional camcorder design with a rotating LCD screen and a built-in handle. On the other hand, the Sony NEX VG20E sports a more modern, DSLR-like design with an interchangeable lens system and a detachable viewfinder.
In terms of build quality, both camcorders are well-constructed and durable. The Canon Legria HF S30 is made from sturdy plastic, while the Sony NEX VG20E features a magnesium alloy body for added robustness.

Image Quality and Video Features

Canon Legria HF S30:

  • Image Sensor: 1/2.88-inch CMOS sensor
  • Video Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
  • Frame Rate: 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
  • Lens: Canon HD Video Lens with 32x optical zoom

The Canon Legria HF S30 delivers crisp and detailed video footage with excellent color reproduction. Its 32x optical zoom lens allows you to capture distant subjects with impressive clarity. The camcorder also offers various shooting modes, including manual controls for more creative control over your videos.
Sony NEX VG20E:

  • Image Sensor: APS-C CMOS sensor
  • Video Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
  • Frame Rate: 60i/50i/24p
  • Lens: E-mount system with interchangeable lenses

The Sony NEX VG20E utilizes a larger APS-C sensor, which results in superior low-light performance and a shallower depth of field for cinematic effects. The interchangeable lens system allows you to choose the best lens for your shooting needs, whether it’s a wide-angle lens for landscapes or a telephoto lens for sports.

The Ultimate Showdown: Canon Legria HF G30 vs Panasonic HC V500M for Filmmakers

Audio Features

Both camcorders offer decent audio recording capabilities. The Canon Legria HF S30 features built-in stereo microphones that capture clear and crisp sound. You can also connect an external microphone via the 3.5mm jack for enhanced audio quality.
The Sony NEX VG20E also features built-in stereo microphones, but it also offers a dedicated XLR input for connecting professional microphones, giving you more versatility and control over your audio recordings.

Battery Life and Storage

Canon Legria HF S30:

  • Battery Life: Up to 2.5 hours
  • Storage: SD card slot

The Canon Legria HF S30 offers a decent battery life of up to 2.5 hours. It comes with a built-in SD card slot for storing your videos.
Sony NEX VG20E:

  • Battery Life: Up to 1.5 hours
  • Storage: SD card slot

The Sony NEX VG20E has a slightly shorter battery life of up to 1.5 hours. It also features an SD card slot for storing your recordings.

Connectivity and Features

Canon Legria HF S30:

  • Connectivity: HDMI, USB, composite video output
  • Features: Wi-Fi, built-in GPS, slow motion, time lapse

The Canon Legria HF S30 offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and composite video output. It also features Wi-Fi for wireless sharing and remote control, as well as built-in GPS for geotagging your videos. The camcorder also includes slow motion and time lapse features for creative video effects.
Sony NEX VG20E:

  • Connectivity: HDMI, USB, composite video output
  • Features: Wi-Fi, NFC, manual controls, advanced picture profiles

The Sony NEX VG20E provides similar connectivity options as the Canon Legria HF S30. It also features Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless connectivity. The camcorder offers extensive manual controls, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, allowing for greater creative control. It also includes advanced picture profiles for customizing your video look.

Shooting for the Top: Canon VIXIA HF G20 vs Sony HDR-CX410VE – Which Reigns Supreme?

Pros and Cons

Canon Legria HF S30:
Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Excellent image quality
  • 32x optical zoom lens
  • Long battery life
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Limited manual controls
  • No XLR input for external microphones

Sony NEX VG20E:
Pros:

  • Interchangeable lens system
  • Superior low-light performance
  • Dedicated XLR input for external microphones
  • Advanced manual controls
  • Creative picture profiles

Cons:

  • Larger and heavier than the Canon Legria HF S30
  • Shorter battery life

Which Camcorder Should You Choose?

The choice between the Canon Legria HF S30 and the Sony NEX VG20E depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon Legria HF S30 if:

  • You need a compact and portable camcorder.
  • You prioritize ease of use and user-friendliness.
  • You value long battery life.
  • You want a camcorder with a powerful optical zoom lens.

Choose the Sony NEX VG20E if:

  • You desire professional-level image quality and control.
  • You want the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system.
  • You need superior low-light performance.
  • You prioritize audio quality and want the option to connect external microphones.
Capture Every Moment in Brilliance: JVC GC-PX100 vs Sony Handycam HDR-PJ430V – The Epic Camcorder Battle You Need to Know About!

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Comparison

Ultimately, the best camcorder for you is the one that best meets your specific needs and budget. Both the Canon Legria HF S30 and the Sony NEX VG20E offer excellent features and capabilities, making them worthy contenders in the camcorder market.
It’s important to consider your shooting style, desired video quality, and budget to make an informed decision. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to read reviews, watch video comparisons, and even try out the camcorders yourself before making a purchase.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I use the Canon Legria HF S30 or Sony NEX VG20E for streaming?
A: Both camcorders can be used for streaming, but they require additional equipment. You will need a capture card to connect the camcorder to your computer and streaming software like OBS Studio.
Q: Is the Sony NEX VG20E compatible with other Sony lenses?
A: Yes, the Sony NEX VG20E is compatible with Sony’s E-mount lenses, giving you a wide range of lens options to choose from.
Q: What are the differences between the Canon Legria HF S30 and the Sony NEX VG20E in terms of image stabilization?
A: Both camcorders offer image stabilization, but the Sony NEX VG20E has a more advanced system. The Canon Legria HF S30 uses optical image stabilization, while the Sony NEX VG20E uses a combination of optical and electronic image stabilization.
Q: Can I edit videos directly on the camcorder?
A: Neither the Canon Legria HF S30 nor the Sony NEX VG20E offers built-in editing capabilities. You will need to transfer your videos to a computer for editing using video editing software.
Q: Which camcorder is better for shooting in low light?
A: The Sony NEX VG20E offers superior low-light performance due to its larger APS-C sensor.