Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown: Canon Legria FS36 vs Canon Legria HF R46

Choosing the perfect camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re considering Canon’s Legria series, you might be torn between the Canon Legria FS36 vs Canon Legria HF R46. Both camcorders offer impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences and help you make an informed decision.

Image Quality: Capturing Memories in Vivid Detail

The heart of any camcorder is its ability to capture stunning images. Let’s compare the image quality offered by the Canon Legria FS36 and the Canon Legria HF R46:

• Canon Legria FS36: Boasting a 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor, the FS36 delivers high-quality video recording with excellent detail and clarity. The advanced image processing engine ensures vibrant colors and natural skin tones, bringing your memories to life.
• Canon Legria HF R46: Equipped with a 1/3.2-inch CMOS sensor, the HF R46 also delivers impressive image quality. While it might not match the detail and clarity of the FS36, it still captures vibrant footage suitable for various applications.

Verdict: The Canon Legria FS36 emerges as the winner in this category, offering slightly better image quality thanks to its larger sensor size and advanced image processing.

Lens: Zooming In on the Action

A powerful lens is crucial for capturing distant subjects or framing shots effectively. Let’s examine the lens capabilities of both camcorders:

• Canon Legria FS36: The FS36 features a 57x Advanced Zoom lens, providing impressive magnification for capturing distant subjects. Its wide-angle capabilities are also noteworthy, allowing you to capture expansive landscapes or group shots with ease.
• Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 boasts a 32x Advanced Zoom lens, offering a solid zoom range for most situations. While it doesn’t match the reach of the FS36, it still provides sufficient magnification for capturing subjects at a distance.

Verdict: The Canon Legria FS36 takes the lead with its superior zoom capabilities, offering a wider range and greater flexibility for capturing distant subjects.

Video Recording Capabilities: Capturing Every Moment

Both camcorders offer various recording formats and resolutions, catering to different needs. Let’s compare their video recording capabilities:

• Canon Legria FS36: The FS36 supports AVCHD recording in 1080p resolution at 50i/60i (depending on your region), delivering high-quality video with smooth motion. It also offers MP4 recording for easier sharing and editing.
• Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 also supports AVCHD recording in 1080p resolution at 50i/60i, ensuring high-quality video capture. It also offers MP4 recording for greater versatility.

Verdict: Both camcorders offer similar video recording capabilities, allowing you to capture high-quality footage in various formats. The choice depends on your specific recording preferences and editing needs.

Audio Recording: Capturing the Soundscape

Clear audio is essential for enriching your videos. Let’s compare the audio recording features of the Canon Legria FS36 and the Canon Legria HF R46:

• Canon Legria FS36: The FS36 features a built-in stereo microphone, capturing clear and balanced audio for your recordings. It also offers an external microphone input, allowing you to connect a dedicated microphone for professional-quality audio.
• Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 also includes a built-in stereo microphone, capturing decent audio for most situations. It also offers an external microphone input, providing flexibility for enhancing your audio recordings.

Verdict: Both camcorders offer comparable audio recording capabilities, with the FS36 offering slightly better audio quality thanks to its advanced microphone system.

Features and Functionality: Enhancing Your Filming Experience

Both camcorders come equipped with a range of features and functionalities that enhance your filming experience. Let’s compare some key features:

• Canon Legria FS36: The FS36 boasts a touchscreen LCD, providing intuitive control over camera settings and menu navigation. It also offers advanced features like slow-motion recording, time-lapse recording, and a built-in Wi-Fi connection for sharing your videos wirelessly.
• Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 features a clear and responsive LCD screen for easy control. It also offers a range of features like slow-motion recording, time-lapse recording, and a built-in Wi-Fi connection for wireless sharing.

Verdict: Both camcorders offer a similar range of features and functionalities, making them suitable for various shooting styles. The choice depends on your preferred features and how you intend to use the camcorder.

Design and Ergonomics: Comfort and Control

A comfortable and ergonomic design is essential for long shooting sessions. Let’s compare the design and ergonomics of both camcorders:

• Canon Legria FS36: The FS36 features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and shoot handheld. Its well-placed buttons and controls provide comfortable and intuitive operation.
• Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 also boasts a compact and lightweight design, ensuring portability and ease of use. Its ergonomic grip and well-designed controls make it comfortable to hold and operate for extended periods.

Verdict: Both camcorders offer comfortable and ergonomic designs, making them suitable for various shooting scenarios. The choice comes down to personal preference and how the camcorder feels in your hands.

Battery Life: Powering Through Your Shoots

Battery life is crucial for extended recording sessions. Let’s compare the battery life of both camcorders:

• Canon Legria FS36: The FS36 offers a decent battery life, allowing you to record for a reasonable amount of time. However, the battery life might not be sufficient for very long shoots.
• Canon Legria HF R46: The HF R46 also offers a decent battery life, allowing you to record for a reasonable amount of time. While it might not be the longest-lasting battery, it should be sufficient for most everyday use cases.

Verdict: Both camcorders offer comparable battery life, providing enough power for most shooting scenarios. If you anticipate very long recording sessions, consider investing in an extra battery pack.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Camcorder for You

The choice between the Canon Legria FS36 and the Canon Legria HF R46 ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.

• Canon Legria FS36: If you prioritize superior image quality, a powerful zoom lens, and advanced features, the FS36 is an excellent choice. It offers a comprehensive package for capturing stunning videos with exceptional detail and clarity.
• Canon Legria HF R46: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with solid performance and a user-friendly interface, the HF R46 is a great choice. It offers a well-rounded package for capturing high-quality videos for various purposes.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. Which camcorder is better for beginners?
Both the Canon Legria FS36 and the HF R46 are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. The HF R46 might be slightly easier to use due to its simpler interface.
2. Can I connect these camcorders to a TV?
Yes, both camcorders can be connected to a TV using an HDMI cable for viewing your recorded videos on a larger screen.
3. What is the difference between AVCHD and MP4 recording formats?
AVCHD offers higher quality video but requires more storage space. MP4 is a more compressed format, making it easier to share and edit.
4. Do these camcorders come with any accessories?
Both camcorders typically come with a battery, charger, USB cable, and an AV cable. You might also find additional accessories like a carrying case or a remote control.
5. Can I use these camcorders for live streaming?
While these camcorders offer Wi-Fi connectivity, they are not designed for live streaming. To live stream, you would need a dedicated live streaming camera or a webcam.