Canon Legria FS36 vs Canon XF105: Which Camcorder Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. The Canon Legria FS36 vs Canon XF105 debate is a classic example, as both models offer compelling features for different types of videographers. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between these two camcorders, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

The Canon Legria FS36: A Compact and Affordable Option

The Canon Legria FS36 is a compact and user-friendly camcorder designed for everyday use. It boasts a 52x optical zoom lens, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sporting events. Its lightweight design and intuitive controls make it easy to handle, even for beginners.
Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

• 52x Optical Zoom Lens: Provides impressive magnification for capturing distant subjects.
• 2.7-inch LCD Touchscreen: Offers a clear view of your recordings and intuitive menu navigation.
• Full HD Recording: Captures high-quality video at 1920 x 1080 resolution.
• Built-in Stereo Microphone: Records clear audio for your videos.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: Makes it easy to carry around.

The Canon XF105: A Professional-Grade Camcorder

The Canon XF105 is a more professional-grade camcorder designed for serious videographers. It features a powerful 20x optical zoom lens, a large 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen, and advanced recording capabilities. Its professional features and high-quality image output make it a popular choice for filmmakers, wedding videographers, and corporate video producers.
Here’s a closer look at its impressive features:

• 20x Optical Zoom Lens: Offers a versatile range for various shooting scenarios.
• 3.5-inch LCD Touchscreen: Provides a large and clear view for precise framing and monitoring.
• 4K Recording: Captures stunning video at 3840 x 2160 resolution.
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF: Delivers fast and accurate autofocus, crucial for capturing moving subjects.
• Advanced Recording Features: Includes slow motion, time lapse, and interval recording.

The Battle of the Lenses: Zoom Power and Versatility

The Canon Legria FS36 boasts a powerful 52x optical zoom lens, giving you incredible magnification capabilities. This makes it a great choice for capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sporting events. However, the XF105’s 20x optical zoom lens, while not as powerful, offers greater versatility. It provides a good balance between zoom and wide-angle capabilities, making it suitable for a broader range of shooting scenarios.

Image Quality: Full HD vs 4K Resolution

The Canon Legria FS36 records in Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, delivering sharp and detailed images. While this resolution is still adequate for many purposes, the Canon XF105 takes it to the next level with its 4K (3840 x 2160) recording capability. 4K offers significantly higher resolution, resulting in incredibly detailed and immersive video footage.

Autofocus Performance: Dual Pixel CMOS AF Takes the Lead

The Canon XF105 utilizes Canon‘s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, which provides lightning-fast and accurate autofocus. This is a game-changer for videographers, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects or in challenging lighting conditions. The Legria FS36, while equipped with autofocus, lacks the advanced capabilities of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Recording Features

The Canon XF105 offers a suite of advanced recording features that elevate its capabilities. It supports slow motion, time lapse, and interval recording, giving you creative control over your video projects. The Legria FS36, while offering basic recording features, lacks the advanced options found in the XF105.

Connectivity and Customization: More Than Just Recording

Both camcorders offer a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and headphone jacks. The XF105 goes a step further by providing a professional-grade XLR audio input, enabling you to connect external microphones for high-quality audio recording.
The XF105 also allows for greater customization through its manual controls. You can adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, giving you more control over the look and feel of your videos.

The Price Factor: Value for Money

The Canon Legria FS36 is priced significantly lower than the Canon XF105. This makes it a very attractive option for budget-conscious videographers. However, the XF105’s professional-grade features and 4K recording capabilities justify its higher price point.

The Verdict: Finding the Perfect Match

Ultimately, the best choice between the Canon Legria FS36 and Canon XF105 depends on your individual needs and budget.
The Legria FS36 excels in the following areas:

• Affordable: It offers a great value for money.
• Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry around.
• Powerful Zoom: Its 52x optical zoom lens is ideal for capturing distant subjects.

The XF105 shines in these aspects:

• Professional-Grade Features: Offers advanced recording capabilities and customization options.
• 4K Recording: Delivers stunning video quality.
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF: Provides fast and accurate autofocus.

Final Thoughts: Go Beyond the Specs

While specs are important, it’s crucial to consider your shooting style and intended use when making your decision. If you’re a casual videographer looking for a compact and affordable option, the Legria FS36 is a great choice. However, if you’re a serious videographer seeking professional-grade features and 4K recording, the XF105 is the clear winner.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: The Canon Legria FS36 is more user-friendly and beginner-friendly due to its intuitive controls and compact design.
Q: Which camcorder is better for professional videographers?
A: The Canon XF105 is designed for professional use, offering advanced features, 4K recording, and professional-grade connectivity.
Q: Which camcorder is better for vlogging?
A: While both camcorders can be used for vlogging, the XF105’s 4K recording and Dual Pixel CMOS AF make it a better choice for producing high-quality vlogs.
Q: Which camcorder is better for wildlife photography?
A: The Legria FS36’s 52x optical zoom lens gives it an edge in capturing distant wildlife subjects.
Q: Which camcorder is better for wedding videography?
A: The XF105’s professional features, including 4K recording and manual controls, make it a better choice for wedding videographers.