What To Know
- The Canon Legria FS36 boasts a traditional camcorder design with a rotating LCD screen and a dedicated zoom lever.
- If you’re looking for a traditional camcorder with advanced features, detailed video quality, and a longer battery life, the Canon Legria FS36 is an excellent choice.
- If you need a rugged and compact camcorder for action sports and outdoor adventures, the Contour Roam 2 is a solid option.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. If you’re looking for a compact and versatile camcorder to capture your adventures, the Canon Legria FS36 and Contour Roam 2 are two popular contenders. Both offer impressive features, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two camcorders, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Portability
The Canon Legria FS36 boasts a traditional camcorder design with a rotating LCD screen and a dedicated zoom lever. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. On the other hand, the Contour Roam 2 adopts a more rugged and action-camera-like design. It’s smaller and more streamlined, making it ideal for mounting on helmets, bikes, or other equipment.
Canon Legria FS36:
- Traditional camcorder design with a rotating LCD screen
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to hold and operate
Contour Roam 2:
- Rugged and action-camera-like design
- Smaller and more streamlined
- Ideal for mounting on helmets, bikes, or other equipment
Video Quality and Features
Both camcorders offer impressive video quality, but they have different strengths. The Canon Legria FS36 excels in capturing detailed and vibrant footage with its 1080p Full HD resolution and advanced image processing. It also features a 32x optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to the action without sacrificing image quality. The Contour Roam 2, on the other hand, focuses on capturing smooth and stable footage with its built-in image stabilization and 1080p Full HD resolution at 60fps. It also offers a wide field of view, making it perfect for capturing dynamic action shots.
Canon Legria FS36:
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- 32x optical zoom
- Advanced image processing
- Detailed and vibrant footage
Contour Roam 2:
- 1080p Full HD resolution at 60fps
- Built-in image stabilization
- Wide field of view
- Smooth and stable footage
Battery Life and Storage
The Canon Legria FS36 has a longer battery life compared to the Contour Roam 2. It can record for up to 2 hours on a single charge, making it suitable for longer events or trips. The Contour Roam 2, on the other hand, has a shorter battery life, typically lasting around 1.5 hours. Both camcorders offer expandable storage options, allowing you to record more footage.
Canon Legria FS36:
- Up to 2 hours of recording time
- Expandable storage options
Contour Roam 2:
- Around 1.5 hours of recording time
- Expandable storage options
Connectivity and Accessories
The Canon Legria FS36 offers more connectivity options than the Contour Roam 2. It features HDMI and USB ports for easy data transfer and external display. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control and live streaming. The Contour Roam 2 mainly relies on its micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. It also offers a waterproof case for added protection and underwater recording.
Canon Legria FS36:
- HDMI and USB ports
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Remote control and live streaming
Contour Roam 2:
- Micro-USB port
- Waterproof case
Ease of Use
The Canon Legria FS36 is designed for ease of use, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface. Its rotating LCD screen makes it easy to frame shots and monitor recordings. The Contour Roam 2 is also relatively easy to use, with a simple button layout and a compact design. However, its lack of a rotating screen can make framing shots more challenging.
Canon Legria FS36:
- Intuitive controls
- User-friendly interface
- Rotating LCD screen
Contour Roam 2:
- Simple button layout
- Compact design
- No rotating screen
Price and Value
The Canon Legria FS36 is generally priced higher than the Contour Roam 2. However, its advanced features and longer battery life justify its price tag for those seeking a versatile and reliable camcorder. The Contour Roam 2 offers a more affordable option, especially for users who prioritize ruggedness and action-oriented recording.
Canon Legria FS36:
- Higher price point
- Advanced features
- Longer battery life
Contour Roam 2:
- More affordable
- Rugged design
- Action-oriented recording
Choosing the Right Camcorder
The best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a traditional camcorder with advanced features, detailed video quality, and a longer battery life, the Canon Legria FS36 is an excellent choice. If you need a rugged and compact camcorder for action sports and outdoor adventures, the Contour Roam 2 is a solid option.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Both the Canon Legria FS36 and Contour Roam 2 are capable camcorders that offer different strengths. The Canon Legria FS36 excels in video quality, features, and ease of use, while the Contour Roam 2 is more rugged and compact, ideal for action-oriented recording. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I use the Canon Legria FS36 for live streaming?
A: Yes, the Canon Legria FS36 supports Wi-Fi connectivity for live streaming to platforms like YouTube or Facebook.
Q: Is the Contour Roam 2 waterproof?
A: The Contour Roam 2 is not waterproof on its own, but it comes with a waterproof case for underwater recording.
Q: Which camcorder has better image stabilization?
A: The Contour Roam 2 has better image stabilization than the Canon Legria FS36, making it ideal for capturing smooth and stable footage during action sports or while moving.
Q: What are the main differences between the two camcorders?
A: The Canon Legria FS36 is a traditional camcorder with advanced features and longer battery life, while the Contour Roam 2 is a rugged action camcorder with better image stabilization and a compact design.
Q: Which camcorder is best for beginners?
A: The Canon Legria FS36 is easier to use for beginners due to its intuitive controls and user-friendly interface. The Contour Roam 2 might require a bit more learning curve for beginners.