Unboxing the Canon Legria FS37 vs. FS406: Which Camcorder Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re considering Canon’s Legria series, the FS37 and FS406 are two popular contenders vying for your attention. Both camcorders offer impressive features and capabilities, but understanding their subtle differences is crucial to making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each model, helping you determine which one best suits your needs and budget.

Design and Build: A Look and Feel Comparison

The Canon Legria FS37 and FS406 boast a sleek and compact design, making them easy to carry around. Both feature a comfortable grip and a well-placed LCD screen, allowing for convenient recording and playback. However, there are some subtle differences in their build:

• FS37: The FS37 sports a more traditional camcorder design with a larger, more prominent lens. It also features a built-in flash, which can be helpful in low-light situations.
• FS406: The FS406, on the other hand, has a slightly more modern aesthetic, with a more compact and streamlined design. It lacks a built-in flash but compensates with excellent low-light performance thanks to its larger CMOS sensor.

In terms of build quality, both camcorders are well-constructed and feel durable. The FS37 might feel slightly more robust due to its larger design, while the FS406 prioritizes portability.

Image Quality: Capturing Memories in High Definition

Image quality is paramount when it comes to camcorders, and both the FS37 and FS406 deliver impressive results. Here’s a breakdown of their key image-related features:

• FS37: The FS37 features a 32GB internal memory and offers a maximum video resolution of 1920×1080 at 60 frames per second. It also boasts a 29.8mm wide-angle lens with 32x optical zoom.
• FS406: The FS406 takes image quality a step further with its larger 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor, which allows for better low-light performance and more detailed footage. It offers a maximum video resolution of 1920×1080 at 50 frames per second and features a 30x optical zoom lens.

While both camcorders capture excellent video quality, the FS406 edges out the FS37 in low-light scenarios and delivers slightly sharper details due to its larger sensor. However, the FS37’s 32x optical zoom provides a wider range of zoom capabilities, which might be beneficial for capturing distant subjects.

Features and Functionality: Beyond the Basics

Beyond image quality, both camcorders offer a range of features to enhance your recording experience.

• FS37: The FS37 includes a built-in microphone, a headphone jack, and an HDMI output for easy connectivity. It also features a variety of shooting modes, including slow motion and time-lapse, along with a built-in flash for low-light situations.
• FS406: The FS406 also offers a built-in microphone, headphone jack, and HDMI output. It features a more advanced set of shooting modes, including a “Concert Mode” specifically designed for recording live music, as well as a “Slow Motion” mode that allows for high-speed recording.

The FS406’s additional shooting modes and “Concert Mode” make it a more versatile choice for capturing a wider range of subjects and situations.

Battery Life: Keeping the Memories Rolling

Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a camcorder, especially if you plan on recording for extended periods. Here’s how the FS37 and FS406 compare in this regard:

• FS37: The FS37 has a stated battery life of approximately 2 hours, which is a decent duration for casual recording.
• FS406: The FS406 boasts a slightly longer battery life of around 2.5 hours, allowing for more extended recording sessions.

While both camcorders offer adequate battery life, the FS406 provides a slight edge in this area, allowing for longer recording times without needing to worry about running out of power.

Connectivity: Sharing Your Stories Seamlessly

Both camcorders offer a variety of connectivity options for easily sharing your videos and photos.

• FS37: The FS37 features a USB port for connecting to computers and a HDMI output for connecting to external displays. It also supports SD card storage.
• FS406: The FS406 provides the same connectivity options as the FS37, including USB, HDMI, and SD card storage. It also features a built-in Wi-Fi connection for wireless sharing and remote control.

The FS406’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity offers an added layer of convenience, allowing you to share your videos wirelessly and even control the camcorder remotely using a smartphone app.

Price and Value: Finding the Right Balance

The price of a camcorder is a key factor in your decision-making process.

• FS37: The FS37 is generally priced lower than the FS406, making it a more budget-friendly option.
• FS406: The FS406 comes with a slightly higher price tag, reflecting its advanced features and capabilities.

While the FS37 offers excellent value for its price, the FS406 justifies its higher cost with its superior image quality, advanced features, and added convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Final Verdict: Choosing Your Champion

So, which camcorder reigns supreme – the Canon Legria FS37 or the Canon Legria FS406? The answer ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Canon Legria FS37 if:

• You’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a wide-angle lens and a built-in flash.
• You prioritize portability and a more traditional camcorder design.
• You don’t require advanced shooting modes or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Choose the Canon Legria FS406 if:

• You prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
• You want a camcorder with advanced shooting modes and a “Concert Mode” for recording live music.
• You value the convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless sharing and remote control.
• You’re willing to pay a slightly higher price for these added features.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the FS37 and FS406 are excellent choices, it’s always a good idea to explore other options within the Canon Legria series. Consider factors like your budget, desired features, and specific recording needs before making a final decision.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which camcorder has better audio quality?
A: Both the FS37 and FS406 offer decent audio quality thanks to their built-in microphones. However, the FS406 might provide slightly better audio clarity due to its more advanced audio processing capabilities.
Q: Can I use external microphones with these camcorders?
A: Yes, both camcorders feature a microphone input jack, allowing you to connect external microphones for enhanced audio recording.
Q: Are these camcorders suitable for vlogging?
A: Both the FS37 and FS406 can be used for vlogging, but the FS406’s Wi-Fi connectivity and advanced features make it a more suitable choice.
Q: Can I edit the videos recorded on these camcorders?
A: Yes, the videos recorded on both camcorders can be edited using standard video editing software on your computer.
Q: Which camcorder is better for capturing fast-moving action?
A: The FS406’s larger sensor and more advanced shooting modes make it a better choice for capturing fast-moving action, as it can handle more demanding recording scenarios.