Shocking Revelation: Canon Legria FS37 vs Canon Legria FS46 – Which Is the Ultimate Camcorder?

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the Canon Legria lineup are the FS37 and FS46. Both boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the ultimate victor? This blog post dives deep into the Canon Legria FS37 vs Canon Legria FS46 showdown, analyzing their key differences, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Unveiling the Key Differences: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Both the Canon Legria FS37 and FS46 are compact, user-friendly camcorders designed for capturing high-quality video footage. However, they differ in several key aspects that might sway your decision.
Image Quality:

• Canon Legria FS37: Equipped with a 1/4.8-inch CMOS sensor and a 32x Advanced Zoom lens, the FS37 delivers Full HD 1080p video at 50fps. It features a maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing for decent low-light performance.
• Canon Legria FS46: The FS46 boasts a slightly larger 1/2.88-inch CMOS sensor, coupled with a 57x Advanced Zoom lens. It also captures Full HD 1080p video at 50fps but with a wider maximum aperture of f/1.85, potentially leading to improved low-light capabilities.

Features:

• Canon Legria FS37: The FS37 offers a range of features, including Super Slow Motion recording at 120fps, Face Detection, and Intelligent Image Stabilizer. It also includes a built-in microphone and a headphone jack.
• Canon Legria FS46: The FS46 expands on the FS37’s features with the addition of a built-in LED video light, a zoom lever for precise zoom control, and a more advanced Intelligent Image Stabilizer. It also features a dedicated microphone input for external microphones.

Design and Ergonomics:

• Canon Legria FS37: The FS37 is a compact and lightweight camcorder with a comfortable grip. It features a rotating LCD screen and a built-in viewfinder.
• Canon Legria FS46: Although slightly larger than the FS37, the FS46 maintains a compact form factor. It also boasts a rotating LCD screen and a built-in viewfinder, providing flexibility in shooting angles.

Connectivity:

• Canon Legria FS37: The FS37 offers various connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and AV output. It also supports SD card storage.
• Canon Legria FS46: Similar to the FS37, the FS46 includes HDMI, USB, and AV output for versatile connectivity. It also supports SD card storage.

The Canon Legria FS37: A Solid Choice for Beginners

The Canon Legria FS37 is a well-rounded camcorder that caters to beginners and casual users. Its compact design, user-friendly interface, and impressive image quality make it an excellent option for capturing family events, vacations, and everyday moments.
Strengths:

• Compact and Lightweight: The FS37’s portability is a significant advantage, allowing you to take it anywhere without feeling burdened.
• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive controls and menu system make it easy for beginners to navigate and operate.
• Decent Image Quality: The 1080p video recording capability and the 32x zoom lens provide satisfactory image quality for most scenarios.
• Super Slow Motion Recording: The FS37’s ability to capture slow-motion footage adds a creative dimension to your videos.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Zoom Range: The 32x zoom might not be sufficient for capturing distant subjects.
• Basic Features: The FS37 lacks advanced features like a built-in LED video light or a dedicated microphone input, which could be limitations for more experienced videographers.

The Canon Legria FS46: A Step Up for Enthusiasts

The Canon Legria FS46 takes things up a notch, offering a more advanced feature set and improved image quality. It’s an ideal choice for enthusiasts who desire greater control and flexibility in their video recording.
Strengths:

• Wider Zoom Range: The 57x zoom lens allows you to capture subjects from a greater distance, making it suitable for wildlife, sports, and other events.
• Advanced Features: The built-in LED video light, zoom lever, and dedicated microphone input provide greater control and flexibility in your video recording.
• Improved Image Quality: The larger sensor and wider aperture contribute to better low-light performance and overall image quality.
• Enhanced Image Stabilization: The more advanced Intelligent Image Stabilizer effectively minimizes camera shake, resulting in smoother footage.

Weaknesses:

• Larger and Heavier: The FS46 is slightly larger and heavier than the FS37, making it less portable.
• More Complex Interface: The additional features might require a steeper learning curve for beginners.

Deciding Which Camcorder Suits You: The Ultimate Verdict

The choice between the Canon Legria FS37 and FS46 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon Legria FS37 if:

• You are a beginner or casual user seeking a user-friendly and portable camcorder.
• You prioritize affordability and don’t require advanced features.
• You primarily shoot in well-lit environments.

Choose the Canon Legria FS46 if:

• You are an enthusiast seeking a camcorder with advanced features and enhanced image quality.
• You need a wider zoom range for capturing distant subjects.
• You frequently shoot in low-light conditions.
• You prioritize flexibility and control in your video recording.

Beyond the Spec Sheet: Exploring Other Considerations

While the technical specifications provide a valuable starting point, it’s essential to consider other factors that might influence your decision.
Ease of Use: Both camcorders are known for their user-friendly interfaces, but the FS37 might be slightly more intuitive for beginners.
Audio Quality: The FS46’s dedicated microphone input allows for greater flexibility in audio recording, potentially leading to better sound quality.
Battery Life: Both camcorders offer decent battery life, but the FS46 might have a slight edge due to its more advanced features.
Price: The FS37 is generally more affordable than the FS46.

The Final Chapter: A Comprehensive Perspective

Both the Canon Legria FS37 and FS46 offer compelling features and capabilities. The FS37 is a great option for beginners and casual users seeking a user-friendly and portable camcorder, while the FS46 caters to enthusiasts who demand more advanced features and improved image quality. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Answers to Your Questions

Q1: What is the difference in video quality between the FS37 and FS46?
The FS46 generally offers better image quality due to its larger sensor and wider aperture. It also boasts more advanced image stabilization, resulting in smoother footage.
Q2: Which camcorder is better for low-light shooting?
The FS46’s larger sensor and wider aperture contribute to improved low-light performance compared to the FS37.
Q3: Can I use external microphones with both camcorders?
The FS37 only has a built-in microphone, while the FS46 features a dedicated microphone input, allowing you to connect external microphones for improved audio quality.
Q4: Are there any other camcorders I should consider?
Yes, Canon offers a wide range of camcorders, including the Legria HF G40 and HF G50, which provide even more advanced features and image quality.
Q5: Where can I purchase these camcorders?
You can purchase the Canon Legria FS37 and FS46 from authorized retailers, online marketplaces, and electronics stores.