Canon Legria FS37 vs Canon Legria HF R36: Which Camcorder Reigns Supreme?

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 Canon Legria FS37 vs Canon Legria HF R36. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but their differences can sway your decision depending on your specific needs and budget. This comprehensive guide delves into the key aspects of each camcorder, helping you make an informed choice.

Design and Build Quality: Compact vs. Feature-Rich

The Canon Legria FS37 boasts a sleek and compact design, making it highly portable. Its lightweight body and ergonomic grip ensure comfortable handling, ideal for capturing on-the-go moments. The Canon Legria HF R36, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional camcorder design with a larger body and a built-in handle. This design offers greater stability and control, particularly for longer recording sessions.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The Canon Legria FS37 utilizes a 1/5.7-inch CMOS sensor, capable of capturing Full HD videos at 1920 x 1080 resolution. While offering decent image quality, the smaller sensor size might struggle in low-light conditions. The Canon Legria HF R36, equipped with a larger 1/3-inch CMOS sensor, delivers superior image quality with enhanced low-light performance. This larger sensor also allows for better depth of field control, creating professional-looking footage.

Lens and Zoom: Reaching Further with the R36

Both camcorders feature Canon‘s renowned optical zoom technology. The Canon Legria FS37 offers a 32x optical zoom, sufficient for capturing distant subjects. However, the Canon Legria HF R36 takes it a step further with a powerful 57x optical zoom, allowing you to capture even more distant subjects with stunning clarity.

Features and Functionality: Tailored to Your Needs

The Canon Legria FS37 is packed with user-friendly features, including a touch-sensitive LCD screen, a built-in microphone, and various recording modes. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for beginners. The Canon Legria HF R36, catering to more experienced users, offers advanced features like manual controls, a built-in zoom ring, and a hot shoe for external accessories. This allows for greater customization and creative control over your footage.

Battery Life: Endurance Matters

Both camcorders offer decent battery life, but the Canon Legria HF R36 boasts a longer runtime. This is crucial for extended recording sessions and travel adventures. The Canon Legria FS37’s battery life is sufficient for shorter recordings, but you might need to carry spare batteries for longer shoots.

Connectivity and Storage: Sharing and Saving Your Memories

The Canon Legria FS37 offers basic connectivity options like HDMI output and USB for data transfer. It also supports SD card storage for recording your videos. The Canon Legria HF R36 goes beyond the basics with Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, allowing for seamless wireless connectivity and content sharing. It also supports SDXC card storage, offering greater storage capacity for your precious memories.

Price and Value: Finding the Right Balance

The Canon Legria FS37 is generally priced lower than the Canon Legria HF R36. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those seeking a basic camcorder with decent performance. The Canon Legria HF R36, with its advanced features and superior image quality, comes at a higher price point. However, it offers a compelling value proposition for serious videographers and enthusiasts.

Choosing the Right Camcorder for You: A Summary

The decision between the Canon Legria FS37 and Canon Legria HF R36 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon Legria FS37 if:

• You prioritize portability and a compact design.
• You’re a beginner videographer looking for a user-friendly camcorder.
• You’re on a limited budget.

Choose the Canon Legria HF R36 if:

• You desire superior image quality and advanced features.
• You require a powerful zoom lens for capturing distant subjects.
• You’re a more experienced videographer seeking greater control.
• You prioritize longer recording sessions and wireless connectivity.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Camcorder

Both the Canon Legria FS37 and Canon Legria HF R36 are capable camcorders that can help you capture precious memories. The FS37 offers a simple and portable solution for everyday recording, while the HF R36 empowers you to create professional-quality videos. Ultimately, the best camcorder for you is the one that aligns with your specific needs and budget.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: What is the difference in video quality between the Canon Legria FS37 and Canon Legria HF R36?
A1: The Canon Legria HF R36 offers superior video quality due to its larger 1/3-inch CMOS sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and depth of field control. The FS37’s smaller sensor can struggle in low-light conditions and produce slightly less detailed footage.
Q2: Which camcorder is better for shooting sports events?
A2: The Canon Legria HF R36 is a better choice for shooting sports events thanks to its powerful 57x optical zoom, allowing you to capture fast-paced action from a distance. The FS37’s 32x optical zoom might not be sufficient for capturing distant subjects with the same clarity.
Q3: Can I connect both camcorders to my smartphone for wireless control and sharing?
A3: Only the Canon Legria HF R36 offers Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, allowing you to connect it wirelessly to your smartphone for remote control and content sharing. The Canon Legria FS37 lacks these features.
Q4: Which camcorder offers more manual control over recording settings?
A4: The Canon Legria HF R36 provides more manual control options, catering to experienced videographers who desire greater creative freedom. The Canon Legria FS37 focuses on simplicity and automatic settings, making it more suitable for beginners.