What To Know
- The FS37 excels in capturing detailed and vibrant footage in everyday settings, while the HX-WA20 prioritizes clarity and stability even in extreme conditions.
- While it may not offer the same detail as the FS37, its advanced image stabilization and wide-angle lens ensure smooth and stable footage in challenging environments.
- The Canon Legria FS37 and the Panasonic HX-WA20 offer a unique set of features catering to different needs.
Choosing the perfect camcorder for your adventures can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Canon Legria FS37 and the Panasonic HX-WA20. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one truly reigns supreme for your specific needs?
This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of both camcorders, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Canon Legria FS37: A Versatile Choice for Everyday Use
The Canon Legria FS37 is a versatile camcorder designed for capturing high-quality footage in various settings. Its sleek design and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced videographers.
Key Features:
- High-Resolution Recording: The FS37 boasts a 1/2.88-inch CMOS sensor that captures Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second, delivering crisp and detailed images.
- Powerful Zoom Lens: Its 32x advanced zoom lens with optical image stabilization ensures clear and steady footage even at extended distances.
- Advanced Audio Capture: The built-in stereo microphones capture high-quality audio, while the external microphone jack allows for professional-grade sound recording.
- Creative Control: The FS37 offers various shooting modes, including slow motion, fast motion, and manual controls, providing creative freedom to enhance your videos.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Share your memories instantly with the built-in Wi-Fi functionality, allowing you to transfer videos and photos to your smartphone or tablet.
Pros:
- Excellent image quality
- Powerful zoom lens with optical image stabilization
- Versatile shooting modes
- User-friendly interface
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons:
- Limited battery life
- No 4K recording
- No touchscreen display
Panasonic HX-WA20: Built for Adventure and Extreme Conditions
The Panasonic HX-WA20 is a rugged and waterproof camcorder ideal for capturing action-packed moments in challenging environments. Its robust design and advanced features make it a reliable companion for water sports, outdoor activities, and extreme adventures.
Key Features:
- Waterproof and Shockproof: The HX-WA20 is waterproof up to 16.4 feet (5 meters) and shockproof from drops of up to 6.6 feet (2 meters), making it perfect for underwater filming and outdoor adventures.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Its 29mm wide-angle lens captures a wider field of view, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots.
- High-Performance Image Stabilization: The HX-WA20 features advanced image stabilization, ensuring smooth and stable footage even in shaky conditions.
- Built-in GPS: Track your adventures with the integrated GPS functionality, allowing you to record location data and create geo-tagged videos.
- Durable and Compact: The HX-WA20 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use in various situations.
Pros:
- Waterproof and shockproof design
- Wide-angle lens
- Excellent image stabilization
- Built-in GPS
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Limited zoom capabilities
- No 4K recording
- No touchscreen display
Image Quality: A Close Race
Both the Canon Legria FS37 and the Panasonic HX-WA20 deliver impressive image quality in their respective categories. The FS37 excels in capturing detailed and vibrant footage in everyday settings, while the HX-WA20 prioritizes clarity and stability even in extreme conditions.
The FS37’s 1/2.88-inch CMOS sensor captures Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second, resulting in sharp images with accurate colors. Its 32x advanced zoom lens with optical image stabilization ensures clear and steady footage even at extended distances.
The HX-WA20, on the other hand, features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that captures Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second. While it may not offer the same detail as the FS37, its advanced image stabilization and wide-angle lens ensure smooth and stable footage in challenging environments.
Features and Functionality: A Tale of Two Camcorders
The Canon Legria FS37 and the Panasonic HX-WA20 offer a unique set of features catering to different needs.
The FS37 excels in versatility with its range of shooting modes, including slow motion, fast motion, and manual controls. Its built-in stereo microphones capture high-quality audio, while the external microphone jack allows for professional-grade sound recording. The FS37 also features Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to share your memories instantly with your smartphone or tablet.
The HX-WA20, on the other hand, focuses on durability and adventure-ready features. Its waterproof and shockproof design, combined with its wide-angle lens and advanced image stabilization, makes it ideal for capturing action-packed moments in challenging environments. The built-in GPS functionality allows you to track your adventures and record location data for geo-tagged videos.
Battery Life: A Factor to Consider
Battery life is a crucial factor for any camcorder, and both the Canon Legria FS37 and the Panasonic HX-WA20 have their strengths and weaknesses in this area.
The FS37’s battery life is relatively short, lasting around 1.5 hours of continuous recording. This might be a concern for longer shoots or multi-day trips. The HX-WA20, on the other hand, boasts a longer battery life, lasting around 2.5 hours of continuous recording. This makes it a more reliable choice for extended adventures.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Balance
Both the Canon Legria FS37 and the Panasonic HX-WA20 offer good value for their respective price points. The FS37 is generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious videographers. The HX-WA20, while slightly more expensive, justifies its price with its robust design, advanced features, and suitability for extreme conditions.
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize versatility, image quality, and user-friendliness, the Canon Legria FS37 is an excellent choice. However, if you need a rugged and waterproof camcorder for adventure-packed activities, the Panasonic HX-WA20 is the clear winner.
Choosing the Ideal Camcorder for Your Needs
To make the best decision, consider the following factors:
- Filming Environment: If you primarily shoot in everyday settings, the Canon Legria FS37’s versatility and image quality are ideal. However, if you need a camcorder for extreme conditions, the Panasonic HX-WA20’s durability and features are essential.
- Budget: The Canon Legria FS37 is more affordable, while the Panasonic HX-WA20 is slightly more expensive.
- Features: Consider the specific features that are important to you, such as zoom capabilities, image stabilization, and connectivity options.
Final Verdict: A Perfect Camcorder for Every Adventure
Both the Canon Legria FS37 and the Panasonic HX-WA20 are excellent camcorders with their strengths and weaknesses. The FS37 excels in versatility, image quality, and user-friendliness, making it a perfect choice for everyday use and capturing high-quality videos. The HX-WA20, on the other hand, is built for adventure and extreme conditions, offering a rugged design, advanced features, and impressive stability.
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Choose the Canon Legria FS37 if you prioritize versatility and image quality, or opt for the Panasonic HX-WA20 if you need a rugged and waterproof camcorder for capturing action-packed moments.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Does the Canon Legria FS37 have a touchscreen display?
A: No, the Canon Legria FS37 does not have a touchscreen display. It features a traditional LCD screen for viewing and navigating menus.
Q: Is the Panasonic HX-WA20 compatible with external microphones?
A: Yes, the Panasonic HX-WA20 features an external microphone jack, allowing you to connect professional-grade microphones for enhanced audio recording.
Q: What is the difference in zoom capabilities between the two camcorders?
A: The Canon Legria FS37 has a 32x advanced zoom lens, while the Panasonic HX-WA20 has a 10x optical zoom lens. The FS37 offers more zoom capabilities, ideal for capturing distant subjects.
Q: Can I use the Panasonic HX-WA20 for underwater filming?
A: Yes, the Panasonic HX-WA20 is waterproof up to 16.4 feet (5 meters), making it perfect for underwater filming.
Q: Is there a significant difference in video resolution between the two camcorders?
A: Both the Canon Legria FS37 and the Panasonic HX-WA20 capture Full HD 1080p video, but the FS37 records at 60 frames per second, while the HX-WA20 records at 30 frames per second. The FS37 offers smoother video playback, especially for fast-paced action scenes.