Explosive Comparison: Canon Legria FS406 vs Canon Legria FS46 – Discover the Game-Changer in Camcorder Technology!

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of models and features. If you’re considering Canon’s Legria series, two popular options that often come up in comparison are the Canon Legria FS406 and the **Canon Legria FS46**. Both camcorders offer impressive video quality and features, but they also have their unique strengths and weaknesses. This blog post will delve into a detailed comparison, highlighting the key differences and helping you determine which camcorder best suits your needs.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Canon Legria FS406 and FS46 feature a compact and ergonomic design, making them comfortable to hold and operate. They both have a rotating LCD screen, allowing for flexible shooting angles. The FS46 boasts a slightly more modern aesthetic with a sleek black finish, while the FS406 comes in a classic silver.
In terms of build quality, both camcorders are constructed from durable materials and feel solid in hand. However, the FS46 incorporates a slightly more robust design, with a reinforced grip and a weather-resistant construction that makes it more suitable for outdoor filming in challenging conditions.

Image Quality and Performance

Both the FS406 and FS46 offer excellent image quality, thanks to their high-quality CMOS sensors and powerful image processors. They both capture stunning Full HD videos with vibrant colors and sharp details. The FS46, however, holds a slight edge in this department with its advanced image processing capabilities, which result in better low-light performance and more accurate color reproduction.
The FS46 also features a wider aperture lens compared to the FS406, allowing it to capture more light and produce a shallower depth of field for professional-looking footage. This makes the FS46 a better choice for filmmakers who want to achieve cinematic effects and control the focus in their videos.

Video Recording Features

Both camcorders offer a comprehensive range of video recording features, including manual controls for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. They both support various recording formats, including AVCHD and MP4, allowing for flexibility in editing and sharing your videos.
The FS46, however, takes video recording to the next level with its advanced features:

• Slow Motion and Fast Motion: The FS46 allows you to capture slow-motion footage at 120 frames per second, bringing your videos to life with dramatic effects. It also supports fast-motion recording, perfect for time-lapses and capturing the essence of events in a condensed format.
• High Frame Rate Recording: The FS46 allows for recording at 50p or 60p, enhancing the smoothness of your footage, especially for fast-paced action scenes.
• Advanced Zoom Capabilities: The FS46 boasts a powerful zoom lens with a 57x optical zoom, enabling you to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity.

Audio Recording

Both camcorders feature built-in stereo microphones that capture clear and crisp audio. However, the FS46 takes audio recording to a new level with its advanced audio features:

• External Microphone Input: The FS46 offers an external microphone input, allowing you to connect high-quality microphones for professional-grade audio recording. This is a significant advantage for filmmakers who need to capture high-fidelity sound for their projects.
• Wind Noise Reduction: The FS46 features an advanced wind noise reduction feature, ensuring that your audio recordings are clear and free from unwanted noise, even in windy environments.

Connectivity and Features

Both camcorders offer a range of connectivity options, including HDMI output for connecting to TVs and monitors, USB for transferring files to computers, and SD card slots for storing your recordings.
The FS46, however, goes beyond the basics with its additional features:

• Wi-Fi and NFC Connectivity: The FS46 allows you to connect wirelessly to smartphones and tablets, enabling you to control the camcorder remotely, share your videos on social media, and even live stream your footage.
• GPS Integration: The FS46 features GPS integration, allowing you to record location data with your videos. This is a valuable feature for travel vloggers and documentary filmmakers who want to pinpoint the locations of their footage.

Battery Life and Portability

Both camcorders offer reasonable battery life, allowing you to record for a decent amount of time before needing to recharge. The FS46, however, offers a slightly longer battery life, thanks to its more efficient power management system.
In terms of portability, both camcorders are extremely compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around and take on the go. The FS46, however, is slightly more compact and lightweight, making it even more portable and convenient for travel and everyday use.

Which Camcorder Is Right for You?

Choosing between the Canon Legria FS406 and FS46 depends on your specific needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of which camcorder is best for whom:
Canon Legria FS406:

• Best for: Budget-conscious videographers, beginners, and casual users who want a reliable and easy-to-use camcorder with good image quality.
• Pros: Affordable, compact and lightweight, good image quality, easy to use.
• Cons: Limited advanced features, less robust build quality.

Canon Legria FS46:

• Best for: Serious videographers, filmmakers, and travelers who want a versatile and feature-rich camcorder with excellent image quality and advanced recording capabilities.
• Pros: Advanced image processing, powerful zoom lens, slow motion and fast motion, high frame rate recording, external microphone input, wind noise reduction, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, GPS integration, longer battery life, more robust build quality.
• Cons: Higher price point.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Canon Legria FS406 vs Canon Legria FS46

The Canon Legria FS406 and FS46 both offer exceptional video quality and features, making them excellent choices for a wide range of videographers. The FS406 is a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for beginners and casual users, while the FS46 is a more advanced and feature-rich camcorder that’s ideal for serious videographers and filmmakers. Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your individual needs and budget.

Top Questions Asked

Q: What is the difference in the lens of the FS406 and FS46?
A: The Canon Legria FS46 has a wider aperture lens compared to the FS406, allowing it to capture more light and produce a shallower depth of field. This makes the FS46 a better choice for filmmakers who want to achieve cinematic effects and control the focus in their videos.
Q: Can I use external microphones with the FS406?
A: The Canon Legria FS406 does not have an external microphone input. You can only use the built-in stereo microphones.
Q: Does the FS46 offer any image stabilization features?
A: Yes, both the Canon Legria FS406 and FS46 feature advanced image stabilization systems that help to minimize camera shake and produce smooth, professional-looking footage.
Q: What are the main differences in the recording formats supported by the two models?
A: Both models support AVCHD and MP4 recording formats, but the FS46 offers a wider range of recording resolutions and frame rates, including 50p and 60p. This allows for more flexibility in editing and achieving a smoother, more professional look for your videos.
Q: How do the battery life and portability of the two models compare?
A: The Canon Legria FS46 offers a slightly longer battery life compared to the FS406, thanks to its more efficient power management system. Both models are extremely compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around and take on the go. However, the FS46 is slightly more compact and lightweight, making it even more portable and convenient for travel and everyday use.