Canon Legria FS46 vs Canon Legria HF M56: Which Camcorder Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the perfect camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with an array of options from reputable brands like Canon. The Canon Legria FS46 and Canon Legria HF M56 are two popular choices, each boasting impressive features and capabilities. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between these two camcorders, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Canon Legria FS46 and HF M56 feature sleek and ergonomic designs, making them comfortable to hold and operate. The FS46 boasts a slightly larger and heavier build, weighing in at 440 grams, while the HF M56 is noticeably lighter at 360 grams. This difference in weight might be a deciding factor for users who prioritize portability.
Canon Legria FS46:

• Features a more traditional camcorder design with a larger grip and a prominent zoom lever.
• Offers a built-in microphone and a hot shoe for external accessories.
• Incorporates a 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen that tilts upwards for easier viewing.

Canon Legria HF M56:

• Presents a more compact and streamlined design with a smaller grip and a smaller zoom lever.
• Includes a built-in microphone but lacks a hot shoe for external accessories.
• Features a 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen that is fixed and doesn’t tilt.

Image Quality and Recording Features

Both camcorders excel in capturing high-quality video footage, but there are some subtle differences in their image quality and recording features.
Canon Legria FS46:

• Utilizes a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor with 5.28 million pixels.
• Offers a maximum video resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080p) at 50 frames per second.
• Features Canon’s Advanced Zoom technology, providing a 57x optical zoom and a 120x digital zoom.
• Includes various recording modes, including AVCHD, H.264, and MP4.

Canon Legria HF M56:

• Uses a 1/4.8-inch CMOS sensor with 2.91 million pixels.
• Provides a maximum video resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080p) at 50 frames per second.
• Offers a 32x optical zoom and a 57x digital zoom.
• Includes recording modes like AVCHD, H.264, and MP4.

Connectivity and Battery Life

Both camcorders offer a range of connectivity options and decent battery life.
Canon Legria FS46:

• Features HDMI output for connecting to external displays.
• Includes USB connectivity for transferring files to computers.
• Offers an SD card slot for recording and storage.
• Provides a battery life of approximately 2 hours on a full charge.

Canon Legria HF M56:

• Provides HDMI output for external displays.
• Includes USB connectivity for file transfer.
• Offers an SD card slot for recording and storage.
• Delivers a battery life of approximately 2.5 hours on a full charge.

Advanced Features

Both camcorders boast a variety of advanced features to enhance your video recording experience.
Canon Legria FS46:

• Includes Canon’s advanced image stabilization technology, minimizing camera shake and producing smoother footage.
• Offers a built-in GPS receiver for location tagging and recording.
• Features a face detection system for automatically focusing on subjects.

Canon Legria HF M56:

• Includes Canon’s image stabilization technology for smoother footage.
• Lacks a built-in GPS receiver.
• Features face detection for automatic focusing on subjects.

Canon Legria FS46 vs Canon Legria HF M56: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the Canon Legria FS46 and HF M56 ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Canon Legria FS46 if you:

• Prioritize image quality and require a larger sensor.
• Need a camcorder with a powerful optical zoom.
• Value a robust build quality and a larger display.
• Require a hot shoe for external accessories.
• Desire a GPS receiver for location tagging.

Choose the Canon Legria HF M56 if you:

• Seek a more compact and lightweight camcorder.
• Prioritize portability and ease of use.
• Value a longer battery life.
• Need a camcorder with a good balance of features and affordability.

Beyond the Specs: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Canon Legria FS46:
Pros:

• Higher image quality due to a larger sensor.
• Powerful optical zoom for capturing distant subjects.
• Robust build quality and a larger display for better viewing.
• Includes a hot shoe for external accessories.
• Features a built-in GPS receiver for location tagging.

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier than the HF M56.
• Shorter battery life compared to the HF M56.

Canon Legria HF M56:
Pros:

• More compact and lightweight design for greater portability.
• Longer battery life compared to the FS46.
• Offers a good balance of features and affordability.

Cons:

• Lower image quality due to a smaller sensor.
• Less powerful optical zoom than the FS46.
• Lacks a hot shoe for external accessories.
• Doesn’t include a built-in GPS receiver.

The Verdict: A Final Thought

Both the Canon Legria FS46 and HF M56 are excellent camcorders offering impressive features and capabilities. The FS46 excels in image quality, zoom, and build quality, while the HF M56 shines with its compact design, longer battery life, and affordability. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

What You Need to Know

Q: What is the main difference between the Canon Legria FS46 and HF M56?
A: The core difference lies in the sensor size and zoom capabilities. The FS46 boasts a larger sensor for better image quality and a more powerful optical zoom, while the HF M56 is more compact and affordable.
Q: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: Both camcorders are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. However, the HF M56 might be slightly easier to handle due to its compact design and intuitive controls.
Q: Can I use external microphones with these camcorders?
A: The FS46 features a hot shoe for external microphones, while the HF M56 relies on its built-in microphone.
Q: Does the Canon Legria FS46 offer 4K video recording?
A: No, the FS46 only records in 1080p resolution.
Q: Which camcorder is better for vlogging?
A: The HF M56 might be more suitable for vlogging due to its compact size and lightweight design, making it easier to carry around and record on the go.