Unveiling the Battle: Canon Legria FS46 vs Sony HDR-CX405 in the World of Camcorders

Choosing the right camcorder can be an overwhelming task, especially with so many options available. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile camcorder for capturing precious moments, the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HDR-CX405 are two popular contenders.
This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two camcorders, exploring their key features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a family vlogger, or simply looking for a convenient way to record special occasions, this guide will provide you with the insights you need.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HDR-CX405 are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. The Canon Legria FS46 boasts a stylish black design with a comfortable grip, while the Sony HDR-CX405 features a sleek silver finish.
In terms of build quality, both camcorders feel sturdy and well-constructed. The Canon Legria FS46 has a slightly more robust feel, with a metal body and a protective lens cover. The Sony HDR-CX405, on the other hand, is made of plastic but still feels durable enough for everyday use.

Image Quality and Video Recording

The heart of any camcorder lies in its image quality and video recording capabilities. Let’s see how these two models stack up:
Canon Legria FS46:

• Sensor: 1/2.84″ CMOS sensor
• Video Resolution: Up to 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at 50p/60p
• Lens: 32x optical zoom, 57.6 mm wide-angle
• Image Stabilization: Optical image stabilization

The Canon Legria FS46 delivers excellent image quality with vibrant colors and good detail. The 32x optical zoom allows you to capture distant subjects with impressive clarity, while the wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots. The optical image stabilization effectively reduces camera shake, ensuring smooth and stable videos.
Sony HDR-CX405:

• Sensor: 1/3″ CMOS sensor
• Video Resolution: Up to 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at 50p/60p
• Lens: 30x optical zoom, 26.8 mm wide-angle
• Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot image stabilization

The Sony HDR-CX405 also offers impressive image quality with good detail and accurate colors. The 30x optical zoom is slightly less powerful than the Canon’s, but still provides ample reach for most shooting scenarios. The wide-angle lens is slightly wider than the Canon’s, making it ideal for capturing more of the scene. The optical SteadyShot image stabilization effectively minimizes camera shake, providing smooth video footage.

Features and Functionality

Both camcorders offer a range of features that enhance their usability and versatility:
Canon Legria FS46:

• Built-in Microphone: Stereo microphone
• Audio Input: External microphone jack
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB, AV out
• Other Features: Slow motion, time-lapse, face detection, auto focus

The Canon Legria FS46 features a built-in stereo microphone that captures clear and crisp audio. The external microphone jack allows you to connect a higher-quality microphone for improved sound recording. The camcorder also offers a range of features like slow motion, time-lapse, face detection, and autofocus, adding flexibility to your shooting experience.
Sony HDR-CX405:

• Built-in Microphone: Stereo microphone
• Audio Input: External microphone jack
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB, AV out
• Other Features: Slow motion, time-lapse, face detection, auto focus, zoom microphone

The Sony HDR-CX405 also boasts a built-in stereo microphone and an external microphone jack. It offers similar features to the Canon Legria FS46, including slow motion, time-lapse, face detection, and autofocus. Additionally, it features a zoom microphone that adjusts the microphone’s focus based on the zoom level, enhancing audio quality when shooting distant subjects.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life and storage capacity are crucial factors for any camcorder, especially when you’re on the go:
Canon Legria FS46:

• Battery Life: Up to 2 hours (with LCD screen)
• Storage: SD card slot (up to 128 GB)

The Canon Legria FS46 offers a decent battery life of up to 2 hours, allowing you to record for a reasonable duration without needing to recharge. It supports SD cards with a capacity of up to 128 GB, providing ample storage for your videos.
Sony HDR-CX405:

• Battery Life: Up to 2.5 hours (with LCD screen)
• Storage: SD card slot (up to 128 GB)

The Sony HDR-CX405 boasts a slightly longer battery life of up to 2.5 hours, giving you more recording time. It also supports SD cards with a capacity of up to 128 GB, offering ample storage space for your video recordings.

Price and Value for Money

Both the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HDR-CX405 are priced competitively, offering good value for money. The Canon Legria FS46 is generally slightly more expensive than the Sony HDR-CX405. However, the Canon’s superior optical zoom and build quality justify the price difference for some users.

Verdict: Which Camcorder Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Canon Legria FS46 if:

• You need a camcorder with a powerful optical zoom for capturing distant subjects.
• You prioritize build quality and durability.
• You’re willing to pay a slightly higher price for superior features.

Choose the Sony HDR-CX405 if:

• You’re looking for a budget-friendly option with good image quality.
• You prefer a wider lens for capturing more of the scene.
• You value longer battery life.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Canon Legria FS46 vs Sony HDR-CX405

While the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony HDR-CX405 are both excellent camcorders, it’s important to consider other options available in the market. Explore camcorders from other brands, such as Panasonic, JVC, and GoPro, to find the best fit for your specific requirements.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right camcorder is to try out several models and see which one feels the most comfortable and performs the best for your shooting style.

Questions You May Have

Q: What is the difference between optical and digital zoom?
A: Optical zoom uses the lens to magnify the image, resulting in better image quality and detail. Digital zoom simply crops the image, reducing image quality and detail.
Q: What is the best way to connect a camcorder to a TV?
A: Most camcorders have an HDMI output that can be connected to an HDTV using an HDMI cable.
Q: Can I use a camcorder to record live streams?
A: Some camcorders have live streaming capabilities, allowing you to broadcast your videos live online. However, not all camcorders support this feature.
Q: What are the best accessories for a camcorder?
A: Some essential camcorder accessories include an external microphone, a tripod, a carrying case, and extra batteries.
Q: How can I improve the image quality of my camcorder videos?
A: You can improve image quality by using a tripod, shooting in well-lit conditions, adjusting the white balance, and using a higher-quality SD card.