What To Know
- The heart of any camcorder lies in its sensor, and here, the Canon Legria FS46 and Sony NEX VG20EH diverge significantly.
- The Sony NEX VG20EH, on the other hand, utilizes a larger APS-C CMOS sensor, identical to the one found in Sony’s popular Alpha series mirrorless cameras.
- The Canon FS46 is a solid choice for beginners and casual users seeking a user-friendly camcorder with decent image quality and a wide zoom range.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony NEX VG20EH. Both boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each camcorder, helping you make an informed decision.
Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors
The heart of any camcorder lies in its sensor, and here, the Canon Legria FS46 and Sony NEX VG20EH diverge significantly. The Canon FS46 employs a 1/2.88-inch CMOS sensor, capturing 1920×1080 Full HD video at 50fps. While this sensor size is common in entry-level camcorders, it can struggle in low-light situations and may exhibit noticeable noise in dimly lit environments.
The Sony NEX VG20EH, on the other hand, utilizes a larger APS-C CMOS sensor, identical to the one found in Sony’s popular Alpha series mirrorless cameras. This larger sensor captures more light, resulting in superior low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. The VG20EH also boasts a wider dynamic range, capturing more detail in both highlights and shadows. This translates to richer, more nuanced images, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Lens: Zooming in on the Differences
Both camcorders offer impressive zoom capabilities, but their lens designs differ significantly. The Canon FS46 features a 32x optical zoom lens, providing a wide range of focal lengths for capturing various subjects. However, its lens is not as fast as the Sony VG20EH’s, with a maximum aperture of f/1.8-f/3.8. This translates to slightly less light gathering ability, potentially affecting low-light performance and background blur.
The Sony NEX VG20EH, in contrast, boasts a 18x optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8-f/4.0. Although its zoom range is less extensive, the VG20EH’s lens is faster, allowing for more light to reach the sensor. This results in better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field, ideal for creating professional-looking footage with blurred backgrounds.
Audio: Capturing the Soundscape
Sound quality is crucial for immersive storytelling, and both camcorders offer distinct audio recording features. The Canon FS46 utilizes a built-in stereo microphone, providing decent audio quality for everyday recording. However, it lacks the flexibility and control of external microphones.
The Sony NEX VG20EH, however, goes the extra mile, featuring a built-in stereo microphone with a dedicated external microphone input. This allows for greater control over sound capture, enabling the use of professional-grade microphones for superior audio quality. The VG20EH also supports external audio recording formats like Linear PCM, ideal for capturing high-fidelity sound.
Features and Ergonomics: A User-Friendly Experience
Both camcorders offer a range of features designed to enhance the user experience. The Canon FS46 boasts a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate menus and settings. It also features a built-in LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder for comfortable shooting.
The Sony NEX VG20EH, however, takes user-friendliness to a new level. It offers a more professional-grade interface with customizable buttons and controls. The VG20EH also features a larger, swiveling LCD screen and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, providing greater flexibility and control during recording.
Connectivity and Workflow: Seamless Integration
Connecting your camcorder to other devices is essential for editing and sharing your footage. Both the Canon FS46 and Sony NEX VG20EH offer a range of connectivity options. The Canon FS46 features HDMI output, USB connectivity, and SD card slots for easy file transfer.
The Sony NEX VG20EH expands upon these options, offering HDMI output, USB 3.0 connectivity, and SDXC card slots for faster data transfer. Additionally, the VG20EH supports professional-grade features like timecode and genlock, making it ideal for multi-camera setups.
Summary: Choosing the Right Camcorder for Your Needs
The choice between the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony NEX VG20EH ultimately boils down to your specific needs and priorities. The Canon FS46 is a solid choice for beginners and casual users seeking a user-friendly camcorder with decent image quality and a wide zoom range. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for everyday recording and travel.
The Sony NEX VG20EH, on the other hand, caters to more serious videographers and professionals. Its larger sensor, faster lens, and professional-grade features provide superior image quality, low-light performance, and creative control. However, its bulkier size and higher price point may not be ideal for everyone.
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your budget, shooting style, and desired level of control. Consider your specific needs and weigh the pros and cons of each camcorder before making your final decision.
What People Want to Know
Q: What is the main difference between the Canon Legria FS46 and the Sony NEX VG20EH?
A: The primary difference lies in their sensor size. The Sony NEX VG20EH features a larger APS-C sensor, offering superior image quality, low-light performance, and a shallower depth of field compared to the Canon Legria FS46’s smaller 1/2.88-inch sensor.
Q: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: The Canon Legria FS46 is a more user-friendly option for beginners thanks to its intuitive interface and straightforward operation.
Q: Which camcorder is better for professional videographers?
A: The Sony NEX VG20EH caters to professional videographers with its larger sensor, faster lens, professional-grade features, and superior image quality.
Q: Can I use external microphones with both camcorders?
A: The Canon FS46 only has a built-in stereo microphone, while the Sony NEX VG20EH offers a dedicated external microphone input for greater audio control.
Q: Which camcorder has better zoom capabilities?
A: The Canon Legria FS46 boasts a 32x optical zoom lens, while the Sony NEX VG20EH offers a 18x optical zoom lens. The FS46’s wider zoom range is ideal for capturing distant subjects, while the VG20EH’s faster lens provides better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field.