Canon Legria HF M46 vs Contour 2: The Ultimate Camcorder Showdown!

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices often come up: the Canon Legria HF M46 and the Contour 2. Both offer compelling features and cater to different needs, making the decision even more challenging. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two camcorders, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Canon Legria HF M46: A Versatile Camcorder for Everyday Use

The Canon Legria HF M46 is a versatile camcorder designed for everyday use. It boasts a 32GB internal memory, allowing for ample storage, and supports SDXC cards for further expansion. The 32x Advanced Zoom lens provides impressive optical zoom capabilities, while the Full HD 1920×1080 video recording ensures high-quality footage.
Here are some of the key features of the Canon Legria HF M46:

• High-quality video recording: The camcorder captures Full HD 1920×1080 video at 50p/60p, delivering smooth and detailed footage.
• Advanced zoom: The 32x Advanced Zoom lens allows you to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail.
• Easy-to-use interface: The camcorder features a user-friendly interface, making it simple to operate for beginners.
• Built-in microphone: The integrated microphone captures clear audio for your videos.
• Image stabilization: The built-in image stabilization helps reduce camera shake, ensuring smooth footage.

Contour 2: A Compact and Rugged Action Camera

The Contour 2 is a compact and rugged action camera designed for capturing high-quality footage in challenging environments. It features a 1080p video recording capability, a wide-angle lens, and a waterproof housing, making it ideal for extreme sports, adventure activities, and everyday use.
Here’s a breakdown of the Contour 2’s key features:

• Durable and waterproof: The Contour 2 is built to withstand the elements, boasting a waterproof housing that allows for underwater recording up to 60 meters.
• Wide-angle lens: The wide-angle lens captures a broader field of view, perfect for action-packed scenes.
• Compact and lightweight: The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and mount on helmets, handlebars, or other surfaces.
• Wi-Fi connectivity: The Contour 2 allows you to connect to your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi, enabling remote control and live preview.
• High-quality video recording: The camera captures 1080p video at 30fps, delivering smooth and detailed footage.

Canon Legria HF M46 vs Contour 2: A Detailed Comparison

Now that we’ve explored the key features of each camcorder, let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you determine which one suits your needs better.
Video Quality:
Both camcorders offer Full HD video recording, but the Canon Legria HF M46 excels in video quality due to its higher resolution and frame rate options. The Contour 2, while capable of capturing high-quality footage, is limited to 1080p at 30fps.
Zoom:
The Canon Legria HF M46 clearly wins in this aspect, boasting a 32x Advanced Zoom lens compared to the Contour 2’s fixed wide-angle lens. The zoom capability allows you to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail, making the Legria HF M46 ideal for events, wildlife, and sports.
Durability:
The Contour 2 is designed for rugged use and comes with a waterproof housing, making it perfect for extreme activities. The Canon Legria HF M46, while sturdy, is not as robust as the Contour 2 and may not be suitable for extreme environments.
Portability:
The Contour 2 is significantly smaller and lighter than the Canon Legria HF M46, making it more portable and easier to mount on helmets, handlebars, or other surfaces. The Legria HF M46, while not bulky, is more suited for handheld use.
Features:
The Canon Legria HF M46 offers a wider range of features, including image stabilization, a built-in microphone, and various recording modes. The Contour 2 focuses on durability and action-oriented features, such as its waterproof housing and wide-angle lens.
Price:
The Contour 2 typically costs less than the Canon Legria HF M46, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Which Camcorder is Right for You?

The best choice between the Canon Legria HF M46 and the Contour 2 depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon Legria HF M46 if:

• You prioritize high-quality video recording with a wider range of features.
• You need zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects.
• You plan to use the camcorder for everyday use, events, and wildlife filming.

Choose the Contour 2 if:

• You need a rugged and waterproof action camera for extreme activities.
• You prioritize portability and ease of mounting.
• You’re on a tighter budget.

Choosing the Right Camcorder: A Final Word

Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the factors discussed above, such as video quality, zoom capabilities, durability, portability, and price, to make an informed decision. Remember, the right camcorder will allow you to capture unforgettable moments and memories for years to come.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use the Canon Legria HF M46 underwater?
A: No, the Canon Legria HF M46 is not waterproof and should not be used underwater.
Q: What are the different recording modes available on the Contour 2?
A: The Contour 2 offers various recording modes, including 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 60fps, and various time-lapse options.
Q: Can I connect the Canon Legria HF M46 to my smartphone or tablet?
A: Yes, the Canon Legria HF M46 allows you to connect to your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi for remote control and live preview.
Q: Does the Contour 2 come with a remote control?
A: No, the Contour 2 does not come with a remote control. However, you can control it remotely using the Contour app on your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi.
Q: What is the battery life of the Canon Legria HF M46?
A: The Canon Legria HF M46 offers approximately 1.5 hours of recording time on a single charge.