What To Know
- If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile camcorder to capture your precious memories, the Canon Legria HF M56 and the Samsung QF20 are two popular contenders worth considering.
- Whether you’re a seasoned videographer or a first-time buyer, this guide will provide you with the information you need to choose the perfect camcorder for your needs.
- The camcorder features a built-in zoom lens and a large LCD screen, providing a clear view of your subject.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile camcorder to capture your precious memories, the Canon Legria HF M56 and the Samsung QF20 are two popular contenders worth considering.
This comprehensive comparison delves into the key features, pros, and cons of both camcorders to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned videographer or a first-time buyer, this guide will provide you with the information you need to choose the perfect camcorder for your needs.
Design and Build
Canon Legria HF M56: The Canon Legria HF M56 boasts a sleek and compact design, making it easy to carry around. Its lightweight construction and ergonomic grip ensure comfortable handling, even during extended recording sessions. The camcorder features a built-in zoom lens and a large LCD screen, providing a clear view of your subject.
Samsung QF20: The Samsung QF20, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional camcorder design with a slightly larger body. It features a rotating LCD screen that can be flipped out for easy self-recording. The QF20 also includes a built-in external microphone jack, allowing for improved audio quality.
Image Quality and Video Features
Canon Legria HF M56: The Canon Legria HF M56 delivers impressive image quality thanks to its 32.4MP CMOS sensor. It captures vibrant colors and sharp details, even in low-light conditions. The camcorder features a variety of video recording modes, including Full HD (1080p) at 60fps, allowing for smooth and detailed footage.
Samsung QF20: The Samsung QF20 also offers excellent image quality with its 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. It captures clear and crisp videos with good color accuracy. The QF20 supports Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30fps, providing a smooth and cinematic look.
Zoom Capabilities
Canon Legria HF M56: The Canon Legria HF M56 features a powerful 57x optical zoom lens, allowing you to capture distant subjects with incredible detail. The zoom capabilities are further enhanced by the Advanced Zoom function, which digitally extends the zoom range to 114x.
Samsung QF20: The Samsung QF20 offers a slightly less powerful 32x optical zoom lens. While it may not reach the same level of magnification as the Canon HF M56, it still provides ample zoom capabilities for most recording scenarios.
Audio Features
Canon Legria HF M56: The Canon Legria HF M56 incorporates a built-in stereo microphone that captures clear and natural audio. However, it lacks an external microphone jack, limiting audio recording options.
Samsung QF20: The Samsung QF20 stands out with its built-in stereo microphone and an external microphone jack. This allows you to connect an external microphone for improved sound quality, especially in noisy environments.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Canon Legria HF M56: The Canon Legria HF M56 offers a decent battery life, allowing for approximately 2 hours of continuous recording. It supports USB and HDMI connectivity for easy file transfer and playback.
Samsung QF20: The Samsung QF20 boasts a slightly longer battery life compared to the Canon HF M56, providing up to 3 hours of continuous recording. It also offers USB and HDMI connectivity, along with an SD card slot for convenient storage.
Additional Features
Canon Legria HF M56: The Canon Legria HF M56 includes a variety of features to enhance your video recording experience. These include slow motion recording, time-lapse photography, and various creative filters.
Samsung QF20: The Samsung QF20 also offers a range of features, such as slow motion recording, time-lapse photography, and various scene modes for optimized recording in different settings.
Pros and Cons
Canon Legria HF M56
Pros:
- Powerful 57x optical zoom lens
- Advanced Zoom function for extended magnification
- Excellent image quality with 32.4MP CMOS sensor
- Full HD (1080p) video recording at 60fps
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
- No external microphone jack
- Battery life could be better
Samsung QF20
Pros:
- Built-in external microphone jack for enhanced audio
- Longer battery life compared to the HF M56
- Rotating LCD screen for easy self-recording
- Good image quality with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Less powerful zoom lens compared to the HF M56
- Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30fps
Verdict: Which Camcorder is Right for You?
The choice between the Canon Legria HF M56 and the Samsung QF20 ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Canon Legria HF M56 if:
- You prioritize powerful zoom capabilities
- You need exceptional image quality and smooth video recording
- You prefer a compact and lightweight design
Choose the Samsung QF20 if:
- You value enhanced audio quality and an external microphone jack
- Longer battery life is essential for your recording needs
- You require a rotating LCD screen for self-recording
- You’re looking for an affordable option
The Final Word: Beyond the Specs
Both the Canon Legria HF M56 and the Samsung QF20 are capable camcorders that can capture your precious memories in high quality. While the Canon HF M56 excels in zoom and image quality, the Samsung QF20 offers a more affordable price point, enhanced audio, and a rotating LCD screen.
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your individual preferences and recording needs. Consider your budget, the type of videos you plan to shoot, and the features that are most important to you.
Popular Questions
Q: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: Both the Canon Legria HF M56 and the Samsung QF20 are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. However, the Samsung QF20 might be slightly easier to use due to its rotating LCD screen and simplified menu system.
Q: Can I use an external microphone with the Canon Legria HF M56?
A: No, the Canon Legria HF M56 does not have an external microphone jack. You will need to rely on its built-in microphone for audio recording.
Q: Which camcorder is better for capturing wildlife?
A: The Canon Legria HF M56 is a better choice for wildlife photography due to its powerful 57x optical zoom lens, allowing you to capture distant animals with incredible detail.
Q: Is the Samsung QF20 compatible with external microphones?
A: Yes, the Samsung QF20 has a built-in external microphone jack, allowing you to connect an external microphone for improved audio quality.
Q: Which camcorder offers the best battery life?
A: The Samsung QF20 offers a slightly longer battery life compared to the Canon Legria HF M56. It can record continuously for up to 3 hours, while the HF M56 provides approximately 2 hours of recording time.