What To Know
- The Legria HF M56 embodies a traditional camcorder design with a handle, a large zoom lens, and a flip-out LCD screen.
- The Legria HF M56 offers a more traditional camcorder experience with a powerful zoom lens and advanced features, while the Bloggie Live provides a compact and portable option with live streaming capabilities.
- The Legria HF M56 excels in traditional camcorder features, while the Bloggie Live shines in its portability and live streaming capabilities.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. The Canon Legria HF M56 and Sony Bloggie Live are two popular contenders in the market, each boasting unique features and capabilities. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of both camcorders, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon Legria HF M56 and Sony Bloggie Live adopt distinct design philosophies. The Legria HF M56 embodies a traditional camcorder design with a handle, a large zoom lens, and a flip-out LCD screen. This design offers better stability and control, particularly for shooting in challenging environments. On the other hand, the Bloggie Live embraces a compact and sleek design, resembling a digital camera. Its small size and lightweight nature make it highly portable and convenient for everyday use.
Image Quality and Performance
Both camcorders deliver decent image quality, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Legria HF M56 boasts a 57x optical zoom lens, allowing you to capture distant subjects with impressive clarity. It also features a 3.28-megapixel CMOS sensor, capable of recording Full HD videos at 1080p resolution. The Bloggie Live, while lacking a powerful zoom lens, compensates with its wide-angle lens, perfect for capturing panoramic shots. It also offers a 16:9 aspect ratio for a cinematic feel.
Features and Functionality
The Canon Legria HF M56 comes equipped with a variety of features, including advanced image stabilization, slow-motion recording, and a built-in microphone. It also supports SDXC memory cards, providing ample storage space for your videos. The Sony Bloggie Live features a built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream live videos directly to your smartphone or tablet. It also supports HDMI output for easy connection to TVs and monitors.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any camcorder, especially when you’re on the go. The Legria HF M56 boasts a respectable battery life, capable of recording for approximately 2 hours. The Bloggie Live, on the other hand, has a slightly shorter battery life, lasting for around 1.5 hours. However, both camcorders offer replaceable batteries, ensuring you can keep filming for extended periods.
Audio Quality
Both camcorders offer decent audio quality, but the Legria HF M56 has a slight edge. Its built-in microphone captures clear and crisp audio, even in noisy environments. The Bloggie Live also provides good audio recording, but it may struggle in situations with high ambient noise.
Price and Value
The Canon Legria HF M56 and Sony Bloggie Live are priced competitively within their respective categories. The Legria HF M56 offers a more traditional camcorder experience with a powerful zoom lens and advanced features, while the Bloggie Live provides a compact and portable option with live streaming capabilities. Ultimately, the best value for your money depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choosing the Right Camcorder
So, which camcorder is right for you? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize powerful zoom capabilities, a traditional design, and advanced image stabilization, the Canon Legria HF M56 is a solid choice. If you value portability, live streaming capabilities, and a compact design, the Sony Bloggie Live might be a better fit.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Camcorders
The Canon Legria HF M56 and Sony Bloggie Live are both capable camcorders, offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. The Legria HF M56 excels in traditional camcorder features, while the Bloggie Live shines in its portability and live streaming capabilities. Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider your budget, shooting style, and desired features before making your final decision.
What People Want to Know
Q1: Can I use the Canon Legria HF M56 for professional video recording?
A1: While the Legria HF M56 offers good image quality and features, it’s not designed for professional-grade video recording. Its manual controls are limited, and it lacks features like RAW recording or external microphone inputs.
Q2: Can I use the Sony Bloggie Live for vlogging?
A2: The Sony Bloggie Live is a great option for vlogging, thanks to its compact size, live streaming capabilities, and wide-angle lens. However, its audio quality may not be ideal for professional-level vlogging.
Q3: What is the difference between the Canon Legria HF M56 and the Canon Legria HF M52?
A3: The Canon Legria HF M56 is an updated model compared to the HF M52. It features a slightly larger LCD screen, a more powerful processor, and improved image stabilization.
Q4: Is the Sony Bloggie Live waterproof?
A4: The Sony Bloggie Live is not waterproof. It’s recommended to use a protective case or cover if you plan to shoot in wet conditions.