Canon Legria HF R36 vs Canon XA20: The Battle for Camcorder Excellence!

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re considering Canon’s offerings, the Canon Legria HF R36 vs Canon XA20 comparison might be swirling in your head. Both camcorders boast impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.

The Canon Legria HF R36: A Compact and Affordable Option

The Canon Legria HF R36 is a compact and user-friendly camcorder designed for everyday recording. Its lightweight and portable design makes it ideal for capturing family events, travel adventures, or quick video projects.
Key Features:

• Full HD 1080p video recording: The HF R36 captures crisp and detailed videos at 1920 x 1080 resolution, offering excellent image quality for home viewing and online sharing.
• Powerful 32x Advanced Zoom: Its advanced zoom lens allows you to get closer to the action, making it suitable for capturing distant subjects or sporting events.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: The HF R36’s Wi-Fi capabilities enable easy wireless sharing of your videos to smartphones, tablets, or social media platforms.
• Easy-to-use interface: The camcorder features a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls, making it suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.
• Affordable price point: The HF R36 is a budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a reliable camcorder without breaking the bank.

The Canon XA20: A Professional-Grade Camcorder

The Canon XA20 is a step up from the HF R36, offering professional-grade features and capabilities. It’s designed for serious videographers, filmmakers, and content creators who demand high-quality video and audio recording.
Key Features:

• High-definition 1080p recording at 50/60fps: The XA20 captures smooth and detailed videos at 1920 x 1080 resolution with a high frame rate, perfect for capturing fast-paced action or slow-motion effects.
• Professional-grade audio: It boasts two XLR audio inputs, allowing you to connect external microphones for high-quality sound recording.
• Advanced manual controls: The XA20 offers extensive manual controls, giving you greater creative freedom over exposure, focus, and other settings.
• Built-in ND filters: The XA20 includes built-in neutral density (ND) filters, allowing you to control the amount of light entering the lens, ideal for shooting in bright conditions.
• Long recording time: The XA20 features a long battery life, enabling you to record for extended periods without interruption.

Comparing the Two: A Head-to-Head Analysis

Now that we’ve explored the individual features of each camcorder, let’s dive into a direct comparison:
Video Quality: Both the HF R36 and XA20 capture high-quality Full HD 1080p video. However, the XA20 excels in its ability to record at 50/60fps, offering smoother and more detailed footage, especially for fast-paced action or slow-motion effects.
Audio Quality: The XA20 takes the lead in audio recording with its two XLR audio inputs, allowing for professional-grade external microphone connections. The HF R36 relies on a built-in microphone, which is sufficient for basic recording but lacks the versatility and quality of the XA20.
Manual Control: The XA20 offers extensive manual controls, giving you complete creative freedom over exposure, focus, and other settings. The HF R36 provides some basic manual controls, but it’s primarily designed for automatic recording.
Zoom Lens: The HF R36 boasts a powerful 32x Advanced Zoom lens, making it suitable for capturing distant subjects. The XA20 features a 20x zoom lens, which is still impressive but less powerful than the HF R36.
Portability: The HF R36 is significantly more compact and lightweight than the XA20, making it easier to carry around and shoot on the go. The XA20 is larger and heavier, but it offers more professional features and capabilities.
Price: The HF R36 is a budget-friendly option, while the XA20 comes with a higher price tag due to its professional-grade features.

Choosing the Right Camcorder for Your Needs

The best camcorder for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Canon Legria HF R36 if:

• You’re looking for a compact and affordable camcorder for everyday recording.
• You primarily need basic recording features and don’t require extensive manual controls.
• You want a user-friendly camcorder with a simple interface.

Choose the Canon XA20 if:

• You’re a serious videographer or filmmaker who demands high-quality video and audio recording.
• You need professional-grade features, including manual controls, XLR audio inputs, and ND filters.
• You’re willing to invest in a more expensive camcorder for its advanced capabilities.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations

While the Canon Legria HF R36 and XA20 are excellent options, there are other factors to consider before making your final decision:

• Lens quality: The quality of the lens plays a crucial role in capturing sharp and detailed images.
• Image stabilization: A good image stabilization system helps to minimize camera shake, resulting in smoother and more stable footage.
• Battery life: Consider the battery life of the camcorder, especially if you plan to record for extended periods.
• Connectivity options: Choose a camcorder with the connectivity options you need, such as HDMI, USB, or Wi-Fi.
• Accessories: Think about the accessories you might need, such as external microphones, tripods, or memory cards.

The Verdict: A Final Thought

Both the Canon Legria HF R36 and Canon XA20 are solid camcorders with their own strengths and weaknesses. The HF R36 is a great choice for everyday recording and budget-conscious users, while the XA20 caters to professional videographers and filmmakers who demand high-quality video and audio. Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and budget.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: What are the differences in video formats supported by each camcorder?
A: The HF R36 records in AVCHD and MP4 formats, while the XA20 offers a wider range of formats, including AVCHD, MP4, and MXF.
Q: Are there any differences in the LCD screens on these camcorders?
A: The HF R36 features a 2.7-inch LCD screen, while the XA20 boasts a larger 3.0-inch LCD screen, offering better visibility and easier menu navigation.
Q: Can I use external microphones with the HF R36?
A: While the HF R36 doesn’t have dedicated XLR inputs, you can connect an external microphone using the 3.5mm microphone jack. However, the audio quality might not be as high as the XA20’s XLR inputs.
Q: Is there a significant difference in the weight and size of the two camcorders?
A: Yes, the HF R36 is significantly smaller and lighter than the XA20, making it more portable for everyday use. The XA20 is larger and heavier due to its professional-grade features and construction.
Q: Which camcorder is better for shooting in low-light conditions?
A: The XA20 generally performs better in low-light conditions due to its larger sensor and advanced image processing capabilities. However, both camcorders offer decent low-light performance.