What To Know
- While the Contour Roam focuses on capturing high-quality footage in a compact and durable package, it lacks the versatility of the Canon Legria HF R36.
- The Canon Legria HF R36 includes a built-in speaker, allowing you to playback your recordings directly on the device, while the Contour Roam focuses on seamless integration with action sports and outdoor activities.
- The Canon Legria HF R36 offers a wider selection of accessories due to its traditional camcorder design, while the Contour Roam focuses on accessories designed for action sports and outdoor activities.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Canon Legria HF R36 and the Contour Roam. Both offer unique features and cater to different needs, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses before making a decision. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each camcorder, helping you determine which one best suits your filming requirements.
Video Quality: Capturing Memories in High Definition
The Canon Legria HF R36 boasts a powerful 32GB internal memory and a 57x Advanced Zoom lens, allowing you to capture stunning videos in Full HD 1080p resolution at 50 frames per second. Its advanced image stabilization system ensures smooth, shake-free footage, even when shooting on the move. The Contour Roam, on the other hand, excels in its compact and rugged design, ideal for capturing action-packed adventures. It features a 1080p video resolution at 30 frames per second, delivering crisp and clear footage of your outdoor exploits.
The Canon Legria HF R36 offers a wider range of shooting options, including slow motion and time-lapse, catering to a broader spectrum of filming needs. While the Contour Roam focuses on capturing high-quality footage in a compact and durable package, it lacks the versatility of the Canon Legria HF R36.
Design and Features: Form Meets Function
The Canon Legria HF R36 features a traditional camcorder design, with a comfortable grip and a large LCD screen for easy viewing and menu navigation. Its intuitive interface and dedicated buttons make it easy to operate, even for novice users. The Contour Roam, in contrast, adopts a compact and rugged design, resembling an action camera. Its small size and durable construction make it ideal for mounting on helmets, bikes, or other equipment, allowing for hands-free recording of your adventures.
Both camcorders offer a range of features, including built-in microphones, external input options, and USB connectivity for transferring footage to your computer. The Canon Legria HF R36 includes a built-in speaker, allowing you to playback your recordings directly on the device, while the Contour Roam focuses on seamless integration with action sports and outdoor activities.
Audio Quality: Capturing the Soundtrack of Your Memories
The Canon Legria HF R36 features a built-in stereo microphone that captures clear and balanced audio, suitable for a wide range of filming scenarios. Its microphone can be adjusted to capture sound from different angles, ensuring optimal audio quality. The Contour Roam, while compact, lacks a dedicated microphone, relying on its internal microphone for audio capture.
While the Contour Roam’s internal microphone is sufficient for capturing basic audio, it lacks the versatility and quality of the Canon Legria HF R36’s dedicated microphone. For users who prioritize audio quality, the Canon Legria HF R36 is the clear winner.
Battery Life: Powering Your Creative Visions
The Canon Legria HF R36 offers a decent battery life, allowing for extended recording sessions. Its battery can be easily replaced, ensuring that you don’t miss any crucial moments. The Contour Roam, on the other hand, features a compact battery that provides a shorter recording time compared to the Canon Legria HF R36.
While the Contour Roam‘s battery life may be sufficient for shorter recording sessions, it requires frequent charging or carrying spare batteries for longer filming endeavors. The Canon Legria HF R36 offers a more reliable and longer-lasting battery solution, making it suitable for extended recording sessions.
Connectivity and Accessories: Expanding Your Filming Capabilities
The Canon Legria HF R36 offers a range of connectivity options, including USB, HDMI, and AV outputs, allowing for easy transfer of footage to computers, televisions, or other devices. It also supports SD cards for additional storage capacity. The Contour Roam features a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, as well as a microSD card slot for expanding storage.
Both camcorders are compatible with a range of accessories, including mounts, waterproof cases, and external microphones, allowing you to customize your filming setup based on your specific needs. The Canon Legria HF R36 offers a wider selection of accessories due to its traditional camcorder design, while the Contour Roam focuses on accessories designed for action sports and outdoor activities.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Balance
The Canon Legria HF R36 is generally priced in the mid-range category, offering a good balance of features and performance for its price. The Contour Roam, on the other hand, falls into the more affordable category, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
Considering the overall features and performance, the Canon Legria HF R36 offers better value for its price, providing a comprehensive set of features and high-quality video recording capabilities. The Contour Roam, while more affordable, sacrifices some features and performance for its compact and rugged design, making it a better option for budget-conscious users who prioritize portability and durability.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
The choice between the Canon Legria HF R36 and the Contour Roam ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize high-quality video recording, versatility, and a traditional camcorder design, the Canon Legria HF R36 is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a compact, rugged, and affordable camera for capturing action-packed adventures, the Contour Roam is a solid option.
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you is the one that fits your filming style, budget, and specific needs. By carefully considering the key aspects of each camcorder, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect tool for capturing your memories and adventures.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which camcorder is better for capturing family events?
A: The Canon Legria HF R36 is a better choice for capturing family events due to its higher video quality, longer battery life, and more versatile features.
Q: Which camcorder is better for capturing action sports?
A: The Contour Roam is a better choice for capturing action sports due to its rugged design, small size, and compatibility with action camera accessories.
Q: Which camcorder is more affordable?
A: The Contour Roam is generally more affordable than the Canon Legria HF R36.
Q: Which camcorder offers better audio quality?
A: The Canon Legria HF R36 offers better audio quality with its dedicated stereo microphone.
Q: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: The Canon Legria HF R36 is easier to use for beginners due to its intuitive interface and dedicated buttons.