What To Know
- If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich camcorder for capturing precious moments, the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355 are two strong contenders worth considering.
- The video quality of a camcorder is paramount, and both the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355 deliver impressive results.
- While both camcorders offer excellent image stabilization, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 might have a slight edge in terms of stability, especially when shooting at longer zoom distances.
Choosing the right camcorder for your needs can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich camcorder for capturing precious moments, the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355 are two strong contenders worth considering. Both camcorders offer impressive video quality, user-friendly features, and compact designs, but they also have their unique strengths and weaknesses.
This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355, highlighting their key features, performance, and overall value. We’ll analyze their video quality, image stabilization, zoom capabilities, battery life, and more to help you make an informed decision about which camcorder best suits your specific requirements.
Video Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors
The video quality of a camcorder is paramount, and both the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355 deliver impressive results. The Canon Legria HF R36 boasts a 32.5mm wide-angle lens and a 1/4.7-inch CMOS sensor, capable of capturing Full HD video at 1920 x 1080 resolution. Its advanced image processing technology ensures sharp, detailed footage with vibrant colors and accurate skin tones.
The JVC Everio GZ-EX355, on the other hand, utilizes a 1/2.9-inch CMOS image sensor with a 29.8mm wide-angle lens. It can also record Full HD video at 1920 x 1080 resolution, but it offers a wider range of frame rates, including 60p for smoother slow-motion playback.
In terms of video quality, both camcorders excel in well-lit conditions. However, the Canon Legria HF R36 tends to perform slightly better in low-light situations due to its larger sensor size. The JVC Everio GZ-EX355 might struggle with noise and grain in dimly lit environments.
Image Stabilization: Keeping Your Shots Steady
Shaky footage can be a major distraction, so having effective image stabilization is crucial for any camcorder. Both the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355 incorporate advanced image stabilization technologies to minimize camera shake and produce smooth, professional-looking videos.
The Canon Legria HF R36 utilizes a Dynamic Image Stabilizer (DIS) system, which helps to compensate for camera movement in various shooting scenarios. This system effectively reduces the effects of hand tremors, especially when shooting handheld or while walking.
The JVC Everio GZ-EX355 also features a powerful image stabilization system called “Dynamic Image Stabilizer Plus.” This system is designed to provide even more stability, especially in challenging conditions like low light or when zooming in.
While both camcorders offer excellent image stabilization, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 might have a slight edge in terms of stability, especially when shooting at longer zoom distances.
Zoom Power: Getting Closer to the Action
The ability to zoom in on distant subjects is essential for capturing details and enhancing the storytelling aspect of your videos. The Canon Legria HF R36 offers a 32x optical zoom, which allows you to get closer to the action without compromising image quality. This zoom range is sufficient for most shooting scenarios, including sporting events, wildlife photography, and capturing distant landmarks.
The JVC Everio GZ-EX355, on the other hand, boasts a 50x optical zoom, which provides even greater magnification capabilities. This extended zoom range is ideal for capturing details from far away, making it an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts and those who frequently shoot long-distance subjects.
While both camcorders offer impressive zoom capabilities, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355’s 50x optical zoom gives it a significant advantage in terms of reaching distant subjects.
Battery Life: Capturing Longer Moments
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider, especially when shooting events that last for an extended period. The Canon Legria HF R36 is equipped with a battery that provides approximately 2 hours of continuous recording time. This battery life is sufficient for most everyday shooting scenarios, but it might not be enough for lengthy events or travel vlogging.
The JVC Everio GZ-EX355, on the other hand, offers a slightly longer battery life, with an estimated 2.5 hours of continuous recording time. This extended battery life is a significant advantage, especially for those who plan to shoot for longer durations without interruption.
While both camcorders have respectable battery life, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355’s extended recording time makes it a better choice for those who need to capture longer events or travel vlogs without worrying about running out of power.
Additional Features: Beyond the Basics
Both the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355 offer a range of additional features that enhance their functionality and usability. These features include:
- Built-in Microphone: Both camcorders have built-in microphones for capturing audio. The Canon Legria HF R36 features a stereo microphone, while the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 offers a 5.1-channel surround sound microphone for immersive audio recording.
- Slow Motion and Time-Lapse: Both camcorders support slow-motion recording and time-lapse photography, allowing you to capture creative and dynamic footage.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both camcorders offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to transfer footage to your smartphone or tablet, share content on social media, and remotely control the camcorder.
- Built-in LCD Screen: Both camcorders feature a built-in LCD screen for framing and reviewing footage. The Canon Legria HF R36 has a 2.7-inch LCD screen, while the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 boasts a larger 3.0-inch LCD screen for enhanced viewing.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camcorder
The choice between the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355 ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a camcorder with excellent video quality, compact design, and reliable image stabilization, the Canon Legria HF R36 is a solid choice. Its 32x optical zoom and user-friendly features make it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
However, if you require a camcorder with extended zoom capabilities, longer battery life, and advanced audio recording features, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 emerges as the winner. Its 50x optical zoom, 5.1-channel surround sound microphone, and extended battery life make it an ideal choice for wildlife enthusiasts, travel vloggers, and those who need to capture distant subjects with exceptional clarity.
Choosing the Right Camcorder for Your Needs: A Final Thought
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like video quality, zoom capabilities, image stabilization, battery life, and additional features when making your decision. By carefully evaluating your requirements and comparing the features of different models, you can find the perfect camcorder to capture your precious moments and create stunning videos that you’ll cherish for years to come.
What People Want to Know
Q1: Is the Canon Legria HF R36 compatible with external microphones?
A: Yes, the Canon Legria HF R36 has a microphone jack that allows you to connect external microphones for improved audio recording.
Q2: Does the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 offer manual controls for advanced users?
A: Yes, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 includes manual controls such as aperture, shutter speed, and white balance adjustments, allowing advanced users to customize their settings for creative control.
Q3: Are there any accessories available for the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355?
A: Both camcorders have a wide range of available accessories, including external microphones, tripods, carrying cases, and more.
Q4: Can I edit the videos captured on the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355 on a computer?
A: Yes, both camcorders record videos in common formats that can be easily edited on a computer using video editing software.
Q5: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: Both the Canon Legria HF R36 and JVC Everio GZ-EX355 are user-friendly camcorders suitable for beginners. However, the Canon Legria HF R36 might be slightly more intuitive with its straightforward controls and menu system.