What To Know
- While the kit lens included with the NEX-FS100UK offers a 18-200mm equivalent focal length, you can easily swap it out for macro lenses, wide-angle lenses, or even telephoto lenses to suit your specific shooting needs.
- The Sony NEX-FS100UK, on the other hand, records in AVCHD and XAVC S formats, providing greater flexibility and higher quality.
- The Sony NEX-FS100UK takes a more professional approach, offering a larger LCD screen and a high-quality electronic viewfinder.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available on the market. Two popular contenders often come up in discussions: the Canon Legria HF R36 and the Sony NEX-FS100UK. Both boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the victor? This in-depth comparison explores the strengths and weaknesses of each camcorder, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors
The heart of any camcorder lies in its image sensor, and both the Canon Legria HF R36 and Sony NEX-FS100UK offer distinct advantages. The Canon Legria HF R36 employs a 1/3.2-inch CMOS sensor, which is a standard size for entry-level camcorders. While it delivers decent image quality in well-lit conditions, it may struggle in low-light scenarios, resulting in noticeable noise and grain.
On the other hand, the Sony NEX-FS100UK utilizes a larger APS-C CMOS sensor, similar to those found in entry-level DSLRs. This larger sensor captures significantly more light, leading to superior low-light performance and better image quality overall. The NEX-FS100UK also boasts a wider dynamic range, allowing for greater detail in highlights and shadows. This translates to more flexibility in post-production, enabling you to adjust exposure and color balance more effectively.
Lens and Zoom: Reaching for the Details
The Canon Legria HF R36 features a 32x optical zoom lens, which provides ample reach for capturing distant subjects. It also offers a wide-angle capability, covering a 35mm equivalent of 26.8mm. While the zoom range is impressive, the lens quality is considered average, with some noticeable distortion at the wide-angle end.
The Sony NEX-FS100UK, however, takes a different approach. It utilizes a separate lens system, allowing you to choose from a wide range of E-mount lenses. This flexibility allows for greater control over image quality and creative options. While the kit lens included with the NEX-FS100UK offers a 18-200mm equivalent focal length, you can easily swap it out for macro lenses, wide-angle lenses, or even telephoto lenses to suit your specific shooting needs.
Video Recording Capabilities: Capturing the Action
Both camcorders offer impressive video recording capabilities, but with distinct strengths. The Canon Legria HF R36 records in AVCHD format, with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 at 50 frames per second. It also includes a variety of recording modes, allowing you to choose the best option for your specific needs.
The Sony NEX-FS100UK, on the other hand, records in AVCHD and XAVC S formats, providing greater flexibility and higher quality. It can record 1920×1080 video at 50p and 25p, as well as 1080i at 50 fields per second. This versatility allows for smoother slow-motion footage and greater control over frame rate. Additionally, the NEX-FS100UK supports a variety of recording codecs, including H.264 and MPEG-2, offering greater compatibility with different editing software.
Audio Recording: Capturing the Soundscape
Audio quality is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in creating immersive and engaging videos. The Canon Legria HF R36 features a built-in stereo microphone, which is adequate for basic recording. However, it may struggle in noisy environments and lack the clarity for professional-level audio.
The Sony NEX-FS100UK offers a more robust audio solution. It features a built-in stereo microphone with a dedicated XLR input, allowing you to connect external microphones for professional-quality audio recording. This flexibility is essential for filmmakers and videographers who need to capture clear and detailed sound.
Features and Ergonomics: A User-Friendly Experience
Both camcorders offer a range of features designed to enhance the user experience. The Canon Legria HF R36 includes a built-in LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder, providing multiple ways to frame your shots. It also features a variety of shooting modes, including manual and automatic settings, allowing you to adjust camera settings to your liking.
The Sony NEX-FS100UK takes a more professional approach, offering a larger LCD screen and a high-quality electronic viewfinder. It also includes a variety of advanced features, such as zebra patterns, peaking, and focus magnification, aiding in accurate focus and exposure. The NEX-FS100UK also features a dedicated control dial and buttons, allowing for more precise control over camera settings.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camcorder for You
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and budget. The Canon Legria HF R36 is a solid choice for casual users looking for an affordable and user-friendly camcorder with decent image quality. It’s a great option for recording family events, vacations, and everyday moments.
The Sony NEX-FS100UK, on the other hand, is a more advanced camcorder designed for filmmakers and videographers who demand professional-level image quality, flexibility, and control. Its larger sensor, interchangeable lens system, and robust audio capabilities make it a powerful tool for capturing high-quality video content.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Considerations
While this comparison has highlighted the key differences between the Canon Legria HF R36 and the Sony NEX-FS100UK, there are other factors to consider before making your final decision. These include:
- Connectivity: Both camcorders offer various connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and SD card slots. However, the NEX-FS100UK offers additional features like Timecode In/Out, which may be essential for professional workflows.
- Battery Life: The Canon Legria HF R36 boasts longer battery life than the Sony NEX-FS100UK. This is an important consideration for long shooting sessions.
- Weight and Size: The Canon Legria HF R36 is significantly smaller and lighter than the Sony NEX-FS100UK, making it more portable for everyday use.
Taking the Next Step: Making Your Decision
Armed with this detailed comparison, you’re better equipped to make an informed decision. If you’re looking for a user-friendly and affordable camcorder for casual recording, the Canon Legria HF R36 is a great option. However, if you require professional-level image quality, flexibility, and control, the Sony NEX-FS100UK is the clear winner.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1: What is the difference in video quality between the Canon Legria HF R36 and the Sony NEX-FS100UK?
A1: The Sony NEX-FS100UK offers significantly better video quality due to its larger APS-C sensor. It captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance, higher dynamic range, and greater detail overall.
Q2: Can I use external microphones with both camcorders?
A2: While both camcorders offer built-in microphones, the Sony NEX-FS100UK provides a dedicated XLR input for professional-grade audio recording.
Q3: Which camcorder is better for shooting in low-light conditions?
A3: The Sony NEX-FS100UK excels in low-light situations due to its larger sensor, which captures significantly more light.
Q4: Which camcorder is more portable?
A4: The Canon Legria HF R36 is smaller and lighter than the Sony NEX-FS100UK, making it more portable for everyday use.
Q5: What is the difference in price between the two camcorders?
A5: The Sony NEX-FS100UK is typically more expensive than the Canon Legria HF R36, reflecting its more advanced features and capabilities.