What To Know
- The Canon Legria HF R38 and Vixia HF G20 share a similar design language, featuring a compact and ergonomic body that fits comfortably in your hand.
- The Canon Legria HF R38 and Vixia HF G20 both utilize a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor, but the G20 takes the lead in image quality.
- The Vixia HF G20 also features a professional-grade feature set, including zebra patterns for exposure monitoring, a built-in ND filter, and a headphone jack for audio monitoring.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the Canon lineup are the Legria HF R38 and the Vixia HF G20. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison delves into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon Legria HF R38 and Vixia HF G20 share a similar design language, featuring a compact and ergonomic body that fits comfortably in your hand. However, the Vixia HF G20 boasts a more professional aesthetic with its sleek black finish and metal accents. The R38, on the other hand, comes in a more casual silver color.
Both camcorders are built with durable materials, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of everyday use. The R38 features a built-in handle, while the G20 offers a dedicated accessory shoe for attaching external accessories.
Image Quality and Performance
The Canon Legria HF R38 and Vixia HF G20 both utilize a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor, but the G20 takes the lead in image quality. It boasts a larger sensor size and a wider aperture range, capturing more light and delivering stunning visuals even in low-light conditions. The R38 delivers decent image quality but struggles in low-light scenarios.
The Vixia HF G20 also offers a higher resolution recording, capturing video in Full HD 1080p at 60 frames per second, while the R38 is limited to 30 frames per second. This difference translates to smoother and more detailed footage, particularly for fast-paced action scenes.
Lens and Zoom Capabilities
The Canon Legria HF R38 features a 32x optical zoom lens, while the Vixia HF G20 comes equipped with a powerful 20x optical zoom lens. Although the R38 offers a wider zoom range, the G20’s lens boasts superior optical quality, delivering sharper and more detailed images.
Both camcorders offer digital zoom capabilities, but it’s important to remember that digital zoom degrades image quality. The G20’s advanced lens technology compensates for the lack of a wider zoom range, producing better results than the R38’s digital zoom.
Audio Recording
The Canon Legria HF R38 and Vixia HF G20 both feature built-in stereo microphones, but the G20 takes the lead with its superior audio recording capabilities. It offers manual audio controls, allowing you to adjust the audio levels and set the recording mode to suit your needs. The R38 lacks these manual controls, limiting your audio recording flexibility.
Connectivity and Features
Both camcorders offer a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and SD card slots. The Vixia HF G20 goes a step further with its built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, allowing for wireless connectivity and remote control via a smartphone app. This feature is absent in the R38, limiting its connectivity options.
The Vixia HF G20 also features a professional-grade feature set, including zebra patterns for exposure monitoring, a built-in ND filter, and a headphone jack for audio monitoring. These features are not available in the R38, targeting a more casual user base.
Battery Life and Portability
Both camcorders offer decent battery life, but the Canon Legria HF R38 edges out the Vixia HF G20 in terms of portability. The R38 is slightly smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry around. The G20, with its advanced features and larger lens, is slightly heavier and bulkier.
Final Verdict: Which Camcorder Is Right for You?
The choice between the Canon Legria HF R38 and Vixia HF G20 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
The Canon Legria HF R38 is an excellent choice for:
- Casual videographers looking for a compact and affordable camcorder with decent image quality.
- Users who prioritize portability and ease of use.
The Canon Vixia HF G20 is the ideal choice for:
- Aspiring filmmakers and videographers seeking professional-grade features and superior image quality.
- Users who prioritize audio recording quality and control.
- Individuals who value wireless connectivity and remote control capabilities.
The Ultimate Choice: Beyond the Comparison
While this comparison highlights the key differences between the Canon Legria HF R38 and Vixia HF G20, it’s important to consider your specific needs and shooting style. If you’re a casual user who needs a simple and affordable camcorder for capturing family events and everyday moments, the R38 might be a good fit. However, if you’re serious about video production and need professional-grade features and image quality, the Vixia HF G20 is the clear winner.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Can I use external microphones with both camcorders?
Yes, both the Canon Legria HF R38 and Vixia HF G20 support external microphones via a 3.5mm jack.
2. What type of SD card does each camcorder support?
Both camcorders support SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.
3. Can I edit videos directly on the camcorders?
Both camcorders offer basic editing features, allowing you to trim and combine clips. However, for more advanced editing, you’ll need to transfer the footage to a computer.
4. Are there any accessories available for these camcorders?
Yes, both camcorders have a range of accessories available, including external microphones, tripods, and carrying cases.
5. Which camcorder offers a better warranty?
Both camcorders come with a standard one-year warranty. However, you can purchase extended warranties for additional protection.
By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can choose the Canon camcorder that best suits your filmmaking aspirations.