What To Know
- If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich camcorder for capturing precious memories, the Canon Legria HF R38 and Sony NEX VG20EH are two popular contenders.
- The Canon Legria HF R38 boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable and ideal for travel or everyday use.
- The Sony NEX VG20EH, on the other hand, adopts a more professional-looking design with a larger body and a detachable lens.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich camcorder for capturing precious memories, the Canon Legria HF R38 and Sony NEX VG20EH are two popular contenders. Both camcorders offer impressive video quality, versatility, and user-friendly features, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each model, enabling you to make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon Legria HF R38 boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable and ideal for travel or everyday use. Its sleek black finish and ergonomic grip provide a comfortable hold. The Sony NEX VG20EH, on the other hand, adopts a more professional-looking design with a larger body and a detachable lens. It feels more robust and substantial in the hand, making it suitable for more serious videographers.
Image Quality and Features
Both camcorders offer impressive video quality, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Canon Legria HF R38 excels in capturing vibrant and detailed footage with its 32GB internal memory and SD card slot. It features a 32x Advanced Zoom lens and Full HD 1080p video recording at 50fps, delivering smooth and clear video. The Sony NEX VG20EH, with its interchangeable lens system, allows for greater creative control and flexibility. It offers a larger sensor size, resulting in better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. It also supports 1080p video recording at 60fps, providing even smoother video playback.
Audio Recording
The Canon Legria HF R38 features a built-in stereo microphone that captures decent audio quality for everyday use. However, it lacks external microphone input, limiting its audio recording capabilities. The Sony NEX VG20EH, on the other hand, features a professional-grade XLR audio input, allowing you to connect external microphones for superior sound quality. This makes it a better choice for videographers who prioritize high-quality audio recording.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Both camcorders offer a decent range of connectivity options. The Canon Legria HF R38 features HDMI output, USB connectivity, and an AV output for connecting to external devices. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless transfer of footage to your smartphone or computer. The Sony NEX VG20EH provides similar connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and an external microphone input. It also supports Wi-Fi and NFC for quick and easy pairing with compatible devices.
In terms of battery life, the Canon Legria HF R38 offers a decent battery life, allowing for around 2 hours of continuous recording. The Sony NEX VG20EH, with its larger battery, provides a longer recording time, making it suitable for extended shooting sessions.
Ease of Use and Features
The Canon Legria HF R38 is designed for ease of use, with a simple and intuitive menu system. It features a touch-sensitive LCD screen and a dedicated zoom lever for effortless operation. The Sony NEX VG20EH, while offering more advanced features, may require a steeper learning curve for beginners. Its menu system is more complex, and it utilizes a combination of buttons and dials for control. However, its advanced features, such as manual controls and customizable settings, make it a powerful tool for experienced videographers.
Deciding the Winner: A Tale of Two Camcorders
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and budget. The Canon Legria HF R38 is an excellent choice for casual users who prioritize portability, ease of use, and affordability. Its compact design, simple interface, and impressive video quality make it a great option for capturing everyday moments and family memories.
The Sony NEX VG20EH, on the other hand, caters to more serious videographers who demand advanced features and professional-grade performance. Its interchangeable lens system, larger sensor, and superior audio recording capabilities make it ideal for producing high-quality videos for professional or semi-professional use.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Canon Legria HF R38 and Sony NEX VG20EH offer compelling features, exploring other options in the market can expand your choices. Consider the Canon Legria HF G40, a more advanced model with a larger sensor and improved image quality. Alternatively, the **Sony Handycam FDR-AX100** offers 4K video recording capabilities and a versatile design.
Final Verdict: A Matter of Perspective
The choice between the Canon Legria HF R38 and Sony NEX VG20EH comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact and user-friendly camcorder for capturing everyday moments, the Canon Legria HF R38 is a great option. However, if you require advanced features, professional-grade performance, and greater creative control, the Sony NEX VG20EH is the clear winner.
Information You Need to Know
Q1: What is the difference in video quality between the Canon Legria HF R38 and Sony NEX VG20EH?
A: The Canon Legria HF R38 offers vibrant and detailed Full HD 1080p video at 50fps. The Sony NEX VG20EH, with its larger sensor, delivers better low-light performance and shallower depth of field, along with 1080p video recording at 60fps for smoother playback.
Q2: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: The Canon Legria HF R38 is more user-friendly and easier to learn, making it a better choice for beginners. Its simple menu system and dedicated zoom lever provide an intuitive experience.
Q3: Can I use external microphones with both camcorders?
A: The Sony NEX VG20EH features a professional-grade XLR audio input, allowing you to connect external microphones for superior sound quality. The Canon Legria HF R38 lacks external microphone input.
Q4: Which camcorder is more portable?
A: The Canon Legria HF R38 is significantly more compact and lightweight, making it highly portable for travel or everyday use.
Q5: Is the Sony NEX VG20EH suitable for professional use?
A: Yes, the Sony NEX VG20EH’s advanced features, interchangeable lens system, and professional-grade audio recording make it suitable for professional or semi-professional video production.