The Battle of the Giants: Canon Legria HF S30 vs Canon XA20 – Which One is Right for You?

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What To Know

  • It boasts a more robust design and a wider array of features, enabling you to capture high-quality footage in diverse shooting scenarios.
  • Here’s a detailed comparison of the key features and specifications of the Canon Legria HF S30 and Canon XA20, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
  • The HF S30 is a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider range of users.

Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich camcorder from Canon, the Canon Legria HF S30 and Canon XA20 are two popular contenders. While both offer impressive video quality and user-friendly features, they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive guide delves into the key differences between the Canon Legria HF S30 vs Canon XA20, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

In This Article

A Closer Look at the Canon Legria HF S30

The Canon Legria HF S30 is an entry-level camcorder designed for casual videographers and families. It boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. The HF S30 excels in its user-friendliness, offering simple controls and a straightforward interface that even beginners can navigate with ease.
Key Features of the Canon Legria HF S30:

  • Full HD Video Recording: The HF S30 captures high-quality Full HD videos at 1920 x 1080 resolution, ensuring sharp and detailed footage.
  • 32GB Internal Memory: With a generous 32GB of internal memory, you have ample space to record extended videos without needing external storage.
  • 3.28-inch Touchscreen LCD: The touchscreen LCD provides intuitive control over settings and playback.
  • Built-in Zoom Lens: The camcorder features a powerful 57x Advanced Zoom lens, allowing you to capture distant subjects with clarity.
  • Advanced Image Stabilization: The HF S30 incorporates a Dynamic Image Stabilizer to minimize camera shake and produce smooth video footage.
  • Slow Motion and Time-Lapse Recording: Enhance your creativity with built-in slow motion and time-lapse recording options.
  • Built-in Microphone: The HF S30 features a built-in stereo microphone for capturing clear audio.

Exploring the Canon XA20

The Canon XA20 is a step up from the HF S30, targeting more serious videographers and professionals. It boasts a more robust design and a wider array of features, enabling you to capture high-quality footage in diverse shooting scenarios.
Key Features of the Canon XA20:

  • Professional-Grade Video Recording: The XA20 records in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/60p frame rates, delivering smooth and detailed footage.
  • Professional XLR Audio Inputs: The XA20 features professional XLR audio inputs, allowing you to connect external microphones for superior sound quality.
  • Large 3.0-inch LCD and Electronic Viewfinder: The XA20 offers both a large LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) for comfortable monitoring and framing.
  • 12x Optical Zoom Lens: The XA20’s 12x optical zoom lens provides excellent versatility for capturing subjects at various distances.
  • Advanced Image Stabilization: The XA20 features a 5-axis image stabilization system, effectively minimizing camera shake for smooth footage.
  • Manual Controls: The XA20 offers extensive manual controls over exposure, focus, and other settings, giving you greater creative control.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC: The XA20 allows you to connect wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet for remote control and file transfer.
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Comparing Key Differences: Canon Legria HF S30 vs Canon XA20

Here’s a detailed comparison of the key features and specifications of the Canon Legria HF S30 and Canon XA20, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses:
Feature | **Canon Legria HF S30** | **Canon XA20**
— | — | —
Video Recording Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Frame Rates | 25p, 50i, 50p | 25p, 50i, 50p, 60p
Lens | 57x Advanced Zoom | 12x Optical Zoom
Image Stabilization | Dynamic Image Stabilizer | 5-axis Image Stabilization
Audio Inputs | Built-in Stereo Microphone | Professional XLR Audio Inputs
LCD Screen | 3.28-inch Touchscreen | 3.0-inch LCD
EVF | Not available | Yes
Internal Memory | 32GB | Not available
SD Card Slot | Yes | Yes
Wi-Fi & NFC | Not available | Yes
Manual Controls | Limited | Extensive
Price | Budget-friendly | More expensive

Canon Legria HF S30: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

  • Easy to Use: The HF S30 is incredibly user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners and casual videographers.
  • Compact and Lightweight: Its small size and light weight make it easy to carry around.
  • Affordable: The HF S30 is a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
  • Built-in Memory: The 32GB of internal memory eliminates the need for external storage for short to medium-length recordings.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited Manual Controls: The HF S30 offers limited manual controls, restricting creative options for experienced videographers.
  • Basic Audio Features: The built-in microphone is adequate for basic recording but lacks the quality of professional audio inputs.
  • No EVF: The lack of an electronic viewfinder can make framing shots challenging in bright sunlight or awkward angles.

Canon XA20: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

  • Professional-Grade Features: The XA20 offers professional-grade features like XLR audio inputs, extensive manual controls, and high-quality video recording.
  • Superb Image Stabilization: The 5-axis image stabilization system ensures smooth and stable footage, even in challenging shooting conditions.
  • Versatile Lens: The 12x optical zoom lens provides excellent versatility for capturing subjects at different distances.
  • Wi-Fi and NFC Connectivity: The XA20 allows for wireless connection to your smartphone or tablet for remote control and file transfer.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher Price: The XA20 is more expensive than the HF S30, making it less accessible to budget-conscious users.
  • No Internal Memory: The XA20 lacks internal memory, requiring the use of SD cards for storage.
  • Bulky Design: The XA20 is larger and heavier than the HF S30, making it less portable for casual use.
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Which Camcorder Is Right for You?

The best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Canon Legria HF S30 if:

  • You’re a beginner or casual videographer.
  • You prioritize ease of use and portability.
  • You’re on a tight budget.
  • You need a camcorder with built-in memory.

Choose the Canon XA20 if:

  • You’re a serious videographer or professional.
  • You need high-quality video and audio recording.
  • You require extensive manual controls and professional features.
  • You’re willing to invest in a more expensive camcorder.

Beyond the Canon Legria HF S30 vs Canon XA20: Other Considerations

While the Canon Legria HF S30 and Canon XA20 are excellent choices, other camcorders in their respective price ranges might also be worth considering.
For budget-conscious users:

  • Sony HDR-CX440: Offers 4K video recording and a powerful zoom lens at an affordable price.
  • Panasonic HC-V380: Features a compact design, 4K recording, and advanced image stabilization.

For professional videographers:

  • Canon XA40: Provides 4K video recording, advanced image stabilization, and professional audio inputs.
  • Sony PXW-Z90: A compact and versatile camcorder with 4K recording, a powerful zoom lens, and professional features.
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Making the Right Choice: Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision of which camcorder to choose boils down to your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a user-friendly and affordable option for casual video recording, the Canon Legria HF S30 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a serious videographer or professional seeking high-quality video and audio recording with extensive manual controls, the Canon XA20 is the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Canon Legria HF S30 record in 4K resolution?
A: No, the Canon Legria HF S30 only records in Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution.
Q: Does the Canon XA20 have built-in memory?
A: No, the Canon XA20 does not have built-in memory. It requires the use of SD cards for storage.
Q: What is the difference between the Canon XA20 and the Canon XA40?
A: The Canon XA40 is a newer model that offers 4K video recording, a larger sensor, and additional features compared to the Canon XA20.
Q: Can I connect a microphone to the Canon Legria HF S30?
A: Yes, you can connect an external microphone to the Canon Legria HF S30 using the 3.5mm microphone input. However, it does not offer professional XLR audio inputs like the Canon XA20.
Q: Is the Canon Legria HF S30 suitable for recording events like weddings?
A: The Canon Legria HF S30 is a decent option for recording events like weddings, but its limited manual controls and audio features might be insufficient for professional-level footage. The Canon XA20, with its professional features, would be a better choice for capturing high-quality footage at such events.