Canon Legria HF S30 vs Panasonic HC PV100: The Battle of the Best Camcorders!

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What To Know

  • The Canon HF S30’s body is primarily made of plastic, while the Panasonic HC-PV100 features a combination of plastic and metal, adding a touch of premium feel.
  • The Panasonic HC-PV100 edges out the Canon HF S30 in terms of zoom capabilities, offering a remarkable 50x optical zoom.
  • The Canon HF S30 excels in image stabilization and touchscreen responsiveness, while the Panasonic HC-PV100 boasts a powerful….

Choosing the perfect camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the entry-level segment are the Canon Legria HF S30 and the Panasonic HC-PV100. Both boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the ultimate victor? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each camcorder, helping you make an informed decision.

In This Article

Design and Build Quality

The Canon Legria HF S30 and Panasonic HC-PV100 share a similar compact and lightweight design, making them incredibly portable. Both camcorders sport a sleek, modern aesthetic, with the Canon HF S30 featuring a slightly more angular profile. The Panasonic HC-PV100, on the other hand, boasts a more rounded design.
In terms of build quality, both camcorders feel sturdy and well-constructed. The Canon HF S30’s body is primarily made of plastic, while the Panasonic HC-PV100 features a combination of plastic and metal, adding a touch of premium feel.

Video Recording Capabilities

Both camcorders offer impressive video recording capabilities, catering to a wide range of uses.
Canon Legria HF S30:

  • Video Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/60p
  • Lens: Canon HD Video Lens with 32x optical zoom
  • Image Stabilization: Advanced Dynamic Image Stabilization
  • Audio: Built-in stereo microphone with wind noise reduction

Panasonic HC-PV100:

  • Video Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/60p
  • Lens: LEICA Dicomar lens with 50x optical zoom
  • Image Stabilization: HYBRID O.I.S.
  • Audio: Built-in stereo microphone with Dolby Digital Audio recording

The Panasonic HC-PV100 edges out the Canon HF S30 in terms of zoom capabilities, offering a remarkable 50x optical zoom. This feature is ideal for capturing distant subjects with exceptional clarity. However, the Canon HF S30’s Advanced Dynamic Image Stabilization system provides superior image stabilization, minimizing camera shake and resulting in smoother videos.

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Features and Functionality

Both camcorders are packed with features that enhance the recording experience.
Canon Legria HF S30:

  • Touchscreen LCD: 3.0-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 460,000 dots
  • Wi-Fi and NFC: Enables easy wireless connectivity for sharing and streaming
  • Built-in Flash: Provides additional lighting for low-light situations
  • Slow Motion and Fast Motion: Allows for creative video effects

Panasonic HC-PV100:

  • Touchscreen LCD: 2.7-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 250,000 dots
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Enables wireless sharing and remote control
  • i.A (Intelligent Auto) Mode: Optimizes settings for various recording scenarios
  • Creative Video Effects: Offers a range of pre-set effects for artistic expression

The Canon HF S30’s touchscreen display boasts a higher resolution, providing a clearer and more responsive user experience. The inclusion of NFC technology in the Canon HF S30 simplifies pairing with compatible devices. However, the Panasonic HC-PV100’s i.A mode automatically adjusts settings for optimal results, relieving the user from manual adjustments.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is a crucial factor for camcorder users.
Canon Legria HF S30:

  • Battery Life: Approximately 2 hours (with standard battery)
  • Storage: SD card slot (up to 128GB)

Panasonic HC-PV100:

  • Battery Life: Approximately 2.5 hours (with standard battery)
  • Storage: SD card slot (up to 64GB)

The Panasonic HC-PV100 offers slightly longer battery life, allowing for extended recording sessions. However, both camcorders support SD card storage, providing ample space for recording hours of footage.

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Price and Availability

The Canon Legria HF S30 and Panasonic HC-PV100 are both priced competitively in the entry-level camcorder market. The Canon HF S30 is generally available at a slightly lower price point than the Panasonic HC-PV100. However, prices may vary depending on retailers and promotions.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the Canon Legria HF S30 and Panasonic HC-PV100 ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Canon Legria HF S30 is ideal for:

  • Users seeking superior image stabilization for smoother videos
  • Those who value a higher-resolution touchscreen display for intuitive control
  • Individuals who prioritize NFC connectivity for seamless pairing

Panasonic HC-PV100 is ideal for:

  • Users who require a powerful zoom lens for capturing distant subjects
  • Those who prefer the convenience of i.A mode for automatic settings adjustments
  • Individuals who prioritize longer battery life for extended recording sessions
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Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Camcorders

Both the Canon Legria HF S30 and Panasonic HC-PV100 are excellent entry-level camcorders that deliver high-quality video recording capabilities. The Canon HF S30 excels in image stabilization and touchscreen responsiveness, while the Panasonic HC-PV100 boasts a powerful zoom lens and extended battery life. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual preferences and priorities.

Answers to Your Questions

Q1: Which camcorder is better for shooting sports events?
A: The Panasonic HC-PV100’s powerful 50x optical zoom lens makes it a better choice for capturing distant action at sports events.
Q2: Which camcorder is more suitable for filming in low-light conditions?
A: Both camcorders have decent low-light performance, but the Canon HF S30’s built-in flash provides an advantage in dimly lit environments.
Q3: Can I connect both camcorders to a TV for playback?
A: Yes, both camcorders support HDMI output for connecting to a TV for video playback.
Q4: Which camcorder is more user-friendly for beginners?
A: Both camcorders are relatively easy to use, but the Panasonic HC-PV100’s i.A mode simplifies the recording process for beginners.
Q5: What is the difference between optical and digital zoom?
A: Optical zoom uses the lens to magnify the subject, resulting in better image quality compared to digital zoom, which uses software to enlarge the image, often leading to pixelation. The Panasonic HC-PV100’s 50x optical zoom is superior to the Canon HF S30’s 32x optical zoom.