What To Know
- On the other hand, the Sony Bloggie Live adopts a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable.
- The Bloggie Live features a smaller battery capacity, resulting in a shorter recording time compared to the XA20.
- The Bloggie Live targets casual users, vloggers, and individuals seeking a simple and portable camcorder for recording and live streaming.
Choosing the perfect camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Canon XA20 and the Sony Bloggie Live. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each camcorder, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon XA20 boasts a professional-grade build, featuring a robust magnesium alloy body that exudes durability. Its ergonomic design with a comfortable handgrip and a large, tilting LCD screen enhances user experience. On the other hand, the Sony Bloggie Live adopts a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable. Its sleek, modern aesthetic and intuitive controls appeal to users seeking simplicity.
Video Recording Capabilities
Canon XA20: This camcorder shines in video recording, offering exceptional image quality. It captures stunning 1080p Full HD footage at a remarkable 50Mbps bitrate, ensuring exceptional detail and clarity. Its advanced features include a 20x optical zoom lens, a built-in stereo microphone, and manual controls for professional-level adjustments.
Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live focuses on user-friendliness and live streaming capabilities. It records 1080p Full HD video at 30fps, delivering decent quality for casual recording. Its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows for live streaming to popular platforms like YouTube and Facebook, making it ideal for sharing experiences in real-time.
Image Stabilization
Canon XA20: The XA20 incorporates a powerful optical image stabilization system, effectively minimizing camera shake and delivering smooth, stable footage, even during handheld shooting.
Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live relies on electronic image stabilization, which is less effective than optical stabilization. While it helps reduce camera shake to some extent, it may not be as robust in challenging shooting conditions.
Audio Recording
Canon XA20: The XA20 excels in audio recording, featuring a high-quality stereo microphone that captures clear and detailed sound. Its advanced audio features include manual audio level controls and a headphone jack for monitoring.
Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live offers a built-in monaural microphone, which is sufficient for basic recording but may not be ideal for capturing high-quality audio.
Battery Life
Canon XA20: The XA20 boasts an impressive battery life, enabling extended recording sessions without the need for frequent charging.
Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live features a smaller battery capacity, resulting in a shorter recording time compared to the XA20.
Connectivity and Features
Canon XA20: The XA20 offers extensive connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and XLR inputs for professional audio recording. Its advanced features include timecode and genlock capabilities, making it suitable for professional productions.
Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live focuses on user-friendliness with its Wi-Fi connectivity and live streaming capabilities. Its compact size and intuitive interface make it ideal for casual recording and sharing.
Target Audience
Canon XA20: The XA20 caters to videographers, filmmakers, and professionals seeking high-quality video recording with advanced features and manual controls.
Sony Bloggie Live: The Bloggie Live targets casual users, vloggers, and individuals seeking a simple and portable camcorder for recording and live streaming.
Verdict: Which Camcorder is Right for You?
The choice between the Canon XA20 and the Sony Bloggie Live ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Canon XA20 if you:
- Require professional-grade video recording with exceptional image quality and advanced features.
- Need robust image stabilization for smooth footage.
- Prioritize high-quality audio recording with manual controls.
- Value a durable and ergonomic design.
Choose the Sony Bloggie Live if you:
- Seek a compact and portable camcorder for casual recording and live streaming.
- Appreciate user-friendly features and intuitive controls.
- Value Wi-Fi connectivity and live streaming capabilities.
- Prioritize affordability and simplicity.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Canon XA20 vs Sony Bloggie Live
The Canon XA20 and the Sony Bloggie Live represent two distinct approaches to camcorder design and functionality. The XA20 excels in professional-grade video recording, while the Bloggie Live focuses on user-friendliness and live streaming. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which camcorder is better for beginners?
A: The Sony Bloggie Live is more beginner-friendly due to its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls.
Q: Which camcorder is better for professional use?
A: The Canon XA20 is a better choice for professional use, offering high-quality video recording, advanced features, and manual controls.
Q: Which camcorder is better for live streaming?
A: The Sony Bloggie Live is designed for live streaming and offers built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing.
Q: Which camcorder has better image stabilization?
A: The Canon XA20 has superior image stabilization thanks to its optical system.
Q: Which camcorder has better audio recording?
A: The Canon XA20 offers superior audio recording with its high-quality stereo microphone and manual controls.