Canon Vixia Hf G50 Vs. Sony Ax43: Battle Of The Camcorders

In the realm of videography, Canon and Sony stand tall as industry leaders. Their camcorders have garnered widespread acclaim for their exceptional image quality, advanced features, and user-friendly design. Two such remarkable camcorders are the Canon Vixia HF G50 and the Sony AX43. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into a detailed comparison of these two powerhouses, exploring their key features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Image Quality: Resolution, Sensor Size, and Lens

Resolution and Frame Rate

Both the Canon Vixia HF G50 and Sony AX43 boast impressive resolution capabilities. The HF G50 captures stunning 4K UHD footage at up to 60 frames per second (fps), while the AX43 offers 4K UHD resolution at 30 fps and Full HD (1920 x 1080) at up to 120 fps. The higher frame rates of the HF G50 allow for smoother slow-motion effects.

Sensor Size

The sensor size plays a crucial role in image quality. The Canon Vixia HF G50 features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, while the Sony AX43 has a larger 1-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor. Larger sensors typically capture more light, resulting in better image quality in low-light conditions and reduced noise.

Lens

The lens is another key factor that affects image quality. The Canon Vixia HF G50 comes equipped with a 20x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 26.8mm to 576mm. The Sony AX43, on the other hand, has a 20x optical zoom lens with a slightly wider 35mm equivalent focal length of 29mm to 580mm. Both lenses offer excellent image stabilization, ensuring smooth and stable footage.

Audio Quality: Built-in Microphone and Audio Inputs

Built-in Microphone

The Canon Vixia HF G50 and Sony AX43 both feature built-in stereo microphones. The HF G50’s microphone is positioned on top of the camera, while the AX43’s is located on the front. Both microphones provide clear and crisp audio, but external microphones can be connected for improved sound quality.

Audio Inputs

The Canon Vixia HF G50 offers two XLR audio inputs, which allow for connecting professional-grade microphones for high-quality audio recording. The Sony AX43 has a single 3.5mm microphone input.

Features: Image Stabilization, Slow Motion, and Time-Lapse

Image Stabilization

Both the Canon Vixia HF G50 and Sony AX43 feature advanced image stabilization systems to minimize camera shake and ensure smooth footage. The HF G50 uses a 5-axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer, while the AX43 employs a Balanced Optical SteadyShot system. Both systems effectively reduce camera shake, even when shooting handheld.

Slow Motion

The Canon Vixia HF G50 supports slow-motion recording at up to 120 fps in Full HD, while the Sony AX43 offers slow-motion recording at up to 100 fps in Full HD. This feature allows you to capture smooth and dramatic slow-motion effects.

Time-Lapse

Both camcorders offer time-lapse recording, which is ideal for creating stunning time-lapse videos. The Canon Vixia HF G50 allows you to set the interval and duration of the time-lapse, while the Sony AX43 offers a dedicated time-lapse mode with preset intervals.

Design and Ergonomics

Size and Weight

The Canon Vixia HF G50 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Sony AX43. The HF G50 measures 5.6 x 2.9 x 3.2 inches and weighs 1.7 pounds, while the AX43 measures 6.2 x 3.5 x 4.3 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds. The smaller size and lighter weight of the HF G50 make it easier to carry and handle.

Grip and Handling

Both camcorders feature ergonomic designs for comfortable handling. The Canon Vixia HF G50 has a rubberized grip for secure hold, while the Sony AX43 has a larger, more contoured grip. Both grips provide a firm and comfortable grip, even during extended shooting sessions.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen

The Canon Vixia HF G50 has a 0.24-inch color electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of 1.56 million dots. The Sony AX43 has a larger 0.39-inch color EVF with a resolution of 2.36 million dots. Both EVFs provide a clear and detailed view of the scene, even in bright sunlight.

The Canon Vixia HF G50 features a 3-inch touchscreen LCD screen with a resolution of 460,000 dots. The Sony AX43 has a slightly larger 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD screen with a resolution of 1.55 million dots. Both LCD screens are bright, sharp, and responsive, making it easy to compose shots and navigate the camera’s menus.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Both the Canon Vixia HF G50 and Sony AX43 offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Wi-Fi allows you to wirelessly connect the camcorder to your smartphone or tablet for remote control, live streaming, and file transfer. Bluetooth enables you to connect the camcorder to other devices, such as headphones or external speakers.

HDMI

Both camcorders feature a mini-HDMI output for connecting to external monitors or TVs. This allows you to view your footage on a larger screen and output it to external recording devices.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery Life

The Canon Vixia HF G50 uses a BP-820 battery that provides up to 2 hours of continuous recording time. The Sony AX43 uses an NP-FV70 battery that lasts up to 2 hours and 20 minutes of recording time. Both batteries can be charged using the included charger.

Storage

The Canon Vixia HF G50 and Sony AX43 both use SDXC memory cards for storage. The HF G50 has a single SDXC card slot, while the AX43 has two SDXC card slots. Dual card slots allow for simultaneous recording or backup of footage.

Final Note: Making an Informed Decision

The Canon Vixia HF G50 and Sony AX43 are both exceptional camcorders that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. The HF G50 excels with its higher resolution, slow-motion recording capabilities, and compact size. The AX43 impresses with its larger sensor, superior audio quality, and longer battery life.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If image quality and slow-motion recording are your top priorities, the Canon Vixia HF G50 is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize low-light performance, audio quality, and extended battery life, the Sony AX43 is the better option.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Which camcorder has better low-light performance?

The Sony AX43 has a larger sensor than the Canon Vixia HF G50, which allows it to capture more light and produce better image quality in low-light conditions.

2. Can I connect an external microphone to either camcorder?

Yes, both the Canon Vixia HF G50 and Sony AX43 have external microphone inputs. The HF G50 has two XLR inputs, while the AX43 has a single 3.5mm input.

3. Which camcorder has a longer battery life?

The Sony AX43 has a longer battery life than the Canon Vixia HF G50. The AX43’s NP-FV70 battery lasts up to 2 hours and 20 minutes of recording time, while the HF G50’s BP-820 battery lasts up to 2 hours.