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Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition Handycam Camcorder
Sony's compact and stylish HDR-CX12 High Definition Handycam Camcorder provides ease of use and true 1920 x 1080 recording. The Easy Handycam button ensures that any user can record beautiful high definition video and 10.2Mp still images with ease. The 1/3" ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor Technology and BIONZ Image Processor captures brilliant, crisp and clear images. The included 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo card stores your footage, which can then be burned to DVD using the One Touch Disc Burn Button or viewed on your Bravia HDTV or other HDTV via the HDMI connection.
The HDR-CX12 also features a 2.7" Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display, 12x optical zoom, Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization, and a professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens. Capture both video and stills with the Dual Record function and make sure everyone in the shot looks great with Face Detection. The CX12 is a great camcorder that combines high end features with ease of use.
- True 1920 x 1080i High Definition Recording
- Capture truly amazing video in full 1920 x 1080 high definition
- 10.2Mp Digital Stills
- Not only can you record stunning video with the HDR-CX12 but you can also create amazing 10.2Mp digital stills
- Memory Stick PRO Duo Media
- Record exclusively to Sony's own Memory Stick PRO Duo Media; there's an included 4GB card to get you started
- Smile Shutter Technology
- Smile Shutter Technology causes the camera to automatically take a still image every time your subject smiles in standard or high definition. There's an option to set child, adult or auto priority.
- 1/3" ClearVid CMOS Sensor
- Record brilliant 5Mp video and 10.2Mp still images with the 1/3" ClearVid CMOS sensor
- Exmor Technology
- The Exmor technology of the ClearVid CMOS features an advanced on-sensor A/D conversion, which provides natural, true-to-life tones
- BIONZ Image Processor
- The BIONZ Image Processor improves on camera response time and cleans out noise before data is converted into RAW while handling Dynamic Range Optimization and prolonging battery life
- Quick On
- Use the Quick On feature to ensure that you never miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot again. One touch puts the camera into sleep mode while a second touch wakes it up, instantly.
- Face Detection
- Face Detection can recognize up to 8 faces and automatically adjust for focus, exposure and color, ensuring that everyone looks their best every time you shoot those once-in-a-lifetime events
- 2.7" Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus Display
- The 2.7" wide touch panel LCD gives you a generous platform on which to compose and playback your images, while rotating up to 270% for a variety of angles from which to view and record
- Dual Record
- Capture both high definition video and stills at the same time with the Dual Record function
- 12x Optical Zoom
- Bring far off subjects up close without sacrificing image quality with the 12x optical zoom
- Super SteadyShot Image Stabilizer
- Combat the age old problem of handshake with Sony's Super SteadyShot Image Stabilizer for clean, crisp video and stills
- Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens
- The professional Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens captures clear and natural images with reduced glare thanks to the T coating
- One Touch Disc Burn
- The included software allows you to easily burn your footage to DVD with the One Touch Disc Burn Button when you're connected to your PC using the included USB cable
- Easy Handycam Button
- The complication out of recording when you use the camcorder's Easy Handycam Button, which locks out more advanced features, leaving operational only those necessary for recording
- InfoLITHIUM Battery with AccuPower Meter System
- This Sony lithium-ion rechargeable battery features the AccuPower meter display which shows reaming battery time on the viewfinder or LCD screen and is not subject to "Memory Effect", which shortens battery life
- HDMI Connection with Bravia Sync Technology
- Use the HDMI connection to watch video and stills on your BRAVIA HDTV or other compatible HDTV in the full clarity HD is meant to be viewed in
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/3" ClearVid CMOS Sensor with Exmor technology |
| Lens |
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T f-stop/1.8-3.1 Focal length=4.9-58.8mm |
| Zoom |
12x Optical 150x Digital |
| Filter Size | 37mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Format |
Video: HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264 SD: MPEG2 Still: JPEG |
| Audio | Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Image Stabilization | Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization |
| Lux | 5 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed) |
| Recording Media | Memory Stick PRO Duo media (up to 16GB - 4GB included) |
| Recording Time |
When using 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Media Mark2 High Definition: FH: 25 minutes LP: 85 minutes
Standard Definition: HQ: 55 minutes |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | Wide touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus (211k pixels) |
| Display Size | 2.7" |
| Viewfinder | N/A |
| Camera Features | |
|---|---|
| Manual Controls | Focus |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Yes (Active Interface Shoe) |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - Yes Flash - Yes |
| Digital Still Mode | |
|---|---|
| Still Recording Media | Memory Stick PRO Duo Media (Mark2) |
| Resolution | 10.2Mp |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | N/A |
| Output |
USB: Hi-speed HDMI mini Headphone jack Component Video: via A/V breakout cable Composite Video: via A/V breakout cable Analog Audio L/R: RCA via A/V breakout cable Digital A/V: via USB |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages | English, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese |
| Compatible Operating Systems | Windows 2000, XP, Home |
| Power Requirements |
7.2V (battery pack) 8.4V (AC Adapter) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3 3/8 x 3 x 5 1/2" (83 x 76 x 138mm) |
| Weight | 1 lb (450g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
89%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable to operate (9)
- Great picture quality (9)
- Great features (7)
- Simple controls (6)
- Versatile (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home movies (9)
- Travel (7)
- HD shooting (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual user (5)
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
This camera is great. It has a great fit in your hand. The software makes it very easy to copy the movies to your computer. The touch screen makes it easy to navigate through the menus. Has both SD and HD recording functions. Great camcorder overall.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
I previously had a Sony mini dv tape camcorder. I researched the heck out of hd video camcorders for a few weeks and found this to be the best hd camera in it's price category. I am TOTALLY satisfied with this fantastic camera. The camera is solid and does not feel flimsy at all. Reviews said the camera menus are confusing and difficult to learn but I found that you just need to READ THE MANUAL and have a few days of practice. The video is astounding and the camera easily switches between full hd recording and standard definition for those times you don't want huge files. Low light recording is grainy but that is expected without the optional light attachment. The provided software was easy to install on my computer and all the pictures / videos were easily transfered to my pc. The digital camera still images are good but not a substitute for a regular digital picture camera. I would recommend this camera over the hard disk version which is much more expensive; The memory sticks are cheap and easy to take with you- you can use them on your pc for backup and file storage if you are not using them in the camera. I have large hands and have not had any problems holding or operating the camera. You must buy a larger capacity memory stick, the included stick memory is way too small. I also opted to buy an accidental breakage policy.....a must have!!! Now I don't have to worry so much about other people or my kids handling this wonderful camera. I would certainly buy this camera again! B&H had the best deal around[...]!
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
This camcorder has replaced a JVC Digital MiniDV camcorder. The difference in video quality is like night and day. This Sony camcorder is awesome! It's very easy to use and has additional features I haven't even begun to look into yet. It's very compact, light, and is comfortable when holding it in your hand. The sound quality is also amazing. Getting away from the tape recording is the best. I have a Mac and was a little worried about the compatibility after reading some other reviews, but it was simple. Do not install the included software. I can use iMovie '08 or Final Cut Express HD to import my video. The battery life is very good for a camcorder - I did buy the next step up Sony battery as well. I would also recommend getting a bigger flash card. Other than that you are set!!!
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
Recording and taking photos of life moments! It is easy to operate. It is small enough that it does not become a huge burden to carry. It is great to have the option to switch between a 10 megapixel digital camera and a HD camcorder. The two for one is awesome!
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
Really like the flash memory makes it convenient for recordings.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
We use the camcorder to shoot pictures of the kids. It is light, compact,and shoots good low light stuff. The price was good, [...] and ease of use is what we wanted.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
So far I am very happy with this Camcorder. I love the ease of use and the software works seamlessly to produde HD DVD's that play in your Blu-Ray (PS3) player. Besides producing DVD's HD or SD you can simply connect the provided cables to any TV to show the videos from the camera. Night vision is very cool and slow motion works great. 5.1 Surround Sound is one reason i purchased this camcorder.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Storage is small
Best Uses
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
The best features:
- very easy to use
- compact
- touch screen
- in dark lighting it takes quality video
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- "Sony-only" compatible
- Inadequate Features
- Not Final Cut Compatible
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
Ease of use - AFTER the shoot - is as important for me as during the shoot - I didn't like the workflow to get the footage into Final Cut Pro - so I returned this item and exchanged it for the Canon VIXIA HF10 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory Camcorder. Furthermore, I never did find the 24p frame rate in the menu - whereas the Canon was easier to locate. I also didn't like the "proprietary" (Sony Only) everything and the lack of an Audio Input jack AND no headphone jack?... I looked everywhere... I think the VIXIA HF10 AVCHD Dual Flash Memory Camcorder is a better choice... and if you want even more built-in memory, get the VIXIA HF11.
Displaying reviews 1-9
- Operating Guide (PDF 7.9mb)
- Handycam Handbook (PDF 5mb)
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $2.49
- Price: $22.46
- GBP 14.34
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $14.49
- GBP 9.25
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $49.09
- GBP 31.34
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
-
- Original: $49.95
- Save: $4.99
- Price: $44.96
- GBP 28.71
External Microphones
Enhance the quality of your audio recording with an external microphone.
- Price: $63.90
- GBP 40.80
On-Camera Lights
Adjust the lighting for virtually any indoor and many outdoor applications.
-
- Original: $166.50
- Save: $20.00
- Price: $146.50
- GBP 93.54
What's in the Box
- HDR-CX12 High Definition Handycam Camcorder
- 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Media NVX-M505
- Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger (AC-L200)
- InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Battery (NP-FH60)
- Remote Commander Remote Control
- Handycam Station Cradle
- Component Video Cable
- Multi A/V Cable (Stereo)
- Application CD-ROM with Driver
- USB Cable
- 90-Day Labor & 1-Year Parts Warranty
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