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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.
| 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 PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 9 customers
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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.
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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
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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
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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!
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Comments about Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition AVCHD Camcorder:
Really like the flash memory makes it convenient for recordings.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
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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
Cons
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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
Cons
Best Uses
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