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Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder Review

Written by Handycam Reviews on 09 June 2009

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Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder Review

The HDR-SR12 Handycam camcorder delivers an incredible, Full HD 1920 x 1080 high-definition video package built around an internal 120GB hard disk drive. This is the slightly modified version of the popular HDR-SR11. Get customer reviews and online deals on Sony Handycams.

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Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder Description

From the Manufacturer

Complete the picture. The HDR-SR12 Handycam camcorder delivers an incredible, Full HD 1920 x 1080 high-definition video package built around an internal 120GB hard disk drive. A professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens and ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and Bionz image processor let you capture crisp, detailed video and still images. Additionally, Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization and Face Detection technology help reduce blur, increase color and contrast, and make everyone look their best.

HDR-SR12 Handycam Highlights

1920×1080 recording Record stunning, incredibly detailed video footage in the clarity of 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution.

5-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor Technology) and Bionz image processor Sony’s newly-designed CMOS image sensor delivers bright, vivid, and spectacularly detailed 5-megapixel (effective) video footage, as well as 10.2-megapixel still images — all with prolonged battery life. Exmor technology captures images with high resolution and high sensitivity. In addition, the advanced Sony Bionz image processor improves camera response time and screens out noise so the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible.

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lenses use highly advanced optics to deliver vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating further reduces unwanted glare and flare for increased contrast and color.

Bionz image processor The advanced Sony Bionz image processor uses hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that improves camera response time, screens out noise before RAW data conversion, handles Dynamic Range Optimization processing, and prolongs battery life.

Exmor imaging sensor Exmor technology captures video and still photo images with high resolution, high sensitivity, and exceptional detail. Advanced on-sensor A/D conversion yields rich tonal reproduction with high signal-to-noise ratio.

Hybrid recording to hard disk drive or Memory Stick media Hybrid recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility for transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to the camcorder’s 120GB internal hard disk drive, or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick Duo media or Memory Stick Pro Duo media. You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from the hard disk drive to Memory Stick media — without using a PC. Images recorded or transferred to Memory Stick media can then be played directly on a PS3 or PC to share your memories with friends and family.

Dual Record While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture still images directly to Memory Stick Duo media (sold separately).

12x optical/150x digital zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

3.2-inch widescreen (16:9) touch-panel XtraFine LCD The 3.2-inch widescreen (16:9) XtraFine LCD screen displays sharp, bright, photo-quality images, letting you compose and share video and still images more easily — even outdoors. With nearly 1-megapixel (921K pixels) resolution and a wide viewing angle, the XtraFine LCD screen is like having a high-resolution video and photo viewer built into your camcorder.

Built-in zoom microphone with 5.1-channel recording Featuring Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, the built-in zoom microphone focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds.

Dolby Digital 5.1-channel recording Record in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound with the camcorder’s built-in microphone. Recording in 5.1-channel surround sound allows you to experience your home movies with active sounds coming from all directions, so you can enjoy your personal home movies the way you experienced them while recording.

Dynamic Range Optimizer Powered by the exclusive Sony’s Bionz high-speed processing engine, D-Range Optimization preserves image data in bright highlights, such as suppressing “whiteout” in skies. When shooting in backlit settings, D-Range Optimization reveals more detail in shadows, preventing “blackout.” As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene.

Face Detection for video footage and digital still photos Made possible by the Bionz image processing engine, Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly. Face Detection also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image.

Tele Macro Function Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode help your subject stand out by properly focusing the subject while leaving the background unfocussed. The Tele Macro Mode is useful for shooting close-up shots, especially when you need to prevent the camcorder from casting a shadow on the subject.

Switchable HD/SD format recording Record and play back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video.

Active Interface Shoe Sony’s proprietary hot shoe makes it easy to use Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, by providing power and on/off capability directly from the camcorder.

HDMI connection with Bravia Sync (CEC) technology HDMI connectivity provides a simple, high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video and 5.1-channel audio directly from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single cable. With Bravia Sync (CEC) technology, the HDMI connection also delivers the ability to control both the camcorder and HDTV using a single Bravia TV remote.

i.Link interface (IEEE1394) Quickly transfer images from the camcorder to compatible devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, including camcorders, digital VCRs, and PCs, using this high speed, bi-directional digital video/audio connection.

USB 2.0 interface The USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.

InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System Unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening “Memory Effect,” so you’re free to charge the battery at any time. Additionally, Sony’s exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Stamina Battery Power Management System When using the Sony InfoLithium Battery, the Stamina Battery Power Management System helps the camcorder prolong battery life for extra long continuous recording times from a single charge.

Battery information At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. When using the LCD screen or viewfinder, the display will show how much the battery is charged — in 10-percent increments — and the recordable time left.

Built-in Intelligent Flash For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.

Manual focus Manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder’s auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment. Easy Handycam button Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people. With a press of the Easy Handycam button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are “locked out,” letting you focus only the buttons essential for recording.

Date Index function Search recorded content by shooting date to quickly and easily find a specific scene.

Face Index Face Index makes it easier than ever to find and play back the right video scene. Using Face Detection technology, Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it’s time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index.

Film Roll Index Like chapters in a book, Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired scenes in video footage. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and can create scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes).

PhotoTV HD viewing with HDMI output With direct HDMI output to your Bravia HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens, so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail. You can choose between standard 4:3 and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio — and with select Bravia HDTV models, your photos are automatically optimized in sharpness, gradation, and color reproduction.

One-touch disc burn Easily burn a DVD copy of your footage using the supplied software. Simply connect the camcorder to your PC via a USB cable and press the One-touch disc burn Button.

Quick On Missing an important scene can be frustrating, especially if the reason is because your camcorder is turned off. With the Quick On feature, the touch of a single button places that camcorder in Sleep mode. Another push instantly wakes the camcorder, so you’ll always be ready to capture special moments.

Memory Stick Pro Duo media slot Capture still images directly onto Memory Stick Pro Duo media (sold separately) for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick devices (sold separately).

Progressive shutter system A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Super NightShot Infrared System With the Super NightShot Infrared System, you can capture video in total darkness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away.

On-screen Zoom and Record buttons For additional control of the camcorder, Zoom and Record buttons are features on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows for more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

Fader effects Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black and White.

Picture Effects Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony’s Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia.

Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization System

Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization System The Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization System from Sony reduces blur caused by camera shake and vibration, so your images stay crisp and clear. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without the image degradation that can occur with some digital stabilization systems.

Scene Selection modes Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset.

Smooth slow record By increasing the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, you can capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. The Smooth slow record mode is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you record an audio track to narrate the video footage.

x.v. Color Technology x.v.Color technology can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than possible with the traditional RGB color standard. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.

Multi-language menu Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese.

Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Record 1920 x 1080 Full HD video to 120 GB hard drive
10.2-megapixel still image capture
Face Detection technology for video and still images
ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor technology
3.2-inch widescreen touch-panel Xtra Fine LCD screen

Technical Details

Brand Name: Sony
Model: HDR-SR12
Media Type: Hard disk drive
Lens Type: Zoom lens
Optical zoom: 12 x
maximum_aperture_range: F/1.8-3.1
Shooting Modes: Digital photo mode
Video Input: Camcorder
Display Size: 3.2 inches
Optical Sensor Resolution: 5.66 MP
Optical Sensor Technology: ClearVid CMOS
optical_sensor_size: 1/3.1″
Viewfinder Type: LCD
Audio Input: Microphone
microphone_operation_mode: Surround
Height: 3 inches
Weight: 1.2 pounds
Depth: 5.4 inches
Width: 3.3 inches

Amazon.com Price: View Sale Price (as of 2010-09-08 12:06:27 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

User Reviews Send this to a friend

Sony HDR-SR12 10.2MP 120GB High Definition Hard Drive Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Manufacturer: Sony
Customer Rating:
List Price: $1,299.99
Sale Price: View Sale Price
Availibility: View Product Availability

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Product Description

The HDR-SR12 delivers everything you need to shoot stunning Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution video and 10.2 megapixel still images. With Hybrid recording technology, you can record to either an internal 120GB hard disk drive or removable Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo media. A professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens and ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and BIONZ image processor let you capture every detail in video and still images. Additionally, Face Detection technology helps everyone put their best face forward, while the Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization system helps ensure images remain sharp and true.

Product Details

Record 1920 x 1080 Full HD video to 120 GB hard drive
10.2-megapixel still image capture
Face Detection technology for video and still images
ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor technology
3.2-inch widescreen touch-panel Xtra Fine LCD screen

Video Reviews

Sony HDR-SR12 high definition camcorder (aka Sony HDR-SR12E) test footage - HD

Struggling to unbox the Sony HDR-SR12 (AKA Sony HDR-SR12E)

Customer Reviews

Very close, but with a few problems...

Review Date: August 8, 2010

Reviewer: Nicholas A. Galladora, Gaithersburg, MD

I bought this camera months ago and love it.

There are some things that you need to know about it though....

The auto focus is HORRIBLE. I know that all cameras sometimes focus at the wrong point but this camera has a NASTY habit of getting completely out of focus for no good reason and it's a huge pain getting it back into focus. For $900.00 I want a camera that wont ruin small sections of the video.

Another irritation is that the editing software that comes with the camera (AVCHD Player or whatever) wont play the video even though I have a very fast PC. VLC and MPC both have it choppy (Codec problem)...I was AMAZED that Windows Media Player played the video crisp, clear, and at full frame rate. That's a win for Microsoft I guess.

Another thing is that I had the camera on a mount on my motorcycle and it had a buffer overflow in no time. This camera HATES to be on anything that's vibrating (such as on a car dashboard, etc). A bit annoying but an understandable limitation.

I did have this in a duffel bag which fell off of my motorcycle at 45mph. It dented the battery and there was a mark on the LCD (Obviously the camera took a good hit when the bag fell). 1 of the screws holding the LCD on came out when it fell and I had to take apart the LCD assembly and retighten it. Overall I'm VERY impressed that everything survived the fall. I would not have guessed it.

The nightshot feature works great but only at close range (4 to 5 feet). This is a very nice feature to have. Hopefully they put a better infrared LED next time. (The one they have now is fine, but a brighter one would be even better!).

This camera works great for most applications. The pictures (Both still and video) are fantastic. If the camera didn't have the focusing problem and slightly better low light (without nightshot) capabilities it would easily justify commanding a $1000.00 price tag. I paid around $850ish for it and think it was worth about that. When I heard that some people paid $1500.00....well, they got ripped off. The modified shoe-horn is a pain as none of your current accessories will fit this camera (You have to buy what accessories Sony says your allowed to use). The battery life is reasonable at 90 minutes of record time with the standard battery. The tripod screw is METAL. I had a Canon camcorder that had plastic threads where the tripod attached....needless to say you can guess how that turned out. The harddrive stores a TON of video so you really only need to perform back-ups of whats on the camera, but you dont need to delete anything. Personally I wouldn't use it to film an episode of "Man vs. Wild" but it's ALMOST that good.

Loved the Service

Review Date: July 19, 2010

Reviewer: claudiab8s,

I already owned the SR11 so was familiar with the camera before the purchase. The SR12 just has more hard drive capability. Yeah! Amazing Tech went out of their way to ensure that I got this camera on time and quickly for an upcoming shoot. I want to let them know how happy I am with them and the camera. I don't typically buy used electronics but this camera has worked perfectly and looks just fine. Thank you Amazon.

Best One on market

Review Date: April 1, 2010

Reviewer: Arun Agrawal, Bay Area, CA

I have this camera for a year now and it is going strong with time.
Pros:
Video looks crisp on 46' television.
Photos are sharp.
I like that you can take photos while shooting videos.
Adding space for memory card is nice touch
easy mode for parents who get confused using high tech gears.

Cons:
Not a big fan of software provided by sony to transfer videos and photos ( interface is clunky and confusing at its best ) but its fine coz I just transfer them in one go and delete them from camera to avoid confusion.

"Handy" cam describes it right.

Review Date: December 1, 2009

Reviewer: R. Jeffs, SLC, UT

My wife and I wanted a high quality camcorder with plenty of storage. While it's heavier than a flash-memory cam, those other camcorders felt a little too light and flimsy to us. The handy cam feels sturdy and substantial. The hard drive is huge, it takes very high quality pictures (and has a pretty quick shutter speed even), and it's very easy to use.

The basic battery that comes with this camera lasts a pretty decent amount of time. We also bought the Sony ACCFH70 Accessory Kit w/NPFH70 Battery & LCS-VA30 Case to go with this because it included a spare battery. So far, we haven't had to use the spare battery, but it's comforting to know that it's there in case we need it. All said and done, we're fairly pleased with it. We haven't done much yet with trying to edit any videos on our computer, so can't quite comment on that at the moment. Otherwise, everything about this camcorder is to our liking.

Great camera. Watch my videos for the proof

Review Date: November 16, 2009

Reviewer: Jason M. Gleiter,

This camera simply takes beautiful video, and stills. For all the proof you will ever need- [...] watch all the newest videos to see how it is in ALL lighting conditions, including night vision.