Sony HDR-SR12 HD: Review

Posted to Camcorders 2009-01-08

Sony HDR-SR12 HD Review:

The Sony HDR-SR12 HD is Sony's highest-end high definition hard drive camcorder. It features a number of upgrades over last year's model, including a 120GB hard drive capacity and face recognition technology. It is identical to its lower cost cousin, the HDR-SR11, except for the amount of hard disk storage (60GB on the HDR-SR11).

Other upgraded features include 1920x1280 (5.6 megapixel) video capture at 16Mbps, a 3.2 in. LCD touch screen and 10.2 megapixel still image capture. The unit features a 1/3" CMOS image sensor chip and a 12X zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens. The lens features a 37mm filter diameter, a focal length of 4.8mm - 58.8mm, and an aperture range of f/1.8 - f/3.1. The unit can display directly to an HDTV and record directly to DVD using Sony's stand-alone DVD recorder.
The HDR-SR12 also features hybrid storage, accepting Sony's MemoryStick Duo/Pro Duo memory cards.

Rating:

4.4 out of 5

Features

One thing the HDR-SR12 is not short on is features. In addition to those already mentioned, this unit features a 150X digital zoom, built-in zoom microphone with 5.1 surround sound recording, a tele/macro function, and switch able HD/SD recording. It features a USB 2.0 interface, a built-in intelligent flash, and Sony's exclusive Easy Handycam button, which lets you focus your attention only on those features that matter. And the addition of face-detection capability is a welcome advance over last year's offerings from Sony.

Performance

Users have come to expect high performance from Sony's camcorders, and the HDR-SR12 lives up to these expectations. 5.6 MP recording at 16 Mbps is impressive. Couple this with the 12X Zoom Carl Zeiss lens and a variety of scene modes to select from, and you can produce excellent quality HD video with this camcorder. The larger 3.2 in. touch screen makes the user interface much easier to use than other models, and provides a 921,000 pixel display as well.

Summary

As with most of Sony's products, you will pay a bit extra for the features, high performance and quality that one has come to expect from Sony. But the price is not that much different from the competition, so the HDR-SR12 is still a good value for the price. If you're In the market for a high-end consumer model camcorder with some features found only on pro cameras, then the HDR-SR12 could be just what you are looking for.

Pros

Full HD (1920 X 1280) recording at 16Mbps
5.6 MP video, 10.2 MP still image resolution
3.2 in LCD touchscreen
Built-in face recognition technology
120GB hard drive with hybrid recording

Cons

There are no cons for this product