HDR-SR12 120GB – High Definition Sony Camcorder

Model Number: HDR-SR12

Series highlights:

5.6 MP ClearVid  CMOS sensor, BIONZ image processor, 1920 x 1080 Video, 10.2 MP still image capture, Face Detection technology for video, hybrid recording, 120GB HDD, 3.2″ touch panel, Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM with AccuPower Meter System (NP-FH60) , LCD Screen : 3.2″ wide1 touch panel Xtra Fine LCD display (921k pixels)

Analytical Overview/Features:

Sony continues to dominate the market with respect to all different types of Camcorder formats. They have now introduced a new Hi Def Hard drive camcorder model HDR-SR 12. It has a sturdy body with shades of charcoal grey and black.

The front of the Camcorder is dominated by the 12x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* (T star) lens which equals 40-480mm in 35mm terms. The lens has a built in cover which opens automatically when the power is turned on and closes automatically when the power is switched off. There is also a built in auto focus that helps to stabilize the image.

It is the first camcorder that supports a resolution of 1920 * 1080  ( Full HD ).It provides a nice grip and the controls are pretty well placed .There is  a 3.2 inch touch screen LCD which has a image resolution of 16:9.You have to turn this LCD screen on in order to access some of the important functions available in this camcorder. The Video display is rated at 921K dots which is far greater than the normal 230K dots found in most of the LCD.

One simple tap at the bottom right corner of the LCD screen will give you access to around 5 pages of options like type of focus, spot metering, scene modes etc. However you can bypass all these by pressing the easy button on the opposite side of the LCD Screen. This puts the SR12 in a full on auto mode. All you have to do then is to point and shoot and forget everything else.

Since most of the operations are controlled by the LCD there are only a very few buttons on the camcorder body. Near the Lens there is a 5.1 channel microphone .The microphone pretty good and it eliminated most of the extra roaring noise.

One of the cool features of this Camcorder is the Face Detection technology that can recognize up to 8 faces anywhere in a frame and automatically control focus exposure and color to help smiling faces brightly and clearly. This feature makes skin tones appear more natural without affecting other colors in the picture.

This Sony Camcorder also has a 10.2 megapixel still camera which takes pretty nice still pictures. It also provides a nice bunch of interfaces like USB and HDMI ports.

If you praise Sony products then this is your greatest opportunity to get such a composed and well equipped version of camcorder. It’s another conspicuous part or characteristics are noise reduction and low light excellent performance.  HDR-SR12 makes observing videos livelier. In addition for video it also has face detection technology with adequate manual controls. If these features already make you enough excited then go and grab it.

Specifications:

General:

•    Audio/Video Remote Terminal
•    Digital Audio/Video Output(s) via USB
•    Mini HDMI Connection Output(s)
•    Headphone Jack
•    Microphone Input
•    USB Port(s) : Hi-speed (2.0 compliant)
•    Weight (Approx.) : 1 lb 6oz (650g) with Battery
•    Imaging Device : 1/3″ ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology)
•    Pixel Gross : 5660K
•    Processor : BIONZ image processo
•    Recording Media : 120GB9 Non-Removable Hard Disk Drive, Memory Stick Duo Media, Memory Stick PRO Duo Media
•    Still Picture Resolution : 10.2 megapixel
•    Video Resolution : 1920 x 1080
•    Photo TV HD

Power

•    Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM with AccuPower Meter System (NP-FH60)
•    Power Consumption : 4.5W/4.8W/4.9W
•    Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)

Software

•    Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Professional, Windows Vista
•    Supplied Software : Picture Motion Browser Ver.3.0.00
Hardware
•    Assignable Dial
•    Flash
•    Auto Lens Cover
•    Memory Stick slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo Media
•    Built-in Zoom Microphone
•    Viewfinder : Color Wide 16:9 (123K Pixels)

Products Unique Selling Point:

•    LCD Screen : 3.2″ wide1 touch panel Xtra Fine LCD display (921k pixels)
•    VideoFormat(s) Supported : HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264 SD: MPEG2
•    Video Signal : NTSC color, EIA standards
•    Lens Type : Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T
•    Built-in Zoom Microphone
•    Audio Format : Dolby Digital 5.1
•    Optical Zoom : 12x
•    Progressive Shutter Mode with Shutter Speed : Auto, 1/30 – 1/250 (Scene Selection Mode)

Pros:

• The HD video quality is awesome.
• Best still pictures ever taken by a camcorder yet
• Incredible Amount of storage

Cons:

• Quiet Expensive
• Menu system for key features like LCD brightness for example is a bit clunky

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Tags: handycam, HDR-SR12 120GB, High Definition Sony Camcorder, Sony Camcorder