Sony HDR-SR12 High-Definition 120GB HDD & Memory Stick Handycam Camcorder, 12x Optical, 150x Digital Zoom, 3.2" Wide LCD Display Screen

2010-11-08T19:00:00

the camera is superb if you want to just play what you have taken direct to the TV but if you want to edit and put on a blu ray disc to keep for get it the software that comes with it is absolute rubbish i have tried all different makes to try and edit but HD editing software is hard to find i would not recommend any one to buy this if they want to edit and burn to DVD in HD

barry6521

Originally posted at

2010-11-04T20:00:00

Sony has a history of making great products, with amzaing technical specifications, design aesthetics, and robust quality. Their products - including this one - tend to be a bit more expensive than similar competing products. . Having said that, this camcorder is made for "pro-sumers", and so is also on the expensive side. Especially when you consider it is not 1080p, is poor in low-light situations (even with Nightshot enabled), has a proprietary hot-shoe for peripherals, and is lacking a fast data-transfer port (it does have USB 2.0 but that's way too slow for transferring HD video), the built-in 10MP camera should be used only in "emergencies" if you have no other option (light responsiveness and flash performance are sub-par), its optical image stabilization (called Super SteadyShot) is barely effective, and its lens (optics) has limitations that become apparent at high zooms. . Still, I highly recommend this as a fantastic camcorder - only because after you know the limitations, you can still capture wonderful visually stunning images (as long as you stay within its limits). And some of its limits can be overcome after you've shot the video. . Consider that you can now make your own Blu-Ray videos using this camcorder, especially if you have a PS3 gaming system and a PC or MAC with a Blu-Ray burner connected. If you're not yet into Blu-Ray, you can make DVDs very easily using the included PC software (sorry, that software isn't MAC-compatible but you can quite effectively use iMovie software that's free on iMacs --- SONY, get on the ball with MAC-compatibility, will you please!!!). If I need to take photos with this, I will instead take a video and later take a snapshot (one frame) of the video and convert it into a 7MP image - you can do this easily from within the camera). These images are often better than a picture taken with the built-in 10MP camera -- better in terms of lighting, color-saturation, flash-reflection, etc. . And the large HD is great for trips. I've taken mine to far away places, Caribbean islands, India, Europe, and many places within the U.S. It's almost always been able to capture the shots I've wanted, and when I wasn't able to get a good shot, I could sometimes "fix" things post-editing on my Mac. Now that I've had this for over 2.5 years (I got it delivered 2-days after Sony released it in North America) - I've had plenty of time to explore its strengths and weaknesses. . I typically shoot important events using: . . > a tripod (since I can't rely on its Super SteadyShot), . > adequate lighting (or have my own video lights), . > avoiding the 3-second slow-motion (it requires . LOTS of light, and is annoying to use since it . plays-back the 3-second recording - taking almost . 20 seconds to finish saving - each time you use it). . > a larger battery: the NP-FH100 works GREAT! . > video to capture still-shots, avoiding the built-in . camera (I later extract the best frame/image I want, . so at birthdays, I now NEVER miss the "blowing . out the candle" shot), . > the "Quick ON" feature saves battery live if you're . pausing intermittently between many shots, . > Built-in viewfinder is great when you're running . LOW on battery (or when you don't want the . light from the LCD display to disturb others) . It's a light, small, and fun-to-use camcorder that takes fantastic pictures. I imagine it even could be used by low-budget / independent film-makers to do wonderful work (with a good computer and great software for post-processing). . But since I'm not a film-maker, and I don't have lots of cash to spend on gadgets - and especially since I have to compensate for this camcorder's shortcomings when I paid so much for it - I rated it only 4 stars. It is overpriced for what it provides. . This model is now discontinued... Too bad, since its successor model, the HDR-XR550, appears to have similar specs but some features are missing compared to its SR12 parent. Sony should have lowered the cost of the HDR-XR550, since after two technology-years its only two upgraded features (better CMOS and larger HD) now cost less. . Even though I plunked down its hefty full-price for this 2.5 years ago, I wouldn't trade mine in for anything (unless it breaks down). And if it breaks down now, I definitely would NOT replace it with a Sony model since in these 2 years Sony have not eliminated the main flaws in their current flagship model (cost, missing 1080p, and slow transfer rate)!!!

AvidVideographer

Originally posted at

2010-04-01T20:00:00

Great camera, bought it for my trip to antartica, camera worked great there! in snow and cold weather camera didnt even blink! using extended battery could shoot photographs and video for hours on! cameras balance worked nice and microphone as well, however will try to find some money to get external microphone. cameras stability and reliability was great, always on on the first push, even on the moving ship in a storm (with lens protector) camera shot everything without problems! after that my trip was to Cuba and Russia, camera worked great in Cuban heat, also no problemas or negative comments apart from night and dask shots. I think its one of the best products that you can take with you in anywhere! if you travel and you go extreme, but this model! its perfect.. my accessories are: lens protector, normal, sun and glitch. lens adapters 2x and 0.5x. however i am in strong need of external or bluetooth microphone but the price is a bit expensive for me at the moment... movies shot by this camera are on tv now.. Antarctica transport (Russian tv) and personal movies of Cuba, Mexico and Russia, normal documentaries. all the best to All! and Sony thank you for one great product!

OF2CHILE

Originally posted at

2009-12-20T19:00:00

I've had the camera for over a year and overall the camera is the best buy I've made for my first camcorder. I've copied all my video off the camera for video editing but, still have ALL of them on the camera with plenty of HDD space for about another 2200 min of video! So far the only disappointing thing is that I can't get the Sony DB-FH100 extended battery to work with the camera! I still get 110 minutes of battery (give or take 10 minutes) which is good but I bought the extended battery to use as the primary battery and have the default battery as a back up ready to go! I would suggest also buying the external flash and microphone. I did not and the stills are dark and some of the videos get more of my breathing or whispering. A directional mic would help. I'm going to buy them soon!

dolphin68

Originally posted at

2009-09-30T20:00:00

Have had this camcorder for more than 16 months now. Have used it in Hawaii, Cancun, at my son's graduation party, and several other events. Very easy to use and takes great still pictures. Video is also excellent. Hawaiian sunsets phenomenal. Would strongly recommend - for the video as well as the 10.2 mp camera. None in the market in the same price range.

s123002

Originally posted at

2009-06-29T20:00:00

This is a great product but the it comes with no software!!!!

Questor

Originally posted at

2009-04-14T20:00:00

I have been loyal to Sony Camcorders and out of 17 years of camcorders, this has been the best. The most impressive feature for me is the Slow Smooth Record function which records slow motion footage for about 3 seconds. The full HD recording is great compared to standard def hi8 tapes and the touch screen is a big plus. Does well in low lighting conditions but needs more light for taking a photo then it does a video. I sometimes have a focusing fit where the camcorder focuses in and out rapidly until the camcorder gives up and asks you to restart it. Then you must wait 10 seconds for it to try and focus before showing the video feed again. Trying to manually focus during this is impossible. You will need software to view and edit footage captured by the camcorder since the format is in AVCHD. Otherwise it is a great product and I would recommend it to friends.

NickInTimeFilms

Originally posted at

2009-04-06T20:00:00

I WAS VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEW HANDY CAM AS THE PREVIOUS ONE I OWNED WAS OVER 10 YEARS OLD. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL SONY USER, SPECIALLY IN THE LAPTOPS AND OWN OVER 8 LAPTOPS AND HAVE RECOMMENDED MANY MORE DUE TO THE RELIABILITY THAT ONE GETS WITH THE SONY BRAND. TO MY DISSAPOINTMENT THE UNIT IS NOT WORKING SO SOON AFTER. I'M TOTALLY DISSAPOINTED!

DISSAPOINTED

Originally posted at

2009-02-09T19:00:00

I don't know of any other cons. This works great, superb quality, and I love the touch screen. I had over 500 video clips before I finally downloaded them to my lap top. This thing has plenty of room to shoot hours and hours of footage. The price is kind of high but "you get what you pay for" fits here.

Evangelist

Originally posted at

2009-01-03T19:00:00

I tour with a hardcore punk band and we travel all over the world, so I purchased this camera to replace my Sony HDR-HC3. This meant I didn't have to keep buying HDV tapes and more importantly keeping up with tons of them while out for a month or so on tour. So, first impressions were great! The recording quality is awesome and you get up to 15 hours of record time at the highest resolution which is amazing! The still camera is top-notch and great resolution and has the amazing ability to take a snapshot of something WHILE you a recording video! And best of all, you don't have to have a Sony MemoryStick to store the photos! They save to the hard drive just like the video. But, after the initial test period of shooting stuff while driving and/or walking around I set it up to record one of our shows and that's when I started having issues. The first problem is that in the audio settings you get the automatic setting or you get a low-level setting and that's it. This means you can't monitor the levels and when the sound gets too loud and thus distorted turn the record level down. Ok I figure, nothing some gauze taped over the mic can't fix right! Well, as the show begins I hit record with the remote and all seems well...for about 10 seconds. Then I get a blue screen with a "BUFFER OVERRUN" error. It takes about 15 seconds for this to go away and for the camera to go back into Standby. So I hit record again and same thing. This unit WILL NOT RECORD A ROCK CONCERT unless you're waaaaaaay back away from the speakers (which is impossible in a small loud club.) I even tried turning off the drop sensor (a protection that senses a drop or major vibration) and stops the drive to protect it, but even this did not work. I can set this on top of my bass player's amp, hit record, and then thump the strings for about 5 seconds and it will shut off like clockwork. So, if you're looking for a camcorder that's small enough to put in your backpack, cargo shorts or purse that takes very high quality video while walking around, visiting with family, or anything "tame" this is one of the best around! If you want to record loud stuff like concerts, space shuttle launches, drag races or bike night at your local biker bar (or you're in a band and want to capture the great memories of a European tour) DO NOT buy a camcorder without a solid state hard drive or you will end up very disappointed like me!

insaneshayne

Originally posted at

2008-12-31T19:00:00

I've not had this but about 6 weeks so have not used it to it's full potential, but I love it so far. I can throw it in my purse if I want when I attend my granddaughter's ballgames and not have to worry about a bag etc. I have added a wide angle lens and really like that. The 120 GB is great. Have used the remote for still photos and that is great.

pec

2008-12-21T19:00:00

Bought my SR12 3 months ago and all I can say is - WHOA WOW ! ! ! It lives up to its bark. It's reasonably compact yet feature and function filled for its size. It's stylish yet subtle but screams SONY. I especially like the feature of being able to toggle or choose between the 120GB HD and the Pro Duo Disk. Say 'SE LA VIE' to tape cartridges and 3.5" disks. I bought SONY's TRV830 (Digital8) 9 yrs. ago to capture my son's growing years. Paid alot more for it. How I wish the SR12 existed then. If something needs to be improved in the SR-12, I suggest it would be the flash. For some reason the flash switch is turned-off when an added protective or wideshot lens is installed.

fanthom

Originally posted at

2008-12-20T19:00:00

This video camera has turned out to be much more than I ever expected... It is a bit complicated to learn, but once there it delivers spectacularly... The AVC-HD Blu-Ray video is so clear, it is like looking through a window... Lots of room to accumulate your favorite videos, without having to continually download your results... Wonderful all around handicam for family, travel or professional use... Will challenge your abilities as a videographer...

jadeeast69

Originally posted at

2008-12-19T19:00:00

This is one of the best purchases I've ever made. The videos are HD clear and colors are crisp. The camera mode is just as good as having a dedicated Cybershot. Easy to transfer to Mac (iMovie) or PC. Camcorder is light, easy to handle and Hard drive capacity is good. Gorgeous touchscreen with well placed menus. Face detection works great. Only one thing it needs, wish it had firewire interface (iLink). Great camcorder.

Raisin

Originally posted at

2008-12-18T19:00:00

When I initially wanted to get this camera, I didn't think it'd be as amazing as it is. It works wonderfully on a Mac, and the Operating Guide mentions Macs as well, to help out. It's weight is easy to handle, it's shape is as well, and the picture quality is beyond PERFECT. 10/10, for sure, and definitely a great gift for someone interested in high-def video editing, such as myself.

ThePrince

Originally posted at

2008-12-04T19:00:00

Why would you buy any other camera it has the best features offered on the market today.

sonystudent

Originally posted at

2008-11-29T19:00:00

This camera is the best thing since sliced bread. I've been shooting Pro-video for two decades, and HD for the last few years. I just used this camera to shoot interviews in Washington D.C. and New York City for a documentary that is being shot on HD. I did not want to haul all my Pro-HD equipment on this trip because it was going to be very fast (run&gun) with hardly no time to set-up. The footage is great and looks great on the timeline along side the pro-HD stuff. BTW - the HDR-SR12 works great with the Mac!!! Plug in the USB to the Mac, turn on the camera, select USB CONNECT (the one on the top left of the camera viewfinder) you should quickly see a drive come up on your desktop (NO NAME) open FCP and select File, Log & Transfer. the window opens and if you don't see the contents of the camera click on icon on the top-left and find NO NAME. ENJOY...!

tomasito

Originally posted at

2008-11-23T19:00:00

best of all, No other camera comes close to my SR12

JCmtx

Originally posted at

2008-11-17T19:00:00

My first experience was taking a forty minute video of my grandson testing for a black belt in karate. The quality of the recording was great. I did not edit the video. I purchased a Sony dvd recorder, and a usb direct connection from the camera to the recorder took less than ten minutes to have a high quality forty minute hd recording.

Reddog

Originally posted at

2008-11-16T19:00:00

Best camcorder i ever had, and I had a few...

yiannissave

Originally posted at

2008-11-08T19:00:00

I was intrigued by this camcorder and picked up one from Amazon.com. It is so easy to carry and shoot stills as well as video clips. Learning as to how to use was a synch. Manual is simple and Helpful.Controls are intuitive.I believe you would have paid more than $12,000 to get a camera that came close (cannot even compare the advanced technology)to do what this camcorder does, just a couple of years ago. I took this to India and recorded a wedding just taking it out of the box. Autofocus, color and face detection technology are spectacular. Very easy to use. Night shots are Spooky. It needs around 10 candlepower for regular recording-?drawback. I still have more to explore. Simply the best.

Mohan

Originally posted at