Sony HDR-SR12 Camcorder Review

by David Kender

Published on Mar 31, 2008 2:25 PM
Add to My Yahoo!
Related Articles
Reviews: Canon Vixia HF100 Camcorder Review · Sony Handycam HDR-UX20 Camcorder Review · Panasonic HDC-HS9 Camcorder Review · Sony DCR-DVD910 Handycam Camcorder Review




What’s in the Box?
The Sony HDR-SR12 (Review, Specs, $1399.00) ships with the following items:

- Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger
- NP-FH60 InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Battery Pack
- Remote Commander Remote Control
- Handycam Station Cradle
- Component Video Cable
- Multi A/V Cable
- USB Cable
- Application CD-ROM with Driver
- Enjoy Handycam DVD

An HDMI cable is not supplied, so you’ll have to pick one up. Also, it would be wise to stock up on a couple of NP-FH70 battery packs.

Other Features (5.5)

Smooth Slow Record- Sony’s ever-popular Smooth Slow Record has evolved with the HDR-SR12. In the past, Smooth Slow Record allowed you to record three seconds of black and white video at 240 fps, offering true, undulating slow motion. Now, the HDR-SR12 can record up to 12 seconds of video in color at 240 fps. Slow motion hair flips will never be the same with Smooth Slow Record.

Dual Record - While Shooting in Video mode, Dual Record allows you to capture a 7.6-megapixel still by pressing the Photo button. If you’re pressed for time and just need a quick still, Dual Record is the answer to your prayers.

Digital Effect - The HDR-SR12’s lone Digital Effect is … Old Movie! Nothing says ragtime like a good sepia tone and slow shutter speed.

Picture Effect- The Digital Effects menu consists of Sepia, Black and White, and Pastel, just in case you don’t feel like applying any of those in post-production.

Backlight Compensation (BLC)- When a subject is underexposed amidst an overexposed background, Backlight Compensation (BLC) boosts the overall exposure to illuminate the subject.

Fader - For dramatic effect, choose faders to fade in or out of your scenes. White will give you a Matrix dream feel while Black creates a “whodunit?” feel.

Super NightShot- As is Sony’s NightShot light isn’t enough, the HDR-SR12 is equipped with an infrared light that boosts the effectiveness of standard NightShot, thus donning it Super NightShot mode. Either way, your video will look like a stolen home movie.

Battery Info - When the HDR-SR12 is powered off, press the Battery button located in the LCD cavity. A multicolored charge level meter appears, displaying the approximate percentage of battery life left. The remaining LCD screen and viewfinder recording times are listed below the meter.

 

 

 

 



<< Audio / Playback / Connectivity | Comparisons / Conclusion >>