Sony Handycam HDR-CX12 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Sep 3, 2008 8:32 PM
|
Advertisement
|
||||||||||||
The Sony HDR-CX12 is the company's second-generation high definition camcorder that records solely to MemoryStick cards, replacing last year's HDR-CX7. The handling has improved immensely with the addition of a "Cam Control dial" that frees you from relying entirely on the touch screen operation. The complete lack of internal memory may still certainly dissuade some customers. Competing camcorders typically offer both internal memory and expansion through a memory card. Its chief competition, the Samsung SC-HMX20, includes 8GB internal. The Canon HF11 includes a boatload—32GB. While the HDR-CX12 is a strong performer in most regards, factor in the MemoryStick requirements and proprietary accessory shoe, and it's clear that the CX12 requires a slavish devotion to Sony's aftermarket products.The Front (9.0)
If you're familiar with Sony's previous flash memory camcorder, the HDR-CX7, not much will surprise you with the front of the CX12. The facade is dominated by the 12x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens. (The CX7 sported only a 10x optical zoom.) There's still an automatic lens enclosure that engages when the camcorder is powered on or off. The aperture range and focal lengths are both slightly improved over last year's CX7: aperture range is now f/1.8-3.1; focal length is now 4.9mm-58.8mm. Depending on what mode you shoot in, the 35mm equivalent focal length may vary:
40mm - 480mm in 16:9 Camera mode
49mm - 588mm in 4:3 Camera mode
The HDR-CX12’s lens has a 37mm filter diameter for external lens attachments like a wide angle or colored filter. (37mm is a popular size, so you won't be limited to Sony proprietary equipment the way you are with microphones and lights.) A flash is embedded to the left of the lens; its slightly off-kilter placement shouldn't create too many problems with uneven lighting. The bottom is the new location for the remote sensor and tally lamp.
But what's this in the lower right corner? It's the shiny silver Cam Control dial that we've come to know and love from some of the hard drive lineup (like the Sony HDR-SR12) and DVD lineup (like the Sony HDR-UX7). On the HDR-CX12, we're happy to see the Cam Control dial making its flash memory debut. The dial isn't quite as good as the barrel ring on Pansonic's HDC-HS100 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $879.95) and HDC-SD100, but it's a smooth way of fine-tuning focus, exposure, or white balance.
The Right Side (6.75)
The HDR-CX12 looks a lot like its predecessor, the HDR-CX7. The vogue design these days—especially for flash memory camcorders—seems to be strapping a hand strap onto a lens barrel for the sleek "torpedo" look. As for features, the right side holds little besides the camera strap. There are indicator lamps for Movie mode, Camera mode, and battery/charge, which wrap around to the back as well. This time around, Sony has removed the flash button, forcing you to navigate the menus if you want to turn the flash on and off while taking still pictures.
The rest of the right side is a smooth, glossy expanse of black with the same padded hand strap seen on the HDR-CX7. The hand strap is quite comfortable, constructed of high-grade, breathable materials. It seems to be positioned well, but the camcorder still flops slightly from side to side. We're not sure if the body is somehow balanced differently or if we're now accustomed to a higher standard for handling, but the HDR-CX12 doesn't impress us as much as the CX7 did.
The Back (7.0)
The back is nearly an exact replica of of the HDR-CX7: a battery chamber, a few ports, and some critical controls. As with the CX7, the HDR-CX12 has a generously proportioned battery chamber, which takes up most of the real estate on the back of the camcorder. You should have no problem upgrading to a bigger battery pack. To the left of the battery are the HDMI-out and AV-out terminals, as well as the DC jack. Nifty plastic lids flip open and closed to protect the ports. (A nice upgrade over the rubber-hinged port covers from the HDR-CX7.)
To the right of the battery is a hefty Start/Stop Record button, which rests comfortably at the thumb for most users. Above the battery, you'll find a milled circular mode dial, which functions as the on/off control and Movie mode/ Camera mode toggle. New to the HDR-CX12 is a tiny "Quick On" button, which lets you move quickly in and out of the camcorder's "sleep" mode.
The Left Side (7.0)
The HDR-CX12's sleek left side is relatively bare until you pop open the LCD. On the panel itself, you'll find a 2.7-inch, 211,000-pixel screen with a touch panel, Clear Photo LCD Plus display. On the left side of the LCD is a thin column of buttons: home, zoom in/out, and record start/stop. These buttons are really for the convenience of those who prefer to shoot with a second hand anchored to the LCD panel; all three features can be controlled elsewhere on the camcorder as well. (The home button appears in the upper-left of the LCD, there is a zoom toggle on the top of the camcorder, and the primary record button is on the back.) This design is an exact replica of what was found on the CX7.
Within the LCD cavity, you'll find only a minor redesign of the HDR-CX7 cavity. The same lustrous buttons are present for back light, display/battery info, and playback, but Sony has removed the MemoryStick scene access button. (This feature is now solely accessible via the touch screen.) The Easy button has been shifted up to take the place of the memory stick button and the NightShot switch is in roughly the same location. Toward the bottom of the LCD cavity is an inexplicably redesigned playback speaker and the same MemoryStick PRO Duo slot from the HDR-CX7. The port cover still opens downward, which may make it difficult to change cards while the camcorder is mounted certain tripods. We didn't have a problem with our tripod, but those with large plates may run into problems.
 |
 |
The Top (7.0)
Up top, the HDR-CX12 has exactly the same design as last year's HDR-CX7. The 5.1-channel Dolby Digital built-in microphone is centered at the front, perilously positioned beneath potentially wandering pinkies. Users with larger hands, especially, are in danger of muffling the sound while recording. Behind the built-in microphone is a Sony proprietary AIS (Active Interface Shoe) hot shoe, concealed by a burly plastic shield. The HDR-CX12 is a small camcorder to pepper full of attachments—imagine a boom mic, fish-eye lens, and enlarged battery on this little body—but the choice is certainly there. Unfortunately, the proprietary shoe means you're limited to accessories manufactured by Sony, even if they do offer a decent range for most consumer needs. Toward the back, you'll find the photo button and somewhat stiff zoom toggle.
|
Advertisement
|