Sony Handycam HDR-CX12 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Sep 3, 2008 8:32 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
 Other Features
Conclusion & Comparisons Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Audio (5.0)
The Sony HDR-CX12 is not a audiophile's dream, by any means, but it does offer some features. On top, you'll find a built-in, multi-directional microphone. Watch your pinkie when you're recording! It's very likely to stray across the top of the mic and create a loud grating noise. Of course, you'll never hear it during shooting because there's no headphone jack on the camcorder. There's no standard mic jack either, but you do have access to a proprietary-fit accessory shoe. In times past, we blasted Sony for its choice of making its accessory shoes only fit with Sony-brand products, but now you can bypass that with the small purchase of a shoe adapter, available many places online.

The microphone level can be set to Normal or Low. The audio compression mode can be set to 5.1-channel Surround Sound or 2-channel stereo.

By comparison, the Canon HF11, JVC GZ-HD40, and Panasonic HDC-SD100 / HDC-HS100 all include a headphone jack and mic jack.

Playback (5.5)
Playing back your video clips is quite simple. Tap the button in the lower left corner of the touch screen to switch to playback mode. Once there, your clips will appear as thumbnails. By default, each new day of recording is split onto a new page. To play a clip, just tap it, and playback begins instantly. All the VCR controls (i.e., play, fast forward, rewind, etc.) are touch screen buttons, which function well enough, but really junk up the screen. How are you supposed to see your video? It's a small but annoying issue that Canon, JVC, and Panasonic all manage to avoid by not having a touch screen.

The Playback menu contains the following options:

Video Playback Function
Page 1 Add, Add by Date
Page 2 Delete, Delete by date, Delete All
Page 3 Divide

Connectivity (7.0)
The connectivity options on the Sony HDR-CX12 are slim. On the camcorder itself, you'll find the MemoryStick Duo card slot in the LCD cavity. On the back, behind two swinging door port covers, you'll find a mini-HDMI port and an AV-out port. The AV-out port is, annoyingly, a proprietary-fit jack that connects to either the composite (RCA) or component cable that ships with the camcorder. You cannot use standard AV cables. Also on the back is a DC input. On top is the small, proprietary-fit shoe, which has a built-in port cover that slides back into the body.

But how, you ask, does one transfer video from camcorder to computer? For that, you'll need to plug the camcorder into the docking station. Why they couldn't stuff this port onto the camcorder is a mystery, but it means that you have one more thing to pack in the camera bag before your trip. The docking station also includes a second DC power input and AV-out.

The Sony HDR-SR12 is clearly a step-up in this category, including a mic jack and headphone jack. There's also no need for a docking station, as all the ports are built right into the camcorder.

Clockwise starting above:
 1) MemoryStick slot in the LCD cavity
2) The proprietary accessory shoe
3) HDMI, AV and component-out, and DC-power

 



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