High Definition Handycam Camcorder HDR-CX12

Model number:

HDRCX12

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Big performance in a compact package. Record Full HD video directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media with the palm-sized HDR-CX12 high definition Handycam® camcorder.

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$899.99

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Position 1
Overview
Position 2
Features
Position 3
Specifications
Position 5
Reviews
Position 6
Accessories

1920x1080 Recording⁸

Record stunning, incredibly detailed video footage in the clarity of 1920 x 1080 Full High Definition⁸ resolution.

Smile Shutter™ technology

Smile Shutter™ technology lets the camcorder automatically take still photos when your subject smiles, even while shooting High Definition video. You can also set the Smile Shutter sensitivity and choose child, adult, or auto priority.

BIONZ™ Image Processor

The advanced Sony BIONZ™ Image Processor uses hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that improves camera response time, screens out noise before RAW data conversion, handles Dynamic Range Optimization processing, and prolongs battery life.

Dual Record

While recording video in High Definition⁸ you have the ability to capture still images directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media¹ (4GB⁴ included).

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens

Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* lenses use highly advanced optics to deliver vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating further reduces unwanted glare and flare for increased contrast and color.

Dynamic Range Optimizer

Powered by the exclusive Sony’s BIONZ™ high-speed processing engine, D-Range Optimization preserves image data in bright highlights, such as suppressing “whiteout” in skies. When shooting in backlit settings, D-Range Optimization reveals more detail in shadows, preventing “blackout.” As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene.

Active Interface Shoe

Sony’s proprietary hot shoe makes it easy to use Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, by providing power and on/off capability directly from the camcorder.

InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System

Unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect," so you’re free to charge the battery at any time. Additionally, Sony's exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Built-in Intelligent Flash

For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.

Face Index

Face Index makes it easier than ever to find and play back the right video scene. Using Face Detection technology, Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it’s time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index.

One Touch Disc Burn

Easily burn a DVD copy of your footage using the supplied software. Simply connect the camcorder to your PC via a USB cable and press the One Touch Disc Burn Button.

Progressive Shutter System

A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Fader Effects

Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black and White.

Smooth Slow Record

By increasing the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, you can capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. The Smooth Slow Record mode is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you record an audio track to narrate the video footage.

Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media¹

Capture still images directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media¹ (4GB⁴ included) for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick® devices (sold separately).

5 Megapixel ClearVid™ CMOS Sensor (with Exmor™-derived technology) and BIONZ™ Image Processor

Sony’s newly designed CMOS image sensor delivers bright, vivid, and spectacularly detailed 5 megapixel (effective) video footage, as well as 10.2 megapixel still images -- all with prolonged battery life. Exmor™ technology captures images with high resolution and high sensitivity. In addition, the advanced Sony BIONZ™ image processor improves camera response time and screens out noise so the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible.

2.7" Wide⁵ (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Display (211K Pixels)

The 2.7" Wide⁵ (16:9) LCD screen provides exceptional viewing clarity with improved resolution (211K pixels). The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Optical SteadyShot™ Image Stabilization System

The Optical SteadyShot™ Image Stabilization System from Sony reduces blur caused by camera shake and vibration, so your images stay crisp and clear. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without the image degradation that can occur with some digital stabilization systems.

Built-in zoom microphone with 5.1ch recording

Featuring Dolby® Ditigal 5.1 Creator, the built-in zoom microphone focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds.

Switchable HD/SD Format Recording

Record and play back both High Definition (HD)⁴ and Standard Definition (SD) video.

USB 2.0 Interface⁶

The USB 2.0 interface⁶ provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.

Battery Information

At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. When using the LCD screen or viewfinder, the display will show how much the battery is charged -- in 10% increments -- and the recordable time left.

Date Index Function

Search recorded content by shooting date to quickly and easily find a specific scene.

Manual Focus

Manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

PhotoTV HD Viewing with HDMI™ Output⁷

With direct HDMI™ output to your BRAVIA® HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens, so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail. You can choose between standard 4:3 and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio -- and with select BRAVIA® HDTV models, your photos are automatically optimized in sharpness, gradation, and color reproduction.

On Screen Zoom and Record Buttons

For additional control of the camcorder, Zoom and Record buttons are features on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows for more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

Scene Selection Modes

Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset.

Multi-Language Menu

Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese

10.2 megapixel still image capture

Carry only one compact camera for both video and still. Capture up to 10.2 megapixel still image for high resolution digital photos.

Face Detection for Video Footage and Digital Still Photos

Made possible by the BIONZ™ image processing engine, Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly. Face Detection also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image.

Exmor™ Imaging Sensor

Exmor™ technology captures video and still photo images with high resolution, high sensitivity, and exceptional detail. Advanced on-sensor A/D conversion yields rich tonal reproduction with high signal-to-noise ratio.

12X Optical / 150X Digital Zoom

The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Dolby® Digital 5.1ch Recording

Record in Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound with the camcorder’s built-in microphone. Recording in 5.1 channel surround sound allows you to experience your home movies with active sounds coming from all directions, so you can enjoy your personal home movies the way you experienced them while recording.

Tele Macro Function

Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode help your subject stand out by properly focusing the subject while leaving the background unfocussed. The Tele Macro Mode is useful for shooting close-up shots, especially when you need to prevent the camcorder from casting a shadow on the subject.

HDMI™ Connection² with BRAVIA® Sync™ (CEC) Technology³

HDMI™ connectivity² provides a simple, high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video and 5.1 channel audio directly from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single cable. With BRAVIA® Sync™ (CEC) technology³, the HDMI connection also delivers the ability to control both the camcorder and HDTV using a single BRAVIA TV remote.

Stamina® Battery Power Management System

When using the Sony InfoLITHIUM® Battery, the Stamina® Battery Power Management System helps the camcorder prolong battery life for extra long continuous recording times from a single charge9

Easy Handycam Button

Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people. With a press of the Easy Handycam Button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out," letting you focus only the buttons essential for recording.

Film Roll Index

Like chapters in a book, Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired scenes in video footage. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and can create scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes).

Quick On

Missing an important scene can be frustrating, especially if the reason is because your camcorder is turned off. With the Quick On feature, the touch of a single button places that camcorder in Sleep mode. Another push instantly wakes the camcorder, so you’ll always be ready to capture special moments.

Super NightShot® Infrared System

With the Super NightShot Infrared System, you can capture video in total darkness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away.

Picture Effects

Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia.

x.v. Color™ Technology

x.v.Color™ technology can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than possible with the traditional RGB color standard. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.

Product Specifications

Convenience Features

Multiple Language Display : Yes
BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes
Remote Control : Yes (RMT-835)

Hardware

Assignable Dial : YES: Focus (default), Brightness, AE shift, WB shift
Light/Flash : Yes
Manual / Auto Lens Cover : Auto
Media Card slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media¹
S/S & Zoom button on LCD : Yes
Docking Station : Yes (Handycam Station® cradle)
LCD : 2.7" wide touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display (211k pixels)

Power

Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FH60)
Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)
Power Consumption (in Operation) : 4.5W

Video

Format(s) Supported : HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264 SD: MPEG2
Format : HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264 SD: MPEG2
Video Signal : NTSC color, EIA standards

Audio

Recording Format : Dolby® Digital 5.1
Audio Format : Dolby® Digital 5.1
Microphone : Built-in Zoom Microphone

Display

LCD Screen : 2.7" wide touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display (211k pixels)
Viewfinder : N/A

Inputs and Outputs

Audio/Video Remote Terminal : Video/S Video/Audio/Component Out/Remote
Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal)
Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : HDMI (station)
USB Port(s) : Hi-speed (2.0 compliant)
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal)
HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : Yes (mini)
S-Video Output(s) : Sold separately (via A/V Remote jack)
Active Interface Shoe : Yes

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Term : Limited Warranty --- 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor

Video Features

PhotoTV HD : Yes

Convenience

Face Detection : Yes - video and still
Image Stabilization : Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization
Low Light Capability : Super NightShot® Infrared System
Smile Shutter™ technology : Yes, for still images and dual capture
Dynamic Range Optimizer : Yes
Quick On : Yes
x.v.Color™ : Yes
Removable Flash Media Compatibility : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (Sold Separately)
Dual Record : 7.6 megapixel
Face Index : Yes
Film Roll Index : Yes
Still Image Mode(s) : JPEG
Digital Picture Effect(s) : Old Movie
Hybrid : N/A
Fader Effect(s) : Black, White
Hybrid Plus : N/A
Picture Effect(s) : Sepia, Monotone, Pastel
Exposure : Yes (Touch Panel)
Scene Mode(s) : Auto, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Candle, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait (Soft Portrait), Spotlight, Beach, Snow
USB Streaming : N/A
Dubbing Button : Yes
Photo Capture from Movie : Yes
PictBridge Compatible : Yes
Easy Operation : Yes
Slide Show Mode : Yes
Accessory Shoe : Yes (Active Interface Shoe)
Memory Stick® Pro Duo Media Compatibility : Tested to support up to 16GB media capacity; does not support high speed transfer function; does not support Access Control security function.
White Balance : 5 lux(Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed )

General

Imaging Device : 1/3" ClearVid™ CMOS sensor (with Exmor™ technology)
Processor : BIONZ™ image processor
Pixel Gross : 5660K
Video Actual : 2860K Pixels (4:3), 3810K Pixels (16:9)
Video Resolution : 1920 x 1080
Still Actual : 5080K Pixels (4:3), 3810K Pixels (16:9)
Still Picture Resolution : 10.2 megapixel
Recording Media : Memopry Stick PRO Duo™ media (Mark 2) - 4 GB⁴ included
Recording and Playback Times : When using supplied 4GBB⁴ Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media Mark2: High Definition: FH = up to 25 min., HQ = up to 30 min. SP = up to 65 min., LP = up to 85 min. Standard Definition: HQ = up to 55 min., SP = up to 80 min., LP = up to 160 min.

Optics/Lens

Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T*
35mm Equivalent : 40 - 480mm (16:9), 49 - 588mm (4:3)
Aperture : F1.8-3.1
Digital Zoom : 150x
Filter Diameter : 37mm
Focal Distance : 4.9 - 58.8mm
Focus : Full range Auto / Manual
Progressive Shutter Mode : Yes
Shutter Speed : Auto, 1/30 - 1/250 (Scene Selection Mode)
Minimum Illumination : 5 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed )
Optical Zoom : 12x
Resolution : 10.2 megapixel

Software

Supplied Software : PMB Ver.4.2.00 Supports Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack4?SP4?, Windows XP Service Pack3?SP3??32bit? Windows Vista Service Pack1?SP1??32bit/64bit?. Not supported by Mac OS.

Weights and Measurements

Weight (Approx.) : 1lb (450g)
Dimensions (Approx.) : 3 3/8 x 3 x 5 1/2 inch (83x76x138mm)

In the Box

InfoLITHIUM® Rechargeable Battery (NP-FH60)
Component Video Cable
USB Cable

4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (Mark 2)
Remote Commander® Remote Control (RMT-835)
Multi A/V Cable (Stereo)

Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger (AC-L200)
Handycam Station™ cradle (DRCA-C200)
Application CD-ROM w/ Driver

Product Profile

Support

Find related product support and help in Sony eSupport

Product Warranty

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HDRCX12 5 5 3 3

Great pictures! This is my first camcorder and I've done many film projects using this. Sound recorder works perfectly however, it records very little detail of ambiance which can be edited in Sony Vegas or any other video-editing softwares. Other various accessories such as: better microphones, video lighting, remote tripods etc. are mostly compatible with this camcorder. November 12, 2009

Really great camera This is my first camcorder and I am not the most experienced videographer. However I would have to say that the camera overall delivers a powerful quality in image and sound. I noticed that when taking pictures the camera side even though is 10MP the quality seems grainy, however this can also be corrected by using the camera's focus in manual. (Drastic difference.) A 4GB card also seems to record low HD quality high enough for web and small projects. The camera also has other features that sounded great (which I haven't had time to experiment with.) Overall this baby seems to be really good, I can't wait to start filming small silly projects with it. Also have experimenting with green screen and the quality makes it easier to achieve the wanted result (although the camera alone won't get you your result, you definitely need inform yourself on the lighting aspect.) July 19, 2009

Awesome camcorder This camera is fantastic. It is no longer being produced so if you can find one of these on sale or closeout, even better. Since Memory Stick prices are coming down in price it makes the camera an even better deal. My only small complaint (very small) is the photo button is in the wrong place and hard to use in a hurry since it is right next to the zoom +/- keys. I would not let this stop me. I checked them all out and this is the one. April 30, 2009

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VIEW FOOTNOTES

1. 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (Mark 2) supplied with HDR-CX12. Additional Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media sold separately.

2. Requires HDTV with HDMI connector and equivalent display capability. Image quality will vary.

3. Requires BRAVIA Theatre Sync feature in each product. Please refer to owner’s manual to determine compatibility.

4. 4GB means 4 billion bytes. Available storage capacity may vary and a portion of the memory is used for data management functions.

5. Viewable area measured diagonally.

6. Not all products with USB connectors may communicate with each other due to chipset variations.

7. Compatible BRAVIA® HDTV and special TV settings are required. Further details are available in the BRAVIA® TV instruction manual.

8. Camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD™ format. Using the enclosed PC software, high definition footage can be copied onto DVD media. However, DVD media containing AVCHD footage should not be used with DVD based players or recorders, as the DVD player/recorder may fail to eject the media and may erase its contents without warning. DVD media containing AVCHD footage may be played on a compatible Blu-ray Disc™ player/recorder or other compatible device.

9. Actual battery life will vary based on product settings, usage patterns, battery and environmental conditions.

© 2008 Sony Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Sony, Handycam, ClearVID, Exmore, BIONZ, HDNA, Super SteadyShot, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Clear Photo LCD Plus, x.v. Color, BRAVIA, Sync, Memory Stick, AVCHD and the Sony and HDNA logos are trademarks of Sony. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing, Inc. Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, Clear Photo, ClearVid, Handycam, i.LINK, InfoLITHIUM, like.no.other, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, NightShot, Remote Commander and SteadyShot are trademarks of Sony. Carl Zeiss and Vario-Sonnar are trademarks of Carl Zeiss. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Features and specifications subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate and may vary.

Screen Images Simulated