I have been using the new Sony HDR-SR12 HD Handycam for the past two weeks.  The Sony HDR-SR12 is a magnificent piece of artistry and engineering.


If you are aware of the Sony HDR-SR11, the only real difference between that Handycam and the HDR-SR12 is a doubling of the internal hard drive from 60gigs to 120gigs.

I have used Sony Handycams for many years.  The HDR-HC3 was a tape machine that provided great video.  The HDR-SR7 was also a stalwart performer for my video projects. 

The biggest bump from the HDR-HC3 and the HDR-SR12 is the increase in megapixel density from 6.1 to 10.2 for still images and the fact that the SR12 can now do 1920 x 1080 Full HD video without blinking an eye or fluttering a shutter. 

I have used the SR12 in bright daylight, under ugly florescent light and inside high-powered indoor pro studio lighting conditions — and the Handycam always made the necessary adjustments to provide the richest color and finest detail.

The controls on the SR12 are also re-designed and well-defined. The buttons have a greater tactile feel and provide a better response:  Now you know when you’ve hit the record button without having to look at the screen!

If you’re looking for a fine consumer HD video camera for around a thousand dollars — you will not miss with, and you will not be disappointed by — the Sony HDR-SR12.

I make that recommendation based on my own experience.  I was not paid for this review.  I bought the camera with my own money.  There are no paid links — or any links at all! — in this review. 

I have no interest in pushing you to buy the device or to tickle an affiliate link.

I like celebrating good things on this blog, and the HDR-SR12 is a quick way to publish outstanding editorial content while also sharpening your directorial joy.  It’s a delight to create magic out of a box with just your fingers and a few megapixels.

6 Comments

  1. ANNE – I live and teach on the upper West Coast of the United States. My interests are Philosophy, English, and Social Communication.
    ANNE says:

    Neat, David. Is the thing heavy to use? It looks bulky.

  2. David Boles – New York City – David Boles was born in Nebraska and holds an MFA from the Oscar Hammerstein II Center for Theatre Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York. He is an author, dramatist, editor, publisher, and teacher who writes across the live stage, print, radio, television, film, and the web. With more than 50 books in print, David continues to write 2MM words a year and has authored over 25K articles. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, the Authors Guild, and PEN America, and founded The United Stage advocacy platform on the principle that playwrights have a duty to direct their own work. Read the Prairie Voice Archive at Boles.com | Buy his books at David Boles Books Writing & Publishing at BolesBooks.com | Study with Script Professor at ScriptProfessor.com | Touch American Sign Language mastery at Hardcore ASL at HardcoreASL.com | Explore the Human Meme podcast at HumanMeme.com | Train with Boles Bells at BolesBells.com.
    David W. Boles says:

    I don’t think it’s bulky at all, Anne. I use a Slik tripod for most of my work so weight and bulk really isn’t an issue for me.

  3. ANNE – I live and teach on the upper West Coast of the United States. My interests are Philosophy, English, and Social Communication.
    ANNE says:

    Sound?

  4. David Boles – New York City – David Boles was born in Nebraska and holds an MFA from the Oscar Hammerstein II Center for Theatre Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York. He is an author, dramatist, editor, publisher, and teacher who writes across the live stage, print, radio, television, film, and the web. With more than 50 books in print, David continues to write 2MM words a year and has authored over 25K articles. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, the Authors Guild, and PEN America, and founded The United Stage advocacy platform on the principle that playwrights have a duty to direct their own work. Read the Prairie Voice Archive at Boles.com | Buy his books at David Boles Books Writing & Publishing at BolesBooks.com | Study with Script Professor at ScriptProfessor.com | Touch American Sign Language mastery at Hardcore ASL at HardcoreASL.com | Explore the Human Meme podcast at HumanMeme.com | Train with Boles Bells at BolesBells.com.
    David W. Boles says:

    5.1 surround. As you zoom in and out, the sound “adapts” to the environmental change, Anne. Really quite special.

  5. Kathakali Chatterjee – Hyderabad, India – Professionally, I have an interesting concoction of experience -- from entertainment industry to retailing to executive education -- the journey is still on. When I don't work, I love to travel, read, listen to music and watch movies.
    Kathakali Chatterjee says:

    Awesome picture quality – David!

  6. David Boles – New York City – David Boles was born in Nebraska and holds an MFA from the Oscar Hammerstein II Center for Theatre Studies at Columbia University in the City of New York. He is an author, dramatist, editor, publisher, and teacher who writes across the live stage, print, radio, television, film, and the web. With more than 50 books in print, David continues to write 2MM words a year and has authored over 25K articles. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, the Authors Guild, and PEN America, and founded The United Stage advocacy platform on the principle that playwrights have a duty to direct their own work. Read the Prairie Voice Archive at Boles.com | Buy his books at David Boles Books Writing & Publishing at BolesBooks.com | Study with Script Professor at ScriptProfessor.com | Touch American Sign Language mastery at Hardcore ASL at HardcoreASL.com | Explore the Human Meme podcast at HumanMeme.com | Train with Boles Bells at BolesBells.com.
    David W. Boles says:

    Thank you, my Katha! SMILE!

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