Sony Handycam HDR-CX12

Experts and users are impressed with the Sony Handycam HDR-CX12's image quality, especially for an under-$1,000 camcorder. However, critics do note several drawbacks. The camcorder is small (only 5.5 inches long) and very portable, meaning its LCD viewfinder/touch screen is also small This camcorder lacks a few features that bigger models have room for: There's no microphone jack, headphone jack, eyepiece viewfinder or video light. The USB jack is on the camcorder's docking cradle, so you have to dock it if you want to transfer video to your computer via USB. The HDR-CX12 has no built-in memory, and it accepts only Sony Memory Sticks. Less experienced users appreciate the easy mode that lets the camcorder do all the work, but experts say the touch-screen interface can get confusing if you try to control the camcorder yourself. Testers say the HDR-CX12 records good audio unless it's windy -- there's no wind filter.

CamcorderInfo.com's exhaustive testing is a tough act to follow, but CNET and Macworld also offer comprehensive looks at the Sony HDR-CX12. ConsumerReports.org's testing is well respected, but its camcorder tests are outdated, and it compares the HDR-CX12 only with older models. User reviews at Amazon.com describe the HDR-CX12's real-life performance.