Sony Handycam HDR-SR12

I've had this camera for about 9 months now, and the more I use it, the happier I am with it. The takes absolutely beautiful video, and with the larger battery that I purchased, I can shoot with it… seemingly forever without having to worry about running out of juice or storage, which is great. I've done several projects with it now and am extremely happy with the results. After having used mini dv for years, it's so nice to not have to deal with the tape. You just plug the camera into your computer via a usb cable, hit one button, and a few min later you have all the video on your hard drive, broken down into different segments just like you shot it. I love it! After using it a lot though I do have some suggestions to consider for those debating whether or not to purchase it: 1) you need a pretty beefy computer if you expect to edit or even watch the video you shoot. My 4-core desktop machine works flawlessly with the video, but my 2-core laptop doesn't do near as well. 2) you'll need some "serious" software to edit or assemble the video. The Mpeg-transport stream that comes off the camera is not a format that you can expect to "just use". You can't send it to friends "as is" and expect them to watch it, or upload it to a phone or a website and expect others to be able to see it. You really need some sort of editor (like Premiere or Final Cut) if you want to effectively work with it. If your needs are simpler, and you mainly just want to shoot family outings and put it on the web or something, this camera may prove much more hassle then it's worth. 3) it's true that in low light, the video is pretty poor. Very grainy. For me that's not a very serious limitation, but for some it might be a consideration.

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Hey, I bought this camera recently and am impressed with its quality. However, I have a problem. I am unable to transfer video taken in HD mode to my computer(PIV Service Pack II, 2GB RAM,320GB Hard Disc… space and 3.05Ghz processor) The video is all in MTS Stream and when downloaded in the PC, it plays back very slowly and with jerks, while the same video plays perfectly and then some, on the TV, when the camera is connected to the TV directly. The software is installed but.......I need help guys!! BR Dehra Dun, India

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Good Handicam but very delicate The camera is by far wonderful in the quality of pictures and the ease of use but Sony in its aim to sell accessories did not provide any kind of wrist strap or even… privition to add one that you can buy their solution is "Sony LCS-SRC Carrying Case" in spite of the warnings on the review I bought the case it. While it is a very good camcorder you need one hand completely dedicated to handle. If you are with kids and they need your help then you need to put the camera into a case or something. No easy way to just hang it around your neck or even on your wrist or. I thought the case would be handy and bought it, but with my wide angle lens the camera barely fits in even after expanding it. Bottom line my wife was handling the camera my daughter asked for help with her shoe lace, she put the camera in the case and closed the cover but the Velcro did not lock properly I guess the camera fell from the case. I took it to a Sony service center they say the lens assembly is gone going to cost me $450 to get it fixed. A simple thing like a wrist strap would have been very helpful and simple fall on a soft surface should not make this much damage, I guess the smaller they make these things the more delicate they become. I love the quality of the videos but $450 is still a lot of money over what I paid for the camera.

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