The world of amateur video cameras has become like some sort of nauseating spin on the Zipper. On one end of the spectrum there are the ever-shrinking, standard-definition recorders (Exhibit A: Flip Mino). These shooters are built for portability, easy uploads and web distribution. They're lightweight cameras with lightweight files and lightweight video quality — watching footage outside the confines of YouTube is kinda like getting a root canal sans anesthesia. But at the upper deck of the spectrum, we find the exact opposite: high-priced, finely designed, and exquisitely tailored high-def camcorders like Sony's HDR-SR12, a maxed-out AVCHD viddie shooter packed to the gills with features, controls and a massive (for the moment) 120GB hard drive.
Dishing out a hefty helping of HD, the SR12 is a lot of camera, both in your hand and under the hood. The upgraded CMOS sensor and Bionz image processor have significantly improved image quality and stomped out even more noise. High-def is good, there's no doubt, but without quick, sharp focus, it all looks like a Monet from a foot away. Sony's face-detection system, which works snappily for video and the 10.2-megapixel stills, is very effective both up close and at long range. Shooting an outdoor kids' concert with lots of contrast, subject shifts and wide-to-tele transitions, the SR12, with its spacious 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD, impressively handled it all with quick exposure changes, focus tracking and pleasingly saturated colors across the spectrum.
OK, so it makes great video, but what about the controls? Well, for versatility and ease of use this HD hunk has few equals. For those who fly on manual, the Cam Control Dial is like piloting an F22. Neatly nestled next to the lens, the silver nubbin is a twisty twirly festival of videographic functionality, providing quick access to manual adjustments of exposure, focus, white balance and aperture to indulge your inner Janusz Kaminski.