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Sony Handycam HDR-CX12 Handbook
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Sony Handycam HDR-CX12 Handbook

Digital hd video camera recorder
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See also: Service Manual , Operating Manual
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Handycam Handbook
HDR-CX12
2008 Sony Corporation
3-876-054-11(1)
Enjoying your
camcorder
Getting Started
Recording/Playback 22
Editing
Utilizing recording
media
Customizing your
camcorder
Troubleshooting
Additional Information
Quick Reference
8
14
44
56
59
84
94
104

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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam HDR-CX12

  • Page 1 Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Handycam Handbook HDR-CX12 2008 Sony Corporation  3-876-054-11(1) Enjoying your camcorder Getting Started Recording/Playback 22 Editing Utilizing recording media Customizing your camcorder Troubleshooting Additional Information Quick Reference...

  • Page 2: Read This Before Operating Your Camcorder

    Stick” compatible equipment. Using the camcorder Do not hold the camcorder by the following  parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by the jack covers. The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed  or waterproofed. See “About handling of your camcorder”...
  • Page 3 It is recommended that you save your image  data periodically after recording. Notes on inserting the camcorder into the Handycam Station The camcorder must be fully inserted to ensure  good contact. Connect cables to the connectors of the ...
  • Page 4 About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Read this before operating your camcorder ...2 Subject examples and solutions ...7 Enjoying your camcorder Operation flow ...8 “ HOME” and “ OPTION” - Taking advantage of two types of menus ... 11 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ... 14 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...
  • Page 6 Indicators displayed during recording/ playback ...110 Glossary ...112 Index ...113 OPTION MENU About the AVCHD format ... 97 About the “Memory Stick” ... 97 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ... 98 About x.v.Color ... 99 About handling of your camcorder ... 99...

  • Page 7: Subject Examples And Solutions

    Checking your golf swing  SMTH SLW REC ..29 Capturing still images during movie recording  Dual Rec ..28 A child on the stage under a spot light  SPOTLIGHT ..80 Fireworks with all their splendor  FIREWORKS ..80  FOCUS ..79 Getting a good shot of a ski slope or beach  Backlight ...29...

  • Page 8: Enjoying Your Camcorder

     Play back the images.  Viewing on the LCD screen of your camcorder (p. 31)  Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 38) You can enjoy highly-detailed, brilliant quality HD (high definition) movies.
  • Page 9  Save recorded images.  Dubbing to other devices (p. 51) The dubbing image quality (HD (high definition)/SD (standard definition)) varies depending on the connected device. For details, see page 51.  Editing on a computer (p. 43) Using the supplied application software “PMB,” you can import images to a computer, and save images on a disc.
  • Page 10 ** Movies are recorded with AVCHD 1440 × 1080/60i format.  Notes When using a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The recordable time for movies  varies depending on the recording conditions, subject conditions, and the type of “Memory Stick.”...

  • Page 11: Home" And " Option" - Taking Advantage Of Two Types Of Menus

    “ HOME” and “ - Taking advantage of two types of menus “ HOME MENU” - the starting point for operations with your camcorder Category  Categories and items of the HOME MENU (CAMERA) category Item MOVIE* PHOTO* SMTH SLW REC...
  • Page 12 Using the HOME MENU While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to turn on the power. (HOME)  (or ). Press (HOME)  (HOME)  Touch the desired category. Example: (OTHERS) category Touch the desired item.
  • Page 13 Touch the item you want to learn more about. When you touch an item, its explanation appears on the screen. To apply the option, touch [YES], otherwise, touch [NO]. To deactivate the HELP Touch (HELP) again in step 2. Using the OPTION MENU Just a touch on the screen during shooting or playback displays the functions available at that moment.

  • Page 14: Getting Started

    Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you have the following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (1) 4 GB AC Adaptor (1) (p. 15) Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p.

  • Page 15: Step 2: Charging The Battery Pack

    Notes You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery  pack other than the H series to your camcorder. Connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on the Handycam Station. Be sure that the  mark on the DC plug is facing up.
  • Page 16  Notes Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN  jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug. To remove the battery pack Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Slide the BATT (battery) release lever and remove the battery pack.
  • Page 17 The power will not be supplied from the  battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder or the Handycam Station, even when the power cord (mains lead) is disconnected from the wall Typical recording outlet (wall socket).

  • Page 18: Step 3: Setting The Date And Time

     Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction. Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  source (mains) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor.

  • Page 19: Changing The Language Setting

    To turn off the power Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).  Notes If you do not use your camcorder for about  3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the built-in rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p.

  • Page 20: Step 4: Making Setting Adjustments Before Recording

    Adjusting the LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (). DISP/BATT INFO 90 degrees (max.) 90 degrees to the camcorder 180 degrees (max.) To turn off the LCD backlight to make the...

  • Page 21: Step 5: Inserting A "Memory Stick Pro Duo

    Step 5: Inserting a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” For types of “Memory Stick” you can use in your camcorder, see page 2.  Tips For the number/time of recordable images, see  the following pages. Movie (p. 10)  Still image (p. 66) ...

  • Page 22: Recording/Playback

    Recording/Playback Recording and playback with ease (Easy Handycam operation) Easy Handycam operation makes nearly all settings automatic so that you can perform recording or playback operations without detailed settings. It also makes the screen font size larger for easy viewing. Recording movies Slide the POWER switch ...
  • Page 23 Playing back recorded movies/still images Slide the POWER switch  to turn on your camcorder. (VIEW IMAGES)  (or ). Press The [VISUAL INDEX] screen appears on the LCD screen (It may take some seconds). HOME MENU Previous 6 images...
  • Page 24  Tips When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the [VISUAL  INDEX] screen. You can slow down the playback speed by touching  You can adjust the volume by touching  Still images: Touch the tab, then select the desired still image to play back.

  • Page 25: Recording

    /CHG (charge) lamp  Tips For types of “Memory Stick” you can use in  your camcorder, see page 2. You can check the recordable time and the  remaining capacity, etc., by touching (HOME)  (or )  (MANAGE MEDIA) ...
  • Page 26 In the default setting, a still image is recorded  automatically on a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” when the camcorder detects a smile of a person during movie recording ([SMILE SHUTTER], p. 68). An orange frame appears around a face targeted for possible smile detection shot.

  • Page 27: Zooming

     with HD (high definition) image quality, you need an AVCHD format device compatible with 5.1ch surround. When you connect your camcorder with an  HDMI cable (optional), the sound of movies with HD (high definition) image quality is automatically output in 5.1ch sound. The sound of the movies with SD (standard definition) image quality is converted to 2ch.

  • Page 28: Starting Shooting Quickly (Quick On)

     not operate your camcorder for a certain period during sleep mode. You can set the time that you want the camcorder to remain on before automatically turning off in sleep mode ([QUICK ON STBY], (p. 75)). Recording high quality still images...

  • Page 29: Adjusting The Exposure For Backlit

    To cancel the back light function, press  (back light) again. Recording in mirror mode Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side ().  Tips A mirror-image of the subject appears on the ...

  • Page 30: Controlling The Image Settings Manually With The Camera Control Dial

    [RECORD SOUND]  Select [ON] ( ) to superimpose sounds such as conversation on the slow motion pictures (The default setting is [OFF]). Your camcorder records sounds for about 12 seconds while [Recording…] is displayed in step .  Notes Sounds cannot be recorded while shooting a ...

  • Page 31: Playback

    Closes when an INDEX screen appears (HOME)  (HOME)  (VIEW IMAGES)  Slide the POWER switch  to turn on your camcorder. (VIEW IMAGES)  (or ). Press The [VISUAL INDEX] screen appears on the LCD screen (It may take some seconds).
  • Page 32 Start playing back. Playing movies Touch the Returns (to the [VISUAL INDEX] screen) Beginning of the movie/ previous movie Volume Stops (goes to the [VISUAL INDEX] screen)  Tips When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the INDEX ...

  • Page 33: Searching For Desired Scene By Pinpoint (Film Roll Index)

    INDEX screen. You can start playing back a movie from the selected thumbnail. Slide the POWER switch to turn on the camcorder, and press IMAGES). The [VISUAL INDEX] screen appears. Touch (Film Roll Index).

  • Page 34: Searching For Desired Images By Date (Date Index)

    Notes You cannot use the Date Index function for still  images. Slide the POWER switch to turn on the camcorder, and press IMAGES). The [VISUAL INDEX] screen appears. Touch the Touch the date on the screen. The recording dates of images are displayed on the screen.

  • Page 35: Playing Back A Series Of Still Images (Slide Show)

    Playing back a series of still images (Slide show) Touch on the still image playback screen. The slide show begins from the selected still image. Touch to stop the slide show. To restart, touch again.  Notes You cannot operate playback zoom during slide ...

  • Page 36: Playing The Image On A Tv

    Some settings may need to be adjusted on the TV when playing back. Refer to the instruction manual of your TV for details. Operation flow You can connect your camcorder to the TV easily following the instructions displayed on the LCD screen, [TV CONNECT Guide].
  • Page 37 Selecting the most advantageous connection - TV CONNECT Guide Your camcorder will advise you of the most advantageous way of connecting your TV. Turn on your camcorder, and touch (HOME)  (OTHERS)  [TV CONNECT Guide]. If the item is not on the screen, touch to change the page.
  • Page 38 Images recorded with HD (high definition) image quality are played back with HD (high definition) image quality. Images recorded with SD (standard definition) image quality are played back with SD (standard definition) image quality. Type Camcorder Component A/V cable (supplied) ...
  • Page 39 Some TVs may not function correctly (e.g., no sound or image) with this connection.  Do not connect the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder and HDMI OUT jack of the external device with  the HDMI cable. This may cause a malfunction.
  • Page 40 16:9 signal, touch  [WIDE SELECT]  [4:3] on your camcorder when recording an image (p. 63). Type Camcorder Component A/V cable (supplied)  Notes If you connect only component video plugs, audio signals are not output. Connect the white and red ...
  • Page 41 TV HD.” “Photo TV HD” allows for highly-detailed, photo-like depiction of subtle textures and colors. By connecting Sony’s Photo TV HD-compatible devices using an HDMI cable* or a component A/ V cable**, a whole new world of photos can be enjoyed in breathtaking full HD quality.
  • Page 42 (SETTINGS)  [GENERAL SET]  [CTRL FOR HDMI]  [ON] (the default setting). Also set your TV. Refer to the instruction  manual of the TV for details. Tips  If you turn off the TV, your camcorder is turned  off simultaneously. (HOME)

  • Page 43: Saving Images

    You can save the images recorded on the camcorder as described below. Saving images using a computer By using “PMB” on the supplied CD-ROM, you can save images recorded on your camcorder with HD (high definition) image quality or SD (standard definition) image quality.

  • Page 44: Editing

    Editing (OTHERS) category This category enables you to edit the images on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.” Also, you can enjoy your camcorder by connecting to other devices. (OTHERS) category Item list DELETE You can delete images on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...

  • Page 45: Deleting Images

     deleted. Do not remove the battery pack or the AC  Adaptor from your camcorder, and do not eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” while deleting images. It may damage the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.” When write-protection is set to the images ...
  • Page 46 Deleting still images (HOME)  Touch  [DELETE]. Touch [ DELETE]. Touch [ DELETE]. Touch the still image to be deleted. The selected still image is marked with Press and hold the still image on the LCD screen to confirm. Touch to return to the previous screen.

  • Page 47: Capturing A Still Image From A Movie

    Capturing a still image from a movie You can save a selected frame from a recorded movie as a still image. Set the image quality of the movie you want to create still images from beforehand (p. 56). (HOME)  Touch ...

  • Page 48: Dividing A Movie

    Notes You cannot restore movies once they are  divided. Do not remove the battery pack or the AC  Adaptor from your camcorder, and do not eject   (OTHERS)   the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” while dividing the movie.

  • Page 49: Creating The Playlist

     Notes Do not remove the battery pack or the AC  Adaptor from your camcorder, and do not eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” while adding movies. It may damage the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.” You cannot add still images to a Playlist.

  • Page 50: Images During

    Playing the Playlist Set the image quality in which you want to create/play/edit a Playlist beforehand (p. 56). (HOME)  Touch IMAGES)  [PLAYLIST]. The Playlist screen appears. Touch the movie you want to play back. The Playlist is played back from the selected movie to the end, then the screen returns to the Playlist screen.

  • Page 51: Dubbing To Other Devices

    Dubbing to other devices Connecting with the A/V connecting cable You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders. Connect the device in either of the following ways. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.
  • Page 52  settings display, touch (SETTINGS)  [OUTPUT SETTINGS]  [DISP OUTPUT]  [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 73). When you are connecting your camcorder to a  monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack,...
  • Page 53 Connect the  (USB) jack of your camcorder and a DVD writer, etc., with the supplied USB cable. The [USB SELECT] screen appears automatically. Touch [ USB CONNECT]. Operate the connected device, and start recording. For details, refer to the instruction manuals supplied with the connected device.

  • Page 54: Printing Recorded Still Images (Pictbridge Compliant Printer)

    You can print out still images using a PictBridge compliant printer, without connecting the camcorder to a computer. Turn on the printer. Insert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” containing still images into your camcorder. Connect the Handycam Station to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor.
  • Page 55 The operations may not be performed properly. Operate the POWER switch  Press (VIEW IMAGES)  Remove your camcorder from the Handycam  Station Disconnect the USB cable from your  camcorder, the Handycam Station or the printer Eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...

  • Page 56: Utilizing Recording Media

    “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (p. 58). Setting the image quality You can select the image quality for recording/playback/editing on your camcorder. In the default setting, the image quality is set to HD (high definition). Tips  You can perform recording/playback/editing ...

  • Page 57: Checking The "Memory Stick Pro Duo" Information

    You should save important images to other devices before formatting (p. 43, 51). Connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder and to a wall outlet (wall socket). Turn on your camcorder. Insert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...

  • Page 58: Repairing The Image Database File

    Touch [YES]   Notes Do not apply mechanical shock or vibration  to your camcorder, and do not remove the AC Adaptor or the battery pack, or eject “Memory Stick PRO Duo” from your camcorder during the operation. (MANAGE...

  • Page 59: Customizing Your Camcorder

    Customizing your camcorder What you can do with the HOME MENU You can change the recording functions and the operating settings for your convenience. Using the HOME MENU Turn on your camcorder, then press (HOME). (HOME) (HOME) (SETTINGS) category Touch (SETTINGS).

  • Page 60: List Of The (Settings) Category Items

    List of the (SETTINGS) category items MOVIE SETTINGS (p. 62) Items REC MODE AUDIO MODE AE SHIFT WB SHIFT NIGHTSHOT LIGHT WIDE SELECT DIGITAL ZOOM STEADYSHOT AUTO SLW SHUTTR X.V.COLOR GUIDEFRAME ZEBRA REMAINING SET SUB-T DATE FLASH MODE* FLASH LEVEL REDEYE REDUC DIAL SETTING CONVERSION LENS...
  • Page 61 GENERAL SET (p. 5) Items DEMO MODE REC LAMP CALIBRATION A.SHUT OFF QUICK ON STBY REMOTE CTRL CTRL FOR HDMI You can set these items also during Easy Handycam operation (p. 22). [SOUND SETTINGS] (during Easy Handycam operation) You can set functions other than [FRAME SETTING] during Easy Handycam operation.

  • Page 62: Movie Settings

    (Items for recording movies) Touch , then . If the item is not on the screen, touch to change the page. How to set (HOME) menu  page 59 (OPTION) menu  page 76 The default settings are marked with . REC MODE (Recording mode) You can select a recording mode to record a movie with HD (high definition) image...
  • Page 63 Tips  When the white balance is set to a lower value,  images appear bluish, and when set to a higher value, images appear reddish. You can also adjust the setting manually using  the CAMERA CONTROL dial (p. 30). NIGHTSHOT LIGHT When using either the NightShot (p.
  • Page 64 Stick PRO Duo” indicator. AUTO Displays the remaining recording time of movies for about 8 seconds in the following situations. When your camcorder recognizes the  remaining “Memory Stick PRO Duo” capacity when the POWER switch is set to (Movie) When you press DISP/BATT INFO to ...
  • Page 65 FLASH MODE You can select the flash setting when you record still images with the built-in flash or an external flash (optional) that is compatible with your camcorder.  AUTO Automatically flashes when there is insufficient ambient light. ON ( ) Always uses the flash regardless of the surrounding brightness.

  • Page 66: Photo Settings

    (p. 110).  Notes When using a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” made  by Sony Corporation. The number of recordable still images varies depending on the recording conditions or type of “Memory Stick.” The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid ...
  • Page 67 AE SHIFT See page 62. WB SHIFT (White Balance Shift) See page 62. NIGHTSHOT LIGHT See page 63. STEADYSHOT See page 63. GUIDEFRAME See page 64. ZEBRA See page 64. FLASH MODE See page 65. FLASH LEVEL See page 65. REDEYE REDUC See page 65.

  • Page 68: Face Func. Set

    (p. 29). SMILE SHUTTER You can adjust the settings for the SMILE SHUTTER. DETECTION SET The shutter is released when the camcorder detects a smile.  DUAL CAPTURE ( Only during movie recording, the shutter is released automatically, when the camcorder detects a smile.
  • Page 69  Notes Smiles may not be detected depending on the  recording conditions, subject conditions and the settings of your camcorder. When [DUAL CAPTURE] is selected,  appears on the LCD screen in movie recording standby, and changes into recording starts.

  • Page 70: View Images Set

     The data code is displayed on the TV screen if  you connect your camcorder to a TV. The indicator toggles through the following  sequences as you press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander: [DATE/TIME] ...
  • Page 71 Playlist. Thumbnail  Glossary (p. 112)  ZOOM LINK Change the number of thumbnails (6 or 12) with the power zoom lever on your camcorder.* 6IMAGES Displays thumbnails of 6 images. 12IMAGES Displays thumbnails of 12 images.

  • Page 72: Sound/Disp Set

    Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the LCD screen.  Notes When you connect your camcorder to a wall  outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is ...

  • Page 73: Output Settings

    The aspect ratio of the image recorded with HD  (high definition) image quality is 16:9. When you connect your camcorder to a TV  compatible with the ID-1/ID-2 system, set [TV TYPE] to [16:9]. The TV switches to full mode automatically.

  • Page 74: (Items For When Connecting Other Devices) Clock/ Lang

    AREA SET You can adjust a time difference without stopping the clock. Set your local area using using your camcorder in other time zones. Refer to the world time difference on page DST SET/SUMMERTIME You can change this setting without stopping the clock.

  • Page 75: General Set

    When you press (HOME) or  IMAGES) REC LAMP (Recording lamp) The camera recording lamp on the front of your camcorder lights up, as the default setting is [ON]. CALIBRATION See page 101. A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)  5min...

  • Page 76: Activating Functions Using The

    Various available functions are displayed. Using the OPTION MENU While using your camcorder, touch (OPTION) on the screen. (OPTION) Touch the desired item. If you cannot find the desired item, touch another tab to change the page.

  • Page 77: Recording Items On The Option Menu

    Recording items on the OPTION MENU Items SPOT MTR/FCS SPOT METER SPOT FOCUS TELE MACRO EXPOSURE FOCUS AE SHIFT WB SHIFT SCENE SELECTION WHITE BAL. COLOR SLOW SHTR SUPER NIGHTSHOT FADER D.EFFECT PICT.EFFECT REC MODE BLT-IN ZOOM MIC MICREF LEVEL IMAGE SIZE SELF-TIMER TIMING...

  • Page 78: Functions Set In The Option Menu

    Items you can set only on the (OPTION) menu will be described below. The default settings are marked with . SPOT MTR/FCS (Spot meter focus) You can adjust the brightness and the focus of a picture at the same time. You can use the functions [SPOT METER] (p.

  • Page 79: Focus

    To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO]   Notes The minimum possible distance between  camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.  Tips It is easier to focus on the subject by moving ...

  • Page 80: Spotlight

    Select to take spectacular shots of fireworks. LANDSCAPE* ( Select to shoot distant subjects clearly. This setting also prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows between the camcorder and the subject. PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) (...
  • Page 81  [AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after inside use (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. When the white balance has been set with ...
  • Page 82  Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 79)  when it is hard to focus automatically. The shutter speed of your camcorder changes  depending on the brightness, which may result in a slowdown of the motion of the image.
  • Page 83 SELF-TIMER When you set this to [ON], Press PHOTO to start the count down, a still image is recorded after about 10 seconds. To cancel the count down, touch [RESET]. To cancel the self-timer, select [OFF].  Tips You can also operate by pressing PHOTO on ...

  • Page 84: Troubleshooting

    If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Overall operations/Easy Handycam  operation/Remote Commander ... 84 Batteries/Power sources ... 85 ...

  • Page 85: Batteries/Power Sources

     correctly (p. 15). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged. The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.

  • Page 86: Lcd Screen

    (p. 45). Total number of movie scenes or still  images exceeds the recordable capacity on your camcorder (p. 10, 66). Delete unnecessary images (p. 45). You cannot record a still image. You cannot record a still image together ...
  • Page 87 There is a time difference between the point where you press START/STOP and the point that the recorded movie starts/stops. On your camcorder, there may be a slight  time difference between the point where you press START/STOP and the actual point that recording movie starts/stops.

  • Page 88: Playing Back

    You cannot adjust [LCD BL LEVEL]. You cannot adjust [LCD BL LEVEL] when:  The LCD panel is closed on your  camcorder with the LCD screen facing out. The power is supplied from the AC  Adaptor. Playing back Movies cannot be played back.

  • Page 89: Editing Images On Your Camcorder

    Editing images on your camcorder Unable to edit. Unable to edit because of the condition of  the image. Images cannot be added in the Playlist. There is no free space in the “Memory Stick  PRO Duo.” You can add no more than 999 movies ...

  • Page 90: Functions That Cannot Be Used Simultaneously

    Functions that cannot be used simultaneously The following list shows examples of unworkable combinations of functions and menu items. The buttons of unavailable items are grayed out. A message may appear. Cannot use Because of following settings BACK LIGHT [SPOT MTR/FCS], [SPOT METER], [FIREWORKS], [MANUAL] in [EXPOSURE] [FACE...

  • Page 91: Warning Indicators And Messages

    If indicators appear on the LCD screen, check the following. If the problem persists even after you have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:04:00 C:(or E:) : (Self-diagnosis display) C:04:...

  • Page 92: Still Image Recording

    The amount of light is not sufficient, so  camera-shake easily occurs. Use the flash. The camcorder is unsteady, so camera-  shake easily occurs. Hold the camcorder steady with both hands and record the image. However, note that the camera- shake warning indicator does not disappear.
  • Page 93 Cannot recover data. Writing data onto the “Memory Stick PRO  Duo” of the camcorder has failed. Attempts were made to recover the data, but they were unsuccessful.  PictBridge compliant printer Not connected to PictBridge compatible printer.

  • Page 94: Additional Information

    VIDEO input jacks. An A/V connecting cable must be connected. On TV color systems Your camcorder is an NTSC-system- based camcorder. If you want to view the playback image on a TV, it must be an NTSC-system-based TV with an AUDIO/ VIDEO input jack.
  • Page 95 Setting to the local time You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your (HOME)  camcorder abroad. Touch [AREA SET] and [DST SET] or [SUMMERTIME] (p. 74). World time difference...

  • Page 96: File/Folder Structure On The "Memory Stick Pro Duo

    The file/folder structure is shown below. You do not usually need to acknowledge the file/folder structure, when recording/playing back images on the camcorder. See the supplied software help, “PMB Guide” to play back movies and still images on a connected computer.

  • Page 97: Maintenance And Precautions

    (the data will not be compensated for): If you eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,”  or turn off your camcorder while your camcorder is reading or writing image files on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (while the access lamp is lit or flashing) If you use the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...

  • Page 98: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    If you cannot use a “Memory Stick PRO  Duo” that has been used with another device, format it with your camcorder (p. 57). Note that formatting erases all information on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.” You may not be able to play back images with ...

  • Page 99: About X.v.color

    About x.v.Color x.v.Color is a more familiar term for the xvYCC  standard proposed by Sony, and is a trademark of Sony. xvYCC is an international standard for color  space in video. This standard can express a wider color range than the currently used broadcast standard.
  • Page 100 If any solid object or liquid gets inside the  casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  modifying, physical shock, or impact such as hammering, dropping or stepping on the product.
  • Page 101  rotated, or closed with the screen facing out. On handling the casing If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body  with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water, and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.
  • Page 102 Stick” and “MagicGate Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  Corporation. “x.v.Color” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  “BIONZ” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  “BRAVIA” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. ...
  • Page 103 Source code is provided on the web. Use the following URL to download it. When downloading the source code, select HDR-CX12 as the model for your camcorder. http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/ We would prefer you do not contact us about the contents of source code.

  • Page 104: Quick Reference

    Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.  Power zoom lever (27, 34)  PHOTO button (22, 26)  POWER switch (18)  START/STOP button (22, 25)  Battery pack (15)  (Movie)/ (Still) mode lamp (18) ...
  • Page 105 The accessory can be turned on or off as you operate the POWER switch on your camcorder. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your accessory for details. The Active Interface Shoe has a safety device for fixing the installed accessory securely.
  • Page 106  DISP/BATT INFO button (16, 20)  NIGHTSHOT switch (28)   (back light) button (29)  (HOME) button (12, 59)  Zoom buttons (27, 34)  START/STOP button (22, 25)  LCD screen/touch panel (20)  Memory Stick Duo slot (21) ...
  • Page 107 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw.  BATT (battery) release lever (16)  Interface connector Connects your camcorder to the Handycam Station. Handycam Station:  (DISC BURN) button (43) ...
  • Page 108  Remote Commander. Insulation sheet Point the Remote Commander towards the  remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p. 105). When no commands have been sent from the  Remote Commander in a certain period, the orange frame disappears. When you press any of ...
  • Page 109 Remote Commander may shorten, or the Remote Commander may not function properly. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

  • Page 110: Indicators Displayed During Recording/Playback

    Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording movies Recording still images Viewing movies Viewing still images  HOME button (12, 59)  Remaining battery (approx.) (16)  Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording))  Recording quality (HD/SD) and recording mode (FH/HQ/SP/LP) (62) ...
  • Page 111 Indicators when you made changes Following indicators appear during recording/playback to indicate the settings of your camcorder. Upper left Bottom Upper left Indicator Meaning AUDIO MODE (62) Self-timer recording (83) Flash/REDEYE REDUC (65) BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (82) MICREF LEVEL low...

  • Page 112: Glossary

    MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group, the group of standards for the coding (image compression) of video (movie) and audio. There are MPEG1 and MPEG2 formats. Your camcorder records movies with SD (standard definition) image quality in MPEG2 format.  MPEG-4 AVC/H.264...

  • Page 113: Index

    Index Numeric 1080i/480i ... 73 16:9 ... 73 16:9 WIDE ... 63 4:3 ... 63, 73 4:3 TV ... 39 480i ... 73 5.1ch surround recording... 27 A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off) ... 75 A/V connecting cable ... 14, 40, 51 A/V OUT jack ...
  • Page 114 HELP ... 12 Holding the camcorder ... 20 HOME MENU ... 11, 59 Icon ... 110 ID-1/ID-2 ... 73 Image management files ... 96 IMAGE SIZE ... 66 Indicators ... 111 INDOOR ... 81 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ... 98 JPEG ... 96, 112 LANDSCAPE ...
  • Page 115 SMILE PRIORITY ... 69 SMILE SENSITIVITY ... 69 SMILE SHUTTER ... 68 SMTH SLW REC ... 29 SNOW ... 80 SOUND/DISP SET... 72 SPOT FOCUS ... 78 SPOTLIGHT ... 80 SPOT METER (Flexible spot meter) ... 78 SPOT MTR/FCS (Spot meter focus) ... 78 STEADYSHOT ...

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