Sony Handycam HDRCX12 User Manual

							3-876-054-11(1)
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Handycam Handbook
HDR-CX12
 2008 Sony Corporation
Getting StartedEditing
Utilizing recording  media
Customizing your  camcorder
Troubleshooting
Additional Information Quick Reference
Enjoying your camcorder 8
Recording/Playback22
14
44
56
59
84
94
104 
						

							2
Read this before operating your camcorder
Before operating the unit, please read this 
Handbook thoroughly, and retain it for 
future reference.
Notes on use
In “Handycam Handbook” (this Handbook)
The operations and handling of your 
camcorder are explained. Refer also to 
“Operating Guide” (the separate volume).
Handling the images recorded on your 
camcorder on the computer
Refer to “PMB Guide” stored on the 
supplied CD-ROM.
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use in your 
camcorder
 For recording movies, it is recommended that 
you use a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of 1 GB or 
larger marked with:
  *  
*  Marked with  Mark2 or not, either can be 
used.
  See page 10 for the recordable time of a 
“Memory Stick PRO Duo.”
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”/“Memory Stick 
PRO-HG Duo”  
(This size can be used with your camcorder.)
“Memory Stick”  
(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)
  “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and “Memory Stick 
PRO-HG Duo” are both referred to as “Memory 
Stick PRO Duo” in this manual.
  You cannot use any type of memory card other 
than those mentioned above.
  “Memory Stick PRO Duo” can be used  only with “Memory Stick PRO” compatible 
equipment.
 
Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory 
Stick PRO Duo” or a Memory Stick Duo 
adaptor.
  Insert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” into 
the Memory Stick Duo adaptor when using 
a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” with “Memory 
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.
LCD screen Battery pack
  The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed 
or waterproofed. See “About handling of your 
camcorder” (p.
  99). Do not eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 
when the access lamp (p.
  21) is lit or flashing. 
Otherwise, the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” may 
be damaged, recorded images may be lost or 
other malfunctions could occur.
  Do not do any of the following when the  
(Movie)/ (Still) mode lamp (p. 18), access 
lamp (p.
  21) or the QUICK ON lamp (p.  28) is 
lit or flashing. Otherwise, the “Memory Stick 
PRO Duo” may be damaged, recorded images 
may be lost or other malfunctions could occur. 
  Remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor or 
Handycam Station from the camcorder
  Apply mechanical shock or vibration to the 
camcorder
  When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick 
PRO Duo,” be careful so that the “Memory 
Stick PRO Duo” does not pop out and drop.
  When connecting your camcorder to another 
device with a cable, be sure to insert the 
connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the 
plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the 
terminal and may result in a malfunction of 
your camcorder. 
						

							
About menu items, LCD panel and lens
 A menu item that is grayed out is not available 
under the current recording or playback 
conditions.
  The LCD screen is manufactured using 
extremely high-precision technology, so over 
99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective 
use. However, there may be some tiny black 
points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, 
or green in color) that appear constantly on the 
LCD screen. These points are normal results of 
the manufacturing process and do not affect the 
recording in any way.
  Exposing the LCD screen or the lens to direct 
sunlight for long periods of time may cause 
malfunctions.
  Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause 
your camcorder to malfunction. Take images of 
the sun only in low light conditions, such as at 
dusk.
About changing the language setting
  The on-screen displays in each local language 
are used for illustrating the operating 
procedures. Change the screen language before 
using your camcorder if necessary (p.
  19).
On recording
  Before starting to record, test the recording 
function to make sure the image and sound are 
recorded without any problems.
  Compensation for the contents of recordings 
cannot be provided, even if recording or 
playback is not possible due to a malfunction of 
the camcorder, storage media, etc.
  TV color systems differ depending on the 
country/region. To view your recordings on a 
TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.
  Television programs, films, video tapes, 
and other materials may be copyrighted. 
Unauthorized recording of such materials may 
be contrary to the copyright laws.
If you cannot record/play back images 
correctly, perform [MEDIA FORMAT].
  If you repeat recording/deleting images for a 
long time, fragmentation of data may occur on 
the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.” Images cannot 
be saved or recorded. In such a case, save your 
images on some type of external media first 
(p.
  43), and then perform [MEDIA FORMAT] 
(p.
  57).  
Fragmentation  Glossary (p.
  112)
On playing back recorded images on other 
devices
 Your camcorder is compatible with MPEG-
4 AVC/H.264 High Profile for HD (high 
definition) image quality recording. Therefore, 
you cannot play back images recorded with 
HD (high definition) image quality on your 
camcorder with the following devices:
  Other AVCHD format compatible devices 
which are not compatible with High Profile
  Devices which are not compatible with the 
AVCHD format
Save all your recorded image data
  To prevent your image data from being lost, 
save all your recorded images on external media 
periodically. It is recommended that you save 
the image data on a disc such as DVD-R using 
your computer (p.

  43). 
Also, you can save your image data using a 
VCR, or a DVD/HDD recorder (p.
  51). 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 
Handycam Station when using your camcorder 
attached to the Handycam Station. Do not 
connect the cables to both the Handycam 
Station and your camcorder.
Black points
White, red, blue or 
green points 
						

							4
 Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the 
Handycam Station holding both the Handycam 
Station and the DC plug.
  Be sure to turn the POWER switch to OFF 
(CHG), when you insert the camcorder into the 
Handycam Station or remove the camcorder 
from it.
About this Handbook
  The images of the LCD screen used in this 
Handbook for illustration purposes are 
captured using a digital still camera, and 
therefore may appear different.
  Design and specifications of your camcorder 
and accessories are subject to change without 
notice.
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.
 Also, the lens for your camcorder is T-coated to suppress unwanted reflections, 
then faithfully reproduce colors.
MTF = Modulation Transfer Function. The 
number value indicates the amount of light 
from a subject coming into the lens. 
						

							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  ...... 15
Step 3: Setting the date and time  ........ 18
Changing the language setting ............... 19
Step 4: Making setting adjustments 
before recording  ..................................... 20
Step 5: Inserting a “Memory Stick PRO  Duo”  ............................................................. 21
Recording/Playback
Recording and playback with ease  
(Easy Handycam operation)  ................ 22
Recording  ..................................................... 25
Zooming ................................................................. 27
Recording sound with more presence  (5.1ch surround recording)  ..................... 27
Starting shooting quickly (QUICK ON)  ........................................................................\
........... 28
Recording high quality still images  during movie recording (Dual Rec)  .... 28
Recording in dark places (NightShot)  ... 28
Adjusting the exposure for backlit  subjects  ................................................................ 29
Recording in mirror mode  ........................... 29
Recording fast action in slow-motion  (SMTH SLW REC)  ............................................. 29
Controlling the image settings manually  with the CAMERA CONTROL dial  ......... 30
Playback ........................................................ 31Searching for desired scene by pinpoint 
(Film Roll Index)  .............................................. 33
Searching for desired scene by face  (Face Index)  ....................................................... 33
Searching for desired images by date  (Date Index)  ....................................................... 34
Using PB zoom  .................................................... 34
Playing back a series of still images   (Slide show)  ....................................................... 35
Playing the image on a TV...................... 36
Saving images  ............................................ 43
Editing
 (OTHERS) category  ............................. 44
Deleting images  ......................................... 45
Capturing a still image from a movie     ...................................................................... 47
Dividing a movie  ........................................ 48
Creating the Playlist  ................................. 49
Dubbing to other devices  ...................... 51
Printing recorded still images  (PictBridge compliant printer)  ........... 54
Utilizing recording media
 (MANAGE MEDIA) category ........... 56
Setting the image quality  ....................... 56
Checking the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  information  ............................................... 57
Deleting all images (Formatting)  ......... 57
Repairing the image database file  ...... 58 
						

							6
Customizing your camcorder
What you can do with the   (SETTINGS) category of the   HOME MENU....................................... 59Using the HOME MENU ................................. 59
List of the  (SETTINGS) category items 
........................................................................\
........... 60
MOVIE SETTINGS  ........................................ 62(Items for recording movies)
PHOTO SETTINGS  ...................................... 66(Items for recording still images)
FACE FUNC. SET ......................................... 68(Items to set face function)
VIEW IMAGES SET  ...................................... 70(Items to customize the display)
SOUND/DISP SET ....................................... 72(Items to adjust the sound and the 
screen)
OUTPUT SETTINGS  .................................... 73(Items for when connecting other 
devices)
CLOCK/LANG  ......................................... 74(Items to set clock and language)
GENERAL SET  .............................................. 75(Other setup items)
Activating functions using the   OPTION MENU  .................................... 76Using the OPTION MENU  ............................. 76
Recording items on the OPTION MENU  ........................................................................\
........... 77
Viewing items on the OPTION MENU  ... 77
Functions set in the  OPTION MENU 
  ....................................................................... 78
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ........................................ 84
Warning indicators and messages  ...... 91
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad .............. 94
File/folder structure on the “Memory  Stick PRO Duo”  ......................................... 96
Maintenance and precautions  .............. 97
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
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls ............ 104
Indicators displayed during recording/ playback  ................................................... 110
Glossary  ....................................................... 112
Index  ............................................................ 113 
						

							
Subject examples and solutions
Checking your golf 
swingGetting a good shot 
of a ski slope or 
beach
	SMTH	SLW	REC	 ............................................. 29 	Backlight	..................................................... 29
	BEACH	 .......................................................... 80
	SNOW	 .......................................................... 80
Capturing still 
images during 
movie recordingCapturing smiles 
automatically
	Dual	Rec	....................................................... 28	
	 	SMILE
	SHUTTER	 ............................................ 68
A child on the stage 
under a spot lightFlowers in close-up
	SPOTLIGHT	 ................................................... 80 	PORTRAIT	..................................................... 80
	FOCUS	 .......................................................... 79
	TELE
 	MACRO	 ................................................ 78
Fireworks with all 
their splendorFocusing on the dog 
on the left side of 
the screen
	FIREWORKS	 .................................................. 80
	FOCUS	 .......................................................... 79 	FOCUS	
.......................................................... 79
	SPOT 	FOCUS	 ................................................. 78 
						

							8
Enjoying your camcorder
Operation flow
 Get ready (p. 14).
For types of “Memory Stick PRO Duo” you can use in your 
camcorder, see page 2.
 Record with HD (high definition) image quality (p.  25).
Your camcorder is compatible with AVCHD format “1920 × 
1080/60i” (p. 97), which provides highly-detailed, beautiful 
images.
Notes  The default setting is [HD SP] which is AVCHD format “1440 × 
1080/60i” (p.  62). “AVCHD 1080i format” is abbreviated as “AVCHD” in this manua\
l, 
except when it must be described in more detail.

  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.
Tips  You can consult the [TV CONNECT Guide] (p.  37) displayed on the 
screen on connecting your TV and camcorder.
  You can play back the images on a SD (standard definition) image 
quality TV.



  Playing using the Memory Stick slot on an AVCHD format compatible device\
 
You can play back images on a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” by inserting \
it into the 
Memory Stick slot on an AVCHD format compatible device such as VAIO.*
*  Operation on VAIO series computers which fulfill recommended system re\
quirements for the 
supplied software (“PMB”) and marketed after January 2006 ha\
s been confirmed.
  You may not play back images directly from the Memory Stick slot on some\
 AVCHD format 
compatible devices. 
						

							Enjoying your camcorder
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. For 
details, refer to the supplied software help, “PMB Guide.”


 
Delete images.If the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is full, you cannot record new 
images. Delete the image data that has been saved on your 
computer or a disc. If you delete the images, you can record new 
images on the free “Memory Stick PRO Duo” space again.
Deleting the selected images (p.

  45)
Deleting all the images ([MEDIA FORMAT], p.
  57)

 
						

							10
Approximate recording time of movies
The recordable time varies depending on the setting of [REC MODE] (p. 62) and the capacity 
of “Memory Stick PRO Duo.” Numbers in ( ) indicates the minimum \
recording time. (min.)
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” capacity 1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB
HD (high definition) image quality
AVC HD 16M (FH)*
(highest quality)6 (6) 10 (10) 25 (25) 55 (55) 110 (110)
AVC HD 9M (HQ)**
(high quality) 10 (9) 25 (20) 55 (40) 115 (80) 230 (160)
AVC HD 7M (SP)**
(standard quality) 15 (10) 30 (20) 65 (45) 140 (100) 280 (200)
AVC HD 5M (LP)**
(long play) 20 (15) 40 (35) 85 (70) 180 (145) 355 (290)
SD (standard definition) image quality
SD 9M (HQ)
(high quality)10 (10) 25 (25) 55 (50) 115 (100) 230 (205)
SD 6M (SP)
(standard quality) 20 (10) 40 (25) 80 (50) 170 (100) 340 (205)
SD 3M (LP)
(long play) 35 (25) 80 (50) 160 (105) 325 (215) 655 (435)
* 
Movies are recorded with AVCHD 1920 × 1080/60i format.
**
  Movies are recorded with  AVCHD 1440 × 1080/60i format.
Notes When using a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” made by Sony Corporation. Th\
e recordable time for movies 
varies depending on the recording conditions, subject conditions, and th\
e type of “Memory Stick.”
Tips  Figures such as 16M in the table show the average bit rate. M stands for\
 Mbps. You can record movies of a maximum of 3,999 scenes with HD (high defi\
nition) image quality, and 9,999 
scenes with SD (standard definition) image quality.
  For the number of recordable still images, see page 66.
Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automaticall\
y adjust image quality to suit 
the recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the reco\
rding time of the “Memory Stick 
PRO Duo.”
Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a hi\
gher bit rate, 
and this reduces the overall recording time.

