Sony estimates the battery life at about 3 hours, and it takes about 2.5 hours to charge the battery up again. Higher-capacity batteries are available.
Given that the CX12E incorporates the same 5-megapixel ClearVid Exmor CMOS sensor and f1.8-3.1 40-480mm-equivalent lens as the HDR-SR11, it should come as no surprise that the video looks just as good. The CX12E delivers generally sharp, excellent exposures, and less clipping in highlights and shadows than most consumer models, as well as accurate colours and solid white balance. In low light, the video shows some noise, but you don't lose much detail and shots remain quite usable. Even still photos look very good. As long as there's no wind, the audio recording sounds fine.
Conclusion
Although we miss perks like an eye-level viewfinder and larger LCD, these trade-offs are to be expected with a relatively compact camcorder like the Sony Handycam HDR-CX12E. You can get smaller models, but, in this class, it's not worth it if you have to sacrifice a high-quality lens, smaller sensor or comfortable grip and feel. As it stands, the CX12E delivers an excellent prosumer HD-video experience.
Additional editing by Charles Kloet
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