OT: SR10/11/12 64-bit camcorder support?!

Christian de Godzinsky wrote on 5/19/2008, 12:03 AM

Hi,

Just bought the HDR-SR12, and realized that the accompanying software (Picture Motion Browser) does not support any 64 bit operating systems (Vista 64 or XP x64)!!!

What a disappointment, and such huge omission. Yes, I am able to download MTS files straight from the unit for postprocessing, but come on...And Sony claims to be a high tech company?! It seems that the software is lagging, far, far behind the hw development...

This is also the FIRST Sony product I have purchased (there are many), that lacks the local language (Swedish and/or Finnish) support in the menus, even if puchased locally!!! What is going on here?

Another warning: These cam's are missing the Lanc (standard 2,5mm jack) connector. Ok, the lanc is included in the 10-pin AV connector - but there is no adapter available? My 200$ tripod with a Lanc remote just became junkyard stuff overnight...

If not straight stupidity - but at least very short sighted thinking from the Sony's side... Ok, they want to sell new accessories...

Such a pity, an excellent product spoiled by some lacking but important details...

Christian

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 5/19/2008, 12:13 PM

LANC is a tape-only protocol. Don't expect to see it on file-based camcorders.
FWIW, the division of Sony that operates this website bears virtually no relationship to Sony Electronics, other than a name. Offices are 5000 miles apart, it's a completely different world.
These camcorders are consumer products. Consumers, by and large, do not use 64 bit OS's.

TheHappyFriar wrote on 5/19/2008, 6:50 PM

so you're saying when you researched the camera sony said it had the stuff you wanted but it ends up it didn't?

confused. :?

DonLandis wrote on 5/19/2008, 11:21 PM

I have the SR12.

This camcorder requires a new lanc remote control. Costs about $50. I have one and yes my old zoe lanc remote that works with my Z1U will not adapt to the SR12.

I'm not into 64 bit system yet but as you discovered the SR12 can do a file transfer via the USB 2.0 connect. Since I discovered that method I have used it for all my file transfers as opposed to the PMB software. Until DVDA 5.0 comes out, I will still need to use the PMB software's DVD authoring section. Having several computers, especially during an OS upgrade to new technology has its advantages.

Thanks for the tip about PMB not working in 64 bit OS. That is disappointing as I am about to move on a 64 bit Vegas system. Your post is not a deal breaker but just a heads up warning. I thank you for that.

Christian de Godzinsky wrote on 5/19/2008, 11:49 PM

Hi,

Thank's to all for your valid and good comments.

SR10/11/12 have Lanc, but on the 10-pin AV connector! As Spot corretly pointed out, you cannot use the Lanc protocol to control the "tape-related" functions (such as rewind, ff, slowmotion etc., but it is still operational for functions as rec on/off, zooming, power, on/off and taking photo snapshots) on a HD-based recoder.

The downside is that Sony decided to leave out the standard Lanc connector. Someone has hacked already (found it on the DVI forum) this connectr. So - with an suitable adapter cable, it would be possible to use an old Lanc controller for the above mentioned functions. Hopefully someone is going to make such a cable available commercially... Probably not Sony, but Hama might...

I'm aware of the fact that Vegas belonging to the SCS camp, is a product of a totally differenct Sony camp. I sincerely hope that they would communicate and support eact other, better than they seeem to do. It would be beneficial for all parts.

I struggeld yesterday with the PMB installation, and actually got it to work on XP x64!!! I just had to ingore all the errors, and it installed, even if it reported failure. Best of all, it seems to work ok. The only function I have not tested is the DVD burning function. I will test that later this week and let you know the results.

The PMB seems to be a very attractive (and a fast) application, especially if you do not have any program from before, to organize your video and picture files!

Christian

PS: Spot - the SR12 manual says that you should not use it at elevations over 3000 meters, probably a HD related limitation. Does this mean that this cam (or any HD based cams) cannot be user for skydiving?