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The next step up from my DSC-F707...primarily because I've always loved the swivel body and easily-navigated Sony menus. It didn't hurt that it takes both Memory Stick and CFII (generous 5GB). My use is primarily professional: promotional shots for clients, live events. Therefore, my camera usually has to be solid, quick and flexible. I did not choose a DSLR because I usually don't have time to be carrying/changing all that extra glass, I don't want to mess with dust getting on the chip, and there are simply times - i.e. concerts - when it's completely inappropriate for me to be making noise of any sort with an SLR's shutter. The only competitor was a Canon Powershot Pro1. However, it has about half the battery life, no histogram onscreen, and no AF assist lamp for low lighting situations. All are tools on which I rely with the Sony. Nor did I choose the Sony R1 (10MP), despite it's considerably larger CMOS and quieter images. And this is a judgement call you'll have to make. The R1's top-mounted LCD seemed awkward to me, the 67mm front thread diameter significantly limited my options for wide or teleadapters (i.e., Sony a pair of mon$ters available for the R1), and the R1's lens was only 24-120mm equivalent. The 828 is a generous 28-200mm equivalent. The 828's front thread diameter of 58mm means it easily accommodates Raynox adapters. One Raynox teleadapter is 2.2x, giving you the equivalent of 440mm from your 828! (And, heck, 58mm filters are a little cheaper than 67mm filters anyway, if you're cheap like me). The 8MP issue is a judgement call for ALL 8MP cameras. Cramming all those pixels on the same 2/3" chip you see in most digital cameras means additional noise. Shots are useful to only ISO200. I shoot ISO100 or lower. The only trouble area is in low lighting situations, but creative flash work solves most of that for me: bounce flash, Sony's delayed flash, etc. (I also mated this with the Promaster DX5500 flash instead of Sony's HVL-F32X because the Promaster gives you full swivel capability and is probably the only other Sony-compatable flash shoe connection). Purple fringing, chromatic aberration (CA) is an issue with 8MP, too. You'll notice it around street lights, headlights, bright reflections. There are easy Photoshop fixes online, or create it yourself. As to noise, I'd suggest Noise Ninja for fixes, if you think you need them. Primarily, therefore, I'd recommend the camera for the serious amateur or pro who's well versed in posting his/her shots. Otherwise, you're better off with a good 6MP camera that isn't trying to stuff so much on a CCD, or the Sony R1 if you're not concerned about zooming more than 128mm.Read full review
I like the design of the Sony F-828 camera and I own two. This is the camera I use most in my photography hobby just because I love the camera design, size and lens. It is not too small of a body nor is it too big unless you want a camera to carry in a shirt pocket or purse. I like to have a camera to hold onto after using film SLRs for decades. I do own the Sony R1 also and prefer the R1 when I have to shoot in low light indoors because its bigger sensor works better for shooting things such as a live play. I have also used the f828 for shooting indoor plays etc. I keep the ISO at 400 and it shoots adequately. The lens opens to 2.0 which is a plus. I like the fact that outdoors I can shoot at 64 ISO with the f828. The Sony r1 only goes down to ISO 164. This camera also has video and I can carry two kinds of memory cards in it, a compact flash and Sony memory stick. The F828 has a crisp lens. The 8mp resolution is perfect for portraiture because above that shows too many imperections in a person's skin. I've owned many Nikon mount Dslr cameras and various cameras and I prefer using the Sony F828 for casual shooting. Always remember that the most important tip for shooting pictures is to remain still. I lean against a wall or use a table to brace my arms or use a tripod. I have taken great shots with 3mp, 5mp cameras by taking my time to steady the camera, shooting with low ISO's. So I have taken very good shots with this 8mp camera, even in low light. This camera has many features that make it a fanatstic camera and video unit. It even has night shot. Sony is probably the best manufacturer for on camera flash photography. I can say that with confidence after owning Minolta, Nikon, Canon and Pentax cameras. This Sony camera is no exception, it shoots great flash pictures. Even better, I use a Sony shoe mount flash that works great also. Either camera, the R1 or the F828 has trade-offs. I like the F828 long lens, low ISO settings, video capture and 2.0 lens f-stop. I also like the 200mm length zoom. The Sony R1 is great too and has an advantage with not only the larger sensor but also the tilting/rotating LCD Screen. The R1 shoots wide -- 24mm and the F828 shoots 28mm. Nevertheless, I enjoy all the gadgets of the F828 and its less bulky camera body. Nice camera design!Read full review
Best workhorse camera ever! Last camera made with the feature of rotating the lens with a electronic view finder. I can take photos on the ground without wearing glasses and fighting the LED screen glare, etc. Sony --- the best camera for the money I have found after over 65 years of photography!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It is a great camera, but when you pull the frame up close as it will go, you can not control the camera from shaking. I am still learning and I think you have to get closer to the subject for it to be good. But all in all, I really like the camera.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I purchased the F828 Sony camera as a successor to my F717 that was a troublesome camera. The first F717 failure was fixed by Sony gratis but no parts were available for the second failure. I like everything about the F828 with the Carl Zeiss lens and the four color sensor. For $129 used, what can one purchase new for the same amount that is comparable?
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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