New Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828 review...

[dartworth]

DCRP Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828


8 Megapixel CCD
new 4-color filter
Memory Stick OR Compact Flash

It is, however, a very worthy successor to the DSC-F717 that competes with the best fixed-lens cameras out there.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Sorry, but it was rendered obsolete when Canon shocked the world with their sub-$1000 Digital Rebel.

 

[dartworth]

Sorry...but you shouldn't compare the 2 cameras.

It can be very tempting to compare the $999 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828 with digital SLRs like the Canon Digital Rebel ($899 w/o lens). They have many similarities, such as high resolution image sensors, manual controls, and great performance. But as much as I love the Digital Rebel, it's not really a fair comparison -- and not for the reason that you'd expect. The Sony's stellar F2-2.8, 7X zoom lens cannot be easily (or inexpensively) duplicated on the D-SLR side: you'll need two lenses to cover the same focal range, and that'll cost you at least as much as the camera body. Comparing the F828 and Rebel is only fair if you can afford the price jump from $999 to $1999. If you can, then the D-SLR easily wins in all categories (unless movie mode counts).

I'd rather compare the F828 with other fixed-lens cameras, like the Canon PowerShot G5, Fuji FinePix S7000, Minolta DiMAGE A1, Nikon Coolpix 5700, Olympus C-5060WZ and C-750UZ, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10. When you do that comparison, the F828 comes out on top in almost all areas, including resolution (unless you count the S7000's 12MP mode), focusing, performance, gimmicks (Nightshot and movie mode), and build quality. The F828's lens is stunning, as well. The dual memory card slots support both standard CompactFlash, as well as Sony's pricey Memory Stick Pro cards. Battery life is excellent.

I've owned a DRebel. For the price, the F828 is a great camera for the prosumer.

 

[kyutip]

Yep, DSLR and Fixed-Lens camera are totally different style of photography.

F828 looks good, noise is quite acceptable but the CA is a killer

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: kyutip
Yep, DSLR and Fixed-Lens camera are totally different style of photography.

F828 looks good, noise is quite acceptable but the CA is a killer

CA?

Nate

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: kyutip
Yep, DSLR and Fixed-Lens camera are totally different style of photography.

F828 looks good, noise is quite acceptable but the CA is a killer

CA=chromatic aberrations (purple fringing).

 

[Eli]

:Q

Schweeet. I like it.

I would get a D-Rebel if I was going to spend that much money though.

 

[EXman]

All I know Is that owners of 707 and 717 dump thiers to buy a 828. Why I want a 7 series (no not the BMW) My boss has a 707 and I have never seen a bad shot it is amazing even in low light where my old OLY 4040Z couldn't take the best pics

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Sorry, but it was rendered obsolete when Canon shocked the world with their sub-$1000 Digital Rebel.

I thought the same thing, till I started to consider whether I'd actually buy more lenses for it or not. Having the ability to add lenses is one thing, but if you never do, what's the point?

 

[ndee]

Originally posted by: Ornery

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Sorry, but it was rendered obsolete when Canon shocked the world with their sub-$1000 Digital Rebel.

I thought the same thing, till I started to consider whether I'd actually buy more lenses for it or not. Having the ability to add lenses is one thing, but if you never do, what's the point?

it's nice to know that you COULD buy lenses. The chance might be there that you want a new lens. And to me, the pictures from the Rebel just... I don't know, they just look "sharper".

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: Ornery

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Sorry, but it was rendered obsolete when Canon shocked the world with their sub-$1000 Digital Rebel.

I thought the same thing, till I started to consider whether I'd actually buy more lenses for it or not. Having the ability to add lenses is one thing, but if you never do, what's the point?

it would make sense to get the rebel if you have a bunch of rebel lenses i'd venture to guess.

i have a friend that has invested a lot of money in nikon mount lenses and he's waiting for a reasonably priced nikon digital slr.

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: ndee

Originally posted by: Ornery

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Sorry, but it was rendered obsolete when Canon shocked the world with their sub-$1000 Digital Rebel.

I thought the same thing, till I started to consider whether I'd actually buy more lenses for it or not. Having the ability to add lenses is one thing, but if you never do, what's the point?

it's nice to know that you COULD buy lenses. The chance might be there that you want a new lens. And to me, the pictures from the Rebel just... I don't know, they just look "sharper".

Ok hawkeye

 

[Ornery]

I purchased a Contax 35mm camera about 15 years ago, because they used Zeiss lenses. To this day I still only have the 50mm prime lens. Ever price Zeiss? If you do, you'll know why!

I'm more concerned about the picture quality of the 828, than not being able to swap lenses. I do like the swivel body for shooting from the waste or overhead. I shoot 75% of my pictures like that.

 

[ndee]

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: ndee

Originally posted by: Ornery

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Sorry, but it was rendered obsolete when Canon shocked the world with their sub-$1000 Digital Rebel.

I thought the same thing, till I started to consider whether I'd actually buy more lenses for it or not. Having the ability to add lenses is one thing, but if you never do, what's the point?

it's nice to know that you COULD buy lenses. The chance might be there that you want a new lens. And to me, the pictures from the Rebel just... I don't know, they just look "sharper".

Ok hawkeye

 

[spacejamz]

must resist urge to upgrade....

I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...

this is harder than I thought....

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: spacejamz
must resist urge to upgrade....

I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...

this is harder than I thought....

Sony does make some nice cameras. I came across these pics at pbase taken with a 707. Very nice.

 

[spacejamz]

oooppss...d@mn DP...

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: spacejamz
must resist urge to upgrade....

I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...I love my 707...

this is harder than I thought....

I'd sit tight for a while, for a couple reasons. One is that they still have noise issues with the 828. Another is the fact that prices will drop on that camera soon. You'll be able to cut a better deal when they're readily available everywhere.

 

[kyutip]

If you see some of the F7x7 picture on pbase, you'd hang on to it for a while.
I've been waiting since September and a couple more months does not kill me.
Meanwhile, keep taking picture with your F707, you will forget about upgrading.

F7x7 galleries (not me)

In 2/2004 PMA, a lot of new cams will be announce.
Wait till then to upgrade.

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: kyutip


In 2/2004 PMA, a lot of new cams will be announce.
Wait till then to upgrade.

Just wondering, where did you get this info?

Right now, I am looking at the F717, G5 and S7000...So many choices

 

[kyutip]

PMA is 2/12 - 2/14 2004 and on dpreview frontpage, there are article about Canon intention to announce 20 new digicam in 2004, Minolta & Nikon new DSLR (actually Nikon D70 is already announced, competitor to Digital Rebel). Just putting 2 & 2 together and from reading other site.

PMA is one of the most important trade show for cam mnf.

 

[kalster]

ok cool
i am gonna get 1 of these

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: kyutip


In 2/2004 PMA, a lot of new cams will be announce.
Wait till then to upgrade.

Just wondering, where did you get this info?

Right now, I am looking at the F717, G5 and S7000...So many choices

Actually, you have NO choice to make. The F717 is $620.00 at several online stores, and there's a $100.00 rebate till January 31st. $520.00 for the F717? I doubt you'll beat that!

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: Ornery

Originally posted by: dartworth

Originally posted by: kyutip


In 2/2004 PMA, a lot of new cams will be announce.
Wait till then to upgrade.

Just wondering, where did you get this info?

Right now, I am looking at the F717, G5 and S7000...So many choices

Actually, you have NO choice to make. The F717 is $620.00 at several online stores, and there's a $100.00 rebate till January 31st. $520.00 for the F717? I doubt you'll beat that!

Yes, that is a very good deal.

I am just looking at after buying a new MS for the Sony, it will be the same price as the S7000. I wish Sony incorporated CF in the 717. I also wish it used standard AA batt. Hmm...

 

[Ornery]

S7000 has a lot going for it, but lack of swivel LCD is a bummer. The Lithium Ion in the 717 lasts a helluva long time, so you may be able to get by with just one battery, depending on how much you'll be shooting at one time. I certainly don't see any deals on memory sticks at this time, but they come along frequently.