for the serious

After all the buzz about purple fringe on this camera, I was a bit concerned as I began taking pictures with my Sony DSC-F828 in early January of '04. Now it's Mid-March, I've taken it a third of the way around the world and shot close to a thousand photos with it, and precisely ONE had even the tiniest purple fringe. What's more, the fringe ENHANCED that backlit photo.

My personal theory is that Sony managed to improve the camera between the time the first review samples went out and when mine was built.

On a recent trip lots of great and costly cameras were in heavy use by fellow travelers, including the new Canon Digital Rebel. So far as I could tell, none of those cameras got better pictures of that trip than the Sony, and most of them had to worry a lot more about dust and water, due to their interchangeable and add-on lenses.

My one caution is that you can't use the 30 FPS movie mode with CompactFlash memory. That is only allowed with MemoryStickPro memory or a Hitachi CompactFlash hard disk. If that matters, get LOTS of memory, as even 15 FPS used over 100 MB in 5 minutes.

One other suggestion: cover the rear LCD display with a clear plastic sheet (such as is sold to protect Palm and Pocket PC PDAs.)

Highly recommended!

Update: A useful firmware upgrade has since become available at Sony's web site.

I love Sony cameras. Started with the P50(2MP - the camera that you can "be at peace" to lend to friends!), then S75(3MP - absolutely superb macro shots!), 77A(4MP - "cheap" compact & sharp camera for my work - construction site), V1(5MP - compact semi-pro gear with optional tele attachment, to complement the 828 for my photo outings), T1(5MP - the talk of town! & the truly take anywhere!) & finally this baby! I had it since February & yes I know the good & the bad of this stuff. I guess all of you are FULLY aware of the good side of this camera but as for the MINOR "bad" news, here are my suggestions:

1. Digital Noise -

(i) Go to www.neatimage.com & download this Noise Reduction Software for free. Yes, freeeee!!! I'm using it for ALL my images now! - Even Photoshop or JASC Pro 8 doesn't have it!
(ii) Turn off the sharpening tool on the menu. It helps! You can always do the Photoshop sharpening later. (Note: Big Noise drop for my T1!)

2. Purple Fringing -

(i) I have placed an order for 828's Circular Polariser. I believe it will help out, as recommended by some of the guys here. Thks!
(ii) Dial up Aperture Priority & keep your aperture range between f4-f8 & you will see results!

Frankly speaking, for 1000 bucks you can't get a PACKAGE like this!

I will be getting the Nikon D2X with all the cool lenses later (to fulfill the super high-end photo-requirements), but as for the ALL IN ONE semi-pro job, this is the real-deal!

Special Notes:

(i) By the way, I can't find a pro lens that can do f2-f2.8 for 28mm to 200mm. There is nothing like it. Period!

(ii) Nobody takes NO-Light shots(eg. Singapore Night Safari- candle light brightness!) better than Sony. Ask the pros!

I was apprehensive about this camera due to the talk of purple and other 'problems'. I've been using this camera now (july) since May and I've not had any weirdness or problems.
I was close to buying the Rebel-- but I went with the sony---
1. I now use this camera for video & stills-- No juggling two camera-- which is impossible anyway being a mom with 2 kids! result is that I'm taking way more video and more pictures than previously
2. great quality. i do blow up pictures and I needed the 8mp-- I do use the 5mp setting mostly
3. the macro is just awesome. i've taken some great close up pictures with this camera
4. I love the way I can combine media and flip between compact flash and sony stick.

soo-- no problems here =)