Preview

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828: a first look

Aimee Baldridge CNET

Published: 12 Sep 2003

To create the latest model in the Cyber-shot F series, Sony combined its new 8-megapixel RGBE Super HAD CCD sensor, a 7X Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens, and a feature set fit for semi-professional photographers. The F828's design improves on that of last year's F717, but retains the vertically swivelling lens.

Cyber-shot DSC-F828: a sub-£1,000, 8-megapixel semi-professional digital SLR-style camera.

The F828 offers the highest resolution available in a sub-£1,000 camera, a high-quality f2.0-f2.8 lens with a 28mm (35mm equivalent) wide angle, and -- a first for Sony -- RAW file capture. Support for Memory Stick, CompactFlash and Microdrive media, USB 2.0 connectivity, seven-frame burst shooting and manual zoom and focus rings enhance this digital camera's appeal.

The F828 uses an electronic viewfinder instead of an optical one, which some photographers prefer. Sony has no plans to make lens converters for the camera, and the warranty won't cover damage caused by third-party attachments. The F828 will ship with firmware that supports the sRGB colour space only -- no Adobe RGB yet.

Although previous F-series models were high-end consumer digital cameras, the F828 represents Sony's first foray into the realm of true semipro cameras. We're eager to discover whether the RGBE system fulfils its promise of improved colour accuracy and tonal range. The F828 will be available in November 2003 for around £750.