Value (2.0)
If you’re considering a camera’s megapixels, the Sony F828 is a good deal, with 8 MP at $900. However, if you consider other cameras out there, at that price you can get a high-quality digital SLR (Canon Digital Rebel) camera for $999. Compared with Sony’s previous model (F717), the F828 is a much better deal, with significantly more features and improved image quality.

For someone in the market for a camera with a lot of features, but not necessarily an SLR, the Fuji FinePix S7000 should also be a consideration. This camera is a little more reasonably priced in the $700 range, but it lacks the MP count, overall ease of use, and lens quality of the Sony F828. If users are seeking SLR functionality, then look to the Rebel. The Sony F828 takes the cake for ease of use, but if you crave legendary Canon optics and SLR functionality at the same price point, go check out a Rebel.

Comparisons
Sony DSC-F717-- The Sony DSC-F717 is the predecessor to the Sony DSC-F828. This 5 megapixel digital camera is lauded for producing excellent digital photos, and for a few months was at the top of the heap for its price point. This camera is also lens-centric, and includes a 5x optical zoom, controlled by a zoom ring. There is a hot shoe for light accessories, and upgraded manual controls (histogram) over the previous model, the F707. In many regards, these two cameras (the F828 and the F717) are very different, but they share a lens-centric body in common. The shutter speed is limited to a minimum 1/30 in program and auto modes, and JPEG is the only file format supported. Additionally, the proprietary memory stick format is a downside for many consumers. This has been upgraded in the F828, as it takes both CF media and MemoryStick media. Hands down I would get an F828 over the F717.

Canon Rebel-- (EOS-300D) Although a digital SLR, the 300D is within the same price point as the Sony DSC-F828; therefore some comparison should be made. The 300D Digital Rebel is the newest of Canon’s SLR cameras. The major difference between the Digital Rebel and the Canon 10D and D60 is that it’s the first digital SLR kit to fall below the $1000 price point. Some criticism has surrounded the camera, due the light weight hard plastic shell, giving it a cheap look and feel, but the image quality and performance keep many skeptics from further criticism. The Canon EOS-300D has a 6.3 megapixel CMOS sensor identical to that of the 10D. Therefore, image quality results prove that the EOS-10D can carry its weight, and even jump into the ring with more expensive heavyweights.

The Canon 300D Rebel kit ships with a specialized 18-35mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-S lens which is only compatible with this model. The rebel is compatible with other Canon lenses, but don’t plan on swapping the stock Rebel lens with your other Canon cameras. Suitable for both novice and advanced users, the Rebel has many professional options and priority manual control settings. With reliable burst modes, and a true SLR feel, for $1,000 there’s almost no beating the Rebel.

Fuji FinePix S7000-- At $799, the Fuji FinePix S7000 is a close contender, although it lacks in the imaging department in comparison to the Sony DSC-F828. With 6.0 megapixels, the Fuji FinePix S7000 utilizes Fuji Film’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR, with 6.3 million effective pixels and 12.3 million recorded pixels (4048 x 3040). With a comparable 6x optical zoom, the Fuji FinePix S7000 also has a manual focus/zooming adjustment lens ring with full manual exposure and aperture or shutter priority, AE scene modes, custom white balance, and hot shoe mount. The Fuji FinePix S7000 has a 13-step aperture and high-speed focusing ability with an additional boost of up to 800 ISO at 1, 2, or 3 megapixels. The Fuji FinePix S7000 also has a comparable 235K pixel electronic viewfinder and dual media slots for xD-Picture Cards and Microdrive CompactFlash cards. RAW and JPEG file formats are supported, and the Fuji FinePix S7000 can connect to computers via USB 2.0. I would recommend the Sony DSC-F828 over the FinePix S7000, for its ease of use, manual zoom and focus control, and excellent handling ability and superior capturing potential.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters-- This is not a digital camera for the point-and-shoot consumer. There are automatic modes available, but novice users may be intimidated by the lens-centric design and the number of control options.

Budget Consumers-- For near US $1000, the Sony DSC-F828 might not be the best option for the budget-minded consumer.

Gadget Freaks-- Almost guaranteed to make any gadget guru look just a little cooler (in certain crowds), Sony has again brought an element of sexiness to the prosumer digital still camera world.

Manual Control Freaks-- A good option for the manual control freak as there are plenty of options and settings for continuous tweaking.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists-- The Sony DSC-F828 might be a good option for Sonyphiles wanting to enter the professional digital photography world. With some of the professional features on board, Sony has kept itself in the prosumer running.