Sony DSC-F828 Digital Camera Review

Front (6.5)
The 7.1-51mm (28-200mm, 35mm equivalent) lens barrel juts out from the front of the Sony DSC-F828 and is appropriately the camera’s largest feature. This is consistent with Sony’s unique lens-centric design, as much of the camera’s functionality is placed on the lens barrel in the form of feature buttons, et cetera. Next to the lens is the camera’s right-hand grip. A small microphone is located on the inside curve, near to the lens and towards the top of the DSC-F828.  

Back (7.5)
Most digital camera users will easily find their way around the back of the DSC-F828. Starting at the top left is the 0.44-inch, 235K pixel viewfinder. Directly below the viewfinder, users can access the port cover that conceals the A/V out, USB, and DC in terminals. In the middle of the back is the 1.8-inch, 134K pixel LCD. The viewfinder/LCD switch is below the LCD, in addition to Display, Self-Timer, Magnify, and Review icons and their corresponding buttons. Next to the bottom row of buttons, on the far right, is a red “recording” LED. Above this light is the CF/MemoryStick selector switch, and directly above that is the CF slot “open” slider. At the very top, above the LCD, are the Flash on LED, the Menu button, navigation joystick or Jog Dial, AE Lock/Trash, and a multifunction dial at the far right.

Left Side (8.5)
The left side is dotted with a column of buttons. The flash open slider is at the top, and moving down, are Flash, Auto Focus grid selector, Macro, Focus (switch), BRK, and NightShot. Also accessible from the left side is the manual focus ring and the zoom ring.

Right Side (8.5)
Other than the grip and the CF card port cover, the right side is home only to a strap anchor. The right side functions as the grip section for the right hand, and has been contoured nicely to fit the index, middle and ring finger of the right hand. The grip itself is coated with a comfortable rubber material overlaying the area where the hand would rest.

Top (8.0)
The top of the Sony DSC-F828 can be divided into two sections: Atop the lens, and atop the grip/handle. There are two features on the top of the lens – namely the flash and, directly behind it, the intelligent accessory shoe. The top of the grip (right side of the camera’s body) has the prominent mode dial/on-off switch and, in front, the white balance, exposure/gain, and brightness buttons. At the very front is the photo button.