A good upgrade from F828???

Cyrus · 16th May 2005

I have a Sony F 828 which I thoroughly enjoy using. The only problem I have with it is that I purchased it for some very specific reasons and I now use it for different reasons. I would really like to have a camera that does not have such a dramatic lag when taking action shots, and I'd also like the capability to use add-on zoom, wide angle or macro lenses. I'm really only interested in researching a better camera of similar picture quality or better than the 828.

A camera that I can tether to a laptop while taking shots would be great as well.

My preference would be a Canon or Nikon for around the same price as a new 828 or a few hundred more wouldn't be too bad.

Has anybody got any suggestions? I'm sure there have been other members in the same boat.. I know King Tiger traded his 828 for a Nikon D 70.

Any suggestions would be greatlyu appreciated.

Cyrus

Del_CtrlnoAlt · 16th May 2005

canon's tether to laptop software is bundled with the camera body, nikon need to buy additional software.

if u wan also can look at konica minolta's...

art2d2 · 16th May 2005

I traded my F828 for a Canon 350D. Canon includes the free software for direct saving of pic to a computer. I upgraded to DSLR for these simple reasons.

1. Faster focusing
2. Low noise at high iso
3. Better flash control and continuous burst frame+flash (Sony's F32X and F828 cannot do continuous burst frame+flash)
4. Vertical grip

But bare in mind that once you get yourself into a DSLR system, then spending never stops.

Evaluate what exactly you want or like to shoot, then buy accordingly especially the most cost you will invest are lenses.

trueno · 16th May 2005

Hi art2d2,

I am also thinking of going to the bigger league(DSLR), as my interest for photography increase every moment i hold my F828.

i got interested about your comments on F828's focusing, u opted to change to DSLR due to this. I have problem in focusing too. Probably i always use F2.8 for my blurry backfround shots. Is it true that by using those bigger league camera(or is it just being CANON/NIKON/OLYMPUS), the focusing will be pretty much easier to capture?

If it so, gosh....i am willing to splash some on D70 or E1.

art2d2 · 17th May 2005

Originally Posted by trueno

Hi art2d2,

I am also thinking of going to the bigger league(DSLR), as my interest for photography increase every moment i hold my F828.

i got interested about your comments on F828's focusing, u opted to change to DSLR due to this. I have problem in focusing too. Probably i always use F2.8 for my blurry backfround shots. Is it true that by using those bigger league camera(or is it just being CANON/NIKON/OLYMPUS), the focusing will be pretty much easier to capture?

If it so, gosh....i am willing to splash some on D70 or E1.

hi trueno,

There are 2 aspect of focusing that I have considered an advantage of a DSLR vs a prosumer camera, accuracy and speed. For accuracy, even using the single point of focus on the F828, I still get blurry pictures probably 1 out of 10 shots even when focus is locked. I'm not sure why but my ex-F828 decided to focus the background instead of the foreground subject, even on bright daylight shots.

For speed, once your tried a AF-S (Nikon) or USM (Canon) lens on a DSLR, you know the difference.

The good thing about the F828 focusing is that focusing in low light is pretty good and fast, probably help by the F2.0-F2.8 lens. To get the same kind of lens with DSLR will cost your 2x more.

At times I kinda regret selling my F828, it'll make a great backup camera as well as a travel camera.

user111 · 17th May 2005

maybe they will introduce F939 after 2 years

but mounting the 28-135 I.S. USM on my 1D makes the resulting combo an alternative to buying the F828 separately since i get back 35 to 180 mm (comparable to 28-200mm on the f828) with much much better AF capability

King Tiger · 17th May 2005

Originally Posted by Cyrus

I have a Sony F 828 which I thoroughly enjoy using. The only problem I have with it is that I purchased it for some very specific reasons and I now use it for different reasons. I would really like to have a camera that does not have such a dramatic lag when taking action shots, and I'd also like the capability to use add-on zoom, wide angle or macro lenses. I'm really only interested in researching a better camera of similar picture quality or better than the 828.

A camera that I can tether to a laptop while taking shots would be great as well.

My preference would be a Canon or Nikon for around the same price as a new 828 or a few hundred more wouldn't be too bad.

Has anybody got any suggestions? I'm sure there have been other members in the same boat.. I know King Tiger traded his 828 for a Nikon D 70.

Any suggestions would be greatlyu appreciated.

Cyrus

You will never go wrong with Nikon D70

pianodancer · 17th May 2005

I can relate to Cyrus' views very well, because I myself is also contemplating with getting a better camera. The truth is: no one camera can satisfy every feature and requirement you need. Therefore, the best is to have a combination. This guarantees you get the best of all situations.

F828 is excellent for fun photography. Its built quality and shooting response is one of the tops in the prosumer category. Its manual zoom ring ensures fast framing and nightshot mode is simply stunning. You simply shoot anyhow, any angle, with no shutter noise.

However, DSLR provides a new level - professional level - of photographic response that no other non-DSLR can ever reach. The DSLR provides faster focusing, sharper images with better bokeh, and optical viewfinder. Its lenses are definitely top-notch (at a price).

Since both has its pros and cons, you simply have to own both. In fact, you may need to own a third cam: compact digicam, with the likes of Sony W5 or Canon S70, for those frills-free moments when a large cam is simply not the way to go. These compact digicams provide comprehensive manual controls allowing creative photography.

In short, if you got the cash, keep F828 and get another DSLR. We've seen many F828 users regret selling their F828 despite the fact that DSLR definitely provides better quality.

initialE24 · 17th May 2005

I am still keeping my 828 as back up... even though I just got my D70. Already spent almost $6k for the lenses and really heart pain.. expensive investment for a project I am working on. May sell off my D70 and the lenses after the project finish.

icarus · 17th May 2005

Originally Posted by initialE24

I am still keeping my 828 as back up... even though I just got my D70. Already spent almost $6k for the lenses and really heart pain.. expensive investment for a project I am working on. May sell off my D70 and the lenses after the project finish.

edwin, can list down the lenses that u want to get rid? hahaha

trueno · 19th May 2005

Guys,

I have explored much with the (A)perture function for night and day shots with my F828. What other function can i look forward to explore? I am thinking about burst shots?(Burstshot: i meant those one click can take a few shots at one time) Anyone tried that with F828? Or should i not play with that first....i should go on understanding/learning about Shutter Speed.

Till now, i don't understand shutter speed is for what sort of effect? Can anyone enlighten me?

I think i shouldn't go towards DSLR. As i will be wasting good camera like D70 on the hands of mine. F828, seriously make a damn good camera and "camcorder". I really like the dual memory slots!!!

Peacelovingguy · 19th May 2005

Originally Posted by icarus

edwin, can list down the lenses that u want to get rid? hahaha

kit lens.
50mm 1.8
85 1.8
70-200

cam only sell only once the project ends.....

Del_CtrlnoAlt · 19th May 2005

wah edwin change nick ar...

i think u can sell your 50mm to open market
85mm to snowspeeder
70-200 to icarus... hehhee

Peacelovingguy · 19th May 2005

Originally Posted by Peacelovingguy

kit lens.
50mm 1.8
85 1.8
70-200

cam only sell only once the project ends.....

anybody interested? own the same lens as initialE24. can sell in the month of June. cos my company intend to send me oversea for training. sorry to crash this thread.

Peacelovingguy · 19th May 2005

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt

wah edwin change nick ar...

i think u can sell your 50mm to open market
85mm to snowspeeder
70-200 to icarus... hehhee

sorry.... my mistake for taking the thread.

Peacelovingguy · 19th May 2005

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt

wah edwin change nick ar...

i think u can sell your 50mm to open market
85mm to snowspeeder
70-200 to icarus... hehhee

u people got meet up? must jpin u people one of these days.......

initialE24 · 19th May 2005

Originally Posted by icarus

edwin, can list down the lenses that u want to get rid? hahaha

Currently, I am with T16 and DCA going through a wedding photography course. As such, I am still pondering whether I can keep up with the investments like what the rest have bought. If no money then will sell the 50, 85 plus 70-200 lens. I will then keep the kit lens for general photography.

mpenza · 19th May 2005

350D, D70(s), E300, E1 are all worthy (and relatively compact) upgrades from the F828. There're of course higher end bodies like 20D, 1DMkII, D2H, D2Hs, etc to consider but the extra performance come at a higher cost (slightly higher for the 20D).

But the main thing to note in getting a DSLR is that good lenses don't come cheap and to get the most out of the camera, you'll want to get the right lenses for the right situation.

icarus · 19th May 2005

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt

wah edwin change nick ar...

i think u can sell your 50mm to open market
85mm to snowspeeder
70-200 to icarus... hehhee

*cough* *cough* but i just bought an AF-S 80-200....

pianodancer · 19th May 2005

Originally Posted by trueno

I am thinking about burst shots?(Burstshot: i meant those one click can take a few shots at one time) Anyone tried that with F828? Or should i not play with that first....i should go on understanding/learning about Shutter Speed.

Burst shot is pathetic on F828. Once a burst is made, it takes up to 14 seconds to flush the images to the memory card before you can take another shot.

I usually take consecutive normal shots after another. Although I need to wait for the image to be recorded then re-press the shutter to refocus, the lag is still shorter than after I shoot the burst. And the response is considered one of the fastest in the prosumer range.

16th May 2005	#1
Cyrus Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 102	A good upgrade from F828??? I have a Sony F 828 which I thoroughly enjoy using. The only problem I have with it is that I purchased it for some very specific reasons and I now use it for different reasons. I would really like to have a camera that does not have such a dramatic lag when taking action shots, and I'd also like the capability to use add-on zoom, wide angle or macro lenses. I'm really only interested in researching a better camera of similar picture quality or better than the 828. A camera that I can tether to a laptop while taking shots would be great as well. My preference would be a Canon or Nikon for around the same price as a new 828 or a few hundred more wouldn't be too bad. Has anybody got any suggestions? I'm sure there have been other members in the same boat.. I know King Tiger traded his 828 for a Nikon D 70. Any suggestions would be greatlyu appreciated. Cyrus

16th May 2005	#3
art2d2 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Beijing, Shuangjing Posts: 1,165	I traded my F828 for a Canon 350D. Canon includes the free software for direct saving of pic to a computer. I upgraded to DSLR for these simple reasons. 1. Faster focusing 2. Low noise at high iso 3. Better flash control and continuous burst frame+flash (Sony's F32X and F828 cannot do continuous burst frame+flash) 4. Vertical grip But bare in mind that once you get yourself into a DSLR system, then spending never stops. Evaluate what exactly you want or like to shoot, then buy accordingly especially the most cost you will invest are lenses. __________________ Pentaxian for life ! My Webby K20D, DA 21,40,70, 55-300 Last edited by art2d2; 16th May 2005 at 06:37 PM.

17th May 2005	#8
pianodancer Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,547	I can relate to Cyrus' views very well, because I myself is also contemplating with getting a better camera. The truth is: no one camera can satisfy every feature and requirement you need. Therefore, the best is to have a combination. This guarantees you get the best of all situations. F828 is excellent for fun photography. Its built quality and shooting response is one of the tops in the prosumer category. Its manual zoom ring ensures fast framing and nightshot mode is simply stunning. You simply shoot anyhow, any angle, with no shutter noise. However, DSLR provides a new level - professional level - of photographic response that no other non-DSLR can ever reach. The DSLR provides faster focusing, sharper images with better bokeh, and optical viewfinder. Its lenses are definitely top-notch (at a price). Since both has its pros and cons, you simply have to own both. In fact, you may need to own a third cam: compact digicam, with the likes of Sony W5 or Canon S70, for those frills-free moments when a large cam is simply not the way to go. These compact digicams provide comprehensive manual controls allowing creative photography. In short, if you got the cash, keep F828 and get another DSLR. We've seen many F828 users regret selling their F828 despite the fact that DSLR definitely provides better quality. __________________ Musician \| Photographer \| Blogger Facebook

19th May 2005	#13
Del_CtrlnoAlt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Outside the Dry Box. Posts: 16,342	wah edwin change nick ar... i think u can sell your 50mm to open market 85mm to snowspeeder 70-200 to icarus... hehhee __________________ Logging Off Permanently. Those who need to contact me will know where to contact me.

16th May 2005	#4
trueno Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 70	Hi art2d2, I am also thinking of going to the bigger league(DSLR), as my interest for photography increase every moment i hold my F828. i got interested about your comments on F828's focusing, u opted to change to DSLR due to this. I have problem in focusing too. Probably i always use F2.8 for my blurry backfround shots. Is it true that by using those bigger league camera(or is it just being CANON/NIKON/OLYMPUS), the focusing will be pretty much easier to capture? If it so, gosh....i am willing to splash some on D70 or E1.

17th May 2005	#6
user111 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4,719	maybe they will introduce F939 after 2 years but mounting the 28-135 I.S. USM on my 1D makes the resulting combo an alternative to buying the F828 separately since i get back 35 to 180 mm (comparable to 28-200mm on the f828) with much much better AF capability

17th May 2005	#9
initialE24 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,099	I am still keeping my 828 as back up... even though I just got my D70. Already spent almost $6k for the lenses and really heart pain.. expensive investment for a project I am working on. May sell off my D70 and the lenses after the project finish.

19th May 2005	#18
mpenza Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 13,397	350D, D70(s), E300, E1 are all worthy (and relatively compact) upgrades from the F828. There're of course higher end bodies like 20D, 1DMkII, D2H, D2Hs, etc to consider but the extra performance come at a higher cost (slightly higher for the 20D). But the main thing to note in getting a DSLR is that good lenses don't come cheap and to get the most out of the camera, you'll want to get the right lenses for the right situation.