Sony F828 compares to Nikon D70

pianodancer · 22nd May 2005

Hi all,

I've gotten myself a 2nd hand D70 plus kit lens last week and decide to do a primitive comparison with my existing F828.

Bearing in mind that there are differences between the makes of both models, in terms of minimum ISO, maximum aperture, auto white balance, metering, colour adjustment, comparison is definitely not clinically accurate.

This is not a professional comparative analysis. As an amateur, I conclude the following findings:

Where D70 is very much better than F828
- better bokeh
- less purple fringing
- optical viewinder
- faster focusing
- better burst-shot handling with no shutter lag
- metering without flash provides better exposure
- better image details

Where F828 is favoured
- digital viewfinder allows brighter framing in all conditions
- additional frills like video recording, nightshot, LCD live preview, tilt-angle shots, macro
- silent operation: no lens focusing movement, no shutter shake
- lens handling: because F828 lens barrel is longer and smaller, the left hand fits better
- exposure is apparently better with flash (not sure is it because D70's i-TTL is programmed to avoid over-exposure)
- no dust issue with lens or CCD

Upon comparison, F828 is not much worse off than D70. It would be a lie to say that D70 is not better, but if you think F828 is just a mediocre point-and-shoot digicam, think again.

I will continue use F828 for all vacations, outings, daily shots, and only take on D70 when I need highly-professional images (e.g. wedding, commercial projects) and where bokeh is crucial (like portraits).

I did some test shots <removed>. For your reference.

Cyrus · 22nd May 2005

very interesting, thankyou.

MyNikon · 22nd May 2005

I would say that both cameras complement each other.
And I would love to have both if I had the cash.

asdfghjkl · 22nd May 2005

Look like there is a dust peck in your d70

djork · 22nd May 2005

i am using the f828 as well as a 300d. what i noticed most besides the convenience of the f828, is the noise. anything abouve iso 200, the noise is simply unacceptable to me.. when i cover events or need higher ISO, i'd pick up my 300d. the f828 as you said, i find it very good for travelling..

icarus · 22nd May 2005

I am still holding on to my 'primative' F707... Something i missed on my Nikon D2H - the F707's swivel LCD screen !!!

trueno · 22nd May 2005

Thanks P-D(P)iano(D)ancer,

I make up mind liao....i shall not touch DSLR at all. I have seen the shots u made and comparison....i really don't see a need to get a DSLR for myself.
Great review!!!
By the way, how long have u being using your F828? U're one heck of a Good Sony user who justify F828's goodness with the popular D70.
RESPECT, Bro!!!
F828, good investment!!!

snowspeeder · 22nd May 2005

I've carried an 828 before. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Now using a D70.
The 828 is a great carry-around camera. It is very useful for 'day time' images esp @ ISO64, which is great for nature and close up shots too. The only down side is the AF speed and ISO noise level (above 200). It is not so suited for events (although I've done 3 full day weddings using this camera) for these very reasons.

pianodancer · 22nd May 2005

Originally Posted by asdfghjkl

Look like there is a dust peck in your d70

Haha you are very sharp.. Yes I noticed it - and I hope you are referring to the same one that I saw! But not sure whether it's on the lens or the CCD. How do I tell?

T16 · 23rd May 2005

Originally Posted by pianodancer

Haha you are very sharp.. Yes I noticed it - and I hope you are referring to the same one that I saw! But not sure whether it's on the lens or the CCD. How do I tell?

Swap your lens....?

pianodancer · 23rd May 2005

Originally Posted by T16

Swap your lens....?

I only got one lens...

T16 · 23rd May 2005

Originally Posted by pianodancer

I only got one lens...

Join our outings, we could lend you our lens....

pianodancer · 23rd May 2005

Originally Posted by T16

Join our outings, we could lend you our lens....

Thanks for offering. I managed to dig out my old manual prime lens and tested. Sadly, confirmed the dust are on my CCD. In fact, there are a lot lot more specks! But strangely, I locked-up the mirror and looked but see no dust. Gotta send in for a clean-up, I guess.

glennyong · 23rd May 2005

Originally Posted by icarus

I am still holding on to my 'primative' F707... Something i missed on my Nikon D2H - the F707's swivel LCD screen !!!

we share so mani things in comon too... lol... tat is another interesting thing...

T16 · 23rd May 2005

Originally Posted by pianodancer

Thanks for offering. I managed to dig out my old manual prime lens and tested. Sadly, confirmed the dust are on my CCD. In fact, there are a lot lot more specks! But strangely, I locked-up the mirror and looked but see no dust. Gotta send in for a clean-up, I guess.

The dust is so small, sure you can't see. Since you have tried the mirror locked-up, you may wish to proceed a step further. During mirror locked-up, with the camera pointing down, use a blower and see if you could blow the dust away. This may save you a trip to the service center. I always do this whenever I see dust in my pictures. I would be better if you try this in a place where ther is no wind, otherwise, you would be introducing more dust....

pianodancer · 23rd May 2005

Originally Posted by T16

The dust is so small, sure you can't see. Since you have tried the mirror locked-up, you may wish to proceed a step further. During mirror locked-up, with the camera pointing down, use a blower and see if you could blow the dust away. This may save you a trip to the service center. I always do this whenever I see dust in my pictures. I would be better if you try this in a place where ther is no wind, otherwise, you would be introducing more dust....

Yes I did, but the dust speck is still there. No choice, gotta go to service centre. Good chance to clean my lens as well, I spotted several dust specks although they did not show up on the photos.

cheersjy · 25th May 2005

Ha, i thought i was the only one. After upgraded to D70, i got myself a 717 again - the swivel lens allows me to shoot at all odd angles, and the closeup capability is great too so i dun need a macro lens on my D70. I did not get a 828 thought because of the high resale price and noise/PF issue (of course 828 outperforms 717 in all other areas besides image quality). I mainly use D70 for portraits or events that require fast response (e.g. wedding, sports, etc.) while 717 for the rest

pianodancer · 25th May 2005

Good to hear that, cheersjy. I wonder if there are many of such Sony/DSLR users around (those that defected totally don't count)

Del_CtrlnoAlt · 25th May 2005

Originally Posted by pianodancer

Good to hear that, cheersjy. I wonder if there are many of such Sony/DSLR users around (those that defected totally don't count)

i got F828 & KM D7D... not D70... hehehe... but strange, sony forum always have outings without sony cameras...

JimDavis · 2nd June 2005

Looks like in many equipment discussion, comparison tend to be made between DSLR and Prosumer camera.

They are of different made, using for different purposes.

I do have a Prosumer camera, which I intend to keep it for carry around, day time landscape shooting, and D70 for something where I need better shutter response, burst mode and so on....

Know what you want is more important, camera is only a tool to a photographer, or a camera man, dun let yourself be the slave of the camera instead.

22nd May 2005	#1
pianodancer Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,547	Sony F828 compares to Nikon D70 Hi all, I've gotten myself a 2nd hand D70 plus kit lens last week and decide to do a primitive comparison with my existing F828. Bearing in mind that there are differences between the makes of both models, in terms of minimum ISO, maximum aperture, auto white balance, metering, colour adjustment, comparison is definitely not clinically accurate. This is not a professional comparative analysis. As an amateur, I conclude the following findings: Where D70 is very much better than F828 - better bokeh - less purple fringing - optical viewinder - faster focusing - better burst-shot handling with no shutter lag - metering without flash provides better exposure - better image details Where F828 is favoured - digital viewfinder allows brighter framing in all conditions - additional frills like video recording, nightshot, LCD live preview, tilt-angle shots, macro - silent operation: no lens focusing movement, no shutter shake - lens handling: because F828 lens barrel is longer and smaller, the left hand fits better - exposure is apparently better with flash (not sure is it because D70's i-TTL is programmed to avoid over-exposure) - no dust issue with lens or CCD Upon comparison, F828 is not much worse off than D70. It would be a lie to say that D70 is not better, but if you think F828 is just a mediocre point-and-shoot digicam, think again. I will continue use F828 for all vacations, outings, daily shots, and only take on D70 when I need highly-professional images (e.g. wedding, commercial projects) and where bokeh is crucial (like portraits). I did some test shots <removed>. For your reference. __________________ Musician \| Photographer \| Blogger Facebook Last edited by pianodancer; 19th August 2005 at 12:01 PM.

22nd May 2005	#5
djork Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Hong Kong, Pokfulam Posts: 1,195	i am using the f828 as well as a 300d. what i noticed most besides the convenience of the f828, is the noise. anything abouve iso 200, the noise is simply unacceptable to me.. when i cover events or need higher ISO, i'd pick up my 300d. the f828 as you said, i find it very good for travelling.. __________________ Canon 300D, 30D, 5D. 17-40 f4 L, 24-105 f4 L, 70-200 f2.8 L IS

22nd May 2005	#6
icarus Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Pasir Ris Posts: 3,233	I am still holding on to my 'primative' F707... Something i missed on my Nikon D2H - the F707's swivel LCD screen !!! __________________ Ricoh GR Digital, Minolta Hi-matic 7SII

25th May 2005	#18
pianodancer Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,547	Good to hear that, cheersjy. I wonder if there are many of such Sony/DSLR users around (those that defected totally don't count) __________________ Musician \| Photographer \| Blogger Facebook

22nd May 2005	#2
Cyrus Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 102	very interesting, thankyou.

22nd May 2005	#3
MyNikon Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bedok North Posts: 290	I would say that both cameras complement each other. And I would love to have both if I had the cash.

22nd May 2005	#4
asdfghjkl Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 212	Look like there is a dust peck in your d70

22nd May 2005	#7
trueno Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 70	Thanks P-D(P)iano(D)ancer, I make up mind liao....i shall not touch DSLR at all. I have seen the shots u made and comparison....i really don't see a need to get a DSLR for myself. Great review!!! By the way, how long have u being using your F828? U're one heck of a Good Sony user who justify F828's goodness with the popular D70. RESPECT, Bro!!! F828, good investment!!!

22nd May 2005	#8
snowspeeder Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: 35A East Coast Rd Posts: 3,436	I've carried an 828 before. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Now using a D70. The 828 is a great carry-around camera. It is very useful for 'day time' images esp @ ISO64, which is great for nature and close up shots too. The only down side is the AF speed and ISO noise level (above 200). It is not so suited for events (although I've done 3 full day weddings using this camera) for these very reasons.

25th May 2005	#17
cheersjy Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Hougang Posts: 642	Ha, i thought i was the only one. After upgraded to D70, i got myself a 717 again - the swivel lens allows me to shoot at all odd angles, and the closeup capability is great too so i dun need a macro lens on my D70. I did not get a 828 thought because of the high resale price and noise/PF issue (of course 828 outperforms 717 in all other areas besides image quality). I mainly use D70 for portraits or events that require fast response (e.g. wedding, sports, etc.) while 717 for the rest

2nd June 2005	#20
JimDavis Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Eunos Posts: 2,734	Looks like in many equipment discussion, comparison tend to be made between DSLR and Prosumer camera. They are of different made, using for different purposes. I do have a Prosumer camera, which I intend to keep it for carry around, day time landscape shooting, and D70 for something where I need better shutter response, burst mode and so on.... Know what you want is more important, camera is only a tool to a photographer, or a camera man, dun let yourself be the slave of the camera instead.