Wanna Start off with F828

kayaki · 27th June 2005

Hi All,

I am much new here, and i had a grown interest in photography since 1 year ago.

i would like to pick up this hobby and want to start off with a F828.
Been trying to put myself off the idea that it is not practical to get a sony and such a high end for a camera, but cant help as i thin i am in love with it.

Other brand of cams simply dun see good to me.

Plan to take up a photography workshop to increase my knowledge and hopefully, can move around to help friends for their wedding.

I will be buying it in HK in Aug as going to visit friends there.

Sincerely, i would seek all advice on the pros and conns on a newbie to used this camera.
I wish to hear comments on the following:
1) the Sony F828, good and worth the $$ ?
2) Newbie and F828 ? is the pair up good ?
3) F828 can it be enough to rch my objective as i had shared above ?

To me, a DSLR is definitely a overkill for me ,

hope to hear from you all.

regards,
WT

rickygck · 27th June 2005

I also got an Sony 828 before, Pretty good camera to own it if you not in DSLR camera. I accumulate some good pictures through the camera too. My answer would be a positive.

Del_CtrlnoAlt · 27th June 2005

I started with F717, without much understanding, i upgraded to F828 during the prelaunch... den got interested to shoot more...

everything depends on your 'objectives', u wanna do macro, this is not a bad camera. you wanna do events... esp nite shot... kinda hard... but if u wanna take pics in total darkness.. this is the only cam that can focus in 0 lux. the only disappointment is no image stabiliser, grainy high iso pic...

see when is our next SONY outing... i can bring 1 to let u test out & maybe discuss the limitations.

holeinone · 27th June 2005

I was and still is a Sony 828 user. I started off with the 717 and later sold it to get the 828, bcos I simply love the way it looks and handles. The pictures are really sharp and great looking and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, especially those who have not even used one and is judging it based on heresay. It does have its shortcomings, just like any other cam. But to me, nothing else comes close in terms of practicality, performance, portability, build quality and price.

I have since moved on to a DSLR and spent thousands of dollars on my lenses BUT the 828 is still in my prized possession. It always goes with me on my overseas trips and the interesting thing is that more often than not, I usually end up taking more pictures with it than with my DSLR. There are times when you are just not in the mood to lug around all the gear and you will appreciate having a great cam that zooms from 28-200 in your hands. What more, it shoots high quality mpegs too! Now, aint that a bonus?

And have I talked about those perfectly composed overhead shots that I have captured using the unique swivel function? Those shots will be a "hit and miss" for DSLR users.

Suggest you post a WTB thread in CS. I am sure you can get one for about 1k or less now. No point buying new if you can get a good condition 2nd hand model. Good luck...

cheersjy · 28th June 2005

I owned an Olympus 8080 before, which is supposed to be the best among 8MP prosumer cams. After handling my friend's 828, I found the latter much easier to operate, faster and more accurate. It should cost around 900 in used market. Now I own a DSLr but i still use my faithful old 717 very often and dun find it lacking much, not to mention 828

snowspeeder · 28th June 2005

Originally Posted by kayaki

Hi All,

I am much new here, and i had a grown interest in photography since 1 year ago.

i would like to pick up this hobby and want to start off with a F828.
Been trying to put myself off the idea that it is not practical to get a sony and such a high end for a camera, but cant help as i thin i am in love with it.

Other brand of cams simply dun see good to me.

Plan to take up a photography workshop to increase my knowledge and hopefully, can move around to help friends for their wedding.

I will be buying it in HK in Aug as going to visit friends there.

Sincerely, i would seek all advice on the pros and conns on a newbie to used this camera.
I wish to hear comments on the following:
1) the Sony F828, good and worth the $$ ?
2) Newbie and F828 ? is the pair up good ?
3) F828 can it be enough to rch my objective as i had shared above ?

To me, a DSLR is definitely a overkill for me ,

hope to hear from you all.

regards,
WT

Once you hand held the solid feel of the 828, you would want to hold it forever. Though I've sold mine 6 months ago, I still missed the 828.

Well, if you're passionate about photography. You gotta spend a lot more time reading, learning and practicing photography. Attending courses, only provide skin deep knowledge and experience. And knowledge means little without intensive practice which in turn leads to experience, if you wish to reach your goals.

If you're in this for the long run, the 828 is not a 'high end' camera to start with. There will be many more purchases you will go thru in the future which will likely be far much more $$ than this cam (peanuts by comparison). But for a start, since you stated your interest in photography, then I think it is never too expensive to get the cam you love. Financial sacrifices are inevitable. Money can always be earned, but the opportunity cost of time lost is immensely immesurable. The moment (even in photography terms) is now or never.

Having done 3 wedding events using the 828 previously, I think it is a good stepping stone for a cam like this. But there are strengths and weaknesses for every cam, and in this case the 828 that you ought to be aware of. DCA has mentioned some of them already.

So if you're really into photography, join the folks here for the outings and find out more. We'll look forward to more active involvment from you as a future 828 user here!

cheersjy · 28th June 2005

For your reading pleasure

http://luminous-landscape.com/essays/cognative.shtml

http://luminous-landscape.com/review.../sony828.shtml

kayaki · 28th June 2005

Really appreciate all these comment here.
thanks alot ..........

This camera cost only SGD $1200++ in Hong Kong. with a 512 Mb CF.

is this worth getting ?

regards,
WT

cheersjy · 28th June 2005

Originally Posted by kayaki

Really appreciate all these comment here.
thanks alot ..........

This camera cost only SGD $1200++ in Hong Kong. with a 512 Mb CF.

is this worth getting ?

regards,
WT

Wah, price has really dropped! Used one will be around SGD900, might as well go for the new one. I am not too sure how much it is selling in singapore now though.

slacker123 · 28th June 2005

i started out with the 707. it was great. you won't be dissapointed with the 828. Its really an all in one camera that has a live lcd preview.

steve mccurry uses it. so well... the rest is up to you and your vision.

initialE24 · 28th June 2005

still having my 828 despite the fact I am using D70 for my project. you will not regret it.

pianodancer · 28th June 2005

Same here! Brought my F828 along my assignments as a backup camera in case my D70 fails. Check out my wedding event coverage here.

I believe a brand new one still costs around $1400-$1500 in Singapore, but a second-hand one would be cheaper depending on the age of the camera.

kayaki · 30th June 2005

A accquaiantance of mine had a check for me.

he can help me to get it at SGD $1450 with a tripod.

you guys think worth it mah ?

snowspeeder · 30th June 2005

Originally Posted by kayaki

A accquaiantance of mine had a check for me.

he can help me to get it at SGD $1450 with a tripod.

you guys think worth it mah ?

Depends what kind of tripod. Usually the ones thrown in free are the really cheapo ones in look and feel. If so, better do without and get a decent tripod separately.

Del_CtrlnoAlt · 1st July 2005

better off with a manfrotto or slik tripod than a cheapo one...

i have a 680RM before as well, not really good for the heavy F828... its better to get it with a separate remote control.

27th June 2005	#1
kayaki Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 60	Wanna Start off with F828 Hi All, I am much new here, and i had a grown interest in photography since 1 year ago. i would like to pick up this hobby and want to start off with a F828. Been trying to put myself off the idea that it is not practical to get a sony and such a high end for a camera, but cant help as i thin i am in love with it. Other brand of cams simply dun see good to me. Plan to take up a photography workshop to increase my knowledge and hopefully, can move around to help friends for their wedding. I will be buying it in HK in Aug as going to visit friends there. Sincerely, i would seek all advice on the pros and conns on a newbie to used this camera. I wish to hear comments on the following: 1) the Sony F828, good and worth the $$ ? 2) Newbie and F828 ? is the pair up good ? 3) F828 can it be enough to rch my objective as i had shared above ? To me, a DSLR is definitely a overkill for me , hope to hear from you all. regards, WT

27th June 2005	#2
rickygck Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: South East Asia Posts: 1,198	I also got an Sony 828 before, Pretty good camera to own it if you not in DSLR camera. I accumulate some good pictures through the camera too. My answer would be a positive. __________________ poof http://www.newlife-photography.com

27th June 2005	#4
holeinone Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tampines Posts: 1,316	I was and still is a Sony 828 user. I started off with the 717 and later sold it to get the 828, bcos I simply love the way it looks and handles. The pictures are really sharp and great looking and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, especially those who have not even used one and is judging it based on heresay. It does have its shortcomings, just like any other cam. But to me, nothing else comes close in terms of practicality, performance, portability, build quality and price. I have since moved on to a DSLR and spent thousands of dollars on my lenses BUT the 828 is still in my prized possession. It always goes with me on my overseas trips and the interesting thing is that more often than not, I usually end up taking more pictures with it than with my DSLR. There are times when you are just not in the mood to lug around all the gear and you will appreciate having a great cam that zooms from 28-200 in your hands. What more, it shoots high quality mpegs too! Now, aint that a bonus? And have I talked about those perfectly composed overhead shots that I have captured using the unique swivel function? Those shots will be a "hit and miss" for DSLR users. Suggest you post a WTB thread in CS. I am sure you can get one for about 1k or less now. No point buying new if you can get a good condition 2nd hand model. Good luck... __________________ There is no life without fast cars....

28th June 2005	#5
cheersjy Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Hougang Posts: 642	I owned an Olympus 8080 before, which is supposed to be the best among 8MP prosumer cams. After handling my friend's 828, I found the latter much easier to operate, faster and more accurate. It should cost around 900 in used market. Now I own a DSLr but i still use my faithful old 717 very often and dun find it lacking much, not to mention 828 Last edited by cheersjy; 28th June 2005 at 09:15 AM.

28th June 2005	#12
pianodancer Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,547	Same here! Brought my F828 along my assignments as a backup camera in case my D70 fails. Check out my wedding event coverage here. I believe a brand new one still costs around $1400-$1500 in Singapore, but a second-hand one would be cheaper depending on the age of the camera. __________________ Musician \| Photographer \| Blogger Facebook

27th June 2005	#3
Del_CtrlnoAlt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Outside the Dry Box. Posts: 16,342	I started with F717, without much understanding, i upgraded to F828 during the prelaunch... den got interested to shoot more... everything depends on your 'objectives', u wanna do macro, this is not a bad camera. you wanna do events... esp nite shot... kinda hard... but if u wanna take pics in total darkness.. this is the only cam that can focus in 0 lux. the only disappointment is no image stabiliser, grainy high iso pic... see when is our next SONY outing... i can bring 1 to let u test out & maybe discuss the limitations.

28th June 2005	#7
cheersjy Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Hougang Posts: 642	For your reading pleasure http://luminous-landscape.com/essays/cognative.shtml http://luminous-landscape.com/review.../sony828.shtml

28th June 2005	#10
slacker123 Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts Posts: 305	i started out with the 707. it was great. you won't be dissapointed with the 828. Its really an all in one camera that has a live lcd preview. steve mccurry uses it. so well... the rest is up to you and your vision.

28th June 2005	#11
initialE24 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,099	still having my 828 despite the fact I am using D70 for my project. you will not regret it.

30th June 2005	#13
kayaki Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 60	A accquaiantance of mine had a check for me. he can help me to get it at SGD $1450 with a tripod. you guys think worth it mah ?

1st July 2005	#15
Del_CtrlnoAlt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Outside the Dry Box. Posts: 16,342	better off with a manfrotto or slik tripod than a cheapo one... i have a 680RM before as well, not really good for the heavy F828... its better to get it with a separate remote control. __________________ Logging Off Permanently. Those who need to contact me will know where to contact me.