Before I relate my tale about buying this camera through Amazon (ultimately, I did not, not for lack of effort on my part) let me detail some of what I think is terrific about this camera.
I had a DSC-F717 and that camera took remarkable photos. It was intuitive and pretty (silver!) and the buttons were all in the right places. In short order, I felt like a pro taking pictures with it and the results were really good (if you want, email me and I'll link you to some pictures. The only problem with F717 was it was a little cheap in construction so when it began turning on and off randomly (some problem in the hinge I think) it was time to look for a new camera.
Since all my accessories are Sony (from the F717) it was natural to look to Sony for solutions. The F828 was the next level and the changes they made appear stunning.
Gone is the silver. It is now a serious textured black. No one who looks at this camera wonders if its a toy. They may wonder if its a weapon of some kind but it feels good in the hand. It balances much better than the F717 and the key layout, although I'm still getting used to it, makes a little more sense. No more using software purely to delete pictures. There's a button for that. Same thing for White Balance. WB is the most important feature I've ever found on a digital camera and very few people use it. I use it before EVERY shot. Before on the F717, I had to look for a button among a nest of buttons. Now, its right on top right near the shutter.
Next among cool reasons to like this camera is the holographic AF. This (like the F717) camera prjects a visible grid of laser light to detail the subject being photographed. The focus is tight and pretty. I haven't had a chance to play with depth of field but if its like the F717, it will be a strong suit.
It is also very fast. I can now take pictures about as quickly as I hit the shutter. On the F717, it took time.
The only negatives so far is that the camera is heavy. It balances well in the hand, but I have to find a way to carry it thats a little more comfortable. It will work out. I bought the bag (which I'll review separately and that I did buy on Amazon) and it fits into it well, but there's no pocket to hold the charger. Ah well, gotta charge at home and carry batteries.
Last, I'd like to relate my experience in purchasing the camera.
Amazon listed the camera as $454. This was listed in its main price, not through a reseller, auction or Amazon shop. I clicked buy, checked the pricing and hit Submit Order. Surprise! It was a third party reseller named USAPhotonation.com. I got a confirmation that said (pasted) "we're writing to confirm your purchase of the following item from USA Photo
Nation: 1 of Sony DSC-F828 8MP Digital Camera with 7x Optical Zoom [Camera](available to ship by 28-October-2004)
Amazon Payments has charged your credit card (DELETED) for this
purchase, and the funds have been credited to USA Photo Nation."
Having checked out resellerratings.com ([...] ) I basically saw that this company seemed to be a bunch of crooks. Out of a rating of 1 to 10 (10 being the best possible) they scored a .64 as rated by 43 people. I wrote Amazon who reassured me. On Amazon there were no ratings. Apparently I was the first time they'd ever been referred business by Amazon.
After a flurry of email exchanges between Amazon and myself, a few fired off to USA Photo Nation, which they never bothered to answer and over 2 hours on hold at their customer service number, they informed me that my order was cancelled and I could expect a refund, which I did get.
Amazon seemed to wash their hands of it. I got my money back and the next best price on another camera was north of $900 and they weren't going to supply a camera at the price I was confirmed (by them) because, they said, it was the reseller who didn't deliver the product. I, on the other hand, had NO idea I was dealing with a reseller and would never have used that particular reseller after viewing their online ratings.
I bought the camera at a Best Buy. I paid over double what Amazon assured me was the price and I'm pleased with my purchase. I'm a little angry at Amazon however. I've done a lot of business with them over the years and I think their relationship with the reseller does not absolve them of their responsibility to provide what they confirm has been purchased.
So, for my review, this is a great camera, one that is heavier duty than my F717 and much faster. But if you are thinking about buying it through Amazon, I'd advise caution. Make sure it isn't a reseller or if it is, that they have reasonable rating for delivering on time what they promise.
There is a newer model of this item:
Sony HX400V Compact Digital Camera with 50x Optical Zoom, Black
$335.00
(430)
Usually ships within 5 to 6 days
$335.00
(430)
Usually ships within 5 to 6 days
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This Item  Sony DSC-F828 8MP Digital Camera with 7x Optical Zoom |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $159.99 | -8% $183.98 List: $199.99 | $479.00 | -15% $135.99 Typical: $159.99 | $173.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it May 21 - 24 |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Picture quality | |||||
| Image stabilization | |||||
| Easy to use | |||||
| Sold By | good_stuff_ | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Saneen Direct | Port Hole Renewed |
| display type | — | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| display size | 1.8 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 4 inches | 3 inches |
| lens type | zoom | Telephoto | Wide Angle | Fixed | Zoom |
| zoom type | Optical, Digital | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom | Optical Zoom |
| shooting modes | Movie | Panorama, Automatic, Easy | Landscape; portrait mode; close-up; night portrait; food; sports mode | Manual | High-sensitivity, soft snap, portrait, landscape, night portrait, night scene, gourmet, beach, snow, fireworks, pet and party |
| connectivity tech | USB | USB | NFC, HDMI, USB | Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB | USB |
| video resolution | 480p | 1080p | FHD 1080p | 2160p, 2.7K | HD 720p |
| optical zoom | — | 40 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x | — | 35 multiplier x |
Reviews with images
Using for very specific functions - IR and UV - works well for that
I purchased this after reading about the "magnet hack" and how this camera can easily be converted for daylight UV and IR pictures. True! Using a strong magnet - not all are the right strength - the hot filter can be flipped up and WOW this camera can take great IR and UV as well as "combination" false color pictures. My examples are converted from color (which will have a strong purple cast) to B&W. Easy to follow lessons on this ability are on YouTube and Instagram.The included battery was effectively dead - replacements here on Amazon work well. My two stars are for the included battery.This is a low-res camera, a relic of another time, not a high-megapixel-monster of today's design. Used within those limits, it works very well indeed. The included 512mb compact flash gave 140 pictures.The menus are clear and easy to understand.I just love the IR and UV functions and anticipate many hours of fun. If you are looking for a fun, novelty, and educational camera this is it!5 stars for UV and IR, 4 for general pictures, and 6 for fun.
Top reviews from other countries
Unhappy Customer
Sony DSC-F828 8MP Digital Camera with 7X Optical Zoom
Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2019
