Sony's advanced compact of its era — 8MP with Carl Zeiss f/2-2.8 zoom and ring AF.
The Sony DSC-F828 launched in 2003 as one of the most advanced compact cameras of its era — using an 8MP 2/3-inch sensor with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-200mm f/2-2.8 zoom. The fast f/2-2.8 was unprecedented.
The 8MP 2/3-inch Super HAD CCD sensor was class-leading for 2003. The Carl Zeiss 28-200mm f/2-2.8 zoom was the fastest compact zoom available — bright enough for serious low-light use. Ring AF around the barrel. RAW shooting.
Zeiss 28-200mm f/2-2.8 T* zoom — extraordinarily fast. 2/3-inch CCD. Ring-type AF mechanism. Swivel LCD. Hot shoe. RAW shooting. IR NightShot mode. The F828 was Sony's compact flagship of the early 2000s.
Available used very cheaply. The 2/3-inch CCD and 8MP are very dated. The f/2-2.8 zoom was revolutionary for its era. For digital camera history collectors — the F828 was a significant step in compact camera evolution.