we chose our Sony DSC-F717 based on reviews. we also liked this cam because we didn't want to mess with having to buy lenses and change lenses. the body of the camera is able to swivel and we liked that for taking difficult shots. it also fit our budget.

we chose our Sony DSC-F828 based again on reviews and based on our very positive experience with the 717.
Again, the body of the camera fits like a glove...just like the 717. Hard to explain but we just love both of those cams.

the 828 was to be specificially my cam. i wanted a cam that would be easy for me to learn. the buttons and features were pretty much the same. Again, the body of the camera was very important to me. I love how it swivels and i can maneuver it. I wanted to keep that feature.

Basically i figured since i loved the 717 i would love the 828. and i DO!!!!! and reviews were great! and it fit our budget too!

i tried out other cams before deciding on the 828. i didn't like any of them. there was a different reason for each cam.

We'll probably buy another cam in Jan. It will probably be the Sony DSC-R1. Why? i'll tell you a little, then you can check out the link if you want to learn more. It's a 10 megapixel cam with CMOS image sensor. This cam has the same image quality as most DSLR cameras. The advantage: no changing of lenses! no buying lenses! you get LIVE preview (unlike DSLR), and the camera LCD can swivel 180 degrees!!!! Now that's AWESOME for taking self-portraits! and it moves in other directions too!!!

Oh...and the price fits our budget too!!! :)

That one will be kemal's cam, but i'll be getting the next model after that!!!

here's the link if anyone's interested in seeing the specs on the Sony DSC-R1.

Click Here!

interesting thread, Jim. Neat to hear people's reasons for buying the cams they do. :)

Message edited on: 11/07/2005 23:54