Currently I am using my Sony F828 for my photography class and photoshoots.  And I believe most of you know that any built in flash sucks.  So, is there any quick/alternative way to create a flash diffuser for the builtin flash light like the external flash on the DSLR and be able to get the same results for outdoor portraits (i.e. without the big shadows in the back and still manage to light things up in the correct way)?

Thx for the help in advance.

Nick

Since you want to rig something for cheap, I'd just suggest getting creative with posterboard, waxpaper, clear-plasic lids (like from a Pringles can or such), multiple-layers of Saran-Wrap or Scotch-Tape and stuff like that. Grab some scissors. See what you can come up with.

I used to have a Sony F717.  Why not get the external flash for it?

Problem with the Sony F828 is that it has that pop up flash. I use this camera myself and I love it, but I rarely use the flash. It has quite an ability to shoot beautifully using just natural light by opening all the way up, and changing to a quick shutter speed. However, if you are going to use the flash and want it defused, here are a coupla tricks.
Open your flash, take an old credit card, bend it in half and tape it to the flash with the bent half infront of the flash, in which ever direction you'd like the light to be softened. If you want to keep all over light (as in fill) but want it softened; take an old rubbing alcohol bottle, cut out the bottom and use it as a defuse cover; it works pretty well.

that's what I figured.  Might as well get a ext flash and a diffuser cap for it.  Thx guys.

Haven't tried it but a photographer friend of mine suggested translucent scotch tape over the flash. Said he always carried a roll in his camera bag so that if he found that he needed it, he could just tear off a piece or two to put over the flash.

ok, I just placed the order for the ext. flash.  But one question came up.  Does the built in diffuser works as good as the diffuser cap?  Cause if it doesn't, I will have to buy one before my shoot next Saturday.

The HVL-F32X is a great little flash that is dedicated to the 828 (though I shoot 10D and 20D Canon, I owned the 828 for a short time but was unhappy with the camera overall).  With the HVL-F32X you can mount it on a flash bracket, but unfortunately the sync cable isn't very long so you can't get it too far away from the camera.  It also doesn't adjust too well for bouncing.