Ive been staring at my cart on B&H for like three days now and I just cant pull the trigger yet because Im convinced the second I hit buy, a massive sale is gonna drop. Im planning this big solo trip to Japan in November and I really want to upgrade from my old setup before I go. I need something that can handle both the busy streets of Tokyo and the quiet temples in Kyoto without breaking my back or my bank account.
Right now Im pretty much torn between two very different paths. Option A is the Sony A7 IV paired with the 35mm f1.4 GM. I do a lot of street photography but Im starting to get into more cinematic video stuff, so that hybrid power is really calling to me. But then theres Option B: the A7C II with the 40mm f2.5 G lens. Its so much smaller and I'm honestly worried about lugging a big rig around for two weeks straight while walking 20k steps a day.
My budget is hard capped at $3,500 for everything. If I go with the A7 IV and the GM lens, Im already basically at the limit, maybe even a bit over if I include taxes and extra batteries. If I go the A7C II route, I'd have enough left over for maybe an 85mm prime for portraits or even a nice gimbal.
Here is what I am looking for:
- Fast autofocus (my current camera hunts way too much in low light)
- Compact enough for travel but still feels good in the hand
- Weather sealing is a huge plus for those rainy city shots
- Good video features like 10-bit color
Does anyone know if Sony usually does a late summer or early fall sale? I know Black Friday is too late for my trip. I've checked the usual spots like Adorama and even Focus Camera but everything seems to be at MSRP right now. Maybe there are some trade-in programs or EDU discounts I'm missing? Im leaning toward the A7 IV just for the dual card slots and better viewfinder, but that 35mm GM price tag is stinging... is there a bundle deal anywhere I should be looking at?
Honestly, Ive spent years lugging heavy gear through cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, and I always regret the weight after the third day. If youre walking 20k steps, that Sony Alpha 7 IV Mirrorless Camera with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens is gonna feel like a brick by noon. In my experience, the Sony Alpha 7C II Body is much more manageable for travel without sacrificing that 10-bit video you want. Regarding sales, Sony usually does a Sony Savings event late August or early September for the back-to-school crowd. If you have an old .edu email, B&H's EDU Advantage program is a lifesaver... usually knocks a couple hundred bucks off. Dont sleep on the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G Lens either; its tiny but the weather sealing is solid for those rainy Shibuya nights. Safety first tho, make sure you get a couple extra Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Battery packs regardless of which body you pick.
