Ive been staring at my cart for like three days now and I just cant pull the trigger yet. Im basically stuck between the Sony A7 IV and the Lumix GH6. I know theyre totally different sensor sizes but I do a lot of handheld video for weddings here in the PNW and that GH6 stabilization is so tempting for the price. But man the Sony autofocus is just legendary and since Im doing more photography lately the full frame sensor seems like the smarter long term play for my business. My budget is pretty firm at $2200 for the body because I still need to grab a decent 24-70 lens soon. I was even looking at a used A7 III to save cash but I feel like Id regret not having the 10-bit video from the IV. Im based in Seattle so Ive checked a couple local shops like Glazers but everything is at full MSRP right now and it hurts. I need to have this sorted by early next month before my next big project starts. Does anyone know if there are any student deals or maybe bundle discounts going on right now for the A7 IV that Im missing? I checked BH and Adorama but maybe theres a specific promo code or a seasonal sale starting soon that I havent heard about yet?
Honestly, buying a body this expensive right before a big job makes me a bit nervous for you, especially with that tight $2200 limit. Since you're doing wedding work in the PNW, you definitely need that weather sealing and reliability. For the Sony A7 IV 33MP Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, your best bet right now is the EDU programs at B&H or Adorama. You can usually get a few hundred bucks off if you have a .edu email or know a student who can help you out. I would suggest being really careful with used listings on eBay or random marketplace sites tho. Weddings are high pressure and you dont want a sensor that was abused or has hidden shutter issues. If you cant find a direct sale, keep these things in mind:
- Check the B&H Edu Advantage portal specifically; it often drops the A7 IV well below that $2200 mark.
- Look for an open-box unit at Glazers or Kenmore Camera. They usually offer a full manufacturer warranty which is way safer than private sales.
- Make sure you budget for fast V60 or V90 cards because that 10-bit video eats storage like crazy. If you really need to stay under budget to afford a lens like the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E, you might want to consider the Sony trade-in events that happen occasionally. Tbh for weddings, that autofocus is gonna save your life when things get chaotic. Just dont cut corners on the glass... a cheap lens on a nice body is a recipe for regret. Let me know if you find a specific listing online and I can take a look to see if it seems legit or not.
