For your situation, i'd look at: * Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera Body (Refurbished) It's usually $1,299. The 20MP sensor handles high-ISO SNR better than the Mark II, i think. gl!

Seconding the recommendation above!! If you grab that body, look at the Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. Adapter vs RF Kit vs Primes: The RF kit is pricey. The adapter lets you use cheap EF glass, and adding a Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is way better for low-light. Unfortunately, the R6 overheats in video, but for stills it's highkey great. The adapter/prime combo is the best value choice! gl

Re: "Seconding the recommendation above!! If you grab that..." - unfortunately while the adapter is a decent workaround, I found the non-L series kit lens pretty disappointing for professional events. It just didnt hold up as well as expected under pressure. The build quality feels a bit plastic and the autofocus struggled more than it should have in dim venues. If you want this setup to actually last and stay reliable, here are two quick tips:

• save up the extra cash for a Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM. The constant f/4 aperture is basically non-negotiable for professional events tho, otherwise youre constantly fighting your exposure settings as you zoom.
• reliability is everything, so skip the bargain bin SD cards. I suggest at least a SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II to avoid buffer lag. Ive had too many near-misses with slower media in the R6 when shooting high-speed bursts during a ceremony.

Ok so, i feel u on this. Making that jump from an old DSLR to a full-frame mirrorless setup is highkey nerve-wracking, especially when you're looking at those price tags. I went through the exact same thing last year when I wanted to upgrade for my own side gig doing indoor event shots. I was super anxious about the budget and basically spent way too much time refreshing browser tabs every single day lol. Honestly, I think you're smart to aim for that $1,500 price point for the body. I managed to snag my current setup for right around there by being patient. Here's what I recommend based on my experience: * The manufacturer's refurbished store is basically the gold standard. I bought the one I have now there and it looked literally brand new and came with a warranty, which saved me a ton of stress.
* Watch those "open box" listings at the big NYC retailers. Sometimes people return gear just cuz they didn't like the ergonomics, and the discount is actually insane. * You might want to consider used gear sites too? Just make sure to check the shutter count and the return policy before you pull the trigger. I would suggest being a bit cautious with random websites that have prices way lower than the big names tho... those are usually grey market and can be a real headache. I was definately checking the listings every single morning with my coffee because the good deals disappear so fast. It's kinda a grind, but saving that cash for a good prime lens is totally worth it. The low-light performance is gonna blow your mind compared to your old setup!! gl!

Regarding what #5 said about "Saving this thread" - honestly, you should! Finding these deals is a total rush when it finally happens. I have always been a huge fan of just going with any high-end zoom from the same brand. Canon is just amazing for skin tones and the autofocus is honestly life-changing for events!

• Hunt for those open box deals at the big online retailers
• Stick to the native brand glass for the fastest focus speeds
• Look into their refurbished program since its basically like getting new gear Seriously, any of their pro-level lenses will be a total game-changer compared to what you are used to on the old DSLR. Dont stress too much about the specific kit, just get the body and find a solid used prime... you are gonna love it!

Regarding what #6 said about "Regarding what #5 said about "Saving this thread"...", keeping an eye on these discussions is definitely the right approach. I have owned the R6 for a long time now and I am very satisfied with how it performs for professional event photography. It works well in low light and the build quality has been solid for me since day one. To help you find the best value, I have a couple clarifying questions:

• Are you planning to adapt your current DSLR lenses or are you looking to start fresh with mirrorless glass?
• Do you prioritize a factory warranty, or would you be open to a used unit from a reputable reseller? I recommend checking Canon Price Watch for their refurbished inventory alerts. It is usually more reliable than the stores own notification system. Sites like CamelCamelCamel are also great for tracking price history on the big retailers to see if a current price is actually a good deal or if it will drop lower. It takes a bit of patience but it basically pays off in the end...

Building on the earlier suggestion about going refurbished, thats definitely the move to stay under budget! The sensor in the Canon EOS R6 is basically a tweaked version of the one from the 1DX Mark III, so the noise handling at ISO 6400 or 12800 is absolutely insane for indoor gigs. I think everyone here is right about skipping the non-L zoom if you want that pro look. If you can snag the body for $1,299, definitely check out the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. It is super sharp and the stabilization works in tandem with the IBIS on the R6 to give you like 8 stops of compensation... totally a lifesaver when you are shooting handheld in a dark venue. Also, dont forget to grab some fast cards! Since the R6 has dual slots, I usually run two SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB UHS-II SDXC cards. It helps with the buffer and gives you that peace of mind in case a card fails during a shoot. Youre gonna love the autofocus tho, the eye-tracking is like magic compared to any old DSLR.

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