Ive been shooting with my old DSLR for like seven years now but the shutter count is getting ridiculous and the weight is just killing my back when I go on hikes. So I was thinking it is finally time to switch to mirrorless for something lighter, maybe a Sony a7iii or a Fuji XT-4? My budget is capped at around 1200 bucks including a lens since I am saving for a trip to Japan this fall. I checked B&H and Amazon but everything looks like MSRP still. Did I miss the window for seasonal sales or is there some hidden deal I should be looking out for? Really dont want to overpay if prices are gonna drop soon...
If you are strictly watching your budget for that Japan trip, I would suggest looking at the used market rather than hunting for non-existent retail sales. Dealing with retailers can be frustrating when prices stay locked at MSRP. Be careful with shipping and always check for reputable sellers who offer warranties, otherwise you might end up with repair costs that negate any savings.
- Canon EOS R10 24.2MP APS-C Mirrorless is a solid, lightweight contender that handles well on hikes and fits comfortably under your budget.
- Sony Alpha a6400 24.2MP APS-C Mirrorless offers an incredibly reliable autofocus system, though the menus can be a bit dense if you are used to a DSLR. Make sure to inspect the shutter count before finalizing any purchase. Saving cash is great, but don't sacrifice gear reliability right before a big trip.
Honestly, buying new right now is a total headache. I tried finding a deal on a Sony a7III Full-frame Mirrorless Camera recently and the pricing is just stubborn. MSRP isnt budging much because everyone is waiting for those seasonal refresh cycles that keep getting delayed. Unfortunately, you are probably not going to find a brand new body plus a decent lens for 1200 bucks if you stick to the big retailers. Ive had issues with ordering from those major sites during sales too, mainly just shipping delays and zero stock. If you want to save your back for that Japan trip, just stop looking at new gear. Go check out the used market instead. Places like MPB or KEH are way more reliable than random marketplace listings. You can easily snag a Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Digital Camera 26.1MP in excellent condition for way less than retail. Honestly, the Fuji colors are pretty great for travel photography anyway. If you pick up a used Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens, you will still have plenty of cash left over for food in Tokyo. Dont stress about buying brand new, the shutter counts on used bodies are usually pretty low and you wont be crying when you drop it on a hiking trail. Just keep an eye on the used listings, they pop up all the time.
Building on the earlier suggestion, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III 20.4MP is way lighter for hiking. The sensor stack is efficient, tho smaller than full-frame.
- insane IBIS
- weather sealed
Building on the earlier suggestion, have you looked at the Fujifilm X-S10 Mirrorless Camera? It handles like a dream for hiking since the grip is actually deep enough to hold onto without cramping up. You might want to consider grabbing one used through a reputable site like MPB or KEH so you can keep your Japan budget intact. Just be careful to verify the shutter count before you pull the trigger on any used gear, especially since you are looking to avoid the maintenance issues you had with your old DSLR. Honestly, spending the extra cash on a solid weather-sealed lens is usually better than blowing the whole budget on a newer body anyhow. Speaking of hiking, I was just out in the Sierras last weekend and forgot my extra battery, which was a nightmare since my phone died and I couldn't even check the trail map. Ended up navigating with a paper map like it was 1995. Anyway, just make sure you pack a spare battery if you wanna be safe out there.