Im losing my mind trying to find a solid camera deal before my trip to Iceland in three weeks. Seriously, why is everything so expensive right now? I need something reliable for landscape shots and maybe a bit of low-light shooting for the northern lights if I get lucky.
My budget is strictly under 1300 bucks including a lens, which I know is tight but I have to make it work. Ive been staring at these three for days:
- Sony A6400 (seems like a safe bet, used prices are good but finding one in stock is a nightmare)
- Canon R10 (heard great things about the autofocus but the lens selection feels a bit limited for what I want)
- Fujifilm X-S10 (honestly just love the look of the film simulations, makes me want to pull the trigger but maybe its overkill)
I really need to pull the trigger by Friday so I have time to actually learn the settings before I fly out. Is there any site running a secret sale right now? Does anyone think I should just go for the Sony or am I gonna regret not grabbing the Fuji? Im so stressed about this trip and just want to get it ordered...
Jumping in here to say dont sleep on the used market. Since you have a strict budget and need something by Friday, check out MPB or KEH. They are way more reliable than random marketplace sellers and usually ship fast. Honestly, if you want something for landscapes that wont kill your wallet, the Fujifilm X-T30 II 26.1MP is a total gem. Its smaller than the X-S10 and honestly feels more like a dedicated travel camera. You can usually find a solid deal on one paired with a Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS lens, which is honestly one of the best kit lenses ever made. If you really want to save cash for extra memory cards or a tripod, maybe look at the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV 20.3MP. It might have a smaller sensor, but the in-body stabilization is unreal for handheld long exposures. I took mine to Norway last winter and it did great with the lights. You dont need a massive sensor to have fun, just get a fast prime lens like the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens if you go the Sony route. Dont overthink the gear too much, just grab something, learn the exposure triangle, and enjoy Iceland. Youre gonna be so distracted by the views that you wont even care about the tiny pixel peeping differences.
> I need something reliable for landscape shots and maybe a bit of low-light shooting for the northern lights if I get lucky. Listen, if you are chasing the aurora, you really need to prioritize a decent aperture lens over the body itself. Honestly, that kit lens included with a Fujifilm X-S10 26.1MP APS-C might let you down when the lights start dancing. It is a fantastic camera, no doubt, but you might want to consider putting that extra cash toward a fast prime lens like the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens if you can find one used. Be careful with the Canon R10 24.2MP APS-C, the autofocus is snappy but finding glass that wont break your budget is a pain. If you go Fuji, just make sure to order by Friday so you arent stuck waiting for shipping while youre already in the air. Keep it simple, just get the gear and start shooting!
Honestly, skip the stress and just grab the Sony Alpha 6400 Mirrorless Camera 24.2MP. I have used this body for years and the autofocus is honestly still top tier for the price. Dealing with the northern lights is tricky, but the 6400 handles noise way better than people give it credit for. You'll want to pair it with a fast prime like the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens if you can find room in your budget, as that combo is basically the gold standard for landscape and astro on a budget. Don't waste time hunting for secret sales, just check B&H or MPB for a clean used copy so you have time to learn the menu before Iceland. The Fuji is fun, but for a trip where you need reliability, stick to the Sony system.