^ This. Also, check the B&H EDU or Adorama student portals for the Sony Alpha 7 IV 33MP Mirrorless Camera. Using a student email works well because those discounts stay active even when public sales are dead. I was super satisfied saving $300 that way last year. No complaints at all. You might also check Open Box listings at big retailers for a Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Camera Body to save extra cash.

Unfortunately, you are looking at a dry spell for Sony sales right now. Usually, we dont see the big drops until late May or early June around the Fathers Day window, which wont help you for your Chicago wedding next month. I learned the hard way that waiting for a price drop right before a big job is a recipe for disaster. Last year I held out for a deal on the Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera Body and ended up having to buy it full price last minute anyway because I couldnt find a rental... my wallet still hasnt recovered. If you are stuck on that $2,200 limit, here is how I see your options based on what I have used:

• Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera Body: It is the standard for a reason, but the recent price hikes are just plain greedy imo. The dual slots are essential for weddings, but the overheating issues I have seen in some units make me nervous for long ceremonies.
• Sony Alpha 7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Camera: You could grab this for way under budget and spend the rest on glass. Honestly though, the menu system is a mess and the autofocus feels dated compared to the newer tech. I had issues with the mechanical shutter failing on me during a shoot once, so I am always wary of buying these used.
• Sony Alpha 7C II Full-frame Mirrorless Camera: This fits your budget better, but it only has one card slot. For a wedding? That is a huge gamble. I wouldnt recommend it because if that one SD card corrupts, you are basically finished. Tbh, unless you find a reliable open-box deal, you might have to bite the bullet on the full price of the IV just to ensure you have a proper warranty and peace of mind.

Retail prices are a joke lately and unfortunately new stock is overpriced. Youre better off checking used inventories:

• MPB
• KEH Grab a Sony Alpha a7 IV 33MP Mirrorless used.

Honestly, regarding what #3 said about the EDU portals, thats rock solid advice if you can swing it. Over the years, I have learned that banking on a retail sale for a pro-grade body right before a wedding is just asking for a stress spike you dont need. If the EDU route isnt an option for you, I would seriously look into the pro-certified rental houses. Sometimes, those shops sell off their rental fleet to make room for new gear. You can often snag a slightly used Sony Alpha a7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera that has been maintained way better than some random gear on a secondary market site. Pro rental shops handle the firmware updates and physical cleaning constantly, which gives you that peace of mind for event work. I have picked up a few backups that way and they honestly perform like they just left the factory. Dont stress the retail price too much, checking those rental fleet liquidation lists could be the move that gets you to Chicago with a reliable tool in your bag.

@DavidCip - good point! Honestly, I dealt with this same headache a few years back when I had a packed summer schedule and my main rig gave out. I stopped sweating the new retail prices and just leaned into the secondary market for a while. Here is how I handled it:

• Checked local photography groups on social media for private sellers
• Looked at manufacturer certified pre-owned units
• Considered picking up a different lens system instead If you really need something for that wedding, honestly just grab any full-frame mirrorless from Sony. They are all workhorses and you really cant go wrong regardless of the specific generation you land on. I ended up just picking up whatever was available locally and it paid for itself in one weekend. Sometimes you just have to pull the trigger on used gear to save the job.

Regarding what #4 said about rental houses, that is solid advice. Renting is basically the only way to avoid the stress of a big purchase right before a gig. If you are really stuck on buying, honestly, just search for Sony gear trade-in programs on Reddit or watch some of the gear comparison videos on YouTube. There are plenty of breakdowns comparing the Sony lineup against Canon and Nikon if you are open to switching systems, but finding the exact model you want at a decent price usually just involves scouring the manufacturer site for refurbs or checking the major classifieds. Its not rocket science, just takes a bit of time searching around. Tons of people post their own deals or find hidden inventory that way. You will find something if you just put in the effort to look.