Hey everyone! With Black Friday just around the corner, I’m getting pretty serious about finally upgrading my photography gear. I’ve been shooting on an old, beat-up entry-level DSLR for what feels like a decade, and I think it’s finally time to make the jump to a full-frame mirrorless system. I’ve been saving up for months, but as I’m starting to look around, I’m honestly feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the "early access" sales and marketing hype already popping up.

I’ve got my heart set on something like the Sony A7 IV or maybe the Fujifilm X-T5 if the price is right, but my budget is strictly capped at around $1,800 for both a body and a decent starter lens. I know that’s a bit of a tall order for high-end gear, so I’m really counting on a substantial holiday discount to make it happen. I’ve been refreshing the pages on the big names like B&H Photo, Adorama, and Amazon, but I’m curious if anyone has found better luck elsewhere in previous years.

In the past, I’ve noticed that some of the best deals aren't actually on the massive marketplaces but come through smaller authorized dealers or specific brand-wide rebates that apply across all platforms. Also, I’m a bit worried about the "fake" deals—you know, when a store raises the price in October just to "discount" it back to its original MSRP in November. Does anyone know of a reliable price tracker specifically for camera gear that can show me the actual price history?

I’m also debating whether it’s better to wait until Cyber Monday for electronics or if the best bundles usually sell out on Friday morning. If you’ve scored a great deal in the past, where did you find it, and do you have any tips for a first-time holiday gear shopper?

Specifically, where are you all planning to shop this year, and are there any retailers known for throwing in useful "freebies" like high-speed SD cards or extra batteries with their Black Friday bundles?