Ive been shooting semi-pro events here in Chicago for about five years now, mostly using a Sony A7III. I really need to upgrade to a second body before my holiday gigs start next month, and Im eyeing either the Sony A7IV or maybe even a Fujifilm X-T5 since I want to try out their film sims for personal work. My budget is strictly capped at $1500 for the body.
Normally I just buy used gear from KEH or MPB because retail prices are just too high, but I figured I might finally buy new if the Black Friday discounts are actually worth it this year. The problem is I started tracking prices on B&H and Adorama last week, and their early holiday sales look identical to the standard street prices theyve had all summer. It feels like total marketing hype so far.
Where do you guys actually go to find the real Black Friday deals on mirrorless bodies? Are there specific deal tracker sites or forums that get early leaks on camera bundles, or should I just wait until the actual Friday to see if the prices drop further?
In my experience, holiday doorbusters are risky. I prioritize safety.
- Buy manufacturer refurbished directly
- Look for authorized regional dealer closeouts I got my Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera that way.
Honestly, skip B&H for Black Friday! They just match MAP pricing anyway. Here is what I do:
- Try Greentoe. You can bid like $1400 on a new Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Camera Body and authorized dealers will accept it to bypass MAP!
- Hit the Fred Miranda buy/sell forum. People dump gear there to buy new stuff, got my Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera Body practically new for cheap!
Re: "Honestly, skip B&H for Black Friday! They just..."
- Unfortunately, Greentoe has real support issues now. Try adoramas refurb outlet for the Sony Alpha 7 IV Mirrorless Camera Body instead, it actually includes a solid warranty.
