Does anyone know where to actually get a deal on the Sony a7IV right now? Im honestly so fed up with my old Canon R, the autofocus keeps hunting during shoots and I missed a huge moment at a wedding last weekend which was just the last straw. I am so ready to switch to Sony but these prices are just insane everywhere I look. I have about $2200 saved up and I really need to get this sorted before my next big gig in Chicago next month. Every site I check is full price or looks like a total scam. Is there a legit discount or maybe an educator program I could use? I'm so pumped to finally have real eye-tracking but I just cant find a price that fits my budget...
Honestly, I feel your pain. Finding a solid deal on the Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-Frame Camera is basically impossible right now because Sony is so strict with their pricing. I was disappointed last month when I thought I found a sale but it was just a tiny bundle deal that wasnt even worth it... super frustrating when you have a deadline. If you're looking to stay under $2200, your best bet is definitely the EDU programs. B&H and Adorama both have them, so if you have a .edu email or know someone who does, you can usually shave off a few hundred bucks. Its legit and probably the only way to get it brand new within your budget. Otherwise, maybe look at a used Sony Alpha 7 IV Body from a place like MPB? I dont trust random eBay sellers for big gigs. Trading in that Canon R might be the only way to make the math work tbh.
Quick reply while I have a sec... honestly it is super disappointing that the Sony Alpha a7 IV 33MP Mirrorless Body still sits so high even after being out for a while. Like someone mentioned, the pricing is super strict, and it really sucks that the tech stays so pricey even with newer models out. Since you have that Chicago gig coming up, you should definitely check out the used market on sites like KEH or MPB instead of buying brand new. I have had issues with random eBay sellers before, so definitely stick to the pros. Sometimes you can snag an Excellent+ condition unit for way under retail. Just remember $2200 is basically the MSRP for the body alone, so you still gotta budget for glass. If you are desperate, check Greentoe... you can bid lower and sometimes a legit shop will accept your offer.
> Honestly, I feel your pain. Finding a solid deal on the Sony Alpha 7 IV I hear you. If you are doing pro wedding work, skip the grey market stuff entirely. It is not worth the risk of a camera dying on you during a ceremony. In my experience, if the EDU route doesnt work out, look for a refurbished unit directly from the Sony store. They pop up every now and then and carry a legitimate warranty. Also, dont forget you will need a fast card for that buffer. I have used the Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II 128GB for years and never had a single write error. It is pricey but for a wedding gig, the reliability is non-negotiable. If you are tight on cash, maybe grab a slightly used Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens instead of buying new glass, since optics are where the real money goes anyway. Stick with authorized dealers and you wont get burned before your Chicago shoot.
TL;DR: Sign up for the B&H EDU Advantage or Adorama Educators program to get the Sony Alpha a7 IV Body for around $2100 legit. I would suggest being very careful with random sites offering huge discounts. Most are grey market units without a valid US warranty, which is a massive risk for pro wedding work. If you cant get an EDU discount, honestly look for a used Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Camera from MPB or KEH. They rate gear strictly and include a 6-month warranty. Just check the shutter count before the Chicago gig... some used ones are beat up. Also, the 759-point phase-detect AF system is basically magic but power hungry, so make sure to have a spare Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Battery. Youll get there, just dont get scammed by a fake price.