My old camera finally bit the dust during my trip to Seattle last week and honestly the timing is terrible because I have a wedding to shoot for a friend in mid-October. I really need to upgrade before then. Im currently looking at the Canon EOS 90D or the Nikon D850. The Nikon looks like a beast but its definitely pushing my 1500 dollar limit while the Canon seems a bit more manageable. Ive been scouring the usual sites for a deal but everything seems full price. Does anyone know where to find legit discounts on these or if I should just bite the bullet and buy used?
If youre looking for reliability, buying used is the only way to get a professional body like the Nikon D850 45.7MP Full Frame DSLR without blowing your savings! Honestly, finding legit discounts on new gear is almost impossible right now because of supply chain stuff. Check out the refurbished sections on the official brand websites instead. They offer the same warranty as new cameras but at a fraction of the cost, which is amazing for your peace of mind before a wedding shoot! If the Nikon is too much, the Canon EOS 90D 32.5MP APS-C DSLR is fantastic and super fast. Definitely stick to verified retailers for these though, dont risk some random marketplace listing when you have a wedding deadline looming!
Regarding what #2 said about if youre looking for reliability, buying used is definitely the smartest play here. I totally agree, but just be super careful about where you source that gear. I would suggest sticking to authorized retailers for their official refurbished programs, as you get a warranty that you just wont find on random marketplace sites. Honestly, spending your whole budget on a body might leave you hanging if you dont have extra cash for a decent lens. You might want to consider looking at the Canon EOS 90D 32.5MP APS-C DSLR since it leaves you enough breathing room to grab a solid prime lens, which honestly matters way more for weddings anyway. Just make sure to check the shutter count before you finalize anything, since wedding work puts a lot of wear on those mechanical parts.
Man, that timing is rough. I have been through that same stress right before a gig. Honestly, buying used from reputable shops is usually the way to go if you need to stay under budget. I would suggest looking at MPB or KEH since they actually grade their gear properly, which saves you a lot of headache down the road. Just be careful with random listings on marketplaces where you cant verify the shutter count or sensor condition. If you go the used route, make sure to ask for the shutter count right away so you know if the body is reaching the end of its life. It is worth the extra research to avoid buying someone elses mechanical problems right before your shoot.
Like someone mentioned, going the refurbished route is the way to go. Ive been shooting professionally for over a decade and honestly, chasing new gear when you have a deadline is just asking for stress. If you really want to stay under that 1500 limit while getting reliable gear, check these out:
- Canon EOS 90D 32.5MP DSLR
- You mentioned this one, and its a solid workhorse for weddings. The battery life is killer and the autofocus holds up surprisingly well in lower light.
- Nikon D780 24.5MP DSLR
- Forget the D850 for a second. The D780 is basically a mirrorless sensor inside a DSLR body. It handles high ISO way better, which you will absolutely need for a wedding reception.
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 30.4MP DSLR
- You can find these used in excellent condition now. It is a true industry standard. The dual pixel AF is still top tier and it gives you that pro look. In my experience, you should prioritize a solid lens over a slightly better body. Don't blow the whole budget on the camera and get stuck with kit glass.