Ive been rocking the A7R II for nearly a decade now and while that sensor is still incredible the AF is just totally lagging behind for the fast-paced portrait work Im doing these days. Its time for an upgrade but man the prices on the A7 IV and especially the A7R V are just not budging like they used to. I used to be able to find great grey market deals or open-box steals at local shops but my usual spots in the Bay Area are basically dry or just sticking to MSRP.
Im looking for some insider tips on where to look for actual discounts that arent just the standard $100 off everyone does. Here is what Im looking at:
- Budget is strictly under $3k
- Need 10-bit video and better IBIS than my current brick
- Based in the US (California)
- Need the new body in hand by late July for a wedding
I checked B&H and the used section at KEH but the prices for 'Excellent' condition are almost the same as new right now. Are there any specific forums or smaller reputable dealers that run better promos? I heard some rumors about EDU discounts being stackable but havent seen it work lately. Just trying to see if anyone has found a loophole or a specific site that isnt a total scam...
In my experience, standard retailers are too rigid now. I've tracked price cycles for years and Greentoe is consistently the winner for 10-bit bodies like the Sony Alpha A7 IV 33MP.
- Greentoe (name your price)
- Focus Camera (EDU stacks)
- Adorama open box Snagged my Sony Alpha A7R V 61MP Full-Frame there for $2900 last season. Its the only way I stay under budget these days.
Honestly, skip the big retail used sections. Prices there are basically MSRP right now.
- Fred Miranda Buy and Sell: This is a decent option for finding a Sony Alpha A7 IV 33MP Mirrorless around $2100.
- MPB: Their pricing is generally more realistic than KEH for the Sony Alpha A7R V 61MP Body.
- Sony Direct EDU: Check their official student store for direct rebates. Check FM boards daily tho, the good deals go quick.
Honestly, if youre looking for the absolute basement prices, you gotta check Secondipity. They are basically the official outlet for Sony refurbished gear and its where I have snagged my last few bodies. I saw a Sony Alpha A7 IV 33MP Mirrorless on there for around $1,900 recently which is a killer price for a 10-bit hybrid. A few other spots I have had luck with over the years:
- B&H EDU: If you can get someone with a college email to log in, the discount on the Sony Alpha A7R V 61MP Body is usually way deeper than what you see on the public site.
- Lensrentals: Look at their used inventory. They maintain their stuff better than anyone else, and I have found their condition ratings are way more honest than some of the big retail sites.
- District Camera: Smaller authorized dealers like this sometimes have better wiggle room on bundles or older stock. Check Best Buy open box too. Seriously. People buy the Sony Alpha A7R V Body for a weekend trip, realize they dont know how to use it, and return it. If you catch one in-store, you can sometimes talk the manager into an extra discount just to get it off their shelf... especially since you need it by July.
