Re: "I agree about avoiding random marketplaces. Over the..."

• I've been very satisfied using Greentoe Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Camera Body to avoid full retail prices. Comparing my recent experiences:
• Greentoe: You name your price. I got a brand new unit with 33MP and full warranty for way under MSRP. Shipping's usually fast.
• Amazon Warehouse Sony Alpha a7 IV: Good for open box units. If it says Like New, it's basically brand new but with a damaged box. Greentoe's totally reliable and probably your best shot at hitting that $1800 price point for a new body.

I have dealt with this many times over the years and honestly, the best way to save money while staying safe is through reputable used dealers. I have been very satisfied with my purchases from MPB specifically. They are extremely reliable for photographers on a budget.

• Check MPB Used Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Body first. Their grading is incredibly accurate and I have never had an issue with their sensor quality. Most Excellent condition units hit right at your $1800 mark.
• Look into the Sony Refurbished Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Camera. Sometimes the official Sony Second Mount store has them in stock with a full factory warranty.
• KEH Camera Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Body is another excellent choice with a 180-day warranty that works well for peace of mind. Greentoe is actually safe but can be slow... if you need it in 10 days, stick to MPB or KEH because they ship basically immediately. Buying used is really the only way to hit that price point without stress.

Just seeing this now and man... shutter failure right before a gig is basically nightmare fuel. Since you're on a tight deadline, I'd suggest being really careful with those random eBay sellers even if the price looks tempting. If they're shipping from overseas, you're looking at zero warranty support and a high risk of getting a gray market unit that Sony US won't even touch for repairs later. Plus, if your a7iii shutter gave up, you're probably hitting the rated life cycle, so make sure any used body you buy has a low shutter count confirmed. One thing though, do you actually need the specific video specs or the new AF system of the Sony Alpha a7 IV for these portraits? If you're mostly doing stills, you could probably find a used Sony Alpha a7R III Body or even a certified KEH Camera Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless for way under your $1800 limit. It might be safer to get a lower mileage older body than a beat-up newer one that's been used for heavy video work or has a high mechanical shutter count. Quick tip: if you still have an old student email, check out the B&H Photo Video EDU Advantage Program. Sometimes the educational discount on brand new bodies is actually lower than the used prices you're seeing.

Checking in on this thread! If reliability is the main worry but the budget is tight, these two spots are honestly fantastic and super safe for gear.

• Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Body at KEH: Love them because their grading is so strict. If a camera is marked Excellent it usually looks flawless! They offer a 180-day warranty which is amazing for used gear and gives so much peace of mind when youre worried about another shutter failure. Con is they rarely have brand new stock, just used.
• Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Camera at Focus Camera: They do these incredible bundles where you get the body plus high-speed cards or extra batteries for the same price as just the body elsewhere. Saves a ton of money on total setup costs! Plus they are an authorized dealer so you get the full manufacturer warranty. KEH is probably the safest bet since they ship fast and you get that extra protection. It really takes the stress out of buying used cameras ngl... You definitely want that warranty if your last one just died suddenly.

I agree about avoiding random marketplaces. Over the years, Ive found these options safer:

• Try the official Sony outlet for refurbished bodies.
• Check local rental houses selling high-shutter inventory.

Same boat, watching this