Where can i get the best deal on a sony mirrorless camera right now? sorry if this is like a super basic thing to ask but i literally dont know anything about cameras or what makes one better than the other. My friend told me i should get a mirrorless one for my trip to Japan next month and everyone says Sony is the way to go. i have about $800 to spend which maybe isnt enough? I keep looking at Amazon but the prices are all over the place and some say body only which is confusing because i thought they came with a lens. Is there a specific store or site that has good sales for beginners like me? or maybe used stuff but im scared of getting scammed...
Hit up B&H or Keh for used gear so you dont get scammed. Youll need a kit lens to start.
- Sony Alpha a6100 with 16-50mm Lens Its a solid choice.
Regarding what #2 said about "Late to the party but wanted to jump..." - they are totally right about the body only thing. It is a massive trap for beginners because the price looks amazing until you realize you literally cant take a single photo without buying glass. Since you are heading to Japan, you really want something reliable that works right out of the box. I would suggest looking into Open Box deals at big retailers like Best Buy or Adorama instead of random third-party sellers on Amazon. Be careful with those because sometimes gray market items dont even have a warranty. You gotta watch your budget though because $800 disappears fast when you add the basics:
- Extra batteries are non-negotiable for travel since mirrorless cameras eat power.
- You need a fast memory card like the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I or the camera will lag while saving shots.
- A small bag is essential so you dont bang it into things on the subway. Honestly, look for a Sony ZV-E10 with 16-50mm Lens kit. It usually sits right around $700-800. It is technically marketed for video but it takes the same photos as the pricier models and is light enough for all-day walking. Just make sure it specifically says includes lens or you will be stuck searching for one at the airport...
Late to the party but wanted to jump in since I obsessed over these specs for months before my last trip. > some say body only which is confusing because i thought they came with a lens. Yeah, that trips up everyone at first. Body only just means youre buying the sensor and brain without the glass. For a first timer, you 100% need a kit. $800 is actually a solid budget for an APS-C setup. When I first started, I was terrified of used gear too, but I grabbed a certified used body from a dedicated camera shop and it felt brand new. Honestly saved me enough cash to cover a few nights in a nicer hotel. If you want technical reliability for travel, I would look at Sony Alpha a6400 with 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens. It has better weather sealing and a magnesium alloy chassis compared to the cheaper models. The real selling point for me is the 0.02-second autofocus speed and 425 phase-detection points... its basically magic for catching quick shots while walking around Kyoto. Another technical sleeper is the Sony ZV-E10 with 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens. It is marketed for vlogging but uses the same sensor and mount. You lose the viewfinder (the little hole you look through), but its usually cheaper and smaller for packing. Check out MPB or Adorama. They rate the condition of every item so wont be any guesswork. Just make sure the listing says Includes Lens or Kit or youll be stuck taking photos of nothing lol. Let me know if you want the breakdown on sensor readout speeds or whatever.
