Does anyone actually know where the real discounts are for Sony mirrorless stuff because I am losing my mind looking at these retail prices? I've been trying to upgrade from my old Canon Rebel that is literally falling apart at the seams—the autofocus is basically non-existent at this point and I missed so many shots at my sisters wedding last week it was embarrassing. I've decided I'm switching to Sony because everyone says the eye-tracking is magic but man the prices are just killing me. Every time I check B&H or Adorama it's the same MSRP or maybe like a measly 50 bucks off if I buy a kit lens I don't even want. I’ve got about $1600 saved up and I really wanted to get an a7 III or maybe an a6700 with a decent prime lens but at this rate I'm gonna be broke before I even buy an SD card. I'm in Chicago and I've checked some local shops but they're even more expensive than online. My big trip to Japan is in three weeks and I really wanted to have the new gear figured out by then so I'm not fumbling with settings while I'm supposed to be enjoying the scenery.
Is there some secret outlet or a specific time of month when these things actually go on sale? I looked at renewed stuff on Amazon but the reviews are so hit or miss it makes me nervous to drop a grand on something that might show up with a scratched sensor or something. I've been scouring eBay too but everything is either for parts only or basically the same price as new. It's so annoying how they keep the prices so high even on older models like the a7C or the first gen ZV-E10. I'm honestly just so frustrated with how gatekept good photography feels lately because of these prices. I just want a camera that works and doesn't cost as much as a used car. If anyone has a lead on a reliable grey market site or just knows when the next big educational discount or whatever happens please let me know because I'm about ready to just give up and keep using my phone...
Honestly, stop looking at new retail! I got my Sony a7 III 24.2MP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera used from MPB and it has been fantastic for low light.
- a7 III: Incredible full-frame depth and dual card slots.
- Sony a6700 26MP APS-C Mirrorless Camera: Lighter for your Japan trip and has that crazy AI autofocus! Used gear from reputable sites is the only way to beat those MSRP prices, plus they usually give you a 6-month warranty!
- Grab an Open-Box Sony Alpha a7C 24.2MP Mirrorless Camera at Best Buy!
- Use EDU discounts for a Sony Alpha a6400 24.2MP Mirrorless Camera! Super safe and cheap!
^ This. Also, its super disappointing how Sony keeps the price floor so high on 6-year-old tech. Its honestly frustrating that the Sony Alpha a7 III 24.2MP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera still costs what it does given the low-res EVF and the older menu system. Since you are going to Japan, you really want something that handles high ISO well for those neon street shots at night.
- If you go the APS-C route, skip the a6400 and look for a used Sony Alpha a6600 24.2MP Mirrorless Camera. It uses the massive Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Battery so you wont be carrying five spares around Tokyo.
- For full frame, look for a used Sony Alpha a7R III 42.4MP Mirrorless Camera. The 42MP sensor lacks an anti-aliasing filter so the detail is miles ahead of the base a7 III, and you can crop in way more without losing quality. You could also look at grey market sites, though I have had issues with their warranty support being basically zero. Probably safer to stick to used sites with actual ratings. Pair whatever you get with a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Sony E and you will have a killer travel setup for well under your 1600 limit. Just make sure you order soon... three weeks is cutting it real close for shipping and actually learning how the AF tracking works before you land.
I totally feel that frustration. Honestly, over the years I have learned the hard way that buying from random eBay sellers right before a big trip is just asking for a headache... you dont want to be in Tokyo and realize your sensor has a giant hair stuck to it or the shutter is about to die. In my experience, sticking to the used departments at actual camera stores like KEH or B&H is way safer than Amazon Renewed or random marketplace deals. I've tried many bodies and these two are usually my safe bets for reliability when budget is an issue:
- Sony Alpha a6600 24.2MP Mirrorless Camera: It uses the big Z-series batteries so it actually lasts all day. The autofocus is super sticky and you can find them for a steal now that the newer models are out.
- Sony Alpha a7R III 42.4MP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera: If you want full-frame, this is the one I trust way more than the regular a7 III. The EVF is much sharper and that extra resolution is gonna be amazing for those landscape shots in Japan. I usually prefer getting a slightly older high-end body over a brand new budget one because the build quality is just better for travel. Just make sure you get a fast card like the Sony SF-G64T/T1 SDXC UHS-II 64GB Memory Card so you arent bottlenecked while you are shooting street scenes.
