Where can I find the best discounts on Sony mirrorless cameras? Sorry if this is a super basic question but I'm totally new and keep seeing prices that are way higher than I expected. I really want to get into photography because my sister is having a baby in June and I want to take nice pictures of the family but I have no idea where to start or what a mirrorless camera even really is compared to the old ones. My budget is like $700 max for the whole thing which I know might be low but maybe there's a sale somewhere? Are there specific sites or like refurbished stores that are legit for someone in Chicago? I'm kinda scared of getting scammed on ebay or craigslist...
I saw this earlier and wanted to chime in because I almost made a massive mistake when I started. Spending my entire budget on a high-end body was a huge error since I didnt realize lenses cost so much extra... basically had a paperweight for a month. You really gotta be careful with the total cost of ownership. Tbh, for a baby, you need something with fast tracking, so look for a model with decent autofocus specs. I would suggest checking out these options for your budget:
- Greentoe (you can name your price and authorized dealers accept it)
- Best Buy Open Box deals (the one on Roosevelt often has Sony returns)
- The Sony Alpha a6100 with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens Make sure you prioritize the Real-time Eye AF feature. Older tech like the Sony Alpha a6000 24.3MP Mirrorless Camera is cheap but might struggle once the baby starts moving around.
You gotta look at the used market! I'm obsessed with how much value you get there. For $700, you can snag some amazing gear that handles baby photos like a pro. Since youre in Chicago, hit up Central Camera downtown or check these sites:
- MPB (totally legit)
- B&H Used section Look for a Sony Alpha a6100 with 16-50mm Lens. Its 0.02s autofocus speed and 425 phase-detection points are fantastic for tracking wiggly babies!
Adding my two cents since you mentioned being worried about scams. Honestly, sticking to the big reputable retailers is the best way to go when you are starting out. Check out Adorama or KEH. They have dedicated teams that inspect every piece of gear, so you arent gambling like you would be on a random local listing. Sony is definitely a solid choice tho because their autofocus system is legendary for tracking eyes. That is gonna be a lifesaver when the baby starts crawling around and moving fast. Just look for any of the Sony mirrorless models that fit your budget and come with a basic lens to start. You dont need the newest, most expensive gear to get those nice family shots. Their ecosystem is huge, so finding affordable glass later on is super easy. Just take your time browsing the used sections on those sites i mentioned and you will find something legit. You got this... its a fun hobby once you get the hang of it.
