Where can I actually get a real discount on a Sony mirrorless because I am honestly losing my mind looking at these retail prices. My old gear just bit the dust right before my big trip to Tokyo in three weeks and I'm desperate to switch to Sony but the costs are just insane everywhere I look.
I have about 1800 bucks set aside for a body and at least one lens but even the used market feels like a ripoff lately. Are there any hidden refurb shops or specific times of the month when prices drop because I'm seriously about to just give up and use my phone...
Retail is a total mess right now and unfortunately used prices are just as bad. Try B&H used or Adorama refurbished for decent stock.
- Sony Alpha a7 III 24.2MP Body has 693 phase-detection points but lacks modern real-time tracking... feels dated.
- Sony Alpha a7C 24.2MP Full-Frame fits your budget used, but that 0.59x EVF magnification is honestly a letdown. Prices are better there tho still way too high for old gear.
I would be careful about chasing the absolute lowest price online because you might end up with a grey market camera that has no manufacturer warranty. I learned that the hard way with a Sony Alpha a7 III 24.2MP Body a few years back... cost me a fortune to fix later. Since youre heading to Tokyo, you might want to consider just buying there? Map Camera in Shinjuku has legendary used gear, though you gotta make sure the firmware isnt region-locked to Japanese only. Technically speaking, I would suggest looking at the Sony Alpha a6700 26MP APS-C Mirrorless Camera instead of an older full-frame. The BIONZ XR processor and that dedicated AI unit for autofocus are massive upgrades. You get way better real-time tracking for people and animals than the old tech. Pair it with a Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens and youll stay under your 1800 limit easily. Just watch the thermals if you shoot a lot of 4K/60p.
I totally get the frustration, but I would be really careful with those too good to be true sites you see in search results. Most of those are bait-and-switch shops that will call you after you order to upsell necessary accessories or tell you the item is out of stock. Since you have a big trip coming up, you want something that wont fail on you while youre wandering around Shinjuku. Here is how I would handle that 1800 buck budget to get the most reliability:
- Stick to the official Sony Refurbished outlets or authorized liquidators like Secondipity. They are legit and usually give you a limited warranty which is huge for peace of mind.
- If you go used, use MPB or KEH. They actually inspect the sensors for scratches and check the shutter count, unlike random sellers on marketplaces who might be hiding a dropped body.
- For your Tokyo trip, honestly look at the Sony Alpha a6700 with 18-135mm Lens. It is a beast for travel, fits your budget brand new, and the autofocus is way more reliable than the older full-frame models in that price range. If you are dead set on full frame, a used Sony Alpha a7 III 24.2MP Body paired with a Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens is a safe bet, but just make sure the seller is reputable. Feel free to ask if you find a specific listing and want someone to double check it for you!
I just tried to upgrade and it was amazing how much they charge now!
- The market is a total scam lately!
- These prices are just absolutely insane! It drives me crazy!
