Seriously where are you guys finding actual deals on used Sony cameras because I am losing my mind looking at these prices lately. I have been a Canon shooter for years but my R6 keeps overheating during outdoor wedding ceremonies and I am just done with it, literally missed the big kiss last weekend because the thing shut down and I felt like a total idiot in front of the couple.
I am trying to jump ship to Sony, maybe an A7IV or even an older A7RIII if the price is right, but everywhere I look like MPB or KEH the prices are barely lower than buying a brand new one with a warranty. My budget is strictly capped at like $1600 because I also need to buy glass and I am based in Chicago so I have checked some local shops but their inventory is basically non-existent right now.
I tried these places already:
- MPB
- KEH
- Adorama used
- Local Craigslist (too sketchy)
I tried eBay but got burned by a mint body that arrived with a sensor scratch so I am super paranoid now and honestly just need a reliable source that isnt gonna charge me two grand for a body thats seen three years of hard labor. Is there some secret group or a specific time when retailers drop their used prices? I need to get this sorted by Friday before my next shoot...
honestly B&H Photo used department is probably the safest way to go if you are worried about getting scammed again. Their staff actually inspects the gear and the return policy is solid.
- Sony Alpha a7 IV 33MP Mirrorless Camera Body
- Sony Alpha a7R III 42.4MP Mirrorless Camera Body Stick to their 9 or 10 ratings and you wont have to stress... much better than sketchy local deals.
I had a nightmare with a body that arrived with a dead sensor once, so I get the paranoia. I would suggest checking Fred Miranda. Its where pros trade gear without massive retail markups.
- Sony Alpha a7 IV 33MP Mirrorless Camera Body: Pro AF for weddings, but might push your budget.
- Sony Alpha a7R III 42.4MP Mirrorless Camera: Cheaper used, though the AF is older. Be careful and only buy from members with solid feedback.
tl;dr: check out Lensrentals for their used gear sales because they do crazy deep inspections. Honestly switching over is gonna be amazing for you! The reliability of Sony AF is just... wow. If you want something rock solid for that Friday shoot, look at rental houses selling their stock. They literally have technicians who strip down and clean the gear after every single hire, so you wont get a sensor scratch like you did on eBay. They grade things super conservatively too so a good from them is usually mint elsewhere. Its the best way to get a Sony Alpha a7 IV that hasnt been abused by a hobbyist who doesnt know how to clean a sensor. I actually did the same thing when I moved from my old DSLR and I was so hyped I ended up buying like three different straps just to see which one looked cooler with the new body lol. I spent way too much time obsessing over which leather matched my camera bag... I think I have a problem with matching accessories tbh. My wife thinks I am crazy for spending an hour choosing a specific vintage wrist strap for a hike when nobody is even gonna see it. Anyway, those rental sales are the way to go for peace of mind. But yeah, you got this!
Bookmarked, thanks!
Jumping in here because your story about the R6 overheating is literally my life story! I used to shoot Canon exclusively but after one too many thermal shutdowns during outdoor gigs, I made the switch to Sony and it was the best decision I ever made for my business... seriously, the peace of mind is amazing! Like someone mentioned, these used prices can be a total headache, especially when you need something reliable by Friday. I have a couple questions to help narrow down what might actually be available in your price range. Are you planning on doing any video during these ceremonies, or is your focus strictly on stills? Also, does that 1600 limit have to include your first lens, or is that just for the body itself?
