> I honestly have no clue where to look and dont want to get ripped off. My budget is around 800 bucks. Honestly, I wouldn't stress about the big box sales too much. I tried chasing those doorbuster deals years back and honestly, it was just a headache. Ended up with a refurbished Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera 26.1MP that honestly felt better than any new body I bought since. The problem with holiday sales is the massive rush and the risk of getting stuck with a kit lens that you'll outgrow in a month. Check the manufacturer's official outlet sites instead. They often clear out stock for the new year, and you get a real warranty which is huge. I had a bad experience with a third-party seller on a massive site last winter and never got my refund for a dead sensor, so just stick to the main brands or reputable shops like MPB for used gear. They vet everything and for 800 bucks, you can get way more bang for your buck than buying new retail. Quick tip: Grab a solid prime lens like the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens if you can find one used. It handles low light way better than the cheap zooms they bundle in these holiday kits. Don't waste your budget on a fancy camera bag; spend that cash on an extra battery for Japan.

Congrats on the Japan trip! For 800 bucks, check out B&H or Adorama for holiday sales. Be careful with random marketplaces, sometimes they have gray market items without warranties. I would suggest looking at the Sony Alpha a6100 24.2MP Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens as a solid start. Just make sure to read the return policy before clicking buy. You might want to consider checking their used departments too, you can save a ton.

Adding my two cents here, you might also want to look at a DSLR if mirrorless isnt your thing. I started out with a Canon EOS Rebel T7 24.1MP DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens years ago. It is a bit bulkier, sure, but the battery life is insane compared to most mirrorless bodies, which helped a ton when I was walking around all day. The optical viewfinder is a classic experience too. Another solid route is the Nikon D3500 24.2MP DSLR Camera with AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens. It is lightweight for a DSLR and the image quality is crisp. Honestly, these older models often go on massive clearance during the holidays since everyone wants the newest tech. You lose things like advanced eye-tracking or video features, but you get a very reliable tool for photography. If you really want to save, keep an eye on official refurbished sections on the brand websites. I once snagged a body that looked brand new for way less than retail. Just make sure you read the fine print on those warranties. For Japan, you will want something that doesnt feel too heavy after ten miles of walking, so hold both types if you can to see what feels right. You'll have a blast regardless of what you pick, the street photography there is unreal.