Where is the best place to find actual deals on Canon cameras right now? Sorry if this is a total newbie question but Im super overwhelmed looking at all the different websites. Im trying to pick up my first real camera to start vlogging but I have no idea where to even look for sales.
My budget is around 600 bucks and I really need to get something before my trip to Chicago in mid-August. Should I just stick to the big stores like Best Buy or are there smaller sites that are actually cheaper? Everything looks kinda expensive and im worried about getting ripped off by a weird site... any advice on where to look?
Honestly, buying cameras right now is kinda frustrating. Prices have been super stagnant and the big retailers like Best Buy rarely have legitimate discounts on new gear. I had issues with some of the smaller sites shipping grey market units, so stick to major dealers to save yourself the headache. Since you are starting out, here is the reality:
- Canon refurbished store is your best bet for actual deals. It is basically brand new gear with a warranty.
- Check out the Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera 24.2MP APS-C Sensor if you can stretch the budget slightly. It hits that sweet spot for vlogging because of the autofocus.
- Skip the kit lenses if you can; they are unfortunately not as good as expected compared to a decent prime. Stick to Canon direct or B&H for peace of mind tbh.
Adding my two cents here, sticking to the big names is definitely the safest play when you are just starting out. I wouldnt risk a sketchy site just to save twenty bucks because the warranty issues are just not worth the stress before a trip. If you need something reliable for vlogging, you might want to consider the Canon EOS R50 24.2MP Mirrorless Camera if you can catch it on sale, or honestly just look at the Canon EOS M50 Mark II 24.1MP Mirrorless Camera since it is still a total beast for beginners. Check B&H Photo Video or Adorama specifically. They are the industry standard for a reason. Sometimes they bundle stuff like a SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I Memory Card or a basic carrying bag for the same price as just the camera body, which saves you a ton of hassle later. Just make sure to check the used sections on those specific sites too. They have a grading system that is super transparent, so you know exactly what you are getting. Dont rush the purchase, but definitely pull the trigger at least two weeks before Chicago so you have time to learn the menus. Practice is way more important than the gear itself anyway, so dont sweat the specs too much. You will be fine!
Honestly, if you want a killer deal and peace of mind, check out the Canon refurbished store online! They are legit factory-refurbished units, basically good as new, and you get the full warranty. It is honestly the best way to make your 600 bucks stretch further. Since you are vlogging for your Chicago trip, you gotta make sure you get something with a decent flip screen and good autofocus. Here is what I would look for if I were in your shoes:
- Canon EOS M50 Mark II 24.1MP Mirrorless Camera
- This thing is a vlogging legend for beginners, super light and the colors are amazing.
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III 20.1MP Digital Camera
- If you want something that literally fits in your pocket but still films fantastic 4K, this is the one. Do not waste your time with those sketchy random websites that show prices way lower than everyone else, seriously. Stick to the official store or trusted spots like B&H or Adorama. You do not want your camera showing up broken or having some weird international warranty issue right before your trip! Grab something soon so you have time to play with the settings before heading out. Chicago is gonna look great on video!