Ive been scouring the web for a few weeks now trying to find a solid deal on a refurbished Canon setup because I really want to get into some serious bird photography before my trip to the Everglades this October. I have mostly been looking at the R7 or maybe an R10 if I have to compromise to get a better lens like the RF 100-400mm. I keep checking the official Canon Direct Refurbished store because everyone on the forums says thats the gold standard but honestly every time I look the prices arent that much lower than buying new from Amazon? Like maybe fifty bucks difference which doesnt feel worth the risk. Then I read on some subreddit that they have these crazy fire sales where everything is like 20 or 30 percent off but I can never figure out when those actually happen or if they are just a myth at this point because the stock seems so low lately.

I also checked out Adorama and BH since they have used and refurb sections but their grading systems kinda confuse me... like whats the actual difference between an E+ and a D quality wise? I am a bit nervous about spending a grand on something that might show up with a scratched sensor or a massive shutter count that they didnt disclose. I looked at KEH too but their prices for the newer mirrorless stuff seemed almost the same as buying brand new with a kit lens at Best Buy.

Here is what I am dealing with:

• Budget: Trying to stay under $1200 for both the body and the glass
• Use case: Wildlife and birds mostly so I need decent autofocus speed
• Location: Im in Oregon so I dont pay sales tax which is nice but shipping costs still bite if its not included
• Preference: I would really love a warranty of some kind just for peace of mind since this is my first real mirrorless kit

Is there some secret to timing the Canon site updates or is there another retailer I am totally overlooking that actually tests their gear? I just want something that isnt going to die on me halfway through my vacation...