Hey everyone, I'm already thinking about Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, specifically for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II (if it's even announced by then!). I know it's still early, but given how hard it was to get the original R5 when it launched, I'm trying to get ahead of the curve.
Has anyone heard any whispers or rumors about potential release dates for the R5 Mark II that might influence Black Friday availability? Also, do you think Canon will offer any direct discounts on it so soon after release, or will the best deals likely be from retailers bundling it with accessories? I'm trying to decide if I should hold off on buying new lenses hoping for a kit deal. Any insights or predictions you have are much appreciated!
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Late to the party, but I honestly have to disagree with the idea that the sticker price is the most important factor here. As someone who handles these systems professionally, you really need to look at the technical compatibility of your existing kit first. The R5 Mark II introduces some specific fitment and power requirements that a lot of 'deals' tend to overlook. Before you commit, what's your current battery situation looking like? Are you planning to reuse LP-E6NH batteries, or are you aware that you basically need the new LP-E6P standard to access the high-performance modes like pre-burst and 8K video? Also, do you use a vertical grip for your work? Because the old grips wont provide the cooling or power throughput this body needs for its peak specs. Tbh, a bundle is only a good deal if the accessories actually support the new hardware architecture!!!
Had a moment to think about this more... one thing that always bites people is the hidden compatibility costs. When I upgraded to my current setup, I didnt realize my existing workflow was gonna hit a wall. My editing rig literally couldnt handle the new codecs without stuttering like crazy. I spent more time waiting for proxies to render than actually shooting, which was super frustrating tbh. If youre eyeing that R5 II, definitely check out some bitrate calculators or the CineD database to see what kind of data youre actually dealing with. I had to ditch a bunch of my old SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC V30 cards because they just couldnt sustain the write speeds for the higher frame rates. Its not just about the body price, its making sure your whole chain—from the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Gold cards to your laptop—can actually talk to each other without choking. Ngl, it is a huge headache if you dont plan for it ahead of time...
Late to the party here, but honestly, the thermal management on the R5 II is unfortunately not as good as expected for sustained high-bitrate work. I had issues with the original R5 hitting the heat limit way too fast and the new design feels like a bit of a half-measure tbh. It actually reminds me of this total disaster I had trying to liquid cool my old PC workstation last year. I thought I was a genius for setting up a custom loop but one of the compression fittings had a tiny leak I didnt notice. Fried the motherboard and my gpu right in the middle of a project. Spent three days basically crying over my hardware and trying to dry everything out with a hairdryer. Such a massive waste of money. Anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic there.
Hey! Honestly, I wouldn't count on big discounts on the R5 II so soon. Canon *might* do bundles with lenses, but even those will probably be MSRP. I'd suggest focusing on used R5 deals if you're trying to save some cash!
Hey! While big discounts are unlikely, consider checking smaller, authorized Canon dealers. They sometimes offer slightly better deals or throw in extras to compete. Also, think about "grey market" lenses... but be *super* careful about warranty issues! Is saving a bit worth that risk to you? I'm not sure. Maybe waiting a bit after release to see if refurbs become available is a safer option? Just a thought!
Hey! Forget direct discounts; think about cashback offers through credit cards! Seriously, I got like $300 back on my R6 that way. Also, student/educator discounts are worth a shot!
Hey! Okay, so everyone's talking about discounts and bundles, but I think there's a bigger picture to consider here: brand alternatives. While waiting (possibly in vain!) for a Canon R5 Mark II deal, have you thought about what else is out there?
Honestly, if you're purely chasing specs and top-tier performance, Sony's been killing it. I had issues with my original R5 overheating *way* too easily, and from what I know, the Sony a7S III just blows it away for video, plus their autofocus is legendary. It's something to consider, even if you're heavily invested in Canon lenses (adapters exist!).
Also, don't discount (pun intended!) Fujifilm. Their X-H2S is a beast, and their color science is just…chef's kiss. I actually switched to Fuji for my personal stuff after being a Canon die-hard for years. Unfortunately, the Fuji's sensor is not as good as expected for low-light photography.
My point is, Black Friday is about getting the *best* deal for *your* needs. Maybe the R5 Mark II will be discounted, maybe it won't. But focusing solely on that might make you miss out on a better camera at a similar price point *right now*. Do some research, watch some comparison videos, and see if another brand might actually be a better fit. You might be surprised!
Good luck with the hunt, and I hope you find the PERFECT camera! Let me know if you have questions.
Hey! While everyone's hunting for deals, I'd suggest being extra careful about *where* you buy from, especially if it's a new R5 Mark II. Getting it from an authorized Canon dealer might cost a bit more, but you're way less likely to get a grey market camera or, worse, a straight-up scam. Also, make sure to check the return policies really carefully! I've heard horror stories about people stuck with lemons. Better safe than sorry, right?
Hey! Everyone's giving great advice on snagging a deal, but I think there's something else to consider *before* you even think about deals on the R5 Mark II... and that's your current gear. Seriously, hear me out!
Are you *absolutely sure* you need to upgrade *right now*? I totally get the GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome!), I've been there. I remember when the original R5 came out, I was so tempted, but honestly, my R6 was doing a perfectly fine job. I almost wasted a ton of money.
Maybe, just maybe, focus on really mastering your current lenses and body. Take some online courses, experiment with different techniques... you might find you can get amazing results with what you already have! Think about it: investing in your skills is *always* a good deal. That said, if you've truly outgrown your current setup, then go for it! But just make sure it's a need and not just a want fueled by hype. Good luck deciding!