Exactly what I was thinking

^ This. Also, honestly its just ridiculous how these companies gatekeep high-end video features behind such massive price tags then barely budge during the holidays. I have been tracking the Canon EOS R5C since launch and the way they keep the price pegged while other brands actually offer real incentives drives me crazy. Comparing it to the pricing structure of something like the Panasonic LUMIX S1H or even some Sony bodies... the value proposition starts looking real thin when you realize you still have to drop a ton on rigging just to get decent battery life. I would be very careful about getting your hopes up because Canon knows people will pay the premium regardless. It is such a scam that we are still dealing with these artificial price floors on hardware that has been out for a while now. Just frustrating to see the lack of competition actually translate into savings for us.

Like someone mentioned, waiting for Black Friday can be a total crapshoot with the higher-end bodies. I am gonna go against the grain here and say dont bother waiting for the big retailers to budge much. Canon has a Loyalty Program that is basically a secret hack... you call their sales line, tell them you have an old broken Canon camera, and they often give a solid discount on a new Canon EOS R5C. It works better than hoping for a small MSRP drop, plus you can spend the extra cash on a DIY power rig since this thing eats batteries:

• Get the SmallRig NP-F Battery Adapter Plate for long video shoots.
• Grab an Anker 737 Power Bank 24K to keep it running via USB-C for 8K recording. Honestly, the body price is just the entry fee. Building out the kit with smart third-party parts is where the real savings are at. The loyalty program is legit tho, just find an old film Rebel in a junk drawer and you are basically set.

Ok adding this to my list of things to try. Thanks for the tip!

Hey there! I totally get the R5C Black Friday hunt. It's a sweet camera, but definitely an investment. I actually went through the same dilemma last year, and here's what I ended up doing.

Instead of holding out for a massive discount (which, honestly, I didn't see happening on the body-only), I kept an eye on used listings from reputable sellers like KEH and MPB. I snagged one in "Excellent" condition from KEH for about $3800—saved a good chunk compared to new.

Be careful to check shutter count and thoroughly inspect the images of the camera's condition. I would suggest setting up alerts on those sites; they get new inventory all the time. Good luck with your hunt!

Hey, I understand the Black Friday R5C hunt. Instead of solely focusing on discounts, might want to consider Canon's refurbished options directly from their website. I've had good experiences buying refurbished gear; typically, they are units returned within the initial return window, thoroughly checked, and come with a warranty.

Check the sensor's shutter count upon arrival to verify usage, and ensure the included accessories match the new product's list. I've seen savings of around 10-15% this way, and you get peace of mind with Canon's warranty. Good luck!

Hey! I feel your pain on the R5C hunt. Instead of holding out *all* hope for a massive Black Friday drop, have you considered a strategic approach? Sometimes, 'open box' deals are surprisingly good, especially if you're okay with minor cosmetic imperfections.

I've had decent luck checking sites like Greentoe; you basically name your price and see if a dealer bites. It's not a guaranteed win, but I've saved a couple hundred bucks on higher-end gear that way in the past, and it's worth a shot. Also, keep an eye on smaller authorized dealers – sometimes they have wiggle room on pricing that the big guys don't. Ultimately, whether it works depends on your needs. Good luck, and let us know what you decide!