Honestly I'm not 100% sure what the 2025 landscape will look like since it's still a ways off but I think we can make some safe guesses based on how Canon usually handles their mirrorless line. I'm a bit of a stickler for reliability and making sure my gear doesn't die on me so here are a few things to keep in mind for your budget: * I think we usually see around $100 to $150 off the R10 body for the major sales—wait no, I mean sometimes they just bundle accessories or better lenses for the same price so you gotta look at the total value and not just the sticker price on the body alone because that's how they get you.
* If you're worried about safety and long-term use I'd basically suggest looking at the official Canon Refurbished store because it's a way more reliable way to save money than some random marketplace seller and you get that factory warranty which is huge ngl for peace of mind.
* Tbh you should really watch out for those "too good to be true" deals from non-authorized dealers because gray market stuff is a nightmare if something breaks and you need a repair under warranty so just stick to the reputable shops for the safety factor if you're planning for the long haul.

Man I wish I found this thread sooner. Would have saved me so much hassle.

Commenting to find later

Can vouch for this

Ok so, I’ve been following the mirrorless market for a long time and I’m gonna politely disagree with just focusing on Sony for alternatives. By Black Friday 2025, the Canon EOS R10 will be a bit older, but Canon is notorious for keeping their prices pretty firm compared to the competition. If you’re really looking for a budget-friendly deal, you need to widen your market research beyond just one or two brands!!! In my experience, here’s what I’d actually watch for to get the most bang for your buck: * Nikon Z50: Nikon usually gets way more aggressive with holiday rebates than Canon does. You might see a dual-lens kit for the price of an R10 body by then.
* Fujifilm X-S10: It's a fantastic alternative with in-body stabilization (IBIS) which the R10 lacks, and Fuji often clears out stock with deep discounts when new models settle in.
* Stacking coupons: Keep an eye on the major retailers for "educational discounts" that they sometimes let you stack with Black Friday promos. Honestly, if Canon only gives a measly $100 off like they usually do, those other brands might offer a much better path into a system by late 2025.

This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖

Can vouch for this

Following

Skip the R10. My 2018 Sony A6000 still works great and you can find them cheap used.

R10 is great, but check Sony a6400 too! Similar specs, maybe better deals; watch for $800 kits!