Honestly, I've spent way too much time staring at price charts over the years lol. It's a bit of a rabbit hole to fall into. Looking back at my own journey switching between different systems and watching the market, here are a few things I've picked up on: * Canon is usually way more protective of their price points compared to some of the other major players. When I was looking at comparable bodies from brands like Sony or Nikon, those guys seemed to slash prices way more aggressively to grab market share than Canon ever did. It's something I’m still trying to wrap my head around.
* I've found that the 'wait and see' game can be a bit of a trap. I once held off on a pro body for a whole year thinking the market would shift, but it barely moved, and I basically just missed out on a year of shooting with better tech. * Tbh, you really can't go wrong with any pro-level gear from the big brands right now. If you're already locked into an ecosystem, just stick with Canon and get the best you can afford when you actually need it. It's definitely a lot to think about, but sometimes the peace of mind of just having the gear is better than saving a couple hundred bucks, you know what I mean?

I totally agree with what was said about Canon being super protective of their prices. It kinda sucks when youre trying to save money, but I guess it helps with the resale value later on. Im still pretty new to the high-end gear, but looking at it from a long-term ownership perspective has changed how I plan my kit.

• Keep an eye out for the Canon Loyalty Program specifically. Sometimes you can call them with a serial number from an old or even broken Canon body and get a discount on a new Canon EOS R5 Mark II.
• Most big shops do those trade-in bonus events around November. Even if the body price doesnt drop, they might give you an extra 200 bucks for your old gear on top of its value.
• Think about the total cost over three or four years. If the price stays high, you wont lose as much if you decide to upgrade again later because the used market stays strong. Tbh, I am usually more worried about the cost of the lenses anyway! Does anyone know if the trade-in bonuses are usually better than the actual Black Friday sales? It feels like that might be the secret way to actually get a discount on a new body without waiting two years for a real price drop.

Can confirm

Just saw this thread and had to jump in! I remember when I was hunting for my first big upgrade, totally obsessed with price tracking... honestly it can drive you crazy lol. When the first R5 dropped, I spent months refreshing tabs every single morning! By the time Black Friday actually rolled around, the body price barely moved, but I actually made out like a bandit on the stuff that usually kills your budget later. If you're planning for the long haul with the R5 Mark II, you gotta think about the hidden costs of shooting high-res stuff! Here is what saved me:

• Snagging ProGrade Digital 160GB CFexpress Type B Gold cards when they were 30% off.
• Stocking up on Canon LP-E6P Battery packs because that new sensor is thirsty as heck.
• Looking for lens bundles with the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM which is basically glued to my camera now. Trust me, even if the body only drops by a tiny bit, getting the storage and power sorted on sale makes the whole ownership experience so much better. I've had my gear for years now and those BF peripheral deals are what really kept me in the game without going totally broke... definitely focus on the ecosystem while you wait! It's gonna be amazing when you finally get it in your hands!

Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.

Hey there! Oh man, planning for Black Friday 2025 already? I totally get that desire to snag a deal on something big like the R5 Mark II. Based on my own experience, and honestly, the way camera prices tend to shake out, high-end bodies that are relatively new, even by late 2025, don't usually see massive direct price cuts right away on Black Friday. Canon tends to bundle accessories or offer smaller rebates instead. I would suggest keeping an eye on reputable retailers and maybe even considering a certified pre-owned option a bit closer to the date. It might be more realistic to expect value-adds rather than a huge chunk off the body itself. Good luck with the hunt!

Hey there! Wow, already planning for Black Friday 2025 – I absolutely love that kind of foresight! It's definitely smart to think ahead for a big investment like the R5 Mark II.

So, regarding deals on a brand new, top-tier camera like that… honestly, it's a bit of a gamble, especially for something potentially released closer to late 2025. My experience with high-end releases, like the original R5 when it first came out, is that direct body discounts on Black Friday in the *first* year are rare, if they happen at all. Canon often holds back on those to maintain perceived value. Think more bundled accessories (extra batteries, a lens kit) or maybe a small percentage off if you're *really* lucky.

What I've seen more often are deals on slightly older, but still fantastic, models. For instance, if the R5 Mark II is out and performing amazingly (which I have no doubt it will!), the original R5 might see some significant price drops. Or, look at comparable models from other brands that might be a generation older by then. Sometimes, a really solid camera that's been on the market for a year or two will have much more aggressive Black Friday pricing than a brand-new flagship.

Also, keep an eye on refurbished units directly from Canon. They often have excellent condition cameras with warranties at a fraction of the new price. You might find an R5 Mark II popping up there a bit later in its lifecycle, and that could be a more reliable route to savings than waiting for a specific Black Friday deal on a brand-new model.

It's great you're planning, though! Just temper those expectations slightly for a direct body discount on a brand-new model right at launch. Focus on potential bundles or, as I mentioned, keeping an eye on the previous generation. Good luck with the hunt!

Hey there! Totally get wanting to plan ahead for a big investment like the R5 Mark II. While direct body discounts on a *new* flagship model by Black Friday 2025 are rare, honestly, don't rule out bundle deals! Think lenses, memory cards, or even a premium warranty thrown in. That's often where the real value lies, and you might end up saving more overall than just on the body itself. Also, consider if a certified refurbished R5 (maybe from late 2024 or early 2025) could be a smarter buy for a significant saving, still with warranty. Just something to keep in mind budget-wise!