Black Friday is a great time to pick up a new camera - here are best deals on DSLRs, action cams, drones, and more

Sony Black Friday deals

Sony's deals are available from now until December 1.

Sony makes some of the best full-frame mirrorless cameras, including the terrific A7 III. You can get $200 off this model, either as a body-only option ($1,799) or bundled with a lens ($. With a 24.2-megapixel full-frame (35mm) sensor, the A7 III is one of Sony's most advanced and versatile cameras yet. It has a five-axis image stabilization system for rock-steady photos and videos, speedy performance, and advanced tech, like Sony's effective Eye AF. Like many Sony A7 cameras, the A7 III is a great 4K video camera too.

The A7 II is also getting a discount. After all rebates, you can get the A7 II for as low as $899.99. While it's a much older camera (circa 2015) and doesn't have the latest tech, the A7 II is still a highly lauded model that delivers great photos and 4K videos, and it has Sony's proven five-axis stabilization. If you've been looking to get into full-frame photography and 4K videography but you're on a budget, this is a solid option. For $100 more, you can get the A7 II with a 28-70mm zoom lens.

If you're after megapixels, Sony's 42-megapixel A7R II and A7R III full-frame cameras are also discounted. You can get the A7R II with a kit lens for less than $1,500.

Sony is also bringing the price of the compact A6000 down to $399.99 (body only). While this is a very good cropped-sensor (APS-C) camera, note that it's several years old. However, Sony is offering the A6000 as a two-lens bundle for $599, which is worth considering if you are buying a Sony camera for the first time and plan to upgrade the body later. Sony's A6500 is also discounted ($999.99, body only), which is a more advanced model with newer tech, but if you're spending this much, we think you should consider going full-frame with the A7 II and 28-70mm lens unless you desire a compact, travel-friendly camera.

The deals aren't just on older cameras. There are savings on the new A7R IV and A9 II ($100 off), but they aren't as significant or hard to find. Sony's Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion covers its mirrorless cameras, point-and-shoot cameras (Cyber-shot), action cameras, camcorders (Handycam), and accessories. Sony cameras generally don't go on sale, and while the deals are mainly for older models, nearly all of Sony's cameras are very good products.

You can see the full list of discounts here. Products are available at Sony authorized retailers, such as B&H and Adorama, as well as Best Buy, although we noticed B&H and Adorama are including some great accessories on top of the discount (make sure you click on the correct links that take you to the bundles). You may also notice B&H and Adorama knocking an extra $1 off. Unless you live in the New York City area, Best Buy's nationwide stores offer easier returns and may even price match should you find a cheaper deal (although Best Buy won't price match Black Friday deals). Here are the great products with notable savings that are worth considering:

• Get the Sony A7 II full-frame mirrorless camera with 28-70mm kit zoom lens for approximately $999.99 (regularly $1,599.99) from Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $600]. Note that B&H is including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Sony A7 III full-frame mirrorless camera with 28-70mm kit zoom lens for approximately $1,999.99 (regularly $2,199) from Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $200]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Sony A7R II full-frame mirrorless camera with 28-70mm kit zoom lens for approximately $1,499.99 (regularly $1,999.99) from B&H and Adorama [You save $500]
• Get the Sony A7R III full-frame mirrorless camera for approximately $2,499.99 (regularly $2,799.99) from Best Buy, B&H, and Adorama [You save $300]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Sony A9 full-frame mirrorless camera for approximately $3,499.99 (regularly $3,999.99, body only) from Best Buy, B&H, and Adorama [You save $500]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Sony A6000 APS-C mirrorless camera with 16-50mm and 55-210mm kit lenses for approximately $599.99 (regularly $999.99) from Best Buy, B&H, and Adorama [You save $400]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III large-sensor point-and-shoot camera for approximately $599.99 (regularly $749.99) from Best Buy, B&H, and Adorama [You save $150]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.

GoPro Black Friday deal

GoPro deal runs from November 28 to December 2.

The GoPro Hero8 Black is not only the best action camera we've ever used, but it's one of the best cameras, period. It has the ability to shoot in a variety of video resolutions — up to 4K at 60 frames per second — and it has one of the best image stabilization systems in a camera.

The Hero8 Black has been redesigned to be easier to use, thanks to an improved user interface that brings many of the settings to the forefront. Our favorite mode is TimeWarp for shooting time-lapse videos, but the Hero8 Black captures great photos and videos in general. The body has also been redesigned: It no longer needs a cage for attaching accessories to it.

For Black Friday, GoPro is discounting the Hero8 Black Bundle by $100. Besides the camera, you can the Head Strap accessory (a useful item for attaching the camera on your head), the Shorty grip that doubles as a mini-tripod, a 32GB microSD card, and an extra battery.

• Get the Hero8 Black Bundle for $349 (regularly $449.99) from GoPro [You save $100]
• Get the Hero8 Black Bundle for $349 (regularly $499.99) from Best Buy [You save $150]

Olympus Black Friday deals

Olympus' deals run from now to December 3.

From its rugged point-and-shoots to the stylish PEN and advanced OM-D series, Olympus is offering discounts on its cameras and lenses — by as much as $500 when buying through Olympus' website.

The sale applies to the newest flagship model, too: the OM-D E-M1X. Olympus makes high-quality mirrorless cameras that are fast and durable, like the E-M1X, E-M1 Mark II, and E-M5 Mark III. Olympus uses the Micro Four Thirds sensor, which is smaller than the APS-C sensor used in many DSLR and mirrorless cameras. However, the small sensor hasn't kept Olympus from competing with larger-sensor cameras in both professional photography and videography. And part of Olympus cameras' strength is in the quality optics.

For casual users, Olympus is discounting the PEN E-PL9 by $150 to $400, depending on the bundle. This camera uses the same lenses as the OM-D series, but it's more of a step-up camera for users who are more comfortable with a smartphone. For something more advanced but still compact, we like the OM-D E-M10 Mark III.

Olympus makes one of the best rugged point-and-shoot cameras, the Tough TG-6. You can get $100 off this model, but the bigger deal is for the Tough TG-Tracker, a similar camera that's designed for shooting video. The TG-Tracker is $150 off.

For lenses, you'll find savings on both Olympus M.Zuiko Pro and M.Zuiko lenses. They include the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO ($200 off), M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro ($150 off), and M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 ($150 off). Expect to see discounts of $50 to $200 off.

You'll also find discounts on Olympus accessories like voice recorders and flashes.

The deals are available through Olympus' website, B&H, Adorama, and other authorized Olympus resellers from November 27 to December 3. For more info, check out Olympus' Black Friday page. Note that B&H and Adorama may throw in extra accessories to sweeten the deal. Here is a selection of deals worth checking out:

• Get the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III with M.Zuiko 14-42mm EZ lens for $499.99 (regularly $799.99) [You save $300]
• Get the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III with M.Zuiko 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II lens for $1,499.99 (regularly $1,799.99) [You save $300]
• Get the Olympus Tough TG-Tracker for $199.99 (regularly $349.99) [You save $150]
• Get the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro lens for $349.99 (regularly $499.99) [You save $150]
• Get the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 lens for $249.99 (regularly $399.99) [You save $150]

DJI Black Friday deals

DJI's deals run from now until December 4.

DJI is offering discounts on many of our favorite DJI products, including the Osmo Action Camera, Osmo Pocket Camera, the Mavic 2 Pro Drone.

With front and back screens, great image stabilization, a rugged exterior, voice controls, and the ability to capture 12-megapixel photos and 4K videos at 60 frames per second (30 fps with high-dynamic-range), the Osmo Action is one of the better action cameras you can buy. You can save $100.

The Osmo Pocket is another camera we've had fun using. Unlike most action cams that rely on software for image stabilization, this camera has a small, physical gimbal. That means your videos aren't cropped in, and it is terrific for shooting perfect panoramas. Like the Osmo Action, it can capture 4K at 60 fps and 12-megapixel photos. Connect it to a smartphone and you have a nice rig for shooting movies. You can save $90.

DJI made a name for itself as the top maker of drones, and the Mavic 2 Pro is a great one. It's easy to fly and it has great camera specs. It uses a Hasselblad-designed camera with a 1-inch sensor, which is much larger than the 1/2.3-inch that's normally used in small cameras. It can capture 4K at 30 fps or 20-megapixel photos. It can fly for 31 minutes on a single battery charge, and what we love about DJI's drones is the obstacle avoidance tech. It usually sells for $1,720, but you can get it for $350 off.

Unfortunately, there isn't a deal on the new Mavic Mini, a compact drone that you can legally fly almost anywhere. There also isn't a big discount ($20 off) on our favorite smartphone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile 3, but this product is already affordable, to begin with (this sale price is not yet active).

Check out these DJI discounts.

• Get the DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone for approximately $1,379 (regularly $1,729) from DJI, Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $350]. Note that Adorama is including additional useful accessories.
• Get the DJI Osmo Action Camera for approximately $279 (regularly $379) from DJI, Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $100]. Note that Adorama is including additional useful accessories.
• Get the DJI Osmo Pocket Camera for approximately $309 (regularly $399) from DJI, Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $90]. Note that Adorama is including additional useful accessories.
• Get the DJI Ronin-S DSLR and Mirrorless Camera Gimbal Essentials Kit for approximately $479 (regularly $559) from DJI, Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $80]. Note that Adorama is including a dual-grip handlebar.
• Get the DJI Ronin-SC Mirrorless Camera Gimbal for approximately $399 (originally $439) from B&H [You save $40]

Canon Black Friday deals

Canon's deals run from now until January 4, 2020.

Whether you are shopping for a DSLR or mirrorless camera, Canon has several deals, including some on brand new models, like the EOS 90D, EOS RP, EOS M200, and EOS M6 Mark II.

The EOS 90D is the successor to the EOS 80D, one of the best DSLRs in recent years. With a new 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor (the highest megapixel count in an APS-C sensor) and the latest Canon image processor, the 90D continues the 80D's prowess in performance and image quality. The camera can also shoot uncropped 4K videos at 30p resolution. You can save $150 on an EOS 90D with an 18-135mm kit lens.

If you prefer a mirrorless camera, you can get the EOS RP (body only), for $999 — a $300 savings. Released in early 2019, the EOS RP is the smallest, lightest, and most affordable model in Canon's full-frame mirrorless lineup. It takes great images, but it's better at photos than videos.

For something more compact, there's the EOS M6 Mark II, a new APS-C mirrorless camera that's $100 off and includes a 15-45mm kit lens and electronic viewfinder. The M6 Mark II is somewhat of a mirrorless equivalent to the 90D: It shares the same 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor and Digic 8 image processor and can shoot 4K at 30p. Overall, like the 90D, this is a strong option, especially for video.

There are also deals on some older but still great cameras, like the EOS 5D Mark IV ($600 off, body only), EOS Rebel T7 ($150 off, with two kit lenses), EOS R ($700 off, with 24-105mm kit lens), and PowerShot G9 X Mark II ($80 off).

For all deals, which include printers, lenses, and camcorders, check out Canon's website. Deals are available through Canon's online store as well as retailers. Here are our favorites that are discounted for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

• Get the Canon EOS 90D APS-C DSLR with 18-135mm kit lens for $1,449 (regularly $1,599) from Canon, Best Buy, B&H, Adorama, and Amazon [You save $150]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories, as well as other camera-lens bundles.
• Get the Canon EOS M6 Mark II APS-C mirrorless camera with 15-45mm kit lens and electronic viewfinder for $999 (regularly $1,099) from Canon, Best Buy, B&H, Adorama, and Amazon [You save $150]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Canon EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera for $999 (body only, regularly $1,299) from Canon, Best Buy, B&H, Adorama, and Amazon [You save $300]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera with 24-105mm kit lens for $2,699 (regularly $3,399) from Canon, Best Buy, B&H, and Adorama [You save $700]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories, as well as other camera-lens bundles.
• Get the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV full-frame DSLR for $2,499 (body only, regularly $3,099) from Canon, Best Buy, B&H, and Adorama [You save $600]
• Get the Canon EOS Rebel T7 APS-C DSLR with 18-55mm kit lens, 75-300mm tele-zoom lens, and camera bag for $499.99 (regularly $649.99) from Canon, Best Buy, B&H, and Adorama [You save $150]
• Get the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II in black for $399.99 (regularly $479.99) from Canon, Best Buy, B&H, Adorama [You save $80]
• Get the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens for $399.99 (regularly $649.99) from Canon, Best Buy, B&H, Adorama [You save $250]
• Get the Canon Pixma TS8220 printer for $69.99 (regularly $199.99) from Canon, Best Buy, B&H, Adorama [You save $130]

Ryze Tech Black Friday deal

This deal runs from now until December 4.

Ryze Tech makes an easy-to-fly quadcopter called the Tello, and it is ideal for first-time pilots. The Tello uses technology from two of Ryze Tech's partners, DJI (flight control) and Intel (processor).

In addition to general flying, pilots can conduct "trick" moves and safely launch it from the pilot's hand. Operated by using an app on a smartphone, it can fly for 13 minutes on one battery charge, and it has a 720p camera for capturing aerial videos.

Regularly $99, the Tello is already affordable. But right now you can get it for $79. The Tello Boost option, which comes with a battery charging hub, is $99 (regularly $149).

• Get the Ryze Tech Tello for $79 (regularly $99) from Best Buy [You save $20]
• Get the Ryze Tech Tello for $79 (regularly $99) from DJI [You save $20]
• Get the Ryze Tech Tello for $79 (regularly $99) from B&H [You save $20]
• Get the Ryze Tech Tello for $79 (regularly $99) from Adorama [You save $20]

• Get the Ryze Tech Tello Boost Combo for $99 (regularly $149) from Best Buy [You save $20]
• Get the Ryze Tech Tello Boost Combo for $99 (regularly $149) from DJI [You save $20]
• Get the Ryze Tech Tello Boost Combo for $99 (regularly $149) from B&H [You save $20]
• Get the Ryze Tech Tello Boost Combo for $99 (regularly $149) from Adorama [You save $20]

Vimeo and DJI Black Friday deal

This deal runs from now until January 31.

Vimeo is partnering with DJI on a free camera promotion. Users who subscribe to the Premium plan ($900 a year) will receive an Osmo Action Camera.

Of course, this service isn't for everyone. But for those who sign up, the Premium tier offers up to 7-terabytes of storage, no ads, 10 team members, analytics live streaming, the ability to sell videos, and more. The premium plan is designed for businesses or creatives who really need these services. Otherwise, you can get an Osmo Action Camera on sale for $279.

• Sign up for Vimeo Premium
• Get the DJI Osmo Action Camera for approximately $279 (regularly $379) from DJI, Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $100]. Note that Adorama is including additional useful accessories.

Adobe Black Friday deals

The Adobe Elements deal runs from now until December 2.

Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements are two of the best photo and video software, respectively, for consumers, yet they feature some powerful and useful tools trickled down from their full-featured versions.

You can choose to work in a simplified workspace with the most common tools or go into expert mode if you are a little more advanced. We really like the new tutorials that teach you how to best edit photos and videos, and there are fun features like easy collage creation, animated GIFs, object cutouts, and more.

Normally $149.99 for both, you can get it for $89.99 — a 40% savings. If you only need Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements, you can purchase them separately for $59.99 each — regularly $99.99. You can choose to purchase the software on disc or as Mac or PC downloads.

• Get Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 and Premiere Elements 2020 for $89.99 (regularly $149.99) on Amazon [You save $60]
• Get Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 for $59.99 (regularly $99.99) on Amazon [You save $40]
• Get Adobe Premiere Elements 2020 for $59.99 (regularly $99.99) on Amazon [You save $40]

Panasonic Black Friday deals

Panasonic's deals run from now until December 25.

Panasonic is discounting several of its Lumix mirrorless and point-and-shoot cameras, including the highly lauded GH5 — one of the best 4K-capable Micro Four Thirds cameras we've used for both photography and videography — and the long-zoom 4K FZ1000, an all-in-one that's great for wildlife photography or capturing anything from far away. While these aren't the latest models from Panasonic, they are highly-rated and are still top-notch for today, thanks to firmware updates. Check out this page for the savings on these cameras as well as lenses and camcorders. Here are our favorites.

• Get the Panasonic GX85 with two lenses for approximately $449.99 (regularly $599.99-$999.99) from Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $150-$550]. Note that Adorama is including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Panasonic GH5 (body only) for $1,299.99 (regularly $1,499.99-$1,999.99) from Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $200-$700]. Note that Adorama is including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Panasonic FZ1000 for approximately $449.99 (regularly $599.99-$799.99) from Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $150-$350]. Note that Adorama is including additional useful accessories.

Fujifilm Black Friday deals

Fujifilm's deals run from now until December 29

Fujifilm is running a huge promotion on its X-series cameras, including lenses and bundles. There's too many to list, but you can see them all on Fujifilm's website. We are fans of Fujifilm's X-series cameras for their solid build quality, great performance, and fantastic image quality. Some of our favorite images ever taken were with Fujifilm cameras. You'll find deals on the highly versatile X-T3 to the compact X-T30, as well as older but still great options, like the X-Pro2. Fujifilm cameras are great buys thanks to frequent firmware updates, which add new features and lengthen their longevity. Here are some of our favorites.

• Get the Fujifilm X-T3 for approximately $1,299.95 (black body only, regularly $1,499.95) from Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $200]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Fujifilm X-T30 with 15-45mm and 50-230mm lenses for approximately $1,099.90 (regularly $1,399.90) from B&H or Adorama [You save $300]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Fujifilm X-Pro2 for approximately $1,299.95 (black body only, regularly $1,699.95) from Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $400]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.
• Get the Fujifilm XF23mmF1.4 R lens for approximately $799.95 (regularly $899.95) from Best Buy, B&H, or Adorama [You save $100]. Note that B&H and Adorama are including additional useful accessories.

Black Friday camera deal FAQs

Where can I find Black Friday camera deals?

Authorized camera resellers, notably B&H and Adorama. As for big-box stores, you can count on Best Buy. You can also find deals at Target and Walmart for the more casual consumer cameras, like entry-level DSLRs and point-and-shoots.

From our observation, no. Because many of these deals were determined by the manufacturer, you'll find the same price at Best Buy, B&H, Adorama, etc.; you may see a retailer knocking a buck off. However, B&H and Adorama are sweetening the deals by bundling extra accessories, which can be useful.

Amazon is great for photo and video accessories, but if you're looking to buy a camera, drone, or any high-ticket item, do your research. Make sure the seller is either Amazon or the camera maker, and not a third-party reseller. If you're in the US, make sure it carries a US warranty. Some manufacturers do not authorize sales on Amazon, such as Rode, so if you see a Rode product, it's likely from an unauthorized seller and Rode will not honor the warranty. With that said, we've purchased a Canon mirrorless camera through Amazon and had no issues.

Most reputable retailers will accept returns provided it hasn't been used unless it was clearly stated otherwise. Because of their nationwide locations, Best Buy and other big-box retailers are the most convenient, while online retailers are less so.

While companies inflate the listed savings by discounting off the MSRP, we've found that the deals we've listed here are good ones.

While you won't get the camera makers' latest technologies, cameras that are a couple of years old tend to be still excellent. Gone are the days of cheap point-and-shoot cameras — today's cameras are advanced, high-quality products that will last a while, and nearly all manufacturers will release firmware updates that add new features or improve existing ones. Unless you're a demanding professional or prosumer photographer or videographer, most consumers will find that previous-generation products work just fine. As for the deals listed, we've made sure to avoid anything that's end-of-life.

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