Legit Black Friday camera deals from brands I actually respect

Not all Black Friday camera deals are created equal. These are the only discounts I actually trust; on cameras I’d feel good about using myself.

I’ve always loved photography, but not the price tags that come with “real” cameras and lenses. Yep, if you’re into still lifes or you create content for a living, you know that a good camera can set you back a couple grand…a small fortune when you’re just starting out. But how can you get great equipment without annihilating your credit card? Black Friday camera deals, of course!!

Related: The only Black Friday fitness deals worth clicking on (I’m not wasting your time)

Black Friday is one of the few times a year that high-quality cameras go on sale. And I don’t mean ones from mystery brands you’ve never heard of. I mean real markdowns from Canon, Polaroid, and other heavy hitters; brands people trust with their, you know, actual work.

And sure, the discounts aren’t massive (this isn’t one of those “50% off everything” articles), but these small drops hit differently because they’re on high-end gear. These are respected, in-demand cameras going on sale because it’s Black Friday, not because they’re trying to clear out mediocre stock.

Here are the Black Friday camera deals I trust this year.

GoPro Black Friday Deals: HERO13 Black

Want to capture your wakeboard skills or snowboard flips for your followers? The GoPro HERO13 Black is up to the task, standing up to mud, snow, and water up to 33 ft. It even lets you get creative with different lenses and cinematic effects—without the complicated setup. I love the high-resolution video output; every movement, from every angle, is jaw-dropping.

Customers say it’s a great bundle if you’re just starting out with an action cam. And it’s true; it basically comes with everything you need: 3 batteries, a charger, mounts, a 64 GB SD card, cables, and a carrying case. Video quality is crystal clear, and the stabilization adds that professional touch!

Regular Price: $499.99 Black Friday Price: $349 (30% OFF)

GoPro Black Friday Deals: MAX2

If you’re done worrying about framing and angles, the GoPro MAX2 is worth checking out. True 8K 360 capture means you hit record and literally get everything around you—then reframe into standard 4K videos in a few taps. No more guessing where the camera should go; it’s all there, in insane detail.

I’m obsessed with the invisible pole trick. Attach it, and boom—the stick disappears, leaving what looks like drone-level footage or epic selfies. Swap angles, lock horizons, stabilize shots after filming, and feel like a pro editor without actually being one. Lenses are replaceable too, so drops and scratches aren’t a total disaster.

Includes: MAX2 Camera, 2 Lens Caps, Enduro Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable, Microfiber Lens Cloth

Regular Price: $499.99 Black Friday Price: $399 (20% OFF)

Sony Black Friday Deals: ZV-1F Vlog Camera

Attention vloggers and content creators: the Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera creates pro-level videos and photos without the huge price jump. It flaunts an Ultra-Wide 20mm Lens, which gets everything in frame. Then, the 1-inch sensor and F2 Lens are low-light friendly and deliver great bokeh. I appreciate the autofocus and clear voice mic…it’s little extras like these that take videos from good to amazing.

Users love the 20mm ultra lens; it keeps them, and their background, in frame during shoots, so they don’t need to twist their back or use selfie sticks. They also say the autofocus is a game-changer, locking onto faces and keeping them in focus. It’s one of my favorite digital camera Black Friday deals

Regular Price: $599 Black Friday Price: $498 (17% OFF)

Sony Black Friday Deals: Alpha 7 IV

Time for a heavy hitter, Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. This hybrid captures both photos and video at the highest quality for professional creators. With AI-Powered auto focus, it tracks faces, eyes, and action in detail. It keeps up with fast-moving subjects and grows as your skills develop. Expect excellent results, whether you shoot or capture!

Customers report that it’s a wonderful first professional camera, with a ton of versatility and functionality. Images are gorgeous, and the autofocus is fast and accurate, even in low light. The 4K 60fps recording with 10-bit color depth makes the footage cinema-grade.

Regular Price: $2,899.99 Black Friday Price: $2,198 (24% OFF)

Canon Black Friday Deals: EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera

If you want a starter camera that isn’t bulky or intimidating, the R100 is one of the few budget-friendly mirrorless options that still produces good photos. It’s perfect for beginners, travel shooters, or anyone upgrading from a phone without wanting to drop a paycheck.

What stands out most is the 24.1MP APS-C sensor paired with Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus. It grabs focus fast and keeps faces sharp even if you’re moving around. It also shoots up to 6.5 fps, which is impressive at this price, and the lightweight body makes it super easy to take everywhere.

Regular Price: $929.99 Black Friday Price: $749 (19% OFF)

Canon Black Friday Deals: EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

If you’ve been itching to get into full-frame without spending big, the EOS RP is honestly one of the most approachable ways to do it. It’s small, it’s comfortable to use, and it delivers that beautiful full-frame look for portraits, travel photos, or content creation.

The 24–105mm RF lens gives you a versatile zoom range with up to 5 stops of image stabilization. It makes handheld shots look cleaner. You also get 4K video and the option to turn it into a high-quality webcam (!!), which is great if you’re juggling content, streaming, or work calls.

Regular Price: $1,449 Black Friday Price: $999 (31% OFF)

Nikon Black Friday Deals: Z6 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

The Z6 III is for creators who don’t compromise. 6K/60p RAW video, oversampled 4K, slow-mo options, and Hi-Res Zoom all in one sleek body. Basically, if your content needs flexibility, this camera has it.

Viewfinder is a dream: 4000-nit brightness, 5760k-dot clarity, 120fps refresh—perfect for fast action or tricky lighting. ISO range is massive, and autofocus powered by Deep Learning locks onto tiny faces or moving subjects even in near-dark conditions.

Regular Price: $2,699.95 Black Friday Price: $2,096.95

Nikon Black Friday Deals: Z 7II Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

For anyone who wants maximum detail with zero nonsense, the Nikon Z 7II is a beast. That 45.7MP sensor is crisp, and the upgraded AF locks onto subjects like it has a personal vendetta. It’s built for weddings, portraits, travel—basically any moment you can’t afford to miss.

I love that Nikon gave creators all the safety nets too: dual card slots, vertical grip support, 4K 60p video, and USB-C constant power so it won’t die mid-shoot. And if you’ve collected F-mount lenses over the years? The FTZ adapter means they all still work. Loyalty matters.

Regular Price: $2,499.95 Black Friday Price: $1,896 (24% OFF)

Mirrorless Camera Black Friday Deals: Panasonic LUMIX S9

If you want full-frame quality without hauling around a giant DSLR, the Panasonic LUMIX S9 is that girl. It’s compact, cute, and still delivers impeccable low-light photos and unlimited high-res video. Basically, pro content without the pro-camera bulk.

Meanwhile, with LUMIX Lab + ultra-fast Wi-Fi, your shots jump straight into your phone like magic, ready for editing or posting. And Open Gate mode is a life-saver—shoot once, crop for literally every platform (TikTok, IG, YouTube Shorts), done.

Regular Price: $1,799.99 Black Friday Price: $1,397.99, 22% Off

Last thoughts on the Black Friday digital camera deals & more

Black Friday is a blur of discounts, but scoring high-quality cameras on sale isn’t difficult. Whether you’re a serious enthusiast or taking your pro setup further, these are the deals that won’t leave you with buyer’s remorse. Grab what you need now, because once these sell out, that’s it until next year