Totally agree with the others about not waiting. If you pull the trigger now, make sure you pick up a SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I Card so you dont have any speed issues while filming. Honestly, keeping the sensor clean is the best way to keep these compacts running smooth for years. Just use a basic blower and youll be set for Japan.

^ This. Also, reading through everyone's takes, waiting for late 2026 sales is definitely a gamble since compacts hold value. If you want a quick breakdown of other routes, picking up a Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera used is super cheap and leaves room in your budget, whereas a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Digital Camera gives you slightly different color science. Honestly, grab something used now and save yourself the stress.

Been thinking about your question because I took my Sony ZV-1 II Digital Camera to Tokyo last year and it was an absolute game changer! Seriously, do not wait for 2026 sales. That wide-angle lens is fantastic for cramped alleys and massive neon signs.

• The wide angle completely saves you when you are right up against shrines or in tight Izakayas
• Pocketability is king when you are walking ten miles a day
• Used markets right now have amazing deals if you hunt around Grab a used one now and spend the savings on delicious food over there!

Honestly, waiting until late 2026 for a holiday sale is cutting it way too close if your trip is next winter, especially with your strict budget. Compact cameras like the Sony ZV-1 II Digital Camera dont usually see massive price slashes during Black Friday because demand stays pretty steady for travel vloggers. Sony usually only does minor bundle deals or modest fifty dollar drops on these. Here is what I would suggest doing instead:

• Start looking for a mint condition used one right now on reputable sites like MPB or KEH so you can save cash immediately.
• Keep an eye out for open-box items at major retailers, which often give you a discount while still keeping the factory warranty intact.
• Make sure to test everything thoroughly as soon as it arrives so you have plenty of time before your trip. Buying used sooner rather than gambling on a 2026 holiday sale takes away the stress. You really dont want to be scrambling for gear a few weeks before leaving for Japan. Let me know if you need help finding good secondhand stores online!

Wait, what kind of vlogging or photos are you planning in Japan? Grab a used Sony ZV-1 instead and pocket the extra cash for awesome travel gear!

^ This. Also, I bought my gear used last year and saved a bundle. Just make sure to check the shutter count carefully before handing over any cash.

My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.

Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷

Reading through what everyone said here, waiting till late 2026 for a holiday sale on the Sony ZV-1 II Digital Camera is risky if you are traveling next winter. Compacts dont drop in price as much as mirrorless bodies anyway. Here is a quick summary of the best paths forward based on this thread:

• Skip the wait and look for a used original ZV-1 to stay well under budget
• Check local marketplaces now so you have time to test the gear before your trip
• Accept that a brand new ZV-1 II probably wont hit your $700 limit even on Black Friday Honestly grabbing a used one right now is your safest bet. That way you actually have cash left for travel expenses.

@Reply #5 - good point! Quick question though, are you mostly shooting video or stills in Japan, and do you need a zoom lens?

^ This. Also, looking back at everything everyone pointed out, waiting till late 2026 just wastes precious time when you could hunt for deals right now. In my experience with camera gear over the years, compacts like the Sony ZV-1 II Digital Camera hold their value stubbornly well, meaning holiday discounts are usually just meager fifty-dollar bundles at best. If your hard ceiling is $700, skip the gamble on late sales and browse reputable used sites today. You'll easily find a mint-condition unit or even look into a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Digital Camera instead to stretch those dollars further for your plane ticket.

> saving even fifty bucks matters Oh man this reminds me of when my cousin waited forever to insure his rental car and then backed it right into a concrete pillar at a convenience store... anyway!