Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here! I’ve rounded up all the deals I could find on cameras, gear, classes, bags, and more!
*this post contains affiliate links for your convenience, at no cost to you.
QUICK JUMP BY CATEGORY
How Black Friday Camera Deals Work
Deals on Photography Education and Software
Deals on Camera Gear and Softwar
Deals on Photo Printing and Cards
SO YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A DSLR CAMERA…
I know many moms are on the lookout for a DSLR camera this season. Here’s what you need to understand about Black Friday deals and DSLR cameras.
You have to understand that Nikon and Canon set the prices across the board. So you aren’t going to find an amazing dollar off deal, because no one is allowed to sell lower than the price the brand sets.
But, the deal you will see is a DSLR Camera that comes with TWO lenses.
Every major retailer is selling a DSLR camera that comes with a basic zoom lens (a 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 lens) AND a telephoto zoom lens. The ones I’ve seen for 2018 are a 75-300mm or a 50-250mm, which means they zoom in a ton. These deals always say something like “$300 savings!”
Now, it may seem like an awesome deal that you’re getting another lens, and that lens works well in certain situations. However, it is not the most useful lens for moms who want to take pictures of their kids indoros.
Read this post to understand why that holiday bundled-lens deal isn’t super useful for moms.
Hint: that zoom lens is so “zoomed in” that you won’t be able to use it indoors. It will feel like binoculars! You won’t be able to get a full-length shot of your kid unless you have 30+ ft to back up.
Plus, it will struggle in low-light situations, like homes and schools, because it’s maximum aperture is only f/4-f/5.6. In the photography world, this is called a “slow lens” because it needs SO much light to function.
While that long zoom lens is fun in certain situations (like animal watching at the zoo), I think your m0ney is better spend with a fast prime lens that you can use for all the cute moments that happen inside your own house. Read this post to see what I recommend for moms buying their first DSLR! (quick links: get this Nikon one for about $200 or this Canon one for just over $100)
So, I’m not saying it’s not a good deal to get a bundle deal this weekend – I just want you to recognize that the bonus lens is not what something I recommend for moms who want to photograph their kids. If you don’t want to brave the crowds, I would just buy the same camera on Amazon instead and get the fast prime I really needed!
DEALS ON DSLR CAMERAS
So here, are the DSLR Camera deals I’m seeing this year. I’ve pointed out where you can get each camera – and when to recognize that it might be worth getting it on Amazon instead of braving the crowds!
CANON BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY
Canon Rebel T6 Bundle
This is the entry-level Canon DSLR. It comes with the 18-55 f/3.5-f/5.6 kit lens and then the additional 75-300 f/4-f/5.6 zoom lens.
This is a very common deal for Canon to offer (in fact, it’s identical to their deal the last 2 years!)
$399.99 (regularly 749.00, save $350)
—>It’s already available RIGHT NOW (before Black Friday!) on Amazon here: Canon Rebel T6.
It’s also on sale at Target, Best Buy, Kohls, and Costco.
Target – with additional camera bag
Best Buy – with basic tripod
Kohls – with bag and $120 Kohls Cash (coupons do not apply)
As always, I recommend getting the 50mm prime in addition to what comes in the box. Read more about why I recommend this combo in this post.
Canon 80D
This is a newer, better camera than the one listed above. It has the regular kit lens (18-55mm).
$899 (regular $1249.99, save $350)
It’s on sale at Best Buy.
However, I’d recommend you skip the lines and grab the camera with kit lens and a TON of extras on Amazon, effectively skipping that two-lens deal but spending your money on the 50 mm lens instead.
NIKON BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY
Nikon D3500 Bundle
The Nikon D3400 is an entry-level DSLR. It comes with the regular kit lens (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) and the 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 zoom lens.
On sale for $399, regularly $849 (Saves $450)
Target Online/in store – with a camera bag
Best Buy Online/In-store- with basic black camera bag, and basic tripod
Costco Online/in store – with basic camera bag, memory card, and extra battery
Or, skip the line and grab the camera on Amazon instead (there’s even a bag offer!). I suspect the deal price will come down on Black Friday to match the other stores as well. Don’t forget the 35mm prime too!
Nikon D7500
This camera is the big step-up from basic model.
Best Buy has the Nikon D7500 with 18-55mm and 70-300mm lenses for $999.99.
However, I’d be super tempted to get this deal on Amazon instead – it includes the 35 mm prime lens I recommend, for less than you could get them separately!
MY CAMERA! —-> NIKON D750 Body (for intermediate users)
Guys, this is the camera I own and love! It’s not entry-level, by price or capabilities, but you could absolutely learn to use it.
Adorama is offering $500 off, PLUS a bunch of extras – battery, memory card, cleaning kit, basic bag, etc. (Toggle the Kit Style dropdown to Free Accessories)
I bought my camera through Adorama above and had no problems whatsoever – Adorama is well known in the camera world for great service and warranties. If you’re ready to take your photography seriously, that’s the camera I would recommend.
You can also get it at Best Buy here, for the same price on Amazon here, except it doesn’t have all those extras. Your choice!
You’ll need to get the Nikon 50 mm f/1.8 as well, since that price is just for the camera body (for $176 on Adorama here, or Amazon here.)
DEALS ON PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION AND CLASSES
iPhone Photography Boss is 50% off! – Frustrated with your iPhone? This class will teach you how to use it like the amazing camera it is! Use code GRATEFUL19 to save 50%.
A Mom’s Guide To Better Photos – This class is especially for moms who aren’t ready to learn manual mode, but still want to take better pictures of their kids. For any type of camera: phone, point & shoot, or DSLR on auto! Use code “GRATEFUL19” to save 50%!
Family Films With Sam – Ready to up your game for little family videos? I highly suggest this short course about taking beautiful, intentional videos of your family. Will go on sale this weekend – then use code MEG to save $5.
Bluprint Photography Classes – Bluprint (formerly Craftsy) has specialized classes on different aspects of photography. You can get a membership or buy individual classes. I’m partial to this family photography class and this creative photography one, but there are lots of specific topic classes! Even cake decorating, knitting, cooking, quiliting, etc.
Clickin Moms Membership – Lifetime memberships at Clickin Moms -includes ongoing member benefits, access to their forum, and priority workshop registration. I’ve learned so much from this membership! Use code 2019CM40 off any membership
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS ON CAMERA GEAR & SOFTWARE
*this section is incomplete and will be updated!*
Adobe Photoshop / Lightroom Creative Cloud Subscription – Photoshop and Lightroom are part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. You can get them for 9.99/month with the Photography Plan, but right now, the whole Creative Cloud is on sale too!
If you want to do more than just edit photos, you will love Illustrator, InDesign, and the other programs in the CC subscription. The only deal I ever see on this is on Black Friday, when they offer 25% off your first year of service. It’s usually $52.99 a month, but you can lock in at 29.99/month for the next 12 months. Ends 11/29/19.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2018 – If you don’t need the full version of Photoshop, this is a great place to start. It has most of the Photoshop editing capabilities at a one-time price. Less than $100!
Borrow Lenses – if you’re ever wanted to try out gear before you buy it, this is the place! I’ve rented extra lenses for special shoots sometimes, or just tried out something before I buy it. They package up the lens really well, mail it to you, and you mail it back in the same packaging. I use it to try out new lenses over the holidays. 🙂 DEAL STARTS SOON – watch for code on site
Shutter Hugger – for taking pics of little kids that won’t look at the camera. So cute! WENT ON CRAZY DEAL LAST YEAR – WAITING TO SEE
Amazon – has a tons of deals on Camera and Photo Gear. You can check them out here: there are too many to list!
BAGS & STRAPS
*this section is incomplete and will be updated!*
There are so many cute straps available right now!
Floral on Navy with Leather Accent – my sister-in-law has this strap and it’s adorable!
Scarf Straps – so many styles on this link, but I loved this powder blue one!
Black and White Stripes – I just cannot resist a good stripe.
Black and White Tribal Strap – this one is classy and has great reviews
Polka Dots – love this cute dots!
JoTotes Camera Bags – I love my Butterscotch Gracie camera bag from Jototes – I use it like a purse when I go somewhere nice and want to have my camera with me. All bags on sale, some 60% off.
DEALS ON PRINTING PHOTOS AND CARDS
*this section is incomplete and will be updated!*
Chatbooks – My very favorite place to make EASY photobooks and holiday cards! Access the online version or download the app here: Chatbooks and then use code SNAPHAPPY20 to get 20% off everything!
(Read more about why we love Chatbooks on this post.)
Shutterfly – I often order calendars from Shutterfly. The current sale is 40-50% off everything, check the site for the code.
Minted has super nice cards and the best designs. Check site for the code.
Also check out Mixbook – I’m trying them for a book this year and have heard great things! There’s a code on their site too.
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS ON PHOTO STORAGE
*this section is incomplete and will be updated!*
External Hard Drive – This is a great time to buy an external hard drive for storage! I have this Seagate Backup Plus Slim 4 TB Portable Drive – and I love it because it’s slim and phantom powered (not finicky cords!). I also saw that same one at Costco, so check there too!
SmugMug Photo Storage – This is a secure cloud where you can host your photos for backup, but also organize and display them easily for families. It’s also a good place to start if you want to show off your work or make client galleries. I’ve used SmugMug as a photographer for years! Save 40% off annual plan for unlimited photo storage
FAVORITE DEALS FOR MOMS
**This section is incomplete, but will be updated. Some of these deals haven’t started yet but I’m watching them**
Want to try out brush pens or hand lettering ? My friend Lisa has the BEST workbooks and courses. She’s running a sale, just click through to see the details!
Unicorn Pool Float – Don’t we all want one of these? (watching for this to go on sale like it usually does)
Cricut Explore – This machine lets you cut things super easily – vinyl, paper, and more! Usually $300 but less than $200 now.
Kindle Paperwhite – $45 dollars off! I can’t tell you how much I love my Kindle! I keep it in my purse and steal a few minutes in the line at school pick up or waiting at the doctor’s office, as well as at night when I can’t sleep. The Paperwhite is so much easier on the eyes than the regular version!
Hint: get it with special discounts (aka ads on your sleep screen) to save $20 – then, if they bother you, it’s easy to pay the $20 later to take them off.
Super cute fairy lights – These decorative fairy lights are super fun for bokeh pictures of kids. USUALLY GO ON FLASH SALE!
FAVORITE DEALS FOR KID STUFF
*this section is incomplete and will be updated!*
MagnaTiles (off brand – we have these and like them) – If I could keep one toy and sell all the rest, this is the one I would keep.
If you didn’t find the perfect gift in this post, check out the my photographer gift guides!
Gift Guide for Photographers: Camera-Themed Jewelry
Gift Guide for Photographers: Camera- Themed Accessories
Gift Guide for Photographers: Camera-Themed Mugs
I swear it looks like you found every deal on the planet here, this is so awesome!!! I think my fave are the bags. The JoTotes are so cute and can seriously hold everything. Thanks for compiling and sharing all of this!!!