u/Distinct_Parsley5701

So I’m kinda new to commissioning and wanted to get some opinions before I push this further.

I recently found an Etsy cosplay commissioner with a 4.8 rating, and their review photos looked really good. I decided to commission a pretty simple outfit based on a game character:
white corset top
baby pink shiny ruffled skirt (with a slit)
pink rhinestone belt

Nothing super complex. Honestly, I probably could’ve found something similar on Amazon, but I wanted it tailored to fit me well, so I went the commission route and paid around $400.

Now, I did think $400 felt a bit steep for something this simple, but the seller emphasized “high quality,” so I trusted it.

Here’s where things started feeling off:
They didn’t ask any clarifying questions about the design at all… just took my measurements and disappeared.
After a week, they sent a progress photo… and it looked completely off.

Issues:
The skirt is bright pink, not baby pink
No ruffles, no sparkle — just looks flat and cheap
The belt is literally a thin red belt that looks like it came from a dollar store
The corset is okay, but now I’m questioning if they even made it themselves

I raised concerns, and their response was basically:
“I’ll change the belt”
Then they showed me a replacement belt that looks like a random $20 Amazon belt… and it’s still not even accurate to the reference. I complained about the belt too, and the response was “I handmade it for three months, you are out of budget but I will give it to you for free.”

At this point I’m honestly really disappointed. I know they have a “no refunds after production starts” policy, but the final product is so far from the reference that it doesn’t feel like what I paid for at all.

So…
Is it reasonable for me to push for a refund here?
Or am I stuck because of their policy?

Hey everyone,

I'm a cosplayer +beginner photographer trying to move away from phone cameras and get better quality shots for cosplay shoots. I used to have a SONY Alpha NEX-5 with the SONY SEL1855 lens, and I'm wondering if it's still worth using in 2026.

I’ve tried researching it, but most info is pretty outdated, so I wanted to get some real opinions.

What I’m mainly shooting:

• Cosplay portraits (indoor + outdoor)
• Conventions (so sometimes low light / crowded spaces)
• Some casual creative shoots with friends

My concerns about the NEX-5:

• It’s pretty old (2010 era)
• Autofocus seems slow compared to modern cameras
• Low-light performance might not be great?
• Not sure if the image quality still holds up vs newer entry-level cameras

My question:
Do you think it’s still worth using this camera for cosplay shoots if I pair it with a better lens? Or would I be better off upgrading?

I’m open to upgrading, but I’m also trying to be realistic about budget. I’d rather not spend a ton unless the difference is actually noticeable.

If upgrading:

• Budget: ~$1,200 (separate budget for lenses)
• Trying to buy from the U.S., but open to buy from Japan/Korea/Canada
• Open to mirrorless
• Condition: Anything
• Prioritizing:
  • Good autofocus (especially for portraits)
  • Better low-light performance
  • Sharp images for social media / prints
• Portability: Any size below small bag/shoulder strap

Thanks in advance 🙏