Sony A7iii, Canon R8, or Canon R6?

(1) Budget, country, and currency: USA, $1500 USD.

(2) What equipment, if any, you have now and why is it no longer meeting your needs?
- I currently shoot on a Canon Rebel T7 DSLR, and I'm looking to upgrade to mirrorless and better specs. I'm looking to move more toward professional photography.

(3) What kinds of subjects do you intend to shoot?
- I shoot concerts, portraits, and street photography.

(4) Is it primarily for photography, videography, or both?
- Mostly photography, but I do video as well occasionally.

Hey there. I primarily shoot concerts, portraits, and street photography. Important to note that I'm still considered more of a hobbyist, but I have been booking paid gigs in the last year and am actively working on building my skills and portfolio. It's something I'm really looking to do professionally in time. My budget right now is no more than $1500, and that'll probably be paid on a payment plan, tbh.

I currently shoot on the Canon Rebel T7 that I purchased for my first photography class in 2024 (I'm in grad school for journalism). It's served me well as I have been learning, but I am looking to move from DSLR to mirrorless. I just am having the hardest time deciding.

I've had the three models in the title recommended to me and each seem to have enough pros and cons that have paralyzed me in indecision. I'm partial to Canon, since that's what I know, but I also know that third-party RF lenses are sparse, and generally they're all hefty in price.
-The R6 sounds like the top rec out of the three in terms of specs, but the cheapest used body I've found is $1400 before I even look at glass... I am considering getting just the body and holding out for a lens deal somewhere.
-The R8 is a couple hundred dollars cheaper used, and more compact, but again it means pricier lenses and also it lacks IBIS which I think I would want for fast-paced live music. It does have better autofocus, I've heard, but I typically shoot in manual anyway.
-The Sony A7iii is much cheaper, for both body and glass options. Also that 4MP higher resolution. But it is older. And it would be a new user experience to Canon. I've also heard some people complain about the color science, but gosh do I love editing so I'm not too worried about it if that can be mitigated in Lightroom.

I'd love to hear your thoughts/suggestions/anecdotes.