Honestly I was pretty disappointed with the Sony ECM-B10 Compact Shotgun Microphone when I first got it. For that price tag I really expected the audio to be richer but it just feels thin and way too digital for my taste... which sucks because the cable-free setup is actually super convenient. Since you are heading to Japan you're gonna be in some crowded spots and unfortunately that mics noise cancellation can make your voice sound like a weird compressed robot mess. Not ideal. If you want that natural vibe the Rode VideoMic GO II Lightweight Directional Microphone is definitely the winner even with the cable clutter. If you really want to stay cable-free but want something simpler maybe try the Sony ECM-G1 Ultracompact Vlogging Microphone. Its way cheaper and smaller tho the sound quality is just fine, nothing amazing. Id probably just deal with the cable on the Rode tbh because the Sony digital processing can be a letdown sometimes.

I really think your logic about staying cable-free is spot on. That simplified workflow works well for me and I have no complaints. No cables just makes vlogging feel way less like a chore.

• rig stays low profile
• no snagging on gear
• setup is instant Quality is honestly plenty good for voice stuff, and the convenience is worth everything.