grabbed a used a6400 for my Japan trip next month but my budgets pretty tight now. I keep seeing people recommend the Sigma 16mm and those SmallRig cages but they seem heavy and maybe overkill for street shots... what are the actual must-have accessories for a total beginner so I dont waste money?
Honestly, the most important thing for that camera is extra juice. The battery life is kinda weak for a full day in Tokyo. I would suggest picking up a Wasabi Power Battery 2-Pack for Sony NP-FW50 so you aren't stuck with a dead camera. Just be careful with generic SD cards too; make sure to get something reliable like the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I so you dont lose your photos.
Like someone mentioned, power is key, but unfortunately cheap filters ruined my Osaka night shots. Are you shooting after dark? TL;DR: skip filters, just get an Expert Shield Screen Protector Sony a6400 Glass.
^ This. Also, skipping the cage is definitely the right move for street shots in Japan! You want to be as light and nimble as possible when you're exploring. The advice so far about fast cards and extra batteries is 100% spot on for the a6400. Technically, you should look into the USB Power Supply feature. Its fantastic because it lets you power the camera directly via a power bank while you're actually using it! I always carry the Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger in my bag. It saves so much stress when you're out all day and those tiny NP-FW50 batteries start dipping. Since you're worried about weight and bulk, maybe swap the neck strap for a Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap Black. It is amazing for keeping the camera secure in your palm without a long strap getting tangled in your bag or caught on people in the subway. You are gonna have an incredible time in Japan, that camera is such a fantastic choice for travel!
@Reply #1 - good point! Batteries are definitely the priority for those long walks. Just saw this thread... I was quite satisfied with my setup during my last trip to Kyoto, and keeping things light made a huge difference. Technically, you dont need the most expensive gear, but you do need gear that meets the cameras specs. For example:
Great info, saved!