Spent way too much on an X-S20 for a Japan trip in two weeks and I'm stressed. I read the SmallRig cage is essential but it looks so bulky, plus some say the battery is fine without spares.
I'm totally lost on what's actually necessary for a light kit... what are your must-haves?
Regarding what #1 said about "Skip the cage! It is way too bulky..."
Just saw this thread and wanted to share what works for me regarding safety. I've been super satisfied with a minimalist approach after years of overpacking. For Japan, I compared using the Peak Design Leash Camera Strap versus the Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap. Honestly, the Cuff is much better for navigating crowded shrines... it keeps the camera tethered to your hand so you dont worry about bumps or drops. For data reliability, I definitely suggest the Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II V90 over standard cards. They are literally built without the fragile plastic ribs, so they wont break easily. I had a cheap card fail during a trip to Osaka once and it was heartbreaking. These are pricey but the peace of mind is worth every cent. You're gonna love the X-S20, it's such a capable little machine!
Skip the cage! It is way too bulky for a light Japan kit. To save cash while staying pro, here is what I use:
^ This. Also, I've been very satisfied with a minimalist setup. For my last Tokyo trip, the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap worked perfectly for all-day carry without the neck strain. Technically, you want a fast card for that sensor, so I use the ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V60 128GB for reliable write speeds. It's basically bulletproof and handles the 4K video better than basic cards.