So I finally did it and bought the X-T5 after saving up for like half a year. I've been using my phone for years but I really wanted to get into real photography. The camera just arrived today and honestly I'm kind of terrified of it. It looks so complicated with all the dials and stuff. I'm based in Seattle so it rains a lot here and I'm planning to take it out to the parks to get photos of my golden retriever and maybe some trees but I realized I literally have nothing else for it. Like it didn't even come with a memory card? I went to look online and there are like a million different types and prices and I have no idea which one wont break the camera or be too slow.
My budget is kind of tight now since the camera cost so much maybe like 200 bucks left for extras for now. I see people with those little leather cases and fancy thumb grips and different straps but i dont know whats actually important and what is just for looks. Do I need an extra battery right away? People say mirrorless cameras die fast but I dont know. I am such a beginner so sorry if these are really basic questions. What are the absolute must-have things I need to buy right now so I can actually go outside and start shooting without worrying about the camera breaking or running out of space? I feel like I'm drowning in options...
Just seeing this. @Reply #2 - good point! Since you're in rainy Seattle, I would suggest a Peak Design Shell Camera Cover Small. Seriously. Also, grab a ULBTER Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Fuji X-T5 cuz screens scratch so easily. For memory, look for a ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V60 Gold 128GB to save a few bucks. TL;DR: Get a screen protector and rain gear before fancy leather accessories.
@Reply #3 - good point! Protection is key. In my experience, those plastic SD cards are way too fragile, so look at the Sony SF-M Series Tough UHS-II 128GB V60. It is basically indestructible and waterproof, perfect for Seattle weather. Also, grab a Giottos Rocket Air Blaster Large to blow dust or droplets off the lens safely. Tbh, skip the leather cases for now and just focus on keeping your gear dry and functional.
Regarding what #1 said about it being frustrating, just prioritize the SD card first. With a 40MP sensor, you need serious write speeds. A SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB UHS-II SDXC V90 is ideal, but a Lexar Professional 1667x 128GB UHS-II V60 is a decent budget compromise for stills. Since the Fujifilm NP-W235 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery is quite efficient, skip extras for now. Grab a Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap so you dont drop it!
Congrats on the X-T5, tho its honestly frustrating that they dont bundle essentials anymore. The must-haves really depend on your technical needs, as most cheap kits are unfortunately not as good as expected. To narrow it down, are you planning on shooting high-bitrate 4K video or just stills? Also, does your lens actually have weather sealing for that Seattle rain?