Packing my camera is always at the top of my list when I’m getting ready to travel. Having the right accessories is essential to help me capture memories during my trip.
As an amateur photographer, I need the essential accessories on hand without taking up too much space in my bag. This summer I went on vacation to Europe. Here’s a look inside my camera kit that I packed. I didn’t want my travel kit to take up all my carry-on or luggage space. I prefer to travel as light as possible. This kit should have the essential items needed to capture all the shots you want, without breaking your back.
The camera you bring does make a difference. I love traveling with my mirrorless Fujifilm X series cameras because of their slim and light profiles that make them easy to carry around all day, whether I have my camera around my neck, on a wrist strap, or in my bag. My trusted X-T20 with its compact body was my choice for my vacation, and I was able to slip it into my carry-on backpack for the flight and in my sling bag during day trips.
Whether you’re assembling your own travel kit for the first time, or trying to update your gear for your next trip. Here’s a list of the top accessories I recommend for tourists to pack with your Fujifilm camera.
1. Camera bag
Before you can pack your accessories you need a good camera bag. Having the right bag to travel will determine how much gear you can bring with you. There are so many options available on the market, from full backpacks to shoulder bags.
I like to bring both, using my backpack to carry all my camera gear and accessories, and having the should bag on hand for shorter trips.
Ideally, a backpack should have dedicated pockets to organize your equipment and keep things sorted. You want to be able to quickly access the items you need on the go. Easy-to-access pockets and compartments make it easier to switch lenses or pull out my tripod when I need it.
Of course, you’ll also want a comfortable backpack that’s suited for long days full of walking.
Then I pack a shoulder bag as well that I can use for a day trip, or an evening out, when I want a smaller bag and only need to bring a few items like a second lens and extra batteries.
2. Camera lenses
Probably the first accessory I pack once I’ve chosen my bag is my lenses! While I like to pack light, it’s always great to have lens options for different perspectives and situations. I enjoy shooting with a 35mm prime lens for street photography, especially when I’m touring a city. A prime lens is perfect for its light and small silhouette and wide aperture.
The second lens that I usually pack is a zoom lens for its versatility. While it can add a bit more weight to my camera, it’s great to have when I need to go from capturing a landscape to a portrait. It also lets me play around with composition when I’m on the go and trying to find the perfect shot to capture the scene.
3. Tripod
Consider bringing a smaller tripod for shots that require a steady hand or a long exposure. Personally, I don’t shoot with a tripod often, so a small handheld tripod is perfect for me. I can easily set it up in an instant and hold it in one hand. The legs are fixed, so it’s not extendable like a traditional tripod, but I can store it in my backpack or shoulder bag.
4. Extra batteries
This is almost non-negotiable. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries so that you can keep taking pictures uninterrupted. Camera batteries drain quickly, especially with heavier use. And if you’re on vacation in a sunny destination, hot weather will also cause the battery to drain more quickly. When you’re away from your hotel or Airbnb and without access to an outlet, you need to be prepared.
The number of batteries you pack will of course depend on your usage. During my trip to Europe, I had my main Fujifilm battery and 2 secondary batteries I bought from Amazon. I used about one to one and a half batteries each day, shooting about
During my recent trip to Europe, I would go through 1 to 1 and a half batteries each day. To give you an estimate, a day’s worth of shots on one battery was about 100 shots captured in RAW and JPEG.
Don’t forget to bring the battery charger as well! It will come in handy at the end of the day when you need to recharge the batteries you’ve drained.
Depending on your charger, you might only be able to charge one battery at a time, which is why it’s still a good idea to pack several backup batteries if you can.
For Fujifilm cameras that allow charging via USB-C cable, don’t forget to bring that cable as well so you have the option to charge your camera battery.
5. Camera straps
A camera strap is perfect for keeping your camera out and at the ready for the perfect shot at a moment’s notice. Popular options include a neck strap, which usually comes with your camera, or a wrist strap.
I pack both since the straps don’t take up much space in my bag. I like the wrist strap for days when I’m planning to use my camera a lot and capture pictures throughout the day. I prefer the neck strap when I want my camera out and available, but taking pictures isn’t the primary focus. That way I can keep it out of the way around my neck or across my body while still being available when the moment is right.
6. SD cards / Memory cards
Plan ahead to make sure you have enough storage space to capture the pictures and videos you want. Transfer existing photos off your SD card to your hard drive so that your memory card has full storage available for your trip.
Similar to batteries, the number of SD cards you pack will depend on the length of your trip, how many pictures you take, whether you’re taking pictures or videos, and the photo quality. Some Fujifilm models are also equipped with slots for multiple SD cards.
I recommend having at least two memory cards with you so that you have a backup available if you run out of space unexpectedly and can’t transfer photos at the moment.
If you like to edit your photos during your trip, you might want to bring your external hard drive with you for additional storage or to backup files.
7. Fujifilm XApp or Camera Remote App
This last recommendation isn’t technically an accessory, but it can make your experience a whole lot easier. Don’t forget to download Fujifilm’s official apps on your smartphone (the Fujifilm XApp for newer models, and the Camera Remote app for older models).
These apps are great if you want to transfer photos from your camera to your phone to post on social media. The apps also double as a camera remote, so you can control your camera directly from your smartphone, adjusting settings and using it as a remote shutter.
Conclusion
Packing a camera travel kit is a great way to prepare for your trip. Each person’s camera bag will depend on the details of your trip and what you want to shoot. But having some of these essential accessories on hand will make sure that you can capture the memories you want with your Fujifilm camera on your next vacation.