We’ve written about using the X-T1 and X-T2 mirrorless cameras for bird photography – now it’s time to talk about the new Fuji X-T3.
This body now has a 26mp sensor and is quoted from Fuji has having an improved autofocus system (one of the first things we want to look at as bird photographers) compared with the X-T2. Interestingly, to achieve the fastest continuous shooting rate if 11 frames per second, we no longer need to add the optional battery grip. Putting the X-T3 into a 1.25x crop mode (keep in mind this is already a crop sensor), lets you shoot frames at 30FPS.
Even at 11fps in regular mode, the X-T3 has an impressive buffer size: 145 RAW files before you’ll notice a slow down. In other words, you’d have to be shooting some serious prolonged action before the buffer will start causing you problems.
If you’re into wildlife and bird video making, the X-T3 looks good in this department: 4K video at up to 60p is possible, really putting it on par with DSLR video quality abilities.
The lens most people will pair with the X-T3 for bird and wildlife photography is of course the XF 100-400mm. It’s also possible to add a 1.4x teleconverter for increased focal length reach; as long as you’re willing to live with the slower autofocus, decreased low light ability and other downsides of using a teleconverter.
Beginner’s are advised to not just throw on a teleconverter until you’re completely comfortable with using the camera and lens, and are obtaining the quality of photos that you’re after with that combo alone, because teleconverters make it a whole lot harder to achieve great results until you’ve got your technique down pat.
There are and will be an extraordinary number of reviews and other commentaries out there about the X-T3, as there is with all cameras. That’s not what this site is about. We are focused on how this camera will perform specifically for bird photographer’s needs. So let’s look at some of the more important specs relating to this, and ultimately what it can mean for someone wanting to use the X-T3 to photograph birds: