Expensive premium compact camera relaunched: Sony RX1R III with 61 megapixels
Sony presents the RX1R III. The new generation of compact cameras now offers 61 megapixels, AI-assisted autofocus, and a hefty price tag.
(Image: Sony)
Sony has unveiled the RX1R III, the third generation of its RX1R compact camera series. The camera combines a 61-megapixel back-illuminated sensor with the BIONZ XR image processor. The fixed ZEISS Sonnar T* 35 mm F2 lens has already been used in the two previous models. It is designed to offer good resolution across the entire image area and a soft bokeh. Some optical elements have been placed inside the camera body to enable a compact design.
With its low weight of around 500 grams and small dimensions (11.3 × 6.8 × 8.8 centimeters), the RX1R III is aimed at photographers who value portability and mobility without compromising on the image quality of a full-frame sensor. – and bring the necessary change. After all, a compact camera model that costs almost $5,000 wants to stand out from the crowd and is looking for customers who want exclusivity, among other things.
Compared to its predecessor, the RX1R II, which was launched ten years ago in 2015 with 42 megapixels, the RX1R III offers even higher resolution and improved autofocus functions. The AF tracks people, animals, birds, insects, cars/trains, and airplanes. As with other Sony camera models, it can also track human movement. Its working range ends at – 4 EV.
The body of the RX1R III is made of magnesium alloy and features a minimalist design. Its compact shape makes the camera well suited for street and travel photography. However, it is not specifically protected against dust and splash water.
The viewfinder, which, like a rangefinder camera, is not centered but located at the top left of the rear, offers a resolution of only 2.36 megapixels and 0.7x magnification, which is low for this price range. The display has the same resolution but, unlike its predecessor, is permanently installed.
Features and handling
The camera does not have an optical low-pass filter, instead using an anti-reflective coating on the sensor surface to deliver high image quality. This makes it particularly attractive for detailed shots in difficult lighting conditions. The AI-assisted autofocus recognizes eyes, bodies, and faces and is designed to track them reliably even when they are partially obscured.
A macro ring enables close-ups with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters. The step crop function allows you to switch between focal lengths of 35, 50, and 70 millimeters. This feature is also familiar from other high-resolution camera models, such as the Fujifilm GFX100RF. The focal length simulation uses a section of the sensor that offers lower resolution but corresponds to the section that a lens with the corresponding focal length would capture from the same position and at the same angle from the intended subject. For those who like to work with preset profiles, the RX1R III offers twelve variants that can be customized using eight parameters.
The battery is supposed to allow 300 shots per charge according to CIPA standards, but in practice, our testing showed that it should be significantly more. The camera only records videos in 4K, even though the sensor resolution would allow for more.
Availability
Accessories include a thumb rest that attaches to the accessory shoe and resembles a film transport lever used on analog film cameras in the past. A lens hood must also be purchased separately, adding to the already high price of the camera. It should be available in September.
The RX1R III will be available from July 2025 at a price of €4,900.
(cbr)
