After a decade-long absence, Sony has surprised the photography world by reviving its premium full-frame compact camera line with the RX1R III. This unexpected announcement marks the return of a series that last saw an update in 2015, bringing cutting-edge technology to a form factor that has gained renewed popularity in recent years.
Latest Technology in Compact Form
The RX1R III incorporates Sony's most advanced imaging technology, featuring the same 61-megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor found in the flagship A7R V and A7C R cameras. This high-resolution sensor works in conjunction with the latest BIONZ XR image processor and AI processing chip, delivering professional-grade performance in a remarkably compact body. The sensor includes an anti-reflective coating and omits the optical low-pass filter to maximize image clarity and detail capture.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS |
| Processor | BIONZ XR with AI processing chip |
| Lens | ZEISS Sonnar T*35mm F2 (fixed) |
| Autofocus Points | 693 phase-detection AF points |
| AF Coverage | 78% of sensor area |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M-dot OLED, 0.70x magnification |
| Battery Life | 300 shots (NP-FW50) |
| Macro Magnification | 0.26x (minimum focus: 0.2m) |
Proven Optics with Enhanced Capabilities
Sony has retained the acclaimed ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens from its predecessor, maintaining the optical character and performance that photographers have appreciated over the years. The lens now includes an enhanced macro focusing mode that reduces the minimum focus distance from 0.35 meters to 0.2 meters, achieving a maximum magnification of 0.26x for close-up photography. This versatility makes the camera suitable for everything from street photography to detailed macro work.
Advanced Autofocus and Shooting Features
The camera's autofocus system leverages AI processing to deliver sophisticated subject detection and tracking capabilities. With 693 phase-detection AF points covering 78 percent of the sensor area, the system can recognize and track eyes, faces, heads, and bodies even when facial features are partially obscured. A notable addition is the Step Crop Shooting function, which allows photographers to simulate 50mm and 70mm focal lengths through digital cropping, producing 29-megapixel and 15-megapixel images respectively when shooting in RAW format.
Step Crop Shooting Modes
| Focal Length | Resolution | Magnification |
|---|---|---|
| 35mm (native) | 61MP | 1.0x |
| 50mm (crop) | 29MP | 1.4x |
| 70mm (crop) | 15MP | 2.0x |
Premium Pricing Reflects Market Position
The RX1R III carries a significant price premium, launching at USD 5,098 in the United States, approximately EUR 4,900 in Europe, and GBP 4,200 in the United Kingdom. This represents a substantial increase from the RX1R II's original USD 3,299 launch price in 2015. The pricing positions it competitively against other premium compact cameras like the Fujifilm GFX100RF and slightly below the Leica Q3, though it costs more than double the popular Fujifilm X100VI.
Pricing Comparison
| Camera Model | Launch Price |
|---|---|
| Sony RX1R III (2025) | USD 5,098 |
| Sony RX1R II (2015) | USD 3,299 |
| Fujifilm X100VI | ~USD 2,500 |
| Fujifilm GFX100RF | ~USD 5,000 |
| Leica Q3 | ~USD 6,000 |
Design and Build Quality
The camera features a magnesium alloy construction with a redesigned rubberized grip for improved handling. Sony has refined the design with flush-mounted controls and hot shoe integration into the top plate. The camera includes a 2.36 million-dot OLED viewfinder with 0.70x magnification, though the rear touchscreen remains fixed without tilt or flip functionality. Battery life is rated at 300 shots per charge using the NP-FW50 battery, with USB-C charging support for convenience.
Market Context and Availability
The revival of the RX1R series comes at a time when premium compact cameras have experienced renewed interest, particularly following the success of cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI. Sony's decision to resurrect the line after such an extended hiatus reflects this market trend and the company's confidence in the premium compact segment. The RX1R III is scheduled for availability in July 2025, with optional accessories including the TG-2 thumb grip, LCS-RXL body case, and LHP-1 lens hood following in September 2025.