Sony has officially launched the RX1R III, the long-awaited upgrade in its premium compact RX1R series. Built for professionals and enthusiasts alike, this powerful compact camera offers the high-end imaging capabilities of Sony’s Alpha series but in a palm-sized body.
With a massive 61MP full-frame sensor, AI-powered autofocus, and a refined design, the RX1R III is positioned as a flagship choice for those who demand quality without bulk.
At its core, the RX1R III features a 61-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, similar to the Alpha 7R V. It’s paired with the ZEISS Sonnar T 35mm f/2 fixed lens*, designed and tuned specifically for this sensor.
With no optical low-pass filter and an anti-reflective coating, it delivers exceptional sharpness and contrast, making it ideal for landscapes, portraits, and street photography.
One of the biggest upgrades comes in the form of AI-powered autofocus. The dedicated AI processing unit enables real-time subject recognition for humans, animals, birds, insects, vehicles, and even airplanes.
Autofocus remains reliable even when the subject is partially hidden, and it covers about 78% of the image area using up to 693 phase-detection points.
Although it has a fixed 35mm lens, Sony introduces Step Crop Shooting, letting users digitally switch to 50mm or 70mm focal length equivalents, ideal for framing variety.
The lens also features a macro ring, allowing close focusing down to 20cm with 0.26x magnification, opening up creative options for detailed close-ups.
For creators who dabble in both photography and video, the RX1R III offers 12 Creative Looks, including FL2 and FL3 profiles for film-like aesthetics. Although full video specs are yet to be revealed, these presets suggest a nod toward content creators and hybrid users.
The magnesium alloy body is compact and durable, with a new textured grip and streamlined top plate for better handling. A 2.36-million-dot XGA OLED EVF with 0.70x magnification adds to its usability.
The camera uses the NP-FW50 battery, offering up to 300 shots, and supports USB-C Power Delivery for longer shoots.
The RX1R III aligns with Sony’s ‘Road to Zero’ sustainability vision. It’s produced in green-powered facilities and ships in eco-friendly Original Blended Material packaging.
Accessibility features include a screen reader, magnified display options, and improved menu navigation for visually impaired users.
The Sony RX1R III will be available in the coming months with a starting price of around $5,099.99. Sony also announced three dedicated accessories: TG-2 Thumb Grip for $299.99, LCS-RXL Body Case for $249.99, and LHP-1 Lens Hood for $199.99.
