Sony Revives RX1R Line with First Major Update in a Decade
After nearly 10 years, Sony has revived its high-end compact camera with the launch of the RX1R III. While the form factor remains familiar, the new model introduces a number of meaningful improvements. These include a jump to a 61MP full-frame Exmor R sensor up from 42.4MP and the addition of Sony’s advanced Bionz XR and AI image processors. As a result, autofocus performance has been enhanced, now capable of tracking human body movement and locking focus more precisely on heads and eyes.
This camera, however, comes at a price. Sony has announced that the RX1R III will retail for around $5,099.99 when it becomes available later in July. That’s nearly $2,000 more than the RX1R II, which was priced at $3,300 when it debuted in 2015. Competing models, such as the $4,899.95 Fujifilm GFX100RF and the $5,995 Leica Q3, are similarly priced and also feature fixed lenses. Yet, Sony’s offering emphasizes portability without sacrificing full-frame performance.
Functionality and Design for Serious Portability
To support more versatile shooting, the RX1R III offers a Step Crop Shooting feature. This function enables photographers to switch between 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm focal lengths by cropping the sensor output. Moreover, the integrated macro mode, activated by rotating a ring on the Zeiss Sonnar T 35mm F2 lens, allows focus as close as 20cm. This makes the RX1R III more flexible in the field than its fixed-lens design might suggest.
The camera’s body is built from magnesium alloy, which keeps it both durable and light. However, in order to shave off even more bulk, Sony replaced the previous tilting screen with a fixed one. As a result, photographers may need to adapt their shooting stance, especially for low-angle compositions. Still, the 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder provides an alternative for composing shots in challenging positions.
Compact Yet Powerful, With a Cinematic Edge
Although the RX1R III isn’t built for speed its burst shooting maxes out at five frames per second it still offers strong video capabilities. It can record 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at up to 120 fps. For those wanting a more cinematic output, Sony’s S-Cinetone picture profile is available. Furthermore, the camera features 12 customizable Creative Looks that can be applied to both stills and video.
Autofocus is another standout feature. Like the Sony A7R V, the RX1R III uses 693 phase-detection points. This system doesn’t just focus on the eyes it also intelligently predicts where the eyes should be, even when obscured or off-angle.
This latest iteration of the RX1R may not appeal to those looking for high frame rates or interchangeable lenses. Nevertheless, for those prioritizing image quality and portability, it offers a compelling alternative. However, if a bit of bulk isn’t a concern, there are more powerful and less expensive options within Sony’s broader camera lineup.
