Sony has announced the RX1R III, the third generation of its premium compact camera series featuring a 61-megapixel full frame sensor and fixed ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens. The camera combines Sony's latest imaging technology in a palm-sized body designed for photographers seeking full frame quality in a compact form factor.
Key Features and Technology
The RX1R III builds on its predecessors with a 61-megapixel full frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with Sony's BIONZ XR image processing engine. The sensor features anti-reflection coating and omits the optical low-pass filter to maximize image quality and resolution.
Sony has equipped the camera with an AI processing unit similar to those found in their professional Alpha cameras. This system can recognize and track human bodies, heads, eye positions, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes. The autofocus system covers approximately 78% of the image area with up to 693 phase-detection points during still image shooting.
Despite having a fixed 35mm lens, the camera offers focal length versatility through its Step Crop Shooting function. This feature allows users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm via assigned buttons or dials. When shooting in raw format, users can reselect the focal length during post-production.
The lens includes a macro ring for instant switching to macro mode, enabling close focusing down to 20 cm with a maximum magnification of 0.26x.
Creative Features
The RX1R III includes twelve built-in Creative Looks that can be applied to both still images and videos. Notable options include FL2 for nostalgic expression with subdued colors and FL3 for more vibrant imagery. Users can adjust hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, and sharpness within these creative profiles.
Design and Build
Sony constructed the camera body from lightweight magnesium alloy while maintaining rigidity. The design features embedded dials and Multi-Interface shoe integrated into the body with a flat top surface. The grip design and surface texture provide secure handling.
The electronic viewfinder features approximately 2.36 million dots with XGA OLED technology, offering high resolution and contrast with approximately 0.70x magnification.
Battery and Connectivity
The camera uses Sony's NP-FW50 rechargeable battery, providing up to 300 still images per charge (270 when using the viewfinder). A USB Type-C port enables rapid charging when connected to USB Power Delivery-compatible devices and allows connection of external power sources for extended shooting sessions.
Accessibility and Environmental Initiatives
Sony has included accessibility features such as Screen Reader function and Display Magnification to support visually impaired users across expanded menu items.
In line with Sony's "Road to Zero" environmental initiative, the RX1R III is manufactured at facilities operating on 100% renewable energy. The packaging uses Sony's Original Blended Material made from bamboo, sugarcane fibers, and post-consumer recycled paper instead of plastic materials.
Pricing and Availability
The Sony RX1R III is available for preorder now and will ship on July 31, priced at $5,098. Three optional accessories will launch in August 2025:
The camera will be sold through Sony directly and authorized dealers throughout North America.
Complete Specifications
- 61-megapixel full frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- BIONZ XR image processing engine
- Anti-reflection coating on sensor surface
- No optical low-pass filter
- ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 fixed lens
- Macro capability: 20 cm minimum focus distance
- Maximum magnification: 0.26x
- Macro ring for instant mode switching
- AI-based real-time recognition autofocus
- Up to 693 phase-detection AF points
- Approximately 78% image area coverage (still images)
- Subject recognition: Auto, Human, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, Airplane
- Step Crop Shooting: 35mm, 50mm, 70mm equivalent focal lengths
- 12 built-in Creative Looks (Standard, Portrait, Neutral, Vivid, Vivid 2, Film, Film 2, Film 3, Instant, Soft High-key, Black & White, Sepia)
- Raw format support with post-production focal length selection
- Electronic viewfinder: 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED
- Viewfinder magnification: approximately 0.70x
- NP-FW50 rechargeable battery
- Battery life: 300 still images (270 with viewfinder)
- USB Type-C port with USB Power Delivery support
- External power source compatibility
- Magnesium alloy construction
- Flat top surface design
- Embedded dials and Multi-Interface shoe
- Textured grip surface
- Screen Reader function
- Display Magnification
- Extended menu item support for visually impaired users
- Manufactured with 100% renewable energy
- Original Blended Material packaging (bamboo, sugarcane fibers, recycled paper)
Preorder
You can preorder your RX1R III here.
I find this type of camera interesting. Why would you get this over the A7CR and a kickass lens? Is it the weight and size?
A7Cii is 1.1lb with body & battery only, no lens...this is 1.1lb, listed as body & battery, but I'm assuming that means w/lens too. If you put a pancake lens on it, or another light weight lens, there's not much difference in weight. Size wise, there's still not much difference. So essentially you're paying for more MP and more up to date tech.
How about the A7CR? Seems to be the same sensor
Body alone is lighter, but with battery still 1.1lbs. Just add in the weight of the lens, so a pancake or the light weight Tamron 35 2.8 and its a minimal difference and you save $2k and have a more versatile camera with the CR.
... and with the option to clean the sensor yourself, should it be affected by dust or debris. I really like fixed lens film cameras - those with prime lenses - because of the forced discipline of working with a single field of view, and I'd potentially buy a digital equivalent - but for the fact that dust on the sensor requires a time-consuming and costly trip to a service centre. Whilst I'm sure such occurrences affect only a minority of cameras, I've read enough reports online to make me wary. Knowing my luck, it would happen to me - so a compact ILC plus pancake lens makes more sense.
I'm a Sony shooter and I don't see who this is for. Fuji's x100 series has the film simulations that Sony tried to copy and the VI has 40.2mp (sure its not 61, but 40.2 is enough for almost everyone) and it has IBS. If you're going to spend that kind of money, you might as well save up a little more and get a Leica Q3, or buy a used one.
The Fuji has a better price to value ratio, the Leica at least has that great Leica community, the Leica build quality, and the Leica name, but with the Sony you're probably getting a nice point and shoot with updated tech that really isn't needed in a point and shoot? Someone convince me otherwise.
Does it have any other 35mm fixed lens 60mp full frame camera available in the market?
No. Probably a reason for that.
I have owned each iteration of the RX-1, and have found each advance in technology matched by it's usefulness as a photographic tool, from the OLED screen (SO useful) to increase in sensor size and low light performance. Admittedly I have been fortunate. Also, I have noticed a rather consistent low level but real demand (wish?) by users for two additional technologies to be added: weather sealing, and image-stabilization. Not bells, not whistles, not special effects. I carry 3-4 batteries with me. They are very light. Alas, not this time around I guess. I'd love to hear other long-term users about this issue.
For the price, I'd rather go full-frame now. Did they mention how many fps?
This is a full frame camera and I think its 5fps, but you don't buy this type of camera for high fps.