Sony has officially introduced the RX1R III, a flagship fixed-lens compact camera that arrives nearly ten years after its predecessor. It boasts a new 61-megapixel full-frame Exmor R sensor, significantly improving image resolution and dynamic range over the previous 42.4MP RX1R II. This sensor upgrade positions the RX1R III as one of the highest-resolution compact full-frame cameras available.
Sony retains the classic Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens, known for sharpness and beautiful color rendition. The lens now features a newly added macro ring, allowing close focusing at just 20 centimeters with up to 0.26x magnification. Additionally, the camera introduces a unique “Step Crop Shooting” mode, which digitally crops the sensor to simulate 50mm and 70mm focal lengths, offering more compositional flexibility without changing lenses.
The autofocus system is extensively enhanced, with 693 phase-detection points covering roughly 78% of the frame. Sony’s advanced AI-driven processing enables precise real-time tracking of subjects’ bodies, heads, and eyes, improving focus accuracy even in challenging scenarios.
The RX1R III’s compact and sturdy magnesium alloy body weighs about 17 ounces, making it highly portable. It features a bright 2.36-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and a fixed 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen, providing intuitive control and clear image review.
For video, the camera supports 4K recording at 30fps and 1080p at up to 120fps. It also includes Sony’s S-Cinetone color profile, delivering cinematic tones directly from the camera, appealing to both photographers and videographers.
Notably, Sony has opted not to increase the price significantly despite the sensor upgrade and added features, setting the RX1R III’s price at $5,099.99. The camera is expected to ship starting July 31, 2025.
Some features, however, remain unchanged or are deliberately omitted compared to other recent Sony models. The RX1R III does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which could be a consideration for some users. The design sticks to a fixed 35mm lens rather than offering interchangeable options, targeting photographers who prefer simplicity and compactness without sacrificing image quality.
This release also raises curiosity about why Sony waited nearly ten years to update this series. Industry analysis suggests the long gap allowed Sony to develop the new sensor technology and refine features to meet high expectations for image quality and compactness.
Overall, the RX1R III combines cutting-edge sensor technology, classic optics, and modern autofocus intelligence in a compact body tailored for professionals and serious enthusiasts who want top-tier performance without the bulk of interchangeable-lens systems.
