Sony RX1R III
Sony made an unusual camera announcement with the Sony RX1R III (MSRP $5,098). They did not release review samples to the media, and even some official product pages and specifications were missing at first.A long-rumored successor to the RX1R II, the Mark III features the expected 61MP sensor found in the A7R V and A7CR, along with a USB-C port now required by EU regulations.
Also read: Sony RX1R III Size and Specs Compared to Leica Q3, Fujifilm X100VI, and Fujifilm GFX 100RF
Sony RX1R III Back
However, several anticipated improvements such as the IBIS or Optical stabilization are absent. In fact, there are some disappointments, such as the removal of the tilting rear LCD that was available on the RX1R II. This omission is a major drawback for fans of the series. The switch from a retractable viewfinder in the previous version to a fixed viewfinder with slightly lower magnification also results in a larger overall profile, which many find unwelcome for a compact full-frame camera.
Sony RX1R III Key Specs
- Announcement Date: 2025-07-15
- 61MP - Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
- No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
- ISO 100 - 32000 ( expands to 50 - 102800)
- 35 mm f2.00 Prime Lens
- 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
- 2360k dot Electronic viewfinder
- 5.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
- 120fps High-Speed Video
- Built-in Wireless
- 498g. 113 x 68 x 88 mm
- Replaced Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Compare
- Read the Review
- Check Price at: Amazon, B&H Photo
The new price of $5,098 in the US also makes it a difficult purchase to justify when you can buy a much more flexible A7CR with similar specs and almost $2000 cheaper. The extra $2000 will buy you a lot of E-mount lenses ( the total package with a lens similar to its 35mm f2 lens won't be as compact though). However people who will compare this to a Leica Q3 / Q3 43 may even think it is a steal at $5000! It all depends on how you look at it!
Sony RX1R III vs Sony A7CR with Sony FE 35mm F1.8 Lens
(Find this size comparison here)
We will share a more detailed write-up on the RX1R III, including comparisons with its main rivals, soon. In the meantime, you can find the current Top 10 most popular RX1R III comparisons below, followed by the official press release.
Top 10 Sony RX1R III Competitors
Sony RX1R III Side
Press Release:
Sony Electronics Introduces The RX1R III: The Flagship Full-Frame Premium Compact Camera With A Fixed Lens
SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2025 – Sony Electronics Inc. announces the RX1R III, the eagerly anticipated third generation of its RX1R series, featuring a 61-megapixel1 35 mm full-frame Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR™ image processing engine, and a ZEISS® Sonnar T* 35 mm F2 lens.
"The RX1R III combines Sony’s design savvy with the latest innovations in imaging technology to produce a new flagship in our RX1R camera series that offers uncompromising full-frame quality in a premium compact camera body," said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The RX1R series has resonated greatly among discerning photographers, and we’re proud to now deliver the next generation of this popular camera model.”
A Focus On High-Quality Photography
The combination of the 61-megapixel1 full-frame Exmor R™ back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and the BIONZ XR™ image processing engine delivers high resolution and sensitivity, with low noise and a wide dynamic range. The sensor surface features AR (Anti-Reflection) coating and omits the optical low-pass filter to achieve superior image quality.
The integrated lens offers excellent image quality. By optimizing the position of the lens and the imaging surface one by one at the micron level, RX1R III achieves high optical performance in a compact form factor.
Dedicated To Creative Freedom
To ensure you always get your shot accurately and without effort, RX1R III is equipped with the latest AI-processing unit, a valued feature of top-of-the-line professional Sony AlphaTM cameras. The AI-processing unit can accurately recognize the shape and movement of subjects, human bodies, heads, and the position of eyes, tracking subjects even when their faces are not visible, and is available for both still images and videos2. Up to 693 densely arranged3 phase-detection AF (Auto-Focus) points cover approximately 78% (for still image shooting) of the image capture’s area.
While the camera has a fixed lens, users can tap into the versatility of three prime lenses thanks to the Step Crop Shooting4 function, which allows users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35 mm, 50 mm, and 70 mm5 via assigned buttons or dials. When shooting in RAW format, users can reselect the focal length during post-production. The lens’s macro ring enables instant switching to macro mode, allowing users to get as close as 20 cm (maximum magnification: 0.26x).
For creators who enjoy unique and personalized visuals, RX1R III offers twelve built-in Creative Looks. Adjustments to hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, and sharpness can be applied not only to still images but also to videos. Most notable among the Creative Looks6, FL2 allows the capturing of a nostalgic expression with subdued colors, and FL3 allows for a more vibrant image.
Streamlined Design & Reliable Hardware
Made of lightweight yet highly rigid magnesium alloy, the RX1R III design balances aesthetics and functionality. While maintaining excellent operability, the dials and Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe are embedded into the camera body and the top surface of the body features a flat design. The grip design and surface texture provide a secure and comfortable hold.
RX1R III is equipped with an electronic viewfinder featuring an approximately 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED with high resolution and high contrast, offering a magnification of approximately 0.70x.
RX1R III uses the rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50, allowing the capture of up to 300 still images7. It features a USB Type-C® port that allows rapid charging when connected to USB Power Delivery8 -compatible devices, or the addition of external power sources, such as mobile batteries, for extended shooting sessions.
Social Responsibility
Aligned with Sony's ambitious 'Road to Zero' initiative, this product supports the company's vision for achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. The Sony Group’s manufacturing facilities for imaging products, including the RX1R III, are operating at 100% renewable energy. The RX1R III packaging uses Sony's proprietary environmentally friendly Original Blended Material9 instead of plastic10.
The camera system incorporates comprehensive accessibility options, including a Screen Reader function11 and Display Magnification, to support visually impaired users across an expanded range of menu items.
Optional Accessories
TG-2 is a dedicated thumb grip that attaches to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe to provide stable holding and operability, including when operated with one hand. When attached to the body, the metal material and high-quality paint finish provide exceptional design unity.
LCS-RXL is a compact body case dedicated to this camera model intended to protect the camera from scratches and dirt and enhance its elegance with its refined texture material. The body case allows access to all ports—USB, HDMI, battery, memory card, and tripod attachment—without removal. The grip design improves the holding experience.
LHP-1 is a lens hood made specifically for this camera. It features a robust construction using lightweight and high-strength aluminum material, protecting the lens from impact and dirt. The bayonet mount allows for quick and secure attachment.
Pricing & Availability
The RX1R III will be available in July 2025 for approximately $5,099.99 USD and $6,299.99 CAD. The TG-2 for approximately $299.99 USD and $349.99 CAD, the LCS-RXL for approximately $249.99 USD and $224.99 CAD, and the LHP-1 for approximately $199.99 USD and $249.99 CAD, in August 2025. They will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
1Approximate effective
2Available subject settings are: Auto, Human, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplane. Subject types other than the type specified may be erroneously recognized in some cases.
3It is number of AF measurement points during still image shooting. The number of points varies depending on the shooting mode.
4Not available for movies.
5When shooting JPEG images with a 3:2 aspect ratio, the resolution is as follows: At 35 mm: L size (60 megapixels), at 50 mm: M size (29 megapixels), at 70 mm: S size (15 megapixels)
6ST (Standard), PT (Portrait), NT (Neutral), VV (Vivid), VV2 (Vivid 2), FL (Film), FL2 (Film 2), FL3 (Film 3), IN (Instant), SH (Soft Highkey), BW (Black & White) and SE (Sepia).
7When using the viewfinder: 270 shots.
818W (9V/2A) USB PD power source is recommended.
9Paper material made from bamboo, sugarcane fibers, and post-consumer recycled paper.
10Excluding materials used in coatings and adhesives.
11Supported languages differ according to country and region.
