Sony RX1rIII preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

Here are a few images of the official Chinese presentation of the Sony RX1rIII:

Sony RX1rIII preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

Let me share my thoughts on this new camera with you. In general, I believe that this new model is probably more impressive than the sum of its parts. If you’ve ever held the 10 year old RX1rII in your hands, you immediately understand that this series is not about being technically superior or cheaper than E-mount full-frame cameras. It’s about having the most compact full-frame camera + lens you can carry with you. And that’s where its unique value lies!

That said let’s talk about the single aspects of this camera that I found Good, Bad and Ugly:

The Good:

• By far still the most compact and lightest fixed lens FF camera you can get. And this is the ONE reason why you buy it! It’s as compact as the FujiFilm X100VI but with superior image quality and autofocus performance. Of course the Fujifilm is cheaper, has IBIS and film simulations. So we are comparing apple and oranges. A more equivalent comparison would be with the Leica Q3 which is bigger, heavier and more expensive.
• The high-resolution 61MP Exmor R sensor and BIONZ XR processor from the a7CR. Doesn’t get better than this!
• New AI-driven autofocus system with subject recognition and 693 phase-detect points. Best AF on the market!
• Video enhancements, including 10-bit 4K30, S-Cinetone, and support for LUTs.
• A new NP-FW50 battery with much better life (up to 520 shots per charge).
• Redesigned top plate: now flat with a recessed Multi-Function Shoe and fixed EVF.
• New touchscreen UI with vertical shooting support.

Bad:

• The Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens remains optically the same. They could have improved it (more compact or faster design) or maybe added a new in lens stabilization.
• No built-in stabilization in the lens (relies on digital and in-body stabilization).
• Same “old” 2,36m dot EVF. And it would have been nice if it would have been tiltable.
• The pricing: too close to Leica without the Leica premium feel?

Ugly:

• Why such a hush hush announcement? Not even Sony USA and BHphoto knew about the camera announcement. Wasn’t this camera worth of a better treatment from the press?
• New creative styles are nice…but can you please work on a proper branding for these? Film 1, Film 2 Film 3 really sounds pointless.

Now, what are your thoughts on this?

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Sony RX1rIII preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

The European price for the Sony RX1rIII is 4899 Euro (Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK) which is 1300 Euro less than what you pay for the Leica Q3. It is an expensive camera but this is the only true compact FF fixed lens camera on the market. So if need to have the lightest and most travelfriendly camera this is your only option.

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You can now preorder the Sony RX1rIII in the US via BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama.

You can now preorder the Sony RX1rIII in the US via BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama. In Europe at Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

Holy Moly! Sony officially announced the new Sony RX1rIII. You can preorder it tomorrow at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

Nearly a decade after the beloved RX1R II, Sony has officially revived its premium compact, fixed-lens, full-frame camera line with the announcement of the RX1R III Digital Camera. This highly anticipated update brings modern imaging power and AI-driven features to one of the smallest full-frame cameras ever made, making it an ideal choice for photographers seeking both portability and uncompromising quality.

At the heart of the RX1R III is the same 61-megapixel Exmor R back-illuminated full-frame sensor and BIONZ XR processor found in Sony’s acclaimed a7CR. Together, they deliver best-in-class resolution, detail-rich RAW files, and excellent low-light performance with 15 stops of dynamic range and an ISO range of 100–32,000.

The camera retains the iconic Zeiss Sonnar T 35mm f/2 lens*, a hallmark of the RX1 series, now complemented by Sony’s AI-powered autofocus system. With 693 phase-detection points, advanced subject recognition, and fast tracking, the RX1R III can confidently lock on to people, animals, insects, vehicles, and more.

The RX1R III adds in-camera cropping to simulate 50mm (29MP) and 70mm (15MP) focal lengths, alongside Sony’s new “Creative Looks” that emulate the character of classic color negative, slide, and instant film stocks.

The camera also caters to video shooters, offering 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 at up to 30 fps, Full HD at up to 120 fps, and support for S-Cinetone, Active Stabilization, user LUTs, and Slow & Quick modes. USB-C, micro-HDMI, and a microphone input expand its video capabilities further.

Physically, the RX1R III stays close to the dimensions of its predecessor but adopts a sleeker, more refined design. The top plate is now flat, eliminating the pop-up EVF and protruding dials in favor of a recessed Multi-Function Shoe and a fixed electronic viewfinder. The grip has been redesigned with a new texture for better handling, while the 3-inch fixed rear touchscreen now supports vertical shooting UI.

Battery life—a frequent complaint of the RX1R II—has been significantly improved. The RX1R III uses the NP-FW50 battery, boosting endurance to an estimated 520 shots per charge, up from about 220 previously.

Sony is also releasing a set of accessories for the RX1R III, including the TG-2 Thumb Grip, LCS-RXL Body Case, and an optional lens hood.

Weighing just 1.1 pounds, the RX1R III is positioned at the very top of the compact camera market, offering a rare combination of full-frame image quality and ultimate portability. Whether for travel, street photography, or everyday carry, it stands out as a tool that transforms spontaneous moments into art.

You can now preorder the Sony RX1rIII in the US via BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama. In Europe at Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2025 — Sony Electronics Inc. announces the RX1R III, the eagerly anticipated third generation of its RX1R series, featuring a 61-megapixelⁱ 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-megapixelⁱ 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 Alpha^TM 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 videos^[ii]. Up to 693 densely arranged^[iii] 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 Shooting^[iv] function, which allows users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35 mm, 50 mm, and 70 mm^[v] 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 Looks^[vi], FL2 allows the capturing of a nostalgic expression with subdued colors, and FL3 allows for a more vibrant image.

Streamlined Design and 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 images^[vii]. It features a USB Type-C® port that allows rapid charging when connected to USB Power Delivery^[viii] -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 Material^[ix] instead of plastic^[x].

The camera system incorporates comprehensive accessibility options, including a Screen Reader function^[xi] 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 and 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.

A RX1R III concept video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/erVGQhslgBA

A RX1R III product video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/8-wwnIp7tLs

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new RX1R III and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire content creators.