PetaPixel thoughts on the new Sony RX1rIII

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Their thoughts in short:

  • The upgrades—better autofocus, battery, creative profiles, and high-res sensor—are welcome but incremental.
  • Downsides include the high price (over $5,000 before accessories), no lens redesign to match the higher resolution, no articulating screen, no image stabilization, and a dated EVF.
  • The camera remains extremely compact and pocketable, which sets it apart from rivals like the Leica Q3 or Fujifilm GFX100R.
  • Sony seems to have revived the line to tap into the growing market for premium, soulful compacts like the Q3 and X100VI.
  • Reviewers question whether the dated lens can resolve well enough for the 61MP sensor and whether it competes on value vs. an a7CR with a 35mm lens.

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

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The Good, Bad and the Ugly of the new Sony RX1rIIII

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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?

Do you like the new Sony RX1rIII ?

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

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Sony RX1rII vs the new RX1rIII size comparison

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Asobinet has published this precise size comparison. What immediately stands out is that the new Sony RX1rIII is 1.5 cm deeper. That’s quite a big jump. The body itself is thicker, probably to make room for all the new processor chips and for better heat management. The lens itself also appears to be a little bit longer.

Would have loved if Sony engineers would have found a “trick” to add at least in lens stabilization without to compromise the size too much. That is my major complaint a part of the obviously high price tag.

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

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The European preorders and prices for the new Sony RX1rIII

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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.

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