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.

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

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MAGNIFICENT NEWS: Sony announced the new RX1rIII

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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.

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