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Sony’s newest stylish full-frame premium compact camera, the RX1R III is here, replacing the almost ten-year old (Oct 2015) RX1R II. It is a much beloved series, targeted to a select narrow vertical market aimed at RX1R II users who may be tempted to make the switch to the Fujifilm GFX100RF medium format fixed lens camera.
What’s improved: 61MP sensor (vs 42MP) for improved high-quality image resolution; Sony’s latest AI-based Real-Time Recognition AF that automatically selects subject type; ability to lock focus down to a low EV -4.0 light; a more powerful 300 shots battery (vs. 220); USB-C fast charging; redesigned body; IStep Crop Shooting function allows switching between 35 mm (60 MP), 50 mm (29 MP), and 70 mm (15 MP) equivalents with a simple one-touch operation; new film-style FL2 and FL3 Creative Look Mode presets.
What’s same: same 35mm F2 Zeiss lens; same 2.36M-dots Touch LCD with automatic vertical orientation; still tiny tunnel-vision EVF; same leaf shutter.
What’s lost: the LCD display is now fixed (vs. tilting); the EVF magnification is even smaller at 0.70x (vs 0.74x).
What’s not there: no image stabilization, no built-in ND, no weather-proofing.
The Sony RX1R III will be available in July 2025 for approximately $5,099.99 USD ($6,299.99 CAD). The LHP-1 lens hood is priced at $199.99 USD ($249.99 CAD). Add the LCS-RXL body case for $249.99. And if you should fancy a thumb grip, be prepared to fork out $299.99 USD ($349.99 CAD) for the TG-2 thumb grip.
PRESS RELEASE
Sony Electronics Introduces the RX1R III: The Flagship Full-Frame Premium Compact Camera with a Fixed Lens
Featuring a 61MP[i] Sensor and AI-based Real-time Recognition Auto Focus in a Palm-sized Body
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™ 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.
[i] Approximate effective
[ii] Available 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.
[iii] It is the number of AF measurement points during still image shooting. The number of points varies depending on the shooting mode.
[iv] Not available for movies.
[v] When 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)
[vi] ST (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).
[vii] When using the viewfinder: 270 shots.
[viii] 18W (9V/2A) USB PD power source is recommended.
[ix] Paper material made from bamboo, sugarcane fibers, and post-consumer recycled paper.
[x] Excluding materials used in coatings and adhesives.
[xi] Supported languages differ according to country and region.
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