Sony RX1R III High-Performance Compact Camera Unveiled

Sony will release the RX1R III, equipped with a full-size image sensor, as its top-of-the-line integrated lens compact camera, on August 8, 2025.

What is the Sony RX1R III

This camera is equipped with a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with approximately 61 effective megapixels, the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, and a large-aperture ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens. These features enable high-quality shooting that is unique to full-frame sensors, such as beautiful bokeh and rich gradation performance.

In addition, by taking advantage of the integrated lens and precisely adjusting the position of the lens and image sensor to micron level, the lens’s inherent performance is maximized to achieve images that are extremely sharp.

Furthermore, the incorporation of an AI processing unit provides high-speed, highly accurate autofocus performance, and posture estimation technology recognizes not only the eyes but also the position of the human torso and head to keep the subject in focus, allowing the photographer to leave the focusing to the camera and concentrate on composing the shot.

All of this high performance is packed into a small, lightweight palm-sized body, making this a camera that can record everyday moments in high image quality.

Main features of the Sony RX1R III

High image quality and shooting functions

The Sony RX1R III is equipped with a full-size back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with approximately 61 million effective pixels. The sensor surface is coated with AR (anti-reflective) coating to suppress unnecessary reflections, and the optical low-pass filter-less design maximizes the resolution performance of the sensor.

The integrated ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens and sensor positions are optimized to the micron level, achieving both high optical performance and compact lens unit size. By operating the macro ring on the lens barrel, you can switch to macro mode, which allows you to get as close as 20cm to the subject (maximum shooting magnification 0.26x).

　 　　

Macro mode example
*Click on the image to enlarge

　 　　

It also has a step crop shooting function that allows you to switch between 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm equivalent angles of view. Because of the high pixel sensor, high image quality can be maintained even when cropped. If you shoot in RAW format, you can also reselect the angle of view after shooting.

In terms of image creation functions, it is equipped with 12 different creative looks, such as the calm color “FL2” and the clear expression, “FL3,” allowing you to create the atmosphere you prefer when shooting still images and videos.

　 　　

　 　　

High-performance autofocus, enhanced with AI

The latest AI processing unit has improved the performance of the subject recognition AF. The posture estimation technology using skeletal information recognizes not only the eyes of a person but also the position of the torso and head with high accuracy, and continues to track the subject even in situations where the face is difficult to see. In addition to people, subject recognition supports a wide range of subjects such as animals, birds, insects, cars/trains, and airplanes. When the recognition target is set to “Auto”, the camera automatically identifies the subject and focuses on it.

Approximately 78% of the imaging area (when shooting still images) is densely packed with up to 693 on-chip phase detection AF points, allowing accurate capture of subjects even in the corners of the screen. This AF performance allows the photographer to leave the focusing to the camera and concentrate on composing the shot and the timing of the shot.

　 　　

Design and Usability

The body is small and lightweight, with external dimensions of approximately 113.3mm x 67.9mm x 74.5mm (width x height x depth) and weighing approximately 498g. The exterior and internal structure are made of lightweight, highly rigid magnesium alloy, achieving both robustness and compactness. The grip shape and button and dial layout are also designed to provide comfortable operability despite the compact size.

The viewfinder is equipped with an electronic viewfinder that uses an XGA OLED with approximately 2.36 million dots. It also features a versatile Multi-Interface (MI) shoe that can be used with accessories such as an external microphone or flash.

The battery is a rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50, allowing for up to 300 still images to be taken. The USB Type-C terminal supports USB Power Delivery, allowing for power supply and quick charging from a mobile battery, etc.

Environmental considerations and dedicated accessories

The machine is also environmentally friendly, and its manufacturing plant uses 100% renewable energy. The individual packaging boxes are made of Sony’s proprietary recycled paper material, reducing the amount of plastic used in packaging materials. In addition, the machine is equipped with a function to read out the menu screen aloud and a function to enlarge the menu, taking accessibility into consideration.

Separately sold accessories include the thumb grip, ‘TG-2,’ which provides a stable hold, the body case, ‘LCS-RXL,’ which protects the body while allowing for battery changes, etc., and the aluminum lens hood, ‘LHP-1 J2’.