Sony has officially pulled the wraps off the RX1R III, the latest model in its premium compact camera series. This new release comes almost ten years after the RX1R II, and while that’s a long time between updates, it looks like Sony used the wait wisely. The RX1R III delivers substantial upgrades—including a high-resolution 61-megapixel full-frame sensor and an advanced AI-powered autofocus system. The camera is slated for release in July 2025.
Key Takeaways:
- The RX1R III features a 61MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor.
- Equipped with a fixed ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens.
- Includes a dedicated AI processing unit for smarter autofocus and subject tracking.
- Compact and lightweight, yet engineered for high-end image quality.
- Priced at approximately $5,099.99 in the U.S.
Sony’s RX1 series has long been about packing full-frame performance into a truly portable body. The original RX1, launched back in 2012, broke ground as the first fixed-lens full-frame digital compact camera. The RX1R III aims to carry that legacy forward. With a 61MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor—the same one used in Sony’s flagship Alpha 7R V—and the BIONZ XR image processor, this camera promises stunning detail, broad dynamic range, and reliable low-light performance.
One of the standout features here is autofocus. And not just any AF system. We’re talking about a next-generation AI-powered autofocus engine, supported by a dedicated AI chip. This allows for real-time subject detection, including human eyes, heads, and bodies—even if the person turns away from the camera. But it doesn’t stop at people. The system also recognizes animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and planes. With 693 phase-detection points covering about 78% of the image area, the RX1R III is built to lock focus fast and stay locked.
Then there’s the lens. The RX1R III keeps the series’ signature ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 fixed lens. While some might balk at the lack of interchangeable glass, there’s a reason for it. The lens and sensor are fine-tuned to work together, down to micron-level calibrations, which means consistently sharp images edge to edge. It even has a macro mode for close-up shots with a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm.
Physically, the RX1R III is both robust and refined. The body is made of a strong yet lightweight magnesium alloy, keeping it durable without feeling bulky. Embedded dials and a flat-top design help maintain a sleek silhouette, while the 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder offers a sharp, detailed preview. Power comes from an NP-FW50 rechargeable battery, good for around 300 shots per charge. USB Power Delivery is supported too, so you can shoot longer using external power.
For creatives, Sony’s added twelve Creative Looks—preset styles you can tweak in-camera for both stills and video. And a new feature called “Step Crop Shooting” simulates focal lengths of 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm, giving you more versatility despite the fixed lens. If you’re shooting RAW, you can even adjust your crop after the fact in post.
The RX1R III will retail for about $5,099.99 in the U.S. As for the Indian market, Sony India has listed the model (DSC-RX1RM3) with a placeholder price of “Rs. 1,” indicating it’s on the horizon. It’s clearly aimed at photographers who want cutting-edge image quality and AI smarts, but in a body small enough to take anywhere.
FAQs about the Sony RX1R III
Q1: What is the megapixel count of the Sony RX1R III’s sensor?
A1: The Sony RX1R III features a 61-megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS image sensor.
Q2: Does the Sony RX1R III have interchangeable lenses?
A2: No, the Sony RX1R III uses a fixed ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens and doesn’t support interchangeable lenses.
Q3: What kind of autofocus system does the RX1R III use?
A3: It employs Sony’s latest AI-based autofocus system, featuring a dedicated AI chip for real-time tracking of humans, animals, birds, insects, and vehicles.
Q4: When will the Sony RX1R III be available?
A4: It is scheduled for release in July 2025.
Q5: What is the approximate price of the Sony RX1R III?
A5: The camera will be available for around $5,099.99 in the United States. Pricing for India is expected soon.
