That’s me in the featured image with the Sony RX1R II. It’s so long ago I can’t remember the year. Actually I do, it was January 2016. Today, Sony surprised the world of photography by announcing it’s finally updating the RX1R series, almost ten years after the RX1R II.
SONY RX1R III
The RX1R III is a street photography compact camera with a 61 megapixel 35 mm full-frame Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR™ image processing engine, and a ZEISS Sonnar T 35mm F2 lens. It’s not a new lens by the way.
It will cost an astounding A$7,999 when it’s available in Australia in August. That’s a lot of money given the feature set when compared with some of Sony’s other cameras. In particular, the A7C R which also has a 61MP sensor. Even when you pair the A7C R with the excellent Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM lens, you will save more than a thousand dollars.
But street photography isn’t about specs and cost. It’s all about the look and feel of image capture process. A compact camera with a fixed lens, is very lightweight and easy to carry. Image quality is usually outstanding and from my experience with the RX1R II, I expect the RX1R III to be even better. While the camera has a fixed lens, the Step Crop Shooting function allows users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35 mm, 50 mm and 70 mm. 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).
The AI processing unit can accurately recognise the shape and movement of subjects, the position of eyes, human bodies, and heads, tracking subjects even when their faces are not visible, and is available for both still images and videos The image sensor’s capture area covers approximately 78% (for still image shooting) with up to 693 densely arranged phase-detection AF points.
One of the iconic features of Fujifilm compact cameras is the ability to bake in film simulations. Sony is doing a similar thing by offering 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, FL2 allows the capturing of a nostalgic expression with subdued colours, and FL3 allows for a more vibrant image.
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. But you won’t a flippy screen on the back.
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, 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 aluminium 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 Australia from August 2025 for SRP A$7,999.
