Sony Introduces the RX1R III: A Powerful Full-Frame Compact Camera with a Fixed Lens

Introducing the Sony RX1R III

Just announced today, Sony is positioning the RX1R III as a compact, always-there camera that aims to offer performance that rivals Sony’s higher-end professional mirrorless camera models.

"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. The RX1R series has resonated greatly among discerning photographers, and we’re proud to now deliver the next generation of this popular camera model.” — Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.

The key specs, mentioned above, include a higher resolution 61MP BSI CMOS sensor, improved AF and video performance, an updated body design, a larger battery, and the same powerful ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 prime lens from past models.

Sensor and Processing

The Sony RX1R III is set to make use of the same high-res sensor from the a7R V and a7CR cameras. This full-frame 61MP Exmor R BSI chip, along with BIONZ XR processing, will be able to achieve incredible resolution, high clarity, low noise, and a wide 15-stop dynamic range.

The sensor's structure should further promote impressive image quality, and a copper wiring layer dramatically improves data transmission speed for creating 14-bit, 61MP stills with a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-32000.

Powering the sensor will be the BIONZ XR processor, which will offer up to 8x greater processing performance compared to previous generations, enabling faster overall performance, impressive image quality with wide sensitivity and dynamic ranges, and more fluent processing that's capable of handling a bevy of AI tasks and intelligent AF alongside imaging processes.

AI Processing Unit and Autofocus

One of the biggest calling cards for this new Sony camera is going to be its hyper-intelligent subject tracking and recognition capabilities, along with the reliable hybrid AF system Alpha cameras are known for. The Real-time Recognition AF will work with seven different selectable target types:

• Human, which tracks body and head positions for accurate portraits. Real-time Eye AF performance has also been improved by 60% thanks to the human pose estimation capabilities.
• Animal, Bird, and Animal/Bird modes are now 40% more accurate for tracking and recognizing a variety of animal types. Recognition of these subjects includes dogs, cats, birds, and more, with the ability to pinpoint focus on eyes and recognize animal bodies and heads.
• Insect recognition offers even finer performance with the ability to detect the head or entire insect subject.
• Car/Train and Airplane recognition means the camera can detect the front part of a train, nose of an airplane, or easily detect the entire fast-moving subject.
• Real-time Tracking benefits from AI-based subject recognition for following moving subjects, making it particularly well-suited to sports and action subjects. Also, Human pose estimation allows the camera to distinguish between multiple people and maintain focus on the targeted subject; even if someone crosses in front, the camera maintains focus on the key person.

Video Recording Specs

As far as video goes, the Sony RX1R III will be able to record full frame, 60 fps 4K video in 10-bit 4:2:2 using the advanced XAVC S-I format for consistent performance and quality at bitrates up to 600 Mb/s.

If you’re shooting with a Super 35 crop, the full pixel readout recording will be possible at up to UHD 4K at frame rates up to 30p, or 6.2K oversampling can be used for greater sharpness and detail.

The Sony RX1R III will also feature S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine Gamma Curves that should allow for more than 15 stops of dynamic range and for increased post-production flexibility, including matching video from other Sony Cinema Line cameras.

S-Cinetone can also be used to deliver distinct colors and a healthy-looking skin tone rendering that is based on technology from the professional Cinema Line cameras, such as the VENICE. This color profile should offer natural mid-tones, soft colors, and especially well-controlled highlights.

Creative Looks can be baked into the recorded footage, and user-created LUTs and presets can be set for accurately monitoring footage or previewing a specific look during shooting and can be applied to the camera's monitor, EVF, or HDMI output.

Price and Availability

The new Sony RX1R III is available for preorder starting today. You can find the full specs and purchase options below.

• 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI Sensor
• ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 Lens
• BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit
• 693-Point PDAF & Real-Time Tracking AF
• 4K 60p 10-Bit & FHD 120p Video
• 2.36m-Dot 0.7x OLED EVF
• 3.0" 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD
• Step Crop Modes and Creative Looks
• Updated Design, Improved Battery Life
• SD UHS-II Slot; USB-C, HDMI, Mic Ports