Sony RX1R III: Everything We Know So Far

Sony has brought the RX1 series back to life, and just like last time, hardly anyone saw it coming. The RX1R III follows in the footsteps of the RX1R II, which launched with little to no ‘bang’ back in 2015. 

It sticks with the same 35mm f/2 Zeiss lens, but everything else has been refreshed: a new 61 megapixel full-frame sensor, improved autofocus and better ergonomics.

It’s now the smallest full-frame fixed lens camera you can buy, and it’s clearly built to rival compact heavyweights like the Leica Q3 and Fujifilm X100VI. It's also part of a growing demand for smaller, high-quality cameras, as seen in our picks for the best compact camera for travel. 

We'll keep this page updated, with a full review coming soon. Before then, what’s got everyone talking this time around?

Sony RX1R III Specs

Pros

• Class-leading 61 megapixel full-frame sensor

• Pocket-sized and premium magnesium alloy build

• Excellent RAW flexibility and in-camera cropping

• Improved grip and integrated electronic viewfinder

• AI-powered autofocus with eye and subject detection

• USB-C PD charging and updated connectivity

Cons

• No in-body image stabilisation (IBIS)

• No tilting screen

• Single SD card slot and large file sizes

• Limited video features for serious creators

• Price point

Design and Handling

The RX1R III keeps things simple. It has a flat top plate, clean controls and a magnesium alloy body that is solid without being heavy. Sony’s added a new textured grip, which makes a real difference for those who are out shooting all day. 

One of the biggest changes from the Sony DSC-RX1R Mark II is the built-in OLED electronic viewfinder. It’s now fixed in the top-left corner, which is a more practical and intuitive placement compared to the previous pop-up design. The screen on the back is still fixed, too, which might frustrate street photographers or vloggers looking for more flexibility from a tilting screen.

For a full-frame camera, it’s impressively compact—under 500g and small enough to slip into a jacket pocket. Accessibility has definitely been considered: there’s a built-in screen reader, font size adjustments and the autofocus is responsive enough to be helpful even for users with limited vision.

The battery life is rated for around 270–300 shots, and it now charges via USB-C. You also get a mic input, Micro HDMI, and a multi-interface hotshoe, but no headphone jack.

Sony’s also offering a few nice extras—a lens hood, thumb grip and leather half-case—clearly aimed at the same crowd who go for the Leica Q2 or Q3: compact, premium and a bit stylish. Just be aware they’re not included in the box—they’re sold separately, and the cost adds up fast.

Image Quality

The RX1R III’s image quality should be pretty strong. It features Sony’s latest 61-megapixel BSI Exmor R sensor, the same found in the Sony A7R V, and eliminates the optical low-pass filter for additional sharpness. The Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens has been carried over from the RX1R II. When we last reviewed the RX1R II, we found the lens delivered beautiful and sharp results, even wide open. We're glad it's still there on the RX1R III.

We can expect the detail, dynamic range and colours to be really solid. You can shoot full-res RAW files, or scale things down in-camera to medium or small JPEGs if you want to keep things light. Twelve creative presets are available straight out of the box, clearly aimed at those who prefer to do everything in-camera.  It borrows two new film-style looks (FL2 and FL3) from the Sony FX2. You'll find these in the Creative Looks menu, and you can apply them to stills and video. FL2 and FL3 are designed to mimic old-school film stocks and give a clear nod to Fujifilm’s film simulations. Perfect if you want your shots to have a bit of character, without touching your RAWs.

Autofocus and Subject Tracking

The RX1R III includes 693-point hybrid (phase and contrast) autofocus and real-time tracking. The Bionz XR image processing engine, paired with an AI processing unit, means subject detection is fast and intelligent, even in low light down to -4 EV. The camera's autofocus can track human eyes and faces, animals (including birds and insects), and cars, trains and aeroplanes.

The touchscreen makes it easy to tap-to-track, and it should follow subjects across the frame. It’s not that different from Sony’s recent mirrorless systems, but it’s impressive that Sony have included their latest autofocus tech in a body this small.

Step Crop and Macro Modes

A highlight of the RX1R III is crop modes, which Sony calls Step Crop Shooting. You can digitally crop to 50mm or 70mm views in-camera while still capturing full-resolution RAW files. This feature simulates two additional you three focal lengths, giving you a little more flexibility from the camera’s fixed 35mm lens.

Macro shooters will appreciate the dedicated macro ring on the lens, allowing focus as close as 20cm. This opens up more creative options for travel, street, and detail-heavy shots, ideal for travel photography on the go.

Tip: Step Crop is especially useful when you want to travel light but still need framing flexibility. Think portraits at 50mm or tighter street scenes at 70mm, without moving your feet.

Video Capabilities

The RX1R III isn’t designed with video at its core, but it still holds its own for casual use. It shoots 4K at 30p (10-bit 4:2:2) and Full HD at 120fps, and includes S-Cinetone and Creative Looks for those who want a bit of a cinematic feel straight out of camera.

That said, it lacks IBIS, a tilting screen, and a headphone jack, which makes it less appealing for serious filmmakers or vloggers. This is very much a stills camera with video features.

Verdict

The RX1R III won’t be for everyone. It’s still a niche proposition: pricey, with a fixed screen and no built-in stabilisation. But if it builds on the qualities we loved in the RX1R II, it could offer something special—full-frame performance in a compact, coat-pocketable body.

We’re looking forward to getting our hands on it, and we’ll update this article with our full impressions as soon as we do.

Sony RX1R III Alternatives

If you’re unsure on the RX1R III, these alternatives are worth a look:

Sony A7C II

A compact full-frame body with interchangeable lenses, IBIS and more video features.

Fujifilm X100V and X100 VI

APS-C alternatives with character and flexibility. Although they’re not full-frame, they are still excellent and more affordable. See our Fujifilm X100V review and Fujifilm X100 series review.

Leica Q3

A luxury full-frame fixed-lens camera. Larger, heavier and more expensive, but beautifully made. Read our Leica Q3 review.

Sony RX1R II

Still a solid performer with great image quality and now more affordable. See our Sony RX1R II review.

Sony RX1R III FAQs

What is the Sony RX1R III’s price?

The Sony RX1R III’s pricing is premium and slightly higher than the RX1R II. In the UK, priced at £4,200 at launch, the new camera has a similar price to a used Leica Q3. In the US, import tariffs make it more expensive, with a launch price of $5,100 for the new camera. In Europe, the new Sony RX1R III costs €4,900 at launch.

What is the release date of the Sony RX1R III?

The Sony RX1R III came out in July 2025.

Does the RX1R III have in-body image stabilisation?

No, the Sony RX1R III does not have in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). It relies on electronic stabilisation for video.

Is the Sony RX1R III worth the upgrade from the RX1R II?

The Sony RX1R III is perhaps worth the upgrade for the improved sensor, autofocus and handling. However, the lens is the same, and video users may not feel the gains are enough.

Does the RX1R III have a tilt screen?

No, the Sony RX1R III’s rear screen is fixed. Some will find this limiting for low-angle shots; others will appreciate the simplicity.

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