Sony introduces RX1R III with full format, 35mm fixed lens and 4K video
[19:56 Tue,15.July 2025 by blip]
Sony today presents the RX1R III compact camera with a full-frame sensor, aimed more at photographers than filmmakers. Compared to the second generation from 2015, the resolution has increased by about a third to 61MP. Since the camera is still equipped with a fixed ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm lens, Sony uses the increased sensor resolution for the new "Step Crop Shooting" function. Here, a zoom is simulated via touch by cropping the used sensor area: to 29 MP for a 50mm focal length, while only 15 MP are read out for 70mm. A macro ring on the lens barrel also allows quick switching between normal mode and macro mode.
Sony RX1R III
In the video area, the RX1R III now supports a 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160) with 30 fps and 4:2:2 10 bit (XAVC S-I 4K) - a significant improvement, as the predecessor only offered Full HD 10 years ago. Higher frame rates of up to 120 fps can be recorded in Full HD. Image stabilization is digital in Active mode (no sensor stabilization), but at least the S-Cinetone picture profile is on board. Proxy recording and timecode are possible, but there is no RAW output via the Micro-HDMI output (Type D).
Video menu
There does not appear to be a complete sensor readout in video mode; according to the technical specifications, the resolution used is approximately 50.8 MP effective (61 MP as mentioned for photos). An Exmor R CMOS back-illuminated sensor without an optical low-pass filter is installed. Sony specifies the standard ISO range as 100–32000 for photos and videos, expandable to ISO 102400 for photos, and a dynamic range of 15 stops.
The RX1R III also now features the BIONZ XR image processor along with an AI processing unit. It supports, among other things, the recognition of[People],[Animals],[Birds],[Insects],[Cars/Trains] and[Airplanes]. Comprehensive subject recognition is available for photos and videos. The camera's fast hybrid autofocus system is designed to combine the speed and tracking capabilities of AF phase detection with the precision of contrast autofocus - it is said to come from the a7R V (as probably also the sensor, at least the key data sound the same).
Twelve "Creative Look" presets, including three film-like looks, can either be applied directly or adjusted via eight adjustable parameters (contrast, saturation, shadows, etc.). Customized "Creative Looks" can be saved and reused.
The compact housing of the RX1R III measures approximately 113.3 x 67.9 x 87.5 mm and weighs 498 grams. An electronic XGA OLED viewfinder with approximately 2.36 million pixels and 0.70x magnification is available, as is a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack for a microphone. The camera is powered by an NP-FW50 battery, which should be sufficient for up to 300 shots (no information for video). The camera has a USB-C port that supports USB Power Delivery (PD) for fast charging via a compatible PD power supply.
The Sony RX1R III is expected to be available in July for 4,899 euros.
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