Sony RX1R III Digital Camera

The Sony RX1R III pairs a 61MP full-frame Exmor R sensor with a ZEISS 35mm f2 Sonnar T* lens in a compact fixed-lens design. It delivers 10-bit 4K30p video, real-time AI-driven autofocus with pose estimation, and Step Crop Shooting for instant focal length shifts. With BIONZ XR processing, USB-C Power Delivery, and intuitive controls, it offers outstanding image quality in a lightweight, travel-ready body.

Key Features:

• Full-frame compact camera with ZEISS 35mm f2 Sonnar T* lens
• 61MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor with 15 stops of dynamic range
• BIONZ XR engine with AI processing for autofocus and image clarity
• 693-point phase detection with Real-Time Tracking and Eye AF
• 10-bit 4K30p, 6.2K oversampled, and FHD 120p video recording
• Step Crop Modes for simulated 35mm, 50mm and 70mm field of view
• 2.36m-dot OLED EVF with 0.7x magnification and 100% coverage
• Fixed 3.0" 2.36m-dot touchscreen for AF tracking and intuitive control
• Macro switch enables focusing as close as 14cm from the front of the lens
• USB-C, micro-HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, and UHS-II SD card slot
• S-Cinetone, S-Log3, Creative Looks and custom LUT support
• Refined design with improved grip, matte finish, and flat top plate
• Dust- and moisture-sealed magnesium alloy body
• Compact dimensions: 111.8 x 66 x 73.7mm; weighs just 498g with battery

Image quality and sensor performance

At the heart of the RX1R III is a 61MP back-illuminated full-frame sensor with 14-bit RAW capture, powered by Sony’s BIONZ XR and an integrated AI Processing Unit. Together they enable up to 15 stops of dynamic range, reduce rolling shutter effects, and deliver rich colour accuracy. The native ISO 100–32,000 range and support for HEIF, JPEG, and RAW formats provide the flexibility needed for detailed stills in any lighting condition.

AI autofocus and real-time recognition

Using the same AI-driven focus system found in Sony’s flagship Alpha cameras, the RX1R III supports Real-Time Tracking and Recognition AF for humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and aircraft. A 693-point phase detection array covers 79% of the frame, while Full-Time DMF allows manual focus override. Human pose estimation boosts portrait accuracy, maintaining focus even with foreground distractions or side profiles.

4K video and advanced creative modes

For filmmakers and content creators, the RX1R III offers 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording up to 4K60p, with support for All-Intra XAVC S-I at up to 300Mbps for 4K and 600Mbps for Full HD. Full-frame and Super 35 modes offer pixel-rich oversampling, while S-Log3 and S-Cinetone give cinematic colour control. New Creative Looks and Step Crop modes (35mm (60MP), 50mm (29MP), and 70mm (15MP) equivalent fields of view) allow rapid in-camera adjustments, and user LUTs provide real-time colour grading previews.

Compact design and professional connectivity

Despite its high-end specs, the RX1R III remains remarkably compact at just 498g. The body features an integrated OLED EVF, fixed rear touchscreen, and new ergonomic grip. A single NP-FW50 battery provides up to approximately 300 shots using the LCD, or 270 shots with the EVF, based on CIPA testing. Connectivity includes USB-C for charging and streaming, micro-HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and a Multi Interface Shoe for digital audio accessories. The leaf shutter allows flash sync at 1/2000s (electronic shutter offers speeds up to 1/8000s), and a threaded shutter button supports cable releases.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Sony RX1R III Digital Camera
• 1 x Sony NP-FW50 Rechargeable Battery (1020mAh)
• 1 x Lens Cap
• 1 x Camera Strap

Sony RX1R III Digital Camera Product Video:

FAQs

Can the Sony RX1R III be used for professional video or extended shooting?

Yes. The RX1R III records 10-bit 4:2:2 video internally at up to 4K30p using XAVC S-I at bitrates up to 300Mbps for 4K and 600Mbps for Full HD. It supports S-Log3, S-Cinetone, proxy recording, and LUT previewing. With USB-C Power Delivery, it can run continuously when connected to a compatible power bank or supply. UVC/UAC support also enables use as a USB streaming camera.

What’s special about the ZEISS 35mm f2 lens on the RX1R III?

The ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f2 is a factory-calibrated, fixed full-frame lens with a nine-blade aperture and precise micron-level alignment for maximum sharpness. It features a macro ring for focusing as close as 14cm, a 0.26x magnification ratio, and a leaf shutter that syncs with flash up to 1/2000s. Its design complements the sensor for optimal optical performance.

How does the Sony RX1R III autofocus system perform?

It uses 693 phase detection points across 78% of the frame and leverages AI-based Real-Time Recognition AF. Subjects like humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, and aircraft are detected with high accuracy. Human pose estimation helps maintain precise focus even with partial obstructions or side-facing profiles, and Touch Tracking enables fast, intuitive subject selection.

What makes the Step Crop Shooting feature useful on the Sony RX1R III?

Step Crop Shooting lets users switch between 35mm (60MP), 50mm (29MP), and 70mm (15MP) equivalent fields of view with a single button press. This provides rapid in-camera composition changes without changing lenses or reducing image quality significantly, thanks to the high resolution of the full-frame sensor.

How does the Sony RX1R III render colour and exposure?

AI-powered metering algorithms detect faces and skin tones to improve exposure accuracy, even in challenging light or side-facing portraits. With support from visible and IR sensors, the RX1R III also delivers lifelike white balance and colour across skies, foliage, and skin. Twelve Creative Look presets with eight adjustable parameters allow fine-tuned control in real time.