Sony has announced the return of its flagship compact point-and-shoot camera, the RX1R III. This model features a larger full-frame sensor and a fixed wide-angle 35mm f/2.0 Zeiss lens.
However, the steep price tag of $5,100 – over twice that of the previous version – has sparked significant discussion.
This pocket-sized camera boasts an impressive 61 MP Exmor R backside-illuminated image sensor, nearly 18 MP more than the second-generation RX1R.
Image Credit – SONY
The full-frame 35mm format enhances low-light performance, sharpness, and color fidelity.
With Sony’s advanced BIONZ XR image processing engine, users benefit from a wider dynamic range and reduced noise.
Moreover, the sensor’s anti-reflection coating eliminates the need for an optical low-pass filter.
Image Credit – SONY
Sony has also integrated AI into the RX1R by introducing a new AI Processor that accurately identifies and tracks subjects, including human bodies, heads, and eye positions, even when the face is not visible.
Coupled with a 693-point phase-detection autofocus system, the RX1R III covers over 78% of the image capture area, ensuring that subjects remain consistently in focus.
The fixed Zeiss 35mm T2.0 Sonnar T wide-angle lens, while highly capable, may disappoint some users at this price point. Nevertheless, it captures images with minimal distortion and impressive sharpness.
Photographers can also utilize the camera’s Step Crop Shooting mode in RAW format to achieve virtual lengths of 50mm and 70mm by cropping into the high-resolution image without significant loss of detail.
Additionally, the macro mode allows for close-up shots at a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm (7.87 inches) with a maximum magnification of 0.26x.
The camera features a 2.36-million-dot XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, providing high contrast and resolution with a magnification of 0.70x.
It operates on a rechargeable NP-FX50 battery pack, offering a battery life of up to 300 still images and 80 minutes of 4K 30p video.
Users can recharge through a high-speed USB-C port.
Additionally, the RX1R III includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, HDMI output, and accessibility options such as a screen reader mode and display magnification, catering to visually impaired users.
Pricing and Availability
Despite its features, the RX1R III comes with a notable drawback: Sony has priced it at $5,099.99 (£4,200.00 plus VAT), nearly three thousand dollars higher than the second-generation RX1R II, which shares the same lens and BIONZ Image Processor.
This pricing leads some to view the RX1R III as a modest upgrade with just a larger sensor and some AI tech. And at least Sony is offering a $100 rebate.
It appears that Sony aims to attract enthusiasts searching for a premium camera. However, at this price point, the RX1R does not deliver three times the value of its predecessor.
For those willing to invest, the camera will be available at the end of the month. Or better yet, just get a Leica so you can unashamedly show off the red dot.
[source: Sony]
Order link:
- Sony RX1R III Digital Camera (B&H)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
