The compact full format expert that everyone has hoped for for 10 years?

New Sony compact case. Similarly, The brand reveals by surprise the Sony RX1R IIIthe new iteration of his Compact expert with full -format sensor. Therefore, This new version has a sensor of 61 Mpx and a autofocus significantly improvedall in an always compact case. Therefore, 10 years after the release of the RX1R II, the direct competitor at Leica Q3 happened.

The next generation is there, 10 years later – Compact full format expert everyone

Sony reveals (finally) compact full format expert everyone the Sony RX1R III ! Similarly, A compact expert with a full -format sensor of 61 Mpxof a self -tackle boosted to l’yawith a fixed. Similarly, focal length 35 mm f/2 signed Zeissand viewerall in a pocket template.

Ten years after the launch of Sony RX1R IIwe ended up believing that Sony had definitely abandoned The segment. Furthermore, of compact experts with large sensor.

However. For example, by observing the attraction For Fujifilm X100V / X100VI or other Leica Q3, one could legitimately hope that Sony also renews its compact plein format. Nevertheless, Especially since the company has passed master in the art of miniaturization of its products. However. Similarly, Sony’s only response in the matter was launch at the end of the summer of 2023 of the Sony A7C R “compact” hybrid. However, A product with the Sony A7R V formula, but compact full format expert everyone in a much smaller size.

Here is the list of technical characteristics of the Sony RX1R III:

• Sensor: plein format Exmor R BSI 61 Mpx
• Low pass filter: N.C.
• Processor: Bionz XR + Puce Ia
• objective : Zeiss Sonnar T* 35 mm f/2
• Electronic viewfinder: OLED. Therefore, 2,36 Mpts, 0,7x
• minimum focusing distance : 24 cm (14 cm in macro mode)
• LCD screen: 3 inches, fixed, 2.36 MPTS
• autofocus : Phase + contrast hybrid
• AF number: 693
• Couverture of: 78 %
• ‌ Setting. However, automatic monitoring: Humans compact full format expert everyone (body + face + eye), dogs, cats, birds (body + face + eye), cars, planes, trains, insects (body + face)
• ‌Plag of: -4 House à 20 Houses
• ‌Sensitivity: 100 to 32,000 ISO (extensible from 50 to 102,400 ISO in photo)
• rafale : 5 i/s, obturation centrale
• ‌Obturation: Central / electronics, 30 s – 1/8000 s
• video : 4K UHD 30 FPS (up to 60 fps with crop 1.2x). Nevertheless, full HD up to 120 fps
• Video colorimetric profiles: S-Log 3, S-Cinetone
• storage : 1x Slot SD UHS-II x1
• wireless connectivity: Wifi 2,4 et 5 Ghz, Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy
• battery : NP-FW50, 300 views (screen) / 270 views (viewfinder)
• Recharge by USB: Yes, USB-C port
• tropicalisation : N.C.
• dimensions : 113,3 x 67,9 x 87,5 mm
• weight : 498 g
• Prices at launch (naked): 4899 €

Compact full format expert everyone

61 Mpx sensor and bionz xr chip, a well -known duo – Compact full format expert everyone

Unsurprisingly, the Sony RX1R III has the CAPTER EXMOR R BSI 61 MPX which has equipped the manufacturer’s high definition hybrids since 2019, as well as the Sony A7R IV. Nevertheless, It is the same sensor found in an A7C R and very likely in the Leica Q3 / Q3 43.

The compact full format expert everyone case incorporates a Double processor Bionz XR associated with a Puce Ia. Furthermore, The key, a much more reactive autofocus and above all a advanced recognition of subjects The most varied (see below). Meanwhile, THE generational jump compared to an RX1R II should be impressive.

Note that to preserve its compact format, The Sony RX1R III ignores 5 -axis sensor stabilization.

The images are captured in RAW 14 bitsin JPEG or in HEIF 10 bits. Similarly, The native sensitivity goes from 100 to 32,000 ISO and can be extended compact full format expert everyone from 50 to 102,400 ISO (in photo). Sony announces a dynamic range of 15 stopsand puts a lot on his 12 « Creative Looks »its homemade colorimetric profiles.

The RX1R III Boarding a Hybrid autofocus with 693 selectable AF pointscovering around 78 % of the frame. He ensures the eye. face detection for humans, as well as for animals (felines, canids, birds, insects) and vehicles (cars, trains, planes).

The return of 35 mm f/2 Sonnar T* Zeiss (not stabilized) to central shutter

The Sony RX1R III takes up the optics 35 mm f / 2 Sunar t * the zesse which already equipped the previous models. It is a small fixed focal length with 8 elements in 7 groupsand who. from the top of his “great age”, will have a lot to do with the very defined sensor of 61 Mpx. It is unclear whether Sony has reviewed the processing of glasses in order to improve image quality.

For always more versatility of its case, the RX1R III renews the 2 “virtual” focal lengthsoffering Digital zooms 50 (29 MPX) and 70 mm (15 Mpx). A function that we already met in the time of the RX1R II. which is as common in competition.

The opening to f/2 is provided compact full format expert everyone by a 9 -strip diaphragmwhen the minimum focusing distance is to 24 cm in normal mode, and a mode macro 0,25x allowing to descend to 14 cm.

On the other hand, the objective is still not stabilized – which will force to remain vigilant on his shutter speed during shootings In low light, even if the relative large opening should help. Finally, the central shutter allows a synchro-flash up to 1/4000 s.

Sony RX1R III: the king of compactness

If the expert compacts are rarely large aircraft. it must be recognized that the RX1R series has always compact full format expert everyone been particularly … compact. Also, the RX1R III is no exception to the rule with 11 cm de large, 6.8 cm high et 8.7 cm deepall for a Weight less than 500 g (498 g) !

For comparison, its most direct “rival”, the Leica Q3, displays 743 g On the scale and much larger dimensions (13 cm wide, 8 cm high and 9.2 cm deep).

Despite its small template, the RX1R III always has a small electronic viewfinder (OLED, 2,36 Mpts0.7x, the same as the compact full format expert everyone A7C II / A7C R). However. unlike the previous model, this viewfinder And no longer retractable, which explains that the housing is slightly deeper than before.

The exterior shell of the RX1R III is designed in magnesium alloywhich should give him a certain durabilitybut there is no mention of any protection against dust or humidity.

Like the other compacts of the company, the device is particularly stripped with modern curves. The fans of vintage look will remain a little hungry, but we are not hardly surprised with Sony.

In addition to the trigger and the ignition lever, the upper edge has a PASM wheela wheel of compensation d’expositionand a Customizable button. The back is also very sober with the usual Sony commands, as well as two codeuses. Small step back. The 3 compact full format expert everyone -inch touch screen is now non -adjustablebut offers a definition similar to that of the viewfinder – 2,36 Mpts – A figure quite impressive for an on -board instructor.

The display Images will therefore be very good qualitybut the followers of the framing to the size or the intake of selfies may be a little frustrated. The rest of the design is very minimalistand unlike a Fujifilm case, we do not find No ordinary orders. Thus, no button to activate digital zoom or the different “creative looks”.

There are nevertheless Uncommon accessibility options – even unpublished – like the‘Menus enlargement to improve readability or Reading aloud elements displayed on the screen.

Compact full format expert everyone

Rafale 5 i/s et buffer limit

If it had to doubt it, with its rafale to 5 i / s and his compact full format expert everyone buffer only 15 RAW (or 120 JPEG), the Sony RX1R III is clearly not designed for sport photo or animal photo. It is above all a daily photo box thought for the street photographythe reportage or the voyage.

4K 30p video and worse that’s all

Although the Exmor R sensor can theoretically film up to 8K (as on the Sony A7R V), Sony has chosen to limit it to 4K UHD 30p in 4:2:2 10 bits (300 Mb/s), a little less than the 4K 60p of the A7C R. This choice undoubtedly aims to reduce the heating of the case and the rolling-shutter. compact full format expert everyone There is also a mode slowed down to 120 IPS a full HD And digital stabilization. at the cost of a small cropping.

Usual connectors, SD UHS-II and NP-FW50 battery

The different sockets are grouped on the left flank. We find a port USB-Ca prise micro HDMI, 1 prise jack 3,5 mm (microphone) and a remote control plug. On the storage side, the Sony RX1R III is equipped with a Unique location for SD cardscompatible UHS-II.

The case takes up the little (and ancient) battery NP-FW50 (1080 mAh) which should offer an autonomy of 300 clichés (in screen target) or 270 views by the viewfinder. In video, Sony announces an autonomy oscillating between 50 and 80 minutes depending on the recording conditions. Finally, the device is compatible Wi-Fi 5 et Bluetooth 4.2 And can be connected to the Creators’ App (iOS and Android) application.

Find below a selection of photos captured with the Sony RX1R III (provided by the brand):

Price and availability of the Sony RX1R III

The Sony RX1R III is available in pre -order At a price of € 4899. Deliveries should start towards end of the month of July 2025.

You can find the Sony RX1R III At Digit-Photo. Miss compact full format expert everyone Digital, Panajou, Camara, Photo-Univers, IPLN, in Fnac and in specialized shops.

Our first opinion on the Sony RX1R III

A single word comes to us once the. surprise of the announcement of the Sony RX1R III: FINALLY ! While the Wave of compact experts with large sensor seems to be off to last. Sony was desired And we will have offered one of the longest periods between two versions of the same range, 10 years.

Once recovered from our emotions. we must confess that the RX1R III is almost fully in line To what we could expectas Sony seemed to have components in hand for years.

We find with pleasure the 61 mpx full -format sensorincluding the association with the Double processor Bionz XR. the Puce Ia promise a excellent quality image as well as an almost flawless focus.

The two main questions concern optics and compact full format expert everyone stabilisation. Sony has renewed the goal Zeiss 35 mm f/2 of 2012who will have to prove that he can make. the most of a very defined sensor. On the stabilization side, Sony seems to have given up, preferring not to sacrifice the compactness of the device.

This is where the Sony Get out of the game : an ultra-compact case. with sight, which holds in a pocket while offering images of “professional” quality.

Remains the crucial question of tariff : under the symbolic bar of 5000 €this Sony RX1R III is much. more accessible Quea Q3 (6250 €) I the Fujififle GFX GFX 100RF (549 €). We look forward to to discover everything that this little box has to offer after a so long.