Sony RX1R III: the compact 24×36 which wants Leica’s skin

Here is a real “revival”: 10 years after the RX1R II. For example, Sony brings back his professional compact between the dead. For example, Between 2015 and 2025, water flowed under the bridges. Moreover, The market was tightened towards the high -end, the public has renewed itself. Meanwhile, But above all. However, boxes like the different iterations of Fujifilm X100 or Leica Q, have experienced an explosion of their demand in recent years. However, Pushing Sony to resuscitate his RX1.

First launched in 24 mpix (RX1/RX1R without. Therefore, with low-pass filter), then in 42 mpix (RX1R II), the RX1R III of today is a device that takes up the same concept, the same optics, but benefits from new electronic components.

Sensor and processor

For this third generation, Sony incorporates its most defined sensor, its 61 Mpix Exmor R, the same which is at the heart of a case like the Alpha A7r Mark V. Meanwhile, From this same case. However, Sony also recovers the paces of chips forming the Bionz XR, as well as the chip dedicated to the execution of IA autofocus algorithms. Moreover, Autofocus speed, formerly Achilles heel of the first models, promises to be greatly improved. Furthermore, As well as the Rafale (5 I/S) and the video (4k30p without cropping, X1.2 cropping in 4k60p).

In the field of components always. However, the viewfinder, which is no longer retractable, but fixed, benefits from the same slab as alpha A7C II, an OLED panel of 2,36 mpix. Therefore, The screen makes a big leap forward too with an image definition equivalent to the viewfinder since the sony rx1r iii: compact 24×36 3. In addition, -inch tactile lcd slab (8.2 cm diagonal) also displays 2.36 Mpix on the clock.

With these advanced components, exit the NP-BX1 battery of the previous generations. Sony having not left enough room for an NP-FZ100. we should be satisfied with an NP-FW50 which will hold up to 300 shots in the screen (270 by the viewfinder).

Slightly shaped box

From a distance, the RX1R III is incredibly like its ancestors. But the devil is in detail: as we have seen. the viewfinder is now fixed, and no longer needs to be deployed (one mechanical weakness less!). The knobs are no longer fluffy, but integrated into the upper hood.

If the box body is still made of magnesium alloy. Additionally, the coating is now sony rx1r iii: compact 24×36 mat and the integrated grip, always very (too?) Small, is now textured to improve grip. But like its predecessors. the RX1R III always plays the card of maximum compactness and benefits from an ecosystem of optional accessories (TG-2-2, LCS-RXL housing cover, LHP-1) to improve gripping and operability.

As for the menus, they make a big leap forward. And the case benefits from connectivity with the Sony mobile application. Creators App, for the backup on the cloud or the edition on Lightroom among others. Small refinement that comes to us from our era of “content creators”: the shooting information switches vertically. which is not a luxury.

Finally, the RX1R III also incorporates twelve creative rendering. Chasing on the lands of Fujifilm – but with names as not very enlightening as SH, PT or NT … – Sony offers a tool here to prevent certain photographers from having to develop sony rx1r iii: compact 24×36 their RAW files. Heresy for some, a real plus for others.

Everything would have been that improving if Sony had not ignored an element: the adjustable screen. Integrated into the RX1R II. this adjustable screen facilitates shooting at arm’s length and in aim from the belly or at the ground. In 2015, we regretted that the RX1R II screen was not tactile. In 2025 he became tactile, but irremovable. A weakness of operability which however makes it possible to stiffen the whole.

Sony rx1r iii: compact 24×36

Double optical unknown

Like Leica with its Q1/Q2/Q3. Sony has retained the original optics. A Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35 mm f/2.0 module. An optical formula of 8 lenses (including three aspiries) which has proven itself. But who will have a lot sony rx1r iii: compact 24×36 to do with an image definition increasing almost 50%. A term of Sony’s technical sheet questions on this subject “to offer images imprints of nostalgia. a visual rendering characteristic of 35mm objectives”.

Hopefully Sony engineers. who have access to long -term roadmaps in the development of sensors, had planned wide in terms of resolution. And that “nostalgia” is a real quality of rendering, and not a disguised optical weakness.

Small progress. however: the electronic shutter now makes it possible to go up to 1/8000th of a second, where its ancestor was limited to 1/4000th. With a rise in sensitivities up to 32. 000 ISO (102,400 in expanse) and such a shutter, we can even imagine sports reports as close as possible to a basketball court for example.

The other unknown is the impact of the lack of stabilization. By keeping the old optical design. remaining on a sony rx1r iii: compact 24×36 compact soil body, Sony deprives its optical as mechanical stabilization system case. To those who would argue that Henri-Cartier Bresson had no stabilization on the 35 mm of his Leica. the reply is clear: certainly, but the definition of image has nothing to do. While the “definition” of 35 mm film is estimated between 6. 12 Mpix (depending on the finesse of emulsions), the RX1R III displays a definition of 61 million pixels. The slightest parasitic movement becomes detectable.