Sony unveils RX1R III premium compact with 61MP sensor at AUD $7,999

Sony has announced the RX1R III, the third generation of its RX1R series, a full-frame premium compact camera featuring a fixed lens.

The RX1R III is set to be available in Australia from August 2025, with a suggested retail price of AUD $7,999. The camera incorporates a 61-megapixel 35 mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS image sensor and is powered by the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine. The integrated lens is a ZEISS Sonnar T* 35 mm F2, which has been specifically optimised for the model.

Image quality focus

The RX1R III has been designed for high-quality photography, combining a back-illuminated sensor and a powerful processing engine. According to Sony, this combination delivers high resolution and sensitivity while keeping noise levels low and achieving a wide dynamic range. The sensor surface features anti-reflection (AR) coating and omits an optical low-pass filter to enhance image quality.

The fixed 35 mm lens and the positioning of the lens and imaging surface have been optimised at a micron level. This approach aims to deliver high optical performance in a compact form factor.

Advanced autofocus and creative features

The RX1R III includes an AI processing unit, a feature derived from professional Sony Alpha cameras. The AI unit assists with autofocus performance, recognising the shape and movement of subjects, as well as identifying eyes, human bodies, and heads. This technology tracks subjects even when their faces are not visible and is available for both still images and video. The image sensor's capture area covers approximately 78% during still image shooting and utilises up to 693 densely arranged phase-detection autofocus points.

While the camera is equipped with a fixed 35 mm lens, users can take advantage of Sony's Step Crop Shooting function. This feature allows switching between focal lengths equivalent to 35 mm, 50 mm, and 70 mm via customisable buttons or dials. For RAW image shooters, the focal length can be reselected during post-production. The integrated macro ring enables instant switching to macro mode, allowing users to work as close as 20 cm from the subject, with a maximum magnification of 0.26x.

A range of twelve built-in Creative Looks is available, with adjustments to hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, and sharpness all applicable to both stills and video. Among these, Creative Look FL2 creates a nostalgic effect with subdued colours, and FL3 provides more vibrant images.

Design and usability

The camera body is made from magnesium alloy, offering a balance between strength and low weight. The dials and Multi-Interface Shoe are integrated within the body, and the flat top surface and textured grip have been designed for security and comfort during use.

An electronic viewfinder is included, featuring approximately 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED technology, providing high resolution, high contrast, and a magnification of about 0.70x.

The RX1R III uses the NP-FW50 battery pack, which allows up to 300 still images per charge. The camera provides a USB Type-C port that supports rapid charging with USB Power Delivery-compatible devices or the connection of external power sources for extended shoots.

Environmental and accessibility considerations

The RX1R III is produced in line with Sony's 'Road to Zero' initiative, which targets a zero environmental footprint by 2050. Sony reports that all manufacturing facilities involved operate on 100% renewable electricity, and the new camera uses environmentally friendly packaging material in place of plastic.

The system includes comprehensive accessibility features, such as a Screen Reader function and Display Magnification, supporting visually impaired users through a broader range of menu items.

Official accessories

Optional accessories include the TG-2 thumb grip, which attaches to the Multi Interface Shoe for improved stability and single-handed operability; the LCS-RXL body case, designed to protect the camera while allowing full port access; and the LHP-1 lens hood, constructed from aluminium and designed to protect the lens from impact and dirt.

"The combination of the 61-megapixel full-frame Exmor RTM back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and the BIONZ XRTM image processing engine delivers high resolution and sensitivity, with low noise and a wide dynamic range. The sensor surface features AR (Anti-Reflection) coating and omits the optical low-pass filter to achieve superior image quality."

The RX1R III will be available in Australia from August 2025 at a suggested retail price of AUD $7,999.