This week, Sony did what seems impossible these days; it announced a camera that no one had any clue was in the works: the Sony RX1R III. High-end compact cameras have become all the rage among deep-pocketed photographers, both pros and hobbyists alike, and it makes sense that Sony would bring back a camera model that has been sitting in a corner, ignored like a stepchild. But is this truly a revival of Sony’s full-frame compact or a scramble to regain market relevance?
Sony RX1R III Key Features via Sony
- Exceptional 61MP1 resolution full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Micron-adjusted integrated lens / sensor optimizes performance
- ZEISS® Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens maximizes image quality
- Advanced AI for precise subject recognition7 and AF tracking5
- High ISO sensitivity, low noise, & wide dynamic range
- BIONZ XR processor delivers detail w/ natural gradations, realistic color
- Close-up macro near as 20 cm w/ 0.26x max. magnification
- 3 in 1 lenss Step Crop Shooting function2: 35mm, 50mm, 70mm
- 12-Creative Look presets, incl. 3-film-style looks (FL, FL2, FL3)
A $5k Compact Camera?
The Sony RX1R Mark 3 is a luxury, fixed-lens, full-frame compact camera sporting a 61-megapixel sensor and a Zeiss 35mm F2 lens. That sensor is the same one found in the a7R VI and a7R V. Sony even packed it with all the subject detection capabilities found in both a7R cameras.
Unfortunately, what you won’t find that came over from the a7R cameras is weather sealing of any kind. That’s a huge deal for a camera with an MSRP of about $5100. While the lack of weather sealing is a problem, the bigger issue I have with this camera is the fixed lens—it’s the same Sonnar T-series lens from the original RX1R. It’s been a full decade since that camera was released, and it makes this camera feel like a parts bin project rather than an engineering marvel that should command luxury pricing.
Final Thoughts on the Sony RX1R III Announcement
Now, this is all speculation at this point—the camera was announced on Tuesday, and as far as I know, no one has had a chance to review it. However, this feels like a rushed effort to jump on the luxury compact trend that has worked well for the likes of Leica, Fujifilm, and Ricoh. Am I upset about the pricing? Not really. I view cameras of this class to be more like a luxury good than a piece of gear. That said, at $5100 MSRP, I’m looking for a little bit more from this camera – I know Sony can deliver.
Check it out or pre-order at Sony.com.
