Sony has revealed a new full-frame fixed-lens compact camera, in the shape of the Sony RX1R III. Released a mere decade after its predecessor, it employs a similar 35mm f/2 lens, but now with a 60MP sensor. And it fits this into a body that measures just 113.3 x 67.9 x 87.5 mm, which is noticeably more petite than its most obvious competitors, the Fujifilm X100VI and Leica Q3 / Q3 43.
Naturally, you get some significant technology updates, as we’d expect to see after such a gap between models. Most obviously, Sony’s AI co-processor offers subject recognition for Humans, Animals, Birds, Insects, Cars, Trains, and Airplanes. A welcome Auto option also available.
The body design has been refreshed too, with major changes including a flat top-plate design with no protruding controls, and a fixed rather than pop-up viewfinder. As before, you get an aperture ring around the lens and an exposure compensation dial on top.
Elsewhere, though, the RX1R III looks a little short in some areas of its specification. Continuous shooting is limited to 5fps, and video to 4K 30p. There’s no space for either optical or mechanical sensor-shift image stabilisation, just electronic stabilisation for video shooting. The rear touchscreen is fixed rather than tilting, and yet again Sony hasn’t bothered to work out how to add a joystick to a smaller body for setting the focus area. There’s no built-in switchable ND filter in the lens, either. That said, many buyers will be willing to overlook all this to get a 60MP full-frame sensor in such a small camera.
The Sony RX1R III set to be available later this month for $5098 in the USA, £4200 in the UK, and €4900 in the EU.
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Sony RX1R II full specifications:
| Sensor | 61MP full-frame CMOS, 35.7 x 23.8mm |
| Output size | 9504 x 6336 |
| Focal length mag | 1x |
| Lens | 35mm f/2 |
| Shutter speeds | 30-1/4000sec (mechanical) 30-1/8000sec (electronic) |
| Sensitivity | ISO 100-32,000 (standard), ISO 50-102,400 (expanded) |
| Exposure modes | PASM, Auto, Movie, S&Q |
| Metering | |
| Exposure comp | +/-5 EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Continuous shooting | 5 fps |
| Screen | 3in, 2.36m-dot fixed touchscreen |
| Viewfinder | 2.36m-dot, 0.7x |
| AF points | 693 |
| Video | 4K 30p, Full HD120p |
| External mic | 3.5mm stereo, multi-interface show |
| Memory card | UHS-II SD |
| Power | NP-FW50 Li-ion |
| Battery life | 270 shots (EVF), 300 shots (LCD) |
| Dimensions | 113.3 x 67.9 x 87.5 mm |
| Weight | 498g with battery and card |
