Sony RX1R III Premium Compact Camera (DSCRX1RM3B.CEC)

The Sony RX1R III is a compact, always-with-you full-frame camera whose performance rivals Sony’s professional mirrorless models. Now in its third generation, it combines a higher-resolution 61MP sensor, faster autofocus, better video capabilities, an updated body, a larger battery, and the beloved ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 fixed lens. It is designed as a high-performance companion camera, blending outstanding image quality with a truly portable form factor.

Full-frame sensor, BIONZ XR, and AI processing

61MP Exmor R BSI sensor

Using the same 61MP full-frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor found in the a7R V and a7CR, the RX1R III produces incredibly detailed images with high clarity, low noise, and up to 15 stops of dynamic range. Copper wiring and a back-illuminated structure allow fast readout and excellent light gathering, enabling 14-bit 61MP stills with a native ISO range of 100–32,000 (expandable lower and higher).

BIONZ XR processing

The BIONZ XR processor provides up to eight times the processing power of the previous generation. This delivers:

• Faster overall operation

• Cleaner images with wide sensitivity and dynamic range

• Enough real-time processing capacity to handle AI-based autofocus and subject recognition alongside core imaging tasks

• Reduced rolling shutter and motion distortion for cleaner rendering of moving subjects

AI-assisted autofocus and subject recognition

AI processing unit and subject recognition

A dedicated AI processing unit significantly improves autofocus tracking and subject recognition, building on Sony’s hybrid AF system. Real-time Recognition AF supports seven subject types:

• Human: Tracks body and head positions for accurate portraits; Real-time Eye AF is up to 60% more effective thanks to human pose estimation.

• Animal, Bird, and combined Animal/Bird: Approximately 40% more accurate tracking of pets and wildlife. The system can recognise eyes, heads, and bodies for a range of animals.

• Insect: Detects the head or full body of insect subjects for precise focus.

• Car/Train and Airplane: Detects the nose/front or full outline of moving vehicles and aircraft for reliable tracking.

Real-time Tracking uses AI-based subject recognition to follow motion, making it ideal for sports and active scenes. Human pose estimation also helps the camera maintain focus on a chosen person even if others move in front of them.

Advanced Fast Hybrid AF

• 693 phase-detection focus points cover approximately 79% of the full-frame area and 100% in APS-C crop mode.

• AF works down to –4 EV and is available in all recording modes, for both stills and video.

• Full-time DMF (Direct Manual Focus) lets you use the focus ring at any time to override or refine autofocus, making subject changes smoother and more intuitive.

Accurate exposure and colour

Exposure and white balance are refined using AI-driven algorithms such as Human Pose Estimation, which helps detect skin tones and balance exposure more accurately in portraits. This auto-exposure method is about 20% more reliable, even with strong backlighting or direct sun, and even when the subject is not facing the camera directly. Deep learning, together with visible-light and IR sensors, contributes to more precise colour reproduction and automatic white balance.

Step Crop modes for flexible framing

For a fixed lens camera with very high resolution, Step Crop modes offer in-camera framing options that mimic different focal lengths. By default, the C1 button cycles between:

• 35 mm (full 61MP)

• 50 mm equivalent (approx. 29MP)

• 70 mm equivalent (approx. 15MP)

These modes allow tighter compositions while still retaining high usable resolution.

Creative Looks and in-camera aesthetics

A set of Creative Look presets lets you shape the visual character of your images straight out of camera. There are 12 presets, including:

• FL: A classic film-like look

• FL2: A new nostalgic film-style rendering

• FL3: A higher-contrast, slide film–inspired look

• IN: An instant-film inspired aesthetic

These looks can be applied to both stills and video to achieve a consistent mood without heavy editing.

Compact, everyday-ready design

Portable profile

The RX1R III is built as an everyday full-frame camera:

• Approx. 4.4 × 2.6 × 2.9" in size and about 1.1 lb in weight, making it jacket-pocket friendly.

• Uses the NP-FW50 battery with a rating of about 300 shots per charge.

• A sleek flat top plate gives the camera a minimalist, understated profile.

• New grip texture and matte finish improve handling and make it more discreet.

• Magnesium-alloy construction and dust- and moisture-resistance help it stand up to challenging environments.

EVF and rear LCD

• The pop-up finder of earlier generations has been replaced with a fixed electronic viewfinder for increased reliability and ease of use.

• EVF: 0.39" 2.36M-dot OLED with approx. 0.7× magnification.

• Rear screen: 3.0" 2.36M-dot fixed touchscreen LCD for menu navigation, image review, Touch AF, and Touch Tracking.

Connectivity and controls

• USB-C port for in-camera charging and high-speed data transfer.

• Micro-HDMI output for connection to external monitors or recorders.

• 3.5 mm microphone input for improved audio capture with external mics.

• Multi Interface Shoe supports external flashes and digital-audio accessories such as the ECM-B1M shotgun mic or XLR-K3M adapter, sending digital audio directly to the camera for cleaner sound.

• Threaded shutter button accepts a traditional cable release for steady long exposures.

Video capabilities

• Full-frame 4K at up to 30 fps in 10-bit 4:2:2 using the XAVC S-I intra-frame format, at bitrates up to 300 Mb/s.

• S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine provide more than 15 stops of dynamic range and wide colour space options, making it easier to match footage with Sony Cinema Line cameras.

• S-Cinetone colour profile offers cinematic, natural midtones and skin tones with well-controlled highlights, inspired by professional cinema models such as the VENICE.

• Creative Looks can be recorded directly into footage to set a specific aesthetic without extensive grading.

• User LUTs and presets can be loaded for monitoring specific looks through the LCD, EVF, or HDMI output, helping you preview the final image as you shoot.

Optional dedicated accessories

Several made-for-RX1R III accessories can enhance both protection and handling:

• LHP-1 Lens Hood: A dedicated hood for the ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens, protecting from flare and offering basic front-element protection.

• LCS-RXL Body Case: A fitted, leather-like case that protects the body while maintaining access to ports, the battery, and the SD card slot.

• TG-2 Thumb Grip: Attaches via the Multi Interface Shoe to give a more secure and comfortable hold for one-handed shooting; it can be flipped away when you need full access to controls.

Package includes

• Sony RX1R III Digital Camera

• Sony NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1020 mAh)

• Lens cap

• Accessory shoe cap

• Eyepiece cup

• Shoulder strap

• Wrapping cloth

Specifications

Imaging

• Sensor Resolution:

  • Actual: 62.5 MP

  • Effective: 61 MP (9504 × 6336)

• Sensor Type: 35.7 × 23.8 mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS (BSI)

• Image Stabilisation: Digital (video only)

Lens

• Focal Length: 35 mm (fixed)

• Digital Zoom: Up to 2×

• Aperture Range: f/2 (max) to f/22 (min)

• Focus Range:

  • Normal: 11.8" to infinity (30 cm to infinity)

  • Macro: 7.9"–13.8" (20–35 cm)

• Optical Design: 8 elements in 7 groups

• Filter Thread: 49 mm (front)

Exposure and shutter

• Shutter Speeds:

  • Electronic: 1/8000–30 s (stills), 1/12,800–1 s (movies)

  • Mechanical: 1/4000–30 s

• Bulb Mode: Supported

• ISO (photo/video):

  • Native: 100–32,000

  • Extended: 50–102,400

• Metering Methods: Average, Centre-weighted, Highlight-weighted, Multi, Spot

• Exposure Modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual

• Exposure Compensation: –5 to +5 EV (1/3 or 1/2 EV steps)

• Metering Range: –3 to +20 EV

White balance

• Colour Temperature Range: 2500–9900 K

• Presets: ATW, AWB, Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater, multiple Fluorescent types, Colour Temperature, Colour Temperature Filter, Custom, Custom 1, Custom 2

Drive and timers

• Continuous Shooting:

  • Up to 5 fps at full resolution for approximately:

    • 52 RAW frames

    • 40 RAW+JPEG frames

    • 1000 JPEG frames

• Interval Recording: Yes

• Self-Timer: 2, 5, or 10 seconds

Still image features

• Aspect Ratios: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

• File Formats: HEIF, JPEG, RAW

• Bit Depth (stills): 14-bit

Video recording

• Internal Recording (XAVC S, XAVC S-I):

  • XAVC S 4:2:2 / 4:2:0, 8/10-bit:

    • UHD 4K (3840 × 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps, 60–140 Mb/s

    • Full HD 1920 × 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps, 16–100 Mb/s

  • XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-bit:

    • “DCI-style” 4K width (listed as 3840 × 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps, 240–300 Mb/s

    • Full HD 1920 × 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps, 89–222 Mb/s

• External Recording via HDMI:

  • 4:2:2 8/10-bit

  • UHD 4K (3840 × 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps

  • 1920 × 1080p at 23.98/50/59.94 fps

  • 1920 × 1080i at 50/59.94 fps

• Recording Limit: None (no hard time limit per clip)

• Broadcast Modes: NTSC/PAL selectable

• IP Streaming: Not supported

Audio

• Built-in Microphone: Stereo

• Audio Recording:

  • 2-channel 24-bit 48 kHz LPCM

  • 2-channel 16-bit 48 kHz LPCM

Interface and storage

• Memory Card Slot: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible)

• Internal Memory: None

• Video Output: 1 × Micro-HDMI output

• Audio Input: 1 × 3.5 mm TRS stereo microphone input

• Power I/O: 1 × USB-C input

• Data Output: 1 × USB-C (USB 3.2/3.1 Gen 2), shared with power input

Wireless and apps

• Wireless: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on 2.4 and 5 GHz, Bluetooth 4.2

• Mobile App: Creators’ App (Android and iOS)

  • Features: File transfer, remote control, settings adjustment

Display and viewfinder

• Monitor:

  • Size: 3.0"

  • Resolution: 2,359,296 dots

  • Type: Fixed touchscreen LCD

• Viewfinder:

  • Type: Electronic OLED

  • Resolution: approx. 2,360,000 dots

  • Coverage: 100%

  • Magnification: approx. 0.7×

  • Diopter Adjustment: –4 to +3

Flash and shoe

• Built-In Flash/Light: None

• External Flash: Supported via hot shoe

• Shoe Mount: 1 × Intelligent Multi Interface Shoe

General and physical

• Operating Temperature: 32–104°F (0–40°C)

• Battery: 1 × NP-FW50 (7.4 V, 1020 mAh), approx. 300 shots per charge

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 4.5 × 2.7 × 3.4" / 113.3 × 67.9 × 87.5 mm

• Weight:

  • Approx. 454 g (1.0 lb) body only

  • Approx. 498 g (1.1 lb) with battery and memory card