Sony revives RX1R series with 61-megapixel compact camera, and it only took 10 years

[Shawn Knight]

In a nutshell: Sony has introduced a new compact fixed-lens digital camera that's filled to the brim with cutting-ege imaging technology. The RX1R III is Sony's latest flagship full-frame standalone digital camera, and represents the third generation of the RX1R series (the last one came nearly 10 years ago). It's powered by an impressive 61-megapixel 35mm Exmor R CMOS image sensor that uses the company's latest BIONZ XR processing engine, and is paired with a Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2.0 lens.

Sony says the combination of sensor and image processing engine delivers high resolution and sensitivity, with low noise and a wide dynamic range. An anti-reflection coating on the sensor is used in place of an optical low-pass filter to further boost image quality, we're told.

The RX1R III also includes the latest in AI processing technology, which Sony describes as a "valued" feature. With it, users can expect the camera to accurately recognize the shape and movement of subjects as well as human bodies, heads, and the position of eyes, allowing the 693-point phase-detection auto-focus system to do its job more effectively.

Sony's latest is constructed of magnesium alloy, measures approximately 4.5 inches x 2.75 inches x 3.5 inches (113.3 mm x 67.9 mm x 87.5 mm), and weighs just over one pound with a battery and memory card. Speaking of the battery, it uses Sony's NP-FW50 battery pack, which is good for up to 300 still photos per charge. Serious shooters will likely want to pick up a couple of extra packs to have on hand to facilitate longer outings.

The Sony RX1R III is available to pre-order now priced at an eye-watering $5,098 and is scheduled to ship on July 31. Sony is also launching a few optional accessories to go along with the camera including a dedicated thumb grip, a compact body case, and a lens hood.

If you're in the market for a premium compact shooter to rival competitors like Leica's Q3 or Fujifilm's GFX100RF, Sony's new fixed-lens camera is certainly worth a look.

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Sony revives RX1R series with 61-megapixel compact camera, and it only took 10 years

 

[dangh]

For this price I'll get a7c2 with couple of g master lenses...

 

[CrisisDog]

Fixed lens at that price? No thanks…

 

[ScottSoapbox]

This camera's revision was the White Whale for Sony shooters for years.

But $5K!!!

I'll keep my a7R III + 45mm lens at 1.8 lbs vs 1.1 lbs for a fixed lens that is only marginally smaller.

 

[SRB]

I never got the attraction of a full frame fixed lens either. Besides, I have too much Minolta glass to change my shooting now. My A99 II still hangs in there for good pictures. $5k is way out of my league as well.

 

[VariableSpike]

Who in the right mind would buy this??? I could get an a7rv and a good lens for less, is this just meant for hipsters or something at this price with a fixed lens and the "retro" style body? If you're going to spend this kind of money on a camera, why on something that isn't exactly a great leap from a phone?

 

[Win7user]

$5k???? This is the reason why "most" Millennial's and Gen Z don't have any money!

 

[dangh]

$5k???? This is the reason why "most" Millennial's and Gen Z don't have any money!

Its stupid idea, but remember people still buy Leica... Gen z doesnt have money because they spend 2k every year on a new iphone, not 5k on a camera every 10 years...

Seriously, fuji x100 is already expensive for a fix lens and sure as hell people wont make better pictures at this sony (or 10k leica)

 

[Norsiiii]

Who in the right mind would buy this??? I could get an a7rv and a good lens for less, is this just meant for hipsters or something at this price with a fixed lens and the "retro" style body? If you're going to spend this kind of money on a camera, why on something that isn't exactly a great leap from a phone?

This is aimed squarely at the people who buy Leicas, not the mainstream photography market. They're a bit of a special breed. A fool and their money, the saying goes....

 

[VariableSpike]

This is aimed squarely at the people who buy Leicas, not the mainstream photography market. They're a bit of a special breed. A fool and their money, the saying goes....

I know the kind well, prance around with some old film camera they dug out of someone's basement and think they arw a camera maestro (I'm certainly not, but neither do I prance around flaunting my camera like an *****), it could be one of those crappy kodak point and shoot cameras you got as a kid on a holiday, but the moment they slap Leica on it, the fools would go "oh this is so special!".....

 

[NicktheWVAHick]

First I will need to spend $5K on lasik surgery so I can see better than 10 Megapixels. Then I will buy the camera.

 

[Norsiiii]

I know the kind well, prance around with some old film camera they dug out of someone's basement and think they arw a camera maestro (I'm certainly not, but neither do I prance around flaunting my camera like an *****), it could be one of those crappy kodak point and shoot cameras you got as a kid on a holiday, but the moment they slap Leica on it, the fools would go "oh this is so special!".....

The kind you're thinking of are usually broke college kids or mid twenties hipsters. Leica buyers are a bit like that but 20-30 years older and happy to spend $5,000 on something objectively worse than an entry level full-frame Nikon