Sony finally notices that people like small cameras, releases RX1R III

[eatstoomuchjam]

While looking to see what was on the Deal Zone today, I noticed this banner on B&H.

RX1R III announced.

61 megapixel sensor
35mm f/2 lens (probably the same excellent one that was in the previous RX1R series cameras)
10-bit 4kp30 video, or 8-bit 120fps in full hd
ISO 100-32000
Support for user LUTs
Multi-function shoe
NP-FW50 battery (big improvement over older ones)
Body design seems to be an evolution over the old one, looks nice
Has an EVF, but the LCD is fixed
USB-C charging, shitty micro HDMI port
Price is a mere $5,100.  Most people have about that much in spare change between the couch cushions these days so it should be a big seller.

Will it overheat?  Only time will tell.  The video specs are ho-hum enough that it might not.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/news/sony-revives-its-pocket-powerhouse-with-rx1r-iii-digital-camera

 

[newfoundmass]

14 minutes ago, eatstoomuchjam said:

$5,100

!

[Phil A]

For a moment I had buyer's remorse that I finally picked up a Fujifilm X-M5 as my new EDC recently because I'd have loved this camera instead... but then I saw the price. They position it as direct competition to the Leica Q series. I'd rather get an A7C II at that point and buy a whole bunch of lenses with the left over money.

Now the screen has higher resolution (than FX2) but won't even tilt? The feature sets on the newly releasing cameras are so disjointed.

[MrSMW]

33 minutes ago, Phil A said:

For a moment I had buyer's remorse that I finally picked up a Fujifilm X-M5 LUMIX S1Rii

...and then mere nano-seconds later, thought, nah.

I am in the process of trading my Sony A7RV and Nikon Zf for a Lumix S1Rii.

Why?

Brings it all in house as my 3 video units are Lumix so it makes sense to have my stills camera also Lumix for cross compatibility.

I will miss both however...

The A7RV has been my workhorse 'pro' camera for 1.5 years now and it just delivers and never disappoints, at least when it comes to build, handling and most importantly results.

HOWEVER, it has only one 'fault' and that is as much as I like and respect it, there is something missing, - that 'if a camera had a soul' thing. 

The Nikon Zf on the other hand is hands down the best shooting experience stills camera I have ever owned...and I have had dozens.

BUT, only with small AF primes. It is probably fantastic with MF primes, but I have never tried and I didn't care much for it with the 3 adapted Tamron E Mount primes I have tried with it. Nope, works best with the Smallrig grip and the plastic fantastic 40mm f2 SE lens.

If it's so fantastic, why sell it?

Well at one point, I was hoping that Sony would indeed pop out an RX1Riii, ie, my A7RV in a 'rangefinderesque' style body, but probably at a stupid price.

And guess what, they have done exactly that!

Would I trade my Zf for that? Not a chance.

Would I trade the A7RV for one? Are you having a laugh?

But trade both for an S1Rii that kind of straddles the gap between the two...if you squint a little. Yes.

[eatstoomuchjam]

I'd say that if I had $5,100 burning a hole in my pocket for a compact camera (and I don't), I'd be a lot more likely to buy a GFX 100 RF for $300 less than that and then take myself and a friend to a nice restaurant and share a meal and some wine with the rest.

(The 100RF really needs to start aging and showing up in big numbers on the used market already, would love to buy one at a big discount from one of the buttholes who bought one for retail and is now trying to sell for $7k)

[Marcio Kabke Pinheiro]

A 2.36mp EVF and a fixed LCD in a $5100 camera. Oh boy.

[Emanuel]

They're nuts!

[Emanuel]

As FX30 user in a daily basis, I must add there's something wrong with this release, no doubts on this one! : X 

[Andrew Reid]

Love the RX1R III.

Hate the price.

Then again, people will pay this much and more for a Q3, and they are defining the market at the moment. Rich idiots

[Django]

As a Leica M user (28mm f/2 crew), I get the appeal of premium fixed-lens compacts like the Q or X100.. great balance of size, IQ, and shooting feel. But after watching this RX1R mk3 announcement I can't help but feel underwhelmed.

It uses the 61MP sensor from the A7R V, which is solid but no longer new, and you can pick up an A7R V for almost half the price. Pair that with the same Zeiss 35mm f/2 and Sony’s typical UI, and it starts to feel like a repackaged spec sheet rather than something truly fresh or innovative.

Meanwhile, Fuji recently dropped the GFX100RF in the same price range with a 100MP medium-format sensor, a dedicated aspect ratio lever, teleconverter toggle, retro dials, built-in ND, and beloved film simulations. It’s a camera made for photographers who want both insane IQ and tactile shooting joy. If it weren't for the f4 lens it would be my dream camera.

Compared to that, the RX1R III feels safe and soulless. Leica Q shooters get simplicity and killer glass; Fuji GFX shooters get medium format, dials galore and genuine character.

At $5K+, you want more than specs, you want experience. 

FWIW I actually really dig what Sony did with the FX2 by adding the tiltable EVF, that alone excites me. Not this.

[eatstoomuchjam]

41 minutes ago, Django said:

It uses the 61MP sensor from the A7R V, which is solid but no longer new, and you can pick up an A7R V for almost half the price.

If you want small and don't care about 8k video, you could also go with the A7CR which also has a 61mp sensor - maybe the same one?  I don't follow Sony too closely, but the specs look awfully similar.

[ArashM]

1 hour ago, Marcio Kabke Pinheiro said:

A 2.36mp EVF and a fixed LCD in a $5100 camera. Oh boy.

2.36mp EVF, in 2025, OMFG...... what is Sony's obsession with using the worst quality screens/EVFs on their cameras.

Also I'm not sure who mentioned it, but at that price honestly I would much rather grab the GFX100RF!!!!!