Sony once again made the photography world look up when it officially announced the RX1R III, the third generation of the legendary RX1R full-frame compact camera series. This is not simply a hardware upgrade, but a combination of cutting-edge imaging technology, artificial intelligence and a streamlined design philosophy, bringing a completely new creative experience for both professional photographers and passionate players.

Since the launch of the original RX1R in 2013, Sony has pushed the boundaries of the “compact” concept by packing a full-frame sensor into a pocketable body. Now, with the RX1R III, the company has not only maintained that pioneering spirit, but taken it to the next level: a 61-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, a powerful BIONZ XR image processor, the renowned ZEISS Sonnar T 35mm F2 lens, and, most importantly, AI subject recognition, a feature that is reshaping the future of photography.

1. 61MP full-frame sensor and BIONZ XR processor

At the heart of the RX1R III is a 61 megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS BSI (back-illuminated) sensor, the same sensor that Sony uses in its top-end Alpha cameras. Compared to the previous generation, the resolution has been significantly increased, allowing for super detailed images that retain sharpness even when cropped deeply.

This is especially useful for photographers who often have to shoot wide landscapes or moments that are far away but cannot get close. Imagine standing on the top of Khau Pha Pass and taking a panoramic view of the Mu Cang Chai terraced fields. With the RX1R III, you can zoom in on a corner of the photo to clearly see each small roof, each figure of people harvesting rice, even their facial expressions without any graininess or loss of detail.

Sony has added an anti-reflective coating (AR Coating) directly to the sensor surface, which helps reduce flare and ghosting when shooting in backlit or complex lighting conditions. At the same time, removing the optical low-pass filter (OLPF) helps images retain their original sharpness, increasing visual depth and definition. This combination ensures that each photo is of the highest quality right out of the box.

The BIONZ XR image processor, the “brain” of the high-end Alpha series, plays a key role in processing the huge amount of data from the 61MP sensor. Processing speed is many times faster than the previous generation, allowing the camera to shoot continuously at high speed, reduce lag when reviewing photos and process smoothly even when recording high-quality 4K video.

2. ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens

In the world of high-end compact cameras, few names have left a deep mark like Sony's RX1R series. And one of the factors that created that legend is the fixed ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens. In the RX1R III generation, Sony continues to work closely with ZEISS to fine-tune every micron of the distance between the lens and the 61MP full-frame sensor surface, ensuring near-perfect light transmission, while minimizing chromatic aberration, distortion and purple fringing.

The 35mm focal length has long been known as the “golden angle” in street photography, travel photography, and even environmental portraiture. It is wide enough to capture space, yet close enough to create depth and a sense of connection with the subject. With a maximum aperture of F2, the RX1R III delivers impressive low-light performance without pushing the ISO too high, while also opening up opportunities for smooth bokeh, separating the subject from the background in a natural and artistic way.

The highlight that cannot be ignored is the exclusive T* coating from ZEISS. This technology acts as a “shield” against internal light reflections and ghosting, ensuring that images always maintain high contrast, true color and impressive clarity. This is the reason why many photographers when looking at photos from the RX1R III often immediately recognize the characteristic “clean” and “deep” that ZEISS lenses bring.

From the soft golden light of Hoi An ancient town with hundreds of shimmering lanterns, to the harvest scenes on Mu Cang Chai terraced fields, the RX1R III reproduces every detail with astonishing precision. Even when you zoom in on a corner of the image, every pattern on the roof tiles or the eyes of a passerby are still clear, bringing a visual experience full of emotion.

3. Artificial Intelligence

If the sensor and lens act as the “eyes” of the RX1R III, then artificial intelligence (AI) is the brain that helps this camera see, understand and react to the world around it almost like a real photographer.

Sony has equipped the RX1R III with a dedicated AI processor, inherited directly from high-end Alpha models such as the A7R V. This technology helps the camera recognize and track subjects with impressive accuracy, regardless of shooting conditions. AI does not stop at human eyes and faces, but also recognizes bodies, animals, birds, and can even “see” subjects when their backs are turned or partially obscured.

This opens up virtually limitless creative possibilities. You can capture a sparrow flying through the sunset, its eyes in perfect focus even as it changes position. Or when shooting street photography, the RX1R III will automatically lock focus on the eyes of a passerby even if they’re only there for a split second.

Not only does it work for stills, the RX1R III's AI tracking also works seamlessly when shooting video. Whether you're shooting sports, wildlife, or crowded events, this precise tracking gives you peace of mind that the camera will take care of the technical side of things, so you can focus on creating content.

4. Compact design

Sony continues to uphold its “pocket-sized full-frame” philosophy with the RX1R III, giving users a powerful yet compact device that can accompany them anywhere, anytime.

The body is made of magnesium alloy, which is both light and durable, and resistant to physical impacts commonly encountered during operation. The soft curves blend with the flat surface and high-quality matte paint, bringing a sophisticated feeling from the first touch.

The buttons and dials are logically placed, allowing you to change settings without taking your eye off the viewfinder. The redesigned grip is more secure, making one-handed shooting safe and stable, especially important in street photography, where you often have to react quickly to unexpected moments.

The 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.70x magnification provides a sharp and realistic viewing experience, even when tracking fast-moving subjects. Near-zero lag ensures you won't miss any important moments, even in difficult lighting conditions.

5. Battery life and flexible charging capabilities

The RX1R III uses the familiar NP-FW50 battery, which has been used on many previous Sony cameras. Although the battery capacity is not too large, thanks to the optimal performance of the BIONZ XR processor, the camera still achieves about 300 photos per charge .

A big plus is the ability to quickly charge via a USB-C port that supports the USB Power Delivery standard. This allows you to charge directly from a power bank or fast charger, which is extremely convenient when you are on the go or in places where power is difficult to access. Just a short coffee break can replenish enough energy for the next dozen shots.

For travel or reportage photographers, this feature is almost a "lifesaver" that helps maintain a working rhythm all day without having to worry about backup batteries or power outlets.

6. Price and release date in Vietnam

According to official information from Sony, the RX1R III will be available in Vietnam from August 18 with a suggested retail price of 125.99 million VND . This is clearly not a small expense, but considering that this camera has a 61MP full-frame sensor, a top-notch ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens, advanced AI tracking technology, all packaged in a compact body, this is a completely worthy investment for those who demand the perfect combination of image quality, mobility and top-notch photography experience .

The Sony RX1R III is more than just an upgrade to a legendary camera. It’s a testament to the way imaging technology continues to move forward, where artificial intelligence, high-resolution sensors and streamlined design come together to open up new creative possibilities.

With the RX1R III, Sony has proven that you don’t need to carry around a bulky DSLR or an expensive lens kit to create great quality images. Everything you need can fit in the palm of your hand and be ready to go with you anywhere.