Sony has not too long ago launched the fourth iteration of their RX1 compact full-frame digicam. The “III” is there because it’s the third RX1R digicam, however this text is just too quick to dive into the corporate’s naming scheme and mannequin historical past. The newest iteration emerges into the market virtually a decade after its predecessor. Whereas there are quite a few updates over the RX1R II, the 2 cameras share rather a lot. There’s one main distinction – the market to which they’ve been launched.

The section of high-end compact cameras has gained vital traction over the past decade. It’s not a brand new section by any means – high-end compacts date again to the movie period. Such cameras have additionally been round for the reason that daybreak of digital cameras, however one thing occurred within the final decade or so. They went from a moderately bizarre area of interest to an influential and commercially profitable section, with some constantly backordered for many of their mannequin lifespan. Sony left a distinct segment section and returned to a boiling, trending, overhyped section. Is the RX1R III ready? Let’s take a deeper look.

Evolution? Revolution? What’s the RX1R III precisely?

The brand new Sony RX1R III is a high-end compact stills digicam. Like its predecessors and foremost opponents, the digicam is constructed round a big, high-resolution sensor and a reasonably extensive prime lens. RX1R III is generally evolutionary, although it incorporates two stems of evolution right into a single digicam: The primary is Sony’s technical evolution over the previous decade. Unbelievable autofocus, nice picture high quality, 4K 4:2:2 10-bit video seize with each S-Log and S-Cinetone profiles, and many others. The second is the RX1 collection bodily evolution: TL;DR – not a lot has modified over time, and it’s not essentially dangerous. The RX1R III is very compact. Evidently Sony was poised to keep up the shape issue even at the price of different bodily options.

These selections, in my view, mar the digicam’s general usability. The obvious shortcoming revolves round visible indicators – LCD and EVF. The RX1R III departs from the creative-but-problematic pop-up EVF for a set unit. Nevertheless, measurement (or price) constraints dictate a small, 2.36 million dot finder unit. This may increasingly even be answerable for the mounted LCD panel, a major drawback in comparison with the digicam’s rivals.

3.5 foremost opponents

A number of cameras could present a good RX1R III different. You may learn all about these right here. Nevertheless, there are 3.5 main opponents towards which the brand new Sony should stand: The obvious are the Leica Q3 and Q43 with the same sensor, the FUJIFILM GFX100RF with 70% extra sensor actual property, and the extraordinarily fashionable FUJIFILM X100VI with a smaller, decrease decision sensor however varied benefits. Let’s take a brief take a look at some key takeaways:

• All opponents function considerably higher visible indicators. The GFX100RF and Leica Q3 provide a 5.76 million-dot OLED EVF, and the FUJIFILM X100VI gives a hybrid unit with a 3.69 million-dot EVF. All function tilting LCD screens. 
• The Leica Q3 cameras are pricier, with a $6735 price ticket for the Q3 and $7380 for the Q3 43. They’re additionally larger in each dimension.
• The FUJIFILM GFX100RF, with its medium format may, is extra inexpensive at $4900. The APS-C X100VI will set you again a mere $1600 if you could find one in inventory.
• The Leicas and the FUJIFILM X100VI function a picture stabilizer.
• The Sony RX1R III contains Sony’s Multi-Interface Shoe, able to mounting varied audio equipment, a gentle level for its opponents.
• Each the Leica Q3 duo and the FUJIFILM X100VI can seize 4K 60P.
• 8K seize is offered for the Leica Q3 and Q3 43, and the X100VI gives a cropped 6K possibility.
• Whereas each digicam options an aperture ring, the Sony RX1R III is the one digicam with a PASM dial. All others work with a shutter pace dial.
• The Sony RX1R III is the smallest when it comes to width and peak, however the X100VI is thinner, with a much less protruding lens.
• FUJIFILM’s GFX100RF and X100VI incorporate an inside ND filter.
• The RX1R III has the bottom battery life (CIPA normal). Barely greater than the FUJIFILM X100VI, however the FUJIFILM comes with a flash, which adjustments the rely.

How does it stack up?

Summing up the small print, I consider Sony took a moderately conservative path with the RX1R III. The corporate tries to keep up the professionals of its predecessors with out risking an excessive amount of. The digicam retains the miniature measurement, noticeably smaller than its direct rivals (excluding the X100VI). The sensor is on the prime of its class, video efficiency is considerably crippled in comparison with the respective a7R, however nonetheless respectable for a stills-first digicam. The EVF is, properly, there, and the lens is strictly the identical.

The last decade-old compact lens design struggles to supply for the resolution-hungry sensor and falls aside on the edges. That is really an ample metaphor for all the digicam, in my eyes: A decade has handed, and what made the RX1R II so distinctive will not be sufficient anymore. Attempting to suit a formidable spec-list right into a tiny physique could reach creating the smallest large-sensor compact, however at some vital prices:

Excessive-end is greater than specs

The RX1R stands its floor relating to specs, and wins in compactness, however falls quick in person expertise, design, and visible indicators. I consider a slight stray outdoors the inflexible sq. (pun meant) would enable Sony to include a significantly better EVF, a tilting display, even perhaps the just about immortal NP-FZ–100 battery, with greater than twice the capability of the present NP-FW 50, and one that may be present in each Sony shooter’s bag. Sure, it will make the digicam noticeably bulkier. It might additionally place the digicam in a broader aggressive stance. Nevertheless, not all makes an attempt at a “user-first” digicam succeed. Aiming on the workflow and expertise over specs, costs, and different “boring” stuff may culminate in a bitter failure.

So sure, a tried-and-true system is typically the extra rational means, no less than in case you’re after a functioning digicam moderately than an concept. In the event you merely need the smallest full-frame potential, the Sony RX1R III offers you precisely this, in addition to some attention-grabbing video choices.

Will you go for the Sony RX1R III? What area of interest will it fill for you? Tell us within the feedback.