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Sony’s New RX1R III Compact Camera

Sony has officially brought its cult classic compact full-frame series back to life with the RX1R III, the long-awaited successor to the RX1R II from nearly a decade ago. At the heart of the new RX1R III is the 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, the same high-resolution chip found in Sony’s a7R V. It’s paired with the latest BIONZ XR processor and a dedicated AI processing unit, which together promise massive improvements in autofocus speed, tracking, and subject recognition. The 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar T lens remains fixed, but now comes with a macro ring that allows you to shoot as close as 20cm from your subject, achieving a 0.26x magnification.

Sony’s special move inside the camera is the new Step Crop Shooting feature, which lets you switch between 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm framing at the press of a button. While these are just crops of the full sensor, they offer flexible composition options, and crucially, the full RAW file is still retained, giving you full control in post if you decide to revert. The camera’s build is still based on magnesium alloy, with improved ergonomics including a refined grip and flat top-plate. Sony has also added 12 customisable Creative Looks, which let you apply and tweak in-camera colour styles. Video wise, the RX1R III isn’t a cinema powerhouse, it offers solid video features with some Creative Looks carrying over into movie mode.

You still get a built-in 2.36M-dot XGA OLED viewfinder, a 0.70x magnification, and the familiar NP-FW50 battery, good for about 300 shots per charge. Charging via USB-C brings the camera up to modern expectations, even if the battery itself is a bit dated. The only catch? The RX1R III is very much a premium camera, and its price reflects that. It launches this month at $5,099.99 USD.

You can see Sony’s introduction video on YouTube here

Samyang Announced Two New Prima Lenses

Samyang just announced two new lenses in their Prima series: the AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE and the AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE, both designed for Sony E-mount. These follow last year’s 35mm f/1.4 P FE and are aimed at beginners and hybrid creators, people who want solid performance in a compact, lightweight package. "Prima" comes from the Latin word for "first" or "important," which fits the idea that these lenses are meant to be go-to choices, especially for newer shooters who want something practical but still sharp and fast. Samyang says the design balances portability and image quality, and all the Prima lenses share a clean, minimalist look with a red accent ring and durable plastic build.

The 16mm f/2.8 is a tiny wide-angle that only weighs 207 grams and measures 70.5mm long. It can focus as close as 12cm and offers a 1:3 reproduction ratio, which makes it great for semi-macro work or just getting dramatic wide shots with some detail up front. On an APS-C camera, it gives a 24mm equivalent field of view and half-macro capabilities. The optical construction includes several high-end elements to keep things sharp and clean across the frame, and it’s driven by a fast, quiet linear STM motor for autofocus. It’s also weather-sealed to an IP5 rating and features a USB-C port on the mount for firmware updates.

The 85mm f/1.8 is similarly compact at 272 grams and just slightly longer than the 16mm. This one’s aimed at portrait shooters, promising smooth, creamy bokeh and rich subject isolation thanks to its f/1.8 aperture and nine-bladed diaphragm. It’s not a macro lens, but it focuses reasonably close and is tuned for flattering, detailed portraits. Like the 16mm, it has a simple design with just a focus switch and USB-C port, plus the same IP5 dust resistance and updated lens hood for better flare control. Pricing and release dates haven’t been shared yet.

A closer look at both lenses will follow this Sunday inside the big magazine issue ;)

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This time in the Spotlight: Ben Heard

You can find him on Instagram as: @photography_work_ben

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