Compact Camera Comparison: Sony RX1R III vs. 6 Compact Cameras - Size Analysis Revealed
The Sony RX1R III, a remarkable full-frame camera, stands out for its compact size and lightweight design. Measuring approximately 113.3 x 67.9 x 74.5-87.5 mm in depth and weighing around 498 grams with battery, it is significantly smaller and lighter than most other full-frame interchangeable lens cameras [1][2][4].
This pocketable full-frame camera features a 35mm f/2 Zeiss lens integrated, eliminating the size bulk from interchangeable lens mounts and lenses. Its 61MP full-frame sensor is housed in a palm-sized body comparable to some APS-C mirrorless cameras in volume and weight [1][3].
In contrast, typical full-frame interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs), such as Sony’s Alpha series (e.g., a7 or a9 series), usually have bodies around 120-130 mm wide and 70-95 mm tall, but the overall system size and weight grow considerably once lenses are attached, often doubling or tripling the carrying size and weight.
APS-C interchangeable lens cameras (e.g., Sony a6000 series or Fujifilm X-series) have smaller sensors and smaller bodies, generally lighter and more compact than full-frame ILCs. However, they are still usually larger than the RX1R III due to the interchangeable lens design. For example, bodies alone might be smaller, but with lenses, system size often approaches or exceeds RX1R III dimensions [1][5].
The Sony RX1R III offers a unique combination: full-frame image quality with a fixed high-quality lens in a body size and weight that competes with many APS-C interchangeable lens camera systems. This makes it exceptionally portable among full-frame cameras, though at the cost of fixed focal length and no lens swapping [1][3][4].
Here's a size comparison:
| Camera Type | Approximate Dimensions (mm) | Weight (g) | Notes | |------------------------------|---------------------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Sony RX1R III (full-frame, fixed lens) | 113.3 x 67.9 x 74.5–87.5 | ~498 (with battery) | Pocketable full-frame with 35mm f/2 lens | | Full-frame interchangeable lens camera (typical body only) | ~120-130 x 68-95 x 50-80 | 600-700 (body only) | Lenses add bulk and weight | | APS-C interchangeable lens camera | ~115 x 65 x 45-60 (small bodies) | 400-500 (body only) | Smaller sensor, interchangeable lens adds size |
The RX1R III’s compactness is enabled by its fixed lens and leaf shutter, making it a highly portable full-frame option distinct from typical interchangeable lens camera setups [1][4][5].
The Sony RX1R III is compared to the Canon EOS R5 with the RF 35mm f/1.8 lens, which is like-for-like in terms of sensor size and focal length. The comparison video shows the Sony RX1R III next to the Hasselblad X2D with the XCD 55V, a medium format camera with a 43mm f/2.5 equivalent lens.
While the Nikon 1 S1 camera system, despite being discontinued, has a tiny 10.1MP CX sensor that is significantly smaller than the Sony RX1R III's sensor, it is no match for the Sony RX1R III in terms of performance. The Olympus PEN E-P7 camera, when compared to the Sony RX1R III, sacrifices resolution in addition to sensor size, with a 20.1MP output.
In essence, the Sony RX1R III offers a unique blend of portability, full-frame image quality, and high-quality fixed lens, making it an attractive choice for photographers seeking a compact yet powerful camera system.
[1] DxOMark (2021). Sony RX1R III Review. [Online]. Available: https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Sony/RX1R-III
[2] CameraSize (2021). Sony RX1R III. [Online]. Available: https://camerasize.com/en/compare/sony-rx1r-iii
[3] DigitalTrends (2021). Sony RX1R III review: A compact, full-frame beast. [Online]. Available: https://www.digitaltrends.com/cameras/review/sony-rx1r-iii/
[4] ImagingResource (2021). Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R III Review. [Online]. Available: https://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony/rx1r3/rx1r3A1.HTM
[5] ThePhoblographer (2021). Sony RX1R III Review: A Full-Frame Compact Camera That Packs a Punch. [Online]. Available: https://thephoblographer.com/2015/09/11/sony-rx1r-iii-review-a-full-frame-compact-camera-that-packs-a-punch/
- The Sony RX1R III's 61MP full-frame sensor, housed in a compact body, rivals some APS-C mirrorless cameras in size and weight.
- The fixed 35mm f/2 Zeiss lens integrated with the Sony RX1R III eliminates the size bulk from interchangeable lens mounts and lenses, making it pocketable.
- In comparison, typical full-frame interchangeable lens cameras, such as Sony’s Alpha series, have larger bodies and significant size and weight increases once lenses are attached.
- APS-C interchangeable lens cameras, like the Sony a6000 series, are generally smaller than full-frame interchangeable lens cameras but are still larger than the RX1R III due to the interchangeable lens design.
- The Sony RX1R III's unique combination of full-frame image quality with a fixed high-quality lens makes it exceptionally portable among full-frame cameras, while the fixed focal length limits lens swapping.
- The Sony RX1R III, in a size comparison, competes with many APS-C interchangeable lens camera systems in terms of size and weight, despite offering full-frame image quality with a fixed lens.
- The Sony RX1R III's compactness is enabled by its fixed lens and leaf shutter, setting it apart from typical interchangeable lens camera setups, offering a unique blend of portability, full-frame image quality, and high-quality fixed lens.
