I really don’t understand what Sony are trying to do with their new Camera: The RX1R Mk 3. I, like most people in the world, haven’t got the first clue as to what the experience of using this camera is, probably never will. What I do know is what it is like to use the 61 MP sensor in a small form camera , A7CR, with a 35 mm f 1.8 lens. On the whole it is brilliant. But this is where start to wonder about the new camera.
The A7CR plus the 35 mm f1.8 lens (with lens hood included) cost in the UK£3198. (Official Sony UK Price from the website – you can no doubt get the combination cheaper). The cost of the RX1R Mk 3 with fixed f2 35mm and lens Hood (This is sold as a separate from the camera) is £4350. Why should anyone pay the £1000 plus extra for the the same camera? But of course they are not the same camera.
The three square images above were captured handheld in varying degrees of low light. I relied on the camera’s stabilisation system to allow me to capture the images. This would not be possible with the RX as it doesn’t have a stabilisation system at all. Now there are way’s around this problem, the most obvious is to use a tripod. But this would get away from the alleged spontaneous nature of using the camera.
Now if you are thinking about buying this camera then that is fine. I hope you enjoy the camera and you create some incredible images. But before you do spend the money on the camera you should be aware that there is a technically superior product, made by Sony, for over £1000 pounds less available right now. If you choose not to go with that option then great. At least you have been informed.
Footnote.
When researching this article I came across clear evidence that President Trump’s tariff policy is costing the American Consumer. There was a time, not so long ago, when any electrical good, was around 20% cheaper in the States. Not anymore. The cost of the Sony RX1R Mk 3 in the States, adjusted for sales tax of 10%, is almost identical to the price in the UK. That never used to be the case. And the tariffs paid by the American consumer are slated to increase in August. Interesting.
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