Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | Sony RX1R III | A9 III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +2.6 | ||
| Street | -1.0 | ||
| Travel | +0.4 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +2.8 | ||
| Filmmaking | +2.9 | ||
| Documentary | +2.7 | ||
| Landscape | +0.8 | ||
| Casual | +0.7 | ||
| Food | +1.6 | ||
| Macro | +2.8 | ||
| Architecture | +0.6 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.6 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Wildlife | — |
| Spec | Sony RX1R III | A9 III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £3,899 | £5,999 | |
| Released | 2025 | 2023 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 61MP full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS | 24.6MP full-frame Exmor RS CMOS (global shutter) | |
| Resolution | 61MP | 25MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K/30p, 10-bit | 4K/120p, 4K/60p, 1080p/240p | |
| Autofocus | Hybrid phase-detect AF (693 points) with eye detection | AI subject recognition AF, 759-point phase-detect | |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | 8-stop IBIS | |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 120fps blackout-free electronic | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 300 shots (CIPA, LCD) | 530 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 496g (with battery and card) | 703g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Yes | ↑ |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots | 0.64" Quad-XGA OLED EVF, 9.44M dots | |
| Screen | Tilting touchscreen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen | |
| Mount | Fixed 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar lens | Sony FE (E-mount) | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD (UHS-II) | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
See Sony RX1R III and A9 III next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the A9 III against your specific genres — not just specs.