High-demand for Sony RX1R III arises swiftly - as scant units become available merely hours after the camera's premium compact model pre-orders go live.
The much-anticipated Sony RX1R III, a compact full-frame camera featuring a 61MP sensor and a 35mm f/2 Zeiss lens, has faced a supply shortage shortly after pre-orders opened on July 23, 2025.
Sony Japan reported receiving far more orders than expected, resulting in shipping delays not only for the camera but also for related accessories like the thumb grip, body case, and bayonet lens hood.
The high demand for the RX1R III, which caters to a specific enthusiast market, is one of the key reasons for the shortage. Like other premium compact cameras, these models often sell out quickly due to limited batch production.
However, some industry observers question whether the shortage is purely demand-driven. Stock still appears available in some stores, suggesting possible production or logistical challenges rather than pure demand-driven scarcity.
Priced at around $5,098 USD, the RX1R III uses a combination of high-resolution sensor and a fixed lens, which has sparked some criticism that it uses older components or lens designs. This might impact Sony's production strategy or inventory management, although it's less directly tied to the supply issues.
Despite the delays, early orders for the RX1R III may receive one of the first batches. For those considering the RX1R III for their photographic needs, the delay might be a sign to reconsider, as the camera is proving to be more popular than expected.
Meanwhile, Kim Bunermann, a photographer, editor, and writer with work published internationally, explores photography's role in culture through her features, tutorials, and gear reviews. Her work focuses on the art and science of photography, blending technical expertise with visual insight, aiming to encourage readers to explore photography more deeply.
Kim holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer. For updates and price checks on the RX1R III, stock updates can be found here.
The RX1R III is set to release on August 8, 2025.
[1] TechRadar. (2025). Sony RX1R III: Everything you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/news/sony-rx1r-iii-everything-you-need-to-know
[2] Digital Camera World. (2025). Sony RX1R III review: First impressions. [online] Available at: https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/sony-rx1r-iii-review-first-impressions
[3] The Verge. (2025). Sony RX1R III is a compact full-frame camera with a 61MP sensor. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2025/7/23/21307884/sony-rx1r-iii-camera-61mp-sensor-zeiss-lens-price-release-date
[4] PetaPixel. (2025). Sony RX1R III Supply Shortage: Is it Real or Just a Marketing Strategy? [online] Available at: https://petapixel.com/2025/07/28/sony-rx1r-iii-supply-shortage-is-it-real-or-just-a-marketing-strategy/
- The demand for the Sony RX1R III has surpassed expectations, causing a post-preorder supply shortage and delays in shipping accessories like the thumb grip, body case, and bayonet lens hood.
- The high-end RX1R III, marketed towards photography enthusiasts, has led to quick sales due to limited batch production, raising questions about potential production or logistical challenges instead of solely demand-driven scarcity.
- The Sony RX1R III, equipping a 61MP sensor and a 35mm f/2 Zeiss lens, has triggered critics to point out the use of older components or lens designs, which may influence Sony's production strategy or inventory management.
- TechRadar covers everything you should know about the Sony RX1R III in their comprehensive review.
- Digital Camera World delivers an initial analysis of the Sony RX1R III through a first-impressions review.
- The Verge announces the Sony RX1R III, a compact full-frame camera featuring a 61MP sensor and Zeiss lens, with a price tag of around $5,098 USD for a release on August 8, 2025.
- Photographer, editor, and writer Kim Bunermann explores photography culture by featuring articles, tutorials, and gear reviews, focusing on technical expertise and visual insight to encourage readers in their photographic pursuits.
