Sony today announced the highly anticipated RX1R III, the third generation of its RX1R series, a premium compact camera featuring a fixed lens. This new model boasts a 61-megapixel 35mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, and a ZEISS Sonnar T 35mm F2 lens.

The RX1R III’s combination of the 61-megapixel full-frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and the BIONZ XR image processing engine delivers high resolution and sensitivity, coupled with low noise and a wide dynamic range. The sensor surface includes an AR (Anti-Reflection) coating and omits the optical low-pass filter to achieve superior image quality. The integrated lens is optimized at the micron level, ensuring excellent image quality and high optical performance within a compact form factor.

To ensure accurate and effortless shooting, the RX1R III incorporates the latest AI processing unit, a feature valued in Sony’s top-of-the-line professional Alpha cameras. This AI unit can accurately recognize subject shape and movement, eye position, human bodies, and heads, allowing it to track subjects even when their faces are not visible, for both still images and videos. The image sensor’s capture area covers approximately 78% with up to 693 densely arranged phase-detection AF points.

Despite its fixed lens, the camera offers the versatility of three prime lenses through its Step Crop Shooting function, enabling users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm via assigned buttons or dials. When shooting in RAW format, users can reselect the focal length during post-production. The lens’s macro ring allows instant switching to macro mode, enabling close-up shots as near as 20 cm with a maximum magnification of 0.26x.

For creators seeking unique and personalized visuals, the RX1R III offers twelve built-in Creative Looks. Adjustments to hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, and sharpness can be applied to both still images and videos. Notable Creative Looks include FL2 for a nostalgic expression with subdued colors, and FL3 for a more vibrant image.

Crafted from lightweight yet highly rigid magnesium alloy, the RX1R III balances aesthetics and functionality. Its design maintains excellent operability and expandability, with dials and the Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe embedded into the camera body, featuring a flat top surface. The grip design and surface texture provide a secure and comfortable hold.

The camera is equipped with an electronic viewfinder boasting an approximately 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED with high resolution and contrast, offering a magnification of approximately 0.70x. The RX1R III uses the rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50, capable of capturing up to 300 still images. It also features a USB Type-C port for rapid charging with USB Power Delivery-compatible devices or for connecting external power sources like mobile batteries for extended shooting sessions.

In alignment with Sony’s ‘Road to Zero’ initiative, the RX1R III supports the company’s vision for achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. Manufacturing facilities for Sony imaging products, including the RX1R III, operate on 100% renewable electricity. The camera’s packaging utilizes Sony’s proprietary environmentally friendly Original Blended Material instead of plastic. The camera system also includes comprehensive accessibility options, such as a Screen Reader function and Display Magnification, to support visually impaired users across an expanded range of menu items.

Optional accessories for the RX1R III include the TG-2 dedicated thumb grip , the LCS-RXL compact body case , and the LHP-1 lens hood. The RX1R III will be available in selected countries in the Middle East starting from September 2025.

FUJIFILM Corporation today announced the release of the instax mini 41 instant camera, an addition to its instax series, which allows for on-the-spot photo printing. The new model is now available in the Middle East.

The instax mini 41 is an analog instant camera, developed as a follow-up to the instax mini 40. The design maintains the classic aesthetic of its predecessor, incorporating black and dark-toned silver with orange accents. The camera’s lower section is textured to enhance grip.

Key features of the mini 41 include a “Close-up Mode” and “Automatic Light Adjustment.” The “Close-up Mode” is designed to synchronize the viewfinder’s field of view with the actual printed area, reducing parallax error during close-up photography and selfies. A selfie mirror is integrated beside the lens to aid in framing self-portraits.

The “Automatic Light Adjustment” function automatically senses ambient light levels when the shutter is pressed. It then optimizes both shutter speed and flash output to adjust for various shooting conditions, including bright outdoor environments and low-light indoor settings, aiming to provide balanced exposure for subjects and backgrounds.

Sony Middle East and Africa has unveiled two groundbreaking lenses—the FE 16mm F1.8 G (SEL16F18G) and the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS (SEL400800G)—designed to elevate photography and videography experiences for creators and professionals alike. Both lenses bring advanced capabilities, state-of-the-art technology, and unmatched optical performance to Sony’s Alpha series camera ecosystem.

FE 16mm F1.8 G (SEL16F18G)
The FE 16mm F1.8 G is a premium G Lens that combines high-resolution ultra-wide angles with a lightweight, portable design. This makes it ideal for shooting dynamic landscapes, architecture, starry skies, and even close-ups. With its advanced optical construction, the lens ensures sharp image resolution across the frame and eliminates chromatic aberration, thanks to features like:

1. Two AA (Advanced Aspherical) elements for sharpness at all apertures.
2. Super ED and ED glass elements to minimize distortions.
3. Optimized coatings to suppress flare and ghosting.

With a large F1.8 maximum aperture and an 11-blade circular diaphragm, the lens produces exceptional bokeh. It also boasts a close focusing distance of 0.15m (AF) and 0.13m (MF), allowing creators to explore unique angles and creative depths. Designed for portability, the lens weighs only 304g (10.8 oz) and measures 73.8 x 75 mm, making it perfect for landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography.

For professionals shooting fast-moving subjects, its two XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors provide rapid, precise autofocus with minimal noise, ensuring seamless performance for both stills and video. Additionally, features like reduced focus breathing and in-body Active Mode stabilization make it a reliable choice for video creators. The lens offers intuitive controls, including a focus hold button, aperture ring, and dust-resistant build, ensuring excellent reliability for diverse shooting conditions.

FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS (SEL400800G)
Sony has introduced its first 800mm super-telephoto zoom lens, the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS. Engineered for professionals shooting wildlife, sports, and landscapes, this Alpha lens covers a versatile 400mm to 800mm zoom range. The maximum focal length can be extended to 1600mm with Sony’s 2x teleconverter, offering unparalleled reach without compromising image quality. Designed with an inner-zoom mechanism, the lens maintains a consistent length for stable balance and effortless handling, even during handheld shooting. With its lightweight build and ergonomic design, it’s a go-to choice for professionals on the move.

Key features include:

1. Six ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to control chromatic aberration and deliver sharp, vibrant images.
2. 11-blade circular aperture for smooth, natural bokeh.
3. Precision linear motors for fast and accurate autofocus, perfect for tracking dynamic subjects such as birds or athletes.

he lens also incorporates Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to prevent shake-induced blur and is optimized for use with Alpha bodies offering in-body stabilization.

Both lenses feature thoughtful design elements to improve usability and reliability in diverse shooting environments. From focus hold buttons and customizable switches to fluorine-coated front elements that resist dirt and dust, the lenses are built for rigorous professional use. Additionally, the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS offers a redesigned lens hood with a lock button for added security.

The FE 16mm F1.8 G lens will be available in selected Middle Eastern countries starting April 2025. The FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS lens will hit the market in March 2025.