Sony RX1R III leads on portability

A head-to-head look at two 61MP full-frame compacts, evaluating size lenses and video capabilities.

Sony RX1R III Tops Leica Q3 43 in 61MP Full-Frame Compacts

The Sony RX1R III is priced at about $5,098 while Leica’s Q3 models sit higher, with the Q3 at around $6,735 and the Q3 43 at about $7,380. All three are fixed-lens, 61MP full-frame compacts, but they diverge in handling, weather sealing and display options. The RX1R III is the smallest and lightest, with superb autofocus, but it lacks weather sealing and a tilting screen. The Leicas are chunkier, add lens-based stabilization, and offer tilting screens and robust video features, delivering a more luxurious experience.

Sensor and zoom behavior differs as well. The Leicas provide higher ISO ceilings and use digital crops to extend focal lengths, with varying resolution outcomes across 28mm, 35mm and longer reach. The Sony crops less aggressively but still reduces resolution at longer focal lengths. For video, Leica models offer 8K recording with 10-bit color, while the RX1R III tops out at 4K, making Leicas more appealing to video shooters. In stills, the RX1R III shines with autofocus speed and subject detection, while Leicas emphasize image stabilization and a premium feel.

This comparison reflects a broader trend in premium photography: compact bodies are prized for portability, but users expect robust tools behind the fixed-lens format. The price gap signals a division between speed and luxury, with Leica banking on build quality and video capability to justify higher costs. For buyers, the decision often comes down to workflow: portability and quick results with Sony, versus a more controlled, cinema-ready setup from Leica.

In the end, the RX1R III offers immediacy and discretion, while the Leicas trade some compactness for stabilized versatility and richer video options. The right choice depends on how you shoot: street and travel demand quick, accurate autofocus in a tiny package; documentary and video work benefit from stabilization and 8K capture. The market will decide if the premium for Leica remains valid in an era of ever-improving sensor technology and growing camera stabilization in smartphones and other devices.

Highlights

The best pick depends on your daily rhythm and the balance you want between speed, style, and serviceable video.