More and more creators are getting their hands on the new RX1R III (Buy Now). Utah-based landscape photographer, YouTube creator and educator Kyle Meshna (@meshna) is one of them – and he recently took the camera out for a test spin. We sat down with the tech expert for a Q&A session after he put the camera through its paces.
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
Alpha Universe: What did you think of the camera’s image quality?
Kyle: The image quality is exceptional. It's that same sensor we've come to love over the years and I've still yet to find a full-frame sensor that I like more for photos. I'm also happy that we have the same 35mm Zeiss lens from the previous versions of the RX1R. I know it might not be the most technically "perfect" lens by modern standards, but it gives the images a richness and soul to them that is hard to get with most modern lenses. It holds up really well with the high megapixel sensor and is still plenty sharp for my liking.
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
Alpha Universe: What surprised you the most about the RX1R III?
Kyle: Definitely the size. I knew it was small, but you really can't fully grasp just how small it is until you grasp it for yourself in person.
Alpha Universe: What did you think of the AI advancements in the camera?
Kyle: The AI processor and autofocus continues to impress me. Especially on a small camera like this when you don't have a ton of buttons, being able to trust that auto focus won't let you down when you're taking photos very quickly with one hand is so great.
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
Alpha Universe: How is the RX1R III’s new Step Crop Function?
Kyle: I really love the new step crop function. Having that high megapixel sensor makes it so easy to feel confident with pretty intense cropping and being able to do so with the press of a button is fantastic. The way Sony has chosen to implement this Step Crop is my favorite I've used as well. I have used other cameras that utilize a similar technology, but they just add frame lines and it makes it difficult to compose your shot. So being able to see exactly what your frame is going to look like when capturing is perfect, but then knowing you can go back and re-frame your crop in post-production when shooting in RAW gives me a big piece of mind as well.
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
Alpha Universe: Did you use the RX1R III's Creative Looks?
Kyle: I am a huge fan of the new creative looks. Specifically the Film Look 1 has really nice color and contrast and I'd feel confident shooting in JPG with this look for faster turnarounds. I'd love to see these come to all Sony Alpha cameras and maybe even see them work with members of the Sony community to create new signature looks that other users could download. These three images are unedited and were taken using Film Look 1 Creative Look:
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
Alpha Universe: What were some of the camera’s standout features for you?
Kyle: The size and ease of use can't be understated. As someone who is constantly on the move and simultaneously filming video with a dedicated video camera (I use the Sony FX3), having this level of image quality in a tiny little package makes it easy for me to multitask while keeping my kit as small as possible.
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
Alpha Universe: Do you have a favorite photo that you took with the RX1R III?
Kyle: I'd say this photo below is my favorite. We had just left our spot at the lake where we'd spent the day relaxing on the shore and stopped at a turnout with a view of the Tetons to cook dinner before heading to camp. A summer storm was rolling through, so I took a 5-shot pano to capture the whole storm and mountain range. I think it illustrates well my love for these small fixed-lens cameras, because the limitations force you to work just a bit harder to capture your vision. Is being stuck with only a 35mm lens limiting? Yes. But you can always stitch a few shots together if you ever need to capture a wider field of view.
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
Alpha Universe: Are you adding the RX1R III to your kit?
Kyle: Definitely. As I mentioned earlier, I love this style of everyday carry. Not just because I can bring it with me at all times, but because it fits really nicely into my style of on-the-go adventure creation. I almost always have a second camera for video, so having a photo camera that's always around my neck and never gets in the way of that video camera is exactly what I'm looking for.
Photo by Kyle Meshna. RX1R III.
See more of Kyle Meshna’s work on Instagram @meshna and on his YouTube Channel.
To add the camera you can take anywhere to your kit, purchase the RX1R III.
