Canon unveils the PowerShot V1, a compact camera designed for vlogging. Announced for the Japanese market, it stands out with a new 1.4-inch sensor, 4K oversampled from 5.7K, and an integrated fan. It also features the brand’s latest advancements in autofocus and burst shooting. With this model, Canon aims to compete with the Sony ZV-1.
Sommaire
New Compact Vlog Camera
Canon is riding the trend and re-entering the compact camera market with the PowerShot V1. An indirect successor to the G7 X Mark III launched in 2019, it is positioned as the second camera dedicated to vlogging after the unique PowerShot V10, released in June 2023.
Adopting a more traditional design for a compact, the Canon PowerShot V1 still sets itself apart from its predecessors with a new 1.4-inch, 22 MP sensor, instead of the usual 1-inch sensor. This major evolution doubles the sensitive surface, offering dimensions close to a Micro Four Thirds sensor while maintaining a 3:2 aspect ratio.
Here is the list of technical specifications for the Canon PowerShot V1:
- Sensor: 1.4” (18.4 x 12.3 mm) CMOS, 22.3 MP
- Low-pass filter: N/A
- Processor: Digic X
- Lens: 8.2-25.6 mm f/2.8-4.5 (equiv. 16-50 mm)
- Stabilization: Optical, 5 stops
- Minimum focusing distance: 5 – 15 cm
- Electronic viewfinder: No
- LCD screen: 3″ TFT, touch-sensitive, 1.04 MP
- Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, phase + contrast
- AF coverage: N/A
- AF subject detection: Humans, animals (dogs, cats, birds, horses)
- ISO range (photo): 100 – 32,000 (expandable to 51,200)
- ISO range (video): 100 – 12,800 (expandable to 25,600)
- Burst shooting: 15 fps (mechanical); 30 fps (electronic)
- Shutter speed: 30s – 1/2000s (mechanical); 30s – 1/16,000s (electronic)
- Video: 4K 30 fps (oversampled from 5.7K); 4K 60 fps (1.4x crop); FHD 120 fps
- Video color profiles: C-Log 3
- Cooling: Active
- Storage: 1 x SD UHS-II
- Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 4 / Bluetooth 4.2
- Battery: LP-E17, 1040 mAh
- USB charging: Yes, USB-C
- Dimensions: 118.3 x 68 x 52.5 mm
- Weight: 426 g (with battery and memory card)
- Launch price: N/A
Sensor Similar to Micro Four Thirds and a Versatile Zoom
At first glance, the new 1.4-inch, 22.3 MP CMOS sensor may not seem groundbreaking, appearing only slightly larger than the standard vlog camera sensors. However, upon closer inspection, its 18.4 x 12.3 mm dimensions bring it very close to the Micro Four Thirds sensors (17.3 x 13 mm) used in mirrorless cameras like the recently launched OM System OM-3 or in compacts such as the Leica D-LUX 8. However, the PowerShot V1’s sensor offers a higher resolution of 22.3 MP and maintains a 3:2 aspect ratio.
This reminds us of another Canon compact, the now-discontinued PowerShot G1 X, which, when launched in 2012, featured a 1.5-inch sensor but with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Paired with the Digic X processor (found in most of Canon’s recent mirrorless cameras), this new sensor offers an ISO range from 100 to 32,000, extendable up to 51,200 ISO.
The V1 features a 16-50 mm f/2.8-4.5 equivalent zoom, a stabilized lens similar to the 18-50 mm f/1.8-4 found on the Sony ZV-1 II. This zoom lens consists of 9 elements in 8 groups (including 3 aspherical elements).
The minimum focusing distance is 5 cm at wide-angle and 15 cm at full zoom.
Advanced Autofocus System
Thanks to the Digic X processor, the Canon PowerShot V1 benefits from the autofocus modes of Canon’s latest mirrorless cameras, such as the EOS R6 Mark II. With Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, the V1 can focus on faces and eyes of both humans and animals, though it is unclear if it also recognizes and tracks vehicles.
Continuous shooting reaches 15 fps with the mechanical shutter, and up to 30 fps with the electronic shutter, both with AF tracking—an impressive feat! The camera also features a product showcase mode, useful for video creators presenting products on camera.
4K Oversampled from 5.7K and Integrated Fan
In video mode, the camera records in 4K 30 fps, oversampled from 5.7K, promising exceptional image quality for a compact camera. It also supports 4K 60 fps, though with a 1.4x crop. Slow-motion recording at 120 fps is available, but only in Full HD.
The PowerShot V1 also supports 10-bit C-Log 3 recording, providing a wide dynamic range for color grading and professional video production.
Like Sony’s vlog cameras, the V1 includes a subject tracking stabilization mode, ensuring the subject remains well-framed during recording.
Beyond optical stabilization, the camera offers dual electronic stabilization, which slightly crops the image. It also features a built-in 3-stop ND filter, a tally light, zebra patterns, live streaming capabilities, and timecode synchronization. To support extended recording sessions, the PowerShot V1 incorporates an integrated fan—a first for this type of camera, according to our research.
A Dense Compact Body
The Canon PowerShot V1 stands out with a larger body than its competitors. Measuring 118.3 mm wide, 68 mm tall, and 52.5 mm thick, it is bulkier than the Sony ZV-1 II, for example. This is likely due to its larger sensor and the inclusion of an internal fan. Additionally, it features a more pronounced grip, offering better handling compared to other vlog-oriented compact cameras.
Weighing 426 g, the Canon PowerShot V1 ranks among the heaviest compact cameras. As expected from a vlogging-oriented camera, it lacks an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on a fully articulating 3-inch touch LCD screen (1.04 MP). The camera follows standard ergonomic practices, featuring well-placed controls, including a dedicated zoom lever and a photo/video mode switch.
The camera includes a slot for SD UHS-II memory cards, a USB-C port, 3.5 mm microphone and headphone jacks, and a micro HDMI port.
Good news: the hot shoe supports digital accessories, allowing the use of external digital microphones or modern flash units. The V1 also features three built-in microphones.
UVC/UAC protocols allow the camera to be used as a webcam by simply connecting it to a computer via USB. In terms of wireless connectivity, the device supports Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 4.2. The battery life of the LP-E17 battery is currently unknown.
Price and Availability of the Canon PowerShot V1
Currently available for pre-order in Japan only, the Canon PowerShot V1 is expected to be showcased in more detail at the CP+ 2025 trade show.
The Japanese retail price is set at 148,500 yen, approximately €947. If launched internationally, the price is expected to be in a similar range.
Our Initial Thoughts on the Canon PowerShot V1
At a time when vlogging-oriented compact cameras seemed to be losing momentum, Canon could have simply refreshed an existing 1-inch model. However, with the PowerShot V1, the brand is pushing boundaries with an innovative camera featuring unique specifications: a larger 1.4-inch sensor, oversampled 4K, and even an integrated cooling fan. This bold move could appeal to content creators seeking enhanced performance.
On paper, this is a well-rounded compact camera, fully equipped for both photography and videography, potentially attracting a broader audience beyond vloggers. Now, we just have to wait and see if it gets a global release.
