The budget-friendly compact camera market is a fascinating space, as it’s where brands often prioritize cost-cutting, sometimes at the expense of a smooth user experience.
This pattern keeps popping up with compact APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras aimed at content creators—too often, they skimp on essentials like stabilization, headphone or mic jacks, or, worst of all, a mechanical shutter, leaving users wanting more.
While there are standout compact cameras out there, like the Sony ZV-E1, the $1,000 price range has yet to deliver the “perfect” option.
That’s where the Canon PowerShot V1 comes in. It grabbed my attention, and here’s why.
Canon Powershot V1 – B&H
Canon Powershot V1 Is Better Than Expected
It has everything you need for run-and-gun vlogging or content creation.
It comes equipped with a microphone jack, headphone jack, HDMI port, and in-lens stabilization to keep your shots steady.
The only potential drawback (though not really a dealbreaker) is its sensor—a 1.4″ CMOS.
At first glance, that might sound small, but it’s essentially a Micro Four Thirds sensor trimmed to a standard 2×3 aspect ratio. Since consumer video is typically 16:9, this 1.4″ CMOS actually delivers a sensor area that’s equal to, or even slightly larger than, a Micro Four Thirds sensor when recording video.
Canon Powershot V1 Image Sensor: 18.4 x 12.3 mm
Panasonic GH7 Image Senor: 17.3 x 13 mm
As you can see from the sensor size specifications, the Canon Powershot is almost a full millimeter wider than the Panasonic GH7. This sensor size has been fantastic for video creators.
What’s The Catch?
So, what’s the catch? Canon wouldn’t just hand us perfection, would they?
There’s one hiccup.
The aperture is a little on the slower side, but it’s not a dealbreaker—especially since you get f2.8 at the wider end, which is decently workable.
On the plus side, the video specs hold up nicely.
Canon Powershot V1 Video Specs
Video: 4k30p, 10-bit H.265 with Canon Log3. 4k60p has a 1.4x crop.
Record Limit: None
ND Filter: 3-Stop
Mechanical Shutter: Yes!
Built-In Mic: Stereo, Top
Flippy Screen: Yes
Active Cooling: Yes
This is the first time I’ve seen a serious contender to replace the GoPro or DJI Pocket 3 for many uses, although it is significantly bigger.
Even so, it shapes up as an excellent hybrid photo/video camera or a compact, pocket-friendly option for video. If you’re vlogging with a tripod, a cameraman or even shooting handheld or on a stick, the 16-50mm (35mm equiv) lens should hold up fine in most cases.
I’m curious to see how the market responds to this one. It looks impressive to me, and I’ve long hoped Canon would elevate the PowerShot line. The V1 feels like a solid step in the right direction.
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Hey Alik, I think the lens is actually 16-50mm in full frame terms. Richard Butler from DPReview clarified that it’s an 8.8-25.6mm lens in front of a sensor with a 1.95x crop.
correction, it says 8.2-25.6mm directly on the lens
Updated, thanks for catching that, I haven’t sent the article on blast yet. I think that’s the first time I’ve seen a big camera company list the equiv focal length. And surprisingly, so many of these compacts are not wide enough so it was totally expected that the lens would be tighter than it should have been.
This camera might just be game changing. Now I kind of want it.
Oh that’s perfect! I missed that somehow.
Tricky camera companies mixing up all their numbers now.
I think it’s fantastic. If I see any deals, I might hop on. I’ve seen so many specheads dismiss this camera. Any M43 or even APS-C camera with a lens will be much bigger. (Lens sticking out). It’s the first canon camera I’ve been interested in for a long time.
It looks to me like the best alternative to the Pocket 3 that I’ve seen so far, but it’s capable of a lot more, if you’re just looking for a pocket camera.