Canon’s PowerShot V1 has arrived as a dedicated vlogging camera, aimed squarely at content creators who need a compact, easy-to-use system for high-quality video. While it has not yet been officially announced in the U.S., it was revealed in Asian markets ahead of CP+, and we now have early details. The camera is positioned as a direct competitor to Sony’s ZV-1 series, which has been the go-to option for vloggers looking for a balance between performance and portability. But does the V1 do enough to stand out?

At first glance, the PowerShot V1 resembles the G7X Mark II, one of Canon’s most beloved point-and-shoot cameras. However, unlike the V10, which had a vertical form factor, the V1 returns to a more traditional camera shape, featuring a deeper grip for better handling. This makes it feel more substantial in the hand, something that many vloggers and casual users will appreciate. One of the key highlights is its fully articulating touchscreen, which flips out to the side. Unlike some of Canon’s previous budget models, this is a fully functional touch display, making menu navigation and focus selection more intuitive. It also includes a digital hot shoe, allowing users to mount Canon’s digital microphones without needing additional cables. A headphone jack is present as well, addressing a common complaint from previous compact Canon cameras that lacked proper audio monitoring. However, one major omission is the absence of an electronic viewfinder. While this may not be a dealbreaker for vloggers who primarily use the flip-out screen, some photographers may find it limiting, particularly in bright outdoor conditions where an EVF would provide better visibility.

One of the biggest talking points of the PowerShot V1 is its sensor. Canon has opted for a new 22.3MP 1.4-inch CMOS sensor, which is noticeably larger than the 1-inch sensor found in Sony’s ZV-1. This brings it closer in size to Micro Four Thirds sensors, offering potential improvements in low-light performance, dynamic range, and background blur. A larger sensor also means better image quality overall, giving the V1 a potential edge over Sony’s competing model. The camera is powered by Canon’s Digic X processor and features Dual Pixel Autofocus II, a system inherited from the EOS R6 Mark I. This means users can expect reliable autofocus performance, with subject tracking and eye detection that work well for both people and animals. However, it does not include the latest AI-driven autofocus found in Canon’s flagship mirrorless models, such as the R5 Mark II or the upcoming R1. That said, Dual Pixel AF II is already proven to be fast and accurate, making it a strong feature for a vlogging-centric camera.

The lens on the PowerShot V1 is a 16-50mm equivalent, with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/4.5. This is wider than the Sony ZV-1’s 24-70mm equivalent lens, which is a smart move by Canon. A wider field of view is generally more desirable for vloggers, allowing them to capture more background while filming themselves at arm’s length. The built-in optical image stabilization (IS) further enhances handheld shooting, helping to smooth out minor shakes and jitters. However, the aperture narrowing to f/4.5 at the telephoto end might be a limitation in low light, where maintaining a brighter aperture would be beneficial.

Video performance is another strong area for the PowerShot V1. It offers full-width 4K 30p, oversampled from 5.7K, which ensures crisp detail without cropping. The camera can also shoot 4K 60p, but this comes with a 1.4x crop, limiting the field of view. While this is not ideal, it’s still better than Sony’s ZV-1, which lacks 4K 60p altogether. What sets the V1 apart is its built-in cooling fan, a feature not typically found in compact cameras. Canon claims this allows for up to two hours of continuous recording in 4K 60p, making it an excellent choice for long-form content creators or those who need extended recording sessions without overheating. It is safe to assume that standard 4K 30p recording will be virtually unlimited, with restrictions only coming from battery life and memory card capacity.

Speaking of storage, the PowerShot V1 includes a single UHS-II SD card slot. While dual card slots would have been ideal for professionals, the inclusion of UHS-II ensures fast write speeds, which is essential for high-bitrate video recording. Canon has also included C-Log 3, providing users with more flexibility in post-production by capturing a wider dynamic range. Additionally, the camera offers built-in movie filters and modes aimed at vloggers, such as quick focus switching when holding an object up to the camera, as well as skin-smoothing features. These may not be useful for everyone, but they do add a level of convenience for those looking for an out-of-the-box solution without needing to adjust settings manually.

Another notable feature is the built-in three-stop ND filter, which helps control exposure in bright conditions. This is particularly useful for maintaining a shallow depth of field in daylight without needing to stop down to f/16 or beyond. A simple toggle switch allows users to engage the ND filter, making it a practical addition for video shooters.

For still photography, the PowerShot V1 can shoot RAW images at up to 30fps using the electronic shutter. While this is impressive for a compact camera, it is clear that the primary focus of the V1 is video rather than stills. The lack of an EVF further reinforces this, as most dedicated photographers prefer an optical or electronic viewfinder for composing images. However, for those who want a capable point-and-shoot camera that can also capture high-quality stills, the V1 should perform well within its intended use case.

The camera includes USB-C connectivity, which allows for live streaming and direct charging. This is a welcome addition, making it easy for users to power the camera while filming or stream directly without relying on a separate capture card. The V1 uses an LP-E17 battery, a common Canon battery that should offer decent life, though heavy video users will likely need spares or an external power source for extended shoots.

At the time of writing, Canon has not officially announced the price or release date of the PowerShot V1. However, based on market trends and competitor pricing, it is expected to fall between $800 and $1,000. This would put it in direct competition with the Sony ZV-1, which originally launched at $800. Given the larger sensor, better autofocus, and additional features like a cooling fan and digital hot shoe, Canon may price it slightly higher, though anything beyond $1,000 could make it a tough sell against more advanced mirrorless options.

So, is the PowerShot V1 a game-changer? It certainly brings a lot to the table. The combination of a larger sensor, solid autofocus, oversampled 4K, and practical vlogging features makes it a compelling option. However, the lack of an EVF, the cropped 4K 60p, and the relatively slow aperture at the telephoto end might be drawbacks for some users. It is clear that Canon has designed this camera with vloggers in mind rather than traditional photographers. If you are looking for a compact, high-quality camera for content creation, the PowerShot V1 looks like a strong contender. But if still photography is your main focus, there may be better options available in Canon’s existing lineup.

With more details expected soon, the real test will be how it performs in real-world use. Until then, we will have to wait and see if Canon’s newest vlogging camera truly delivers on its promise.