Let’s take a first look at the Canon PowerShot V1 and EOS R50 V. Canon recently unveiled these two new cameras aimed at content creators within the vlogging and video production community. The event debut and showcased the hardware with a showcase of video montages shot using the new cameras by a group of influencers. The devices are marketed as an enabler for content creators.
Canon PowerShot V1
The PowerShot V1 is a compact fixed-lens camera equipped with a 22.3MP sensor and a 16-50mm equivalent zoom lens. The V1 is the first of a video-focused compact cameras targeted at content creators. I find the V1 the interesting one of the line-up, with a novel 1.4″ sensor- a first in their Powershot line up.
Additionally, the V1 does reminds you of Canon’s last foray into “micro four thirds”-like compact cameras, such as the Powershot G1 X Mark II with it’s 1.5″-type sensor back in 2014, more than 10 years ago.
Presently, the V1 builds upon and sits above Canon’s current outgoing range of 1″ sensor compact point and shoot camera range. This namely the PowerShot G7 X Mark III and PowerShot G5 X Mark II. Both these were released since August 2019 and had already been around for over 5 years of age. These were popular thanks to its portability, ease of use, and pleasant straight-out-of-camera colour rendition. It sits above Canon’s own PowerShot SX740 HS super zoom compact, albeit with a smaller 1/2.3” sensor.
Still, compact cameras had long been on the decline since camera phones became mainstream and I am glad Canon introduced the V1 to revive this market. The larger 1.4″ sensor is the V1’s main selling point. This is coupled with a 16-50mm lens, offering f/2.8-4.5 aperture, it is tad a versatile for various shooting scenarios. Also, the 1.4” sensor size is as close you can get to the micro 4/3″ system format, with a touch better performance with expected better low-light conditions than their 1″ sensor counterparts.
Staying ahead in the Compact Camera market
Preliminary tests points to the camera offering comparable day time performance to 1″ type sensor cameras, but far superior low light performance. This compact segment had always been dominated by competing Sony 1” sensor cameras. Examples include the Sony ZV-1, and the still in-production RX100 series (held by the 5 years old Mark 8), which still has the best auto focus in this market segment.
Also, the camera features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for accurate autofocus and subject tracking. CPU-wise, the V1 has been updated with a DIGIC X processor over the ageing DIGIC 8 processor, and able to shoot RAW. Size-wise, placed beside the Sony RX100, the Powershot V1 is larger in dimensions in all areas to Canon’s and Sony’s 1” camera line-up, it does resemble the size of the PowerShot G15 released over a decade ago. Here is a V1 specification rundown:
Powershot V1 Key Specifications:
- Sensor: 22.3MP 1.4-inch CMOS
- Optical Zoom 3.1x 16–50mm non-removable lens (35mm equivalent) f/2.8–4.5
- Video: 4K up to 60fps, Full HD up to 120fps
- Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 3,431 points
- ISO Range: 100–32,000 (expandable to 51,200)
- Stabilization: Optical IS and digital IS for video
- Display: 3.0″ vari-angle touchscreen (1.04M dots)
- Audio: Mic and headphone jacks
- Connectivity: USB-C, micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Weight: Approximately 426g
- Pocketable size + in-built active cooling fan
Truly unlimited video recording
Aside from Canon’s new DIGIC X processing engine, the V1 also support 4K continuous unlimited video recording at 30fps as far as your battery and storage can go without software time limits. This is thanks to an in-built cooling fan right into the left of the camera chassis itself as a unique selling point to prevent overheating. This setting can be adjusted and toggled inside the camera function menus.
Touted to be designed for video-loggers, the much of the V1 vlogging enablers are software-based rather than hardware. This includes “product focus” (a feature we first saw on Sony’s ZV-1), quick share and support for live streaming via USB-C. Still the V1 spots a conservative exterior just like any other compact cameras not already marketed for vlogging. Specific features include a vari-angle touchscreen, built-in ND filter, and both microphone and headphone ports. It however, lacks a viewfinder, flash and weather sealing.
Price and value
The V1 priced at S$1,399.00, makes the V1 quite the bargain in the compact point and shoot range compared to the more expensive Sony RX100 with a more inferior 1” sensor. The RX100 Mark 8 still stubbornly holding their price point at S$1,899 till today due to price locks. However to most, the V1 is a $300 premium over Sony’s competing vlog-centric ZV-1 priced at a more attainable S$919. Still, it is not uncommon to find merchants deals of the V1 priced in the sub S$1,200 range, which further closes the price gap.
Also, the V1’s compact size and user-friendly interface make it a convenient option for content creators seeking a portable solution. The software digital stabilization been improved too to provide for more useable handheld footage without gimbals, putting it on equal-footing with OIS phones today.
Canon EOS R50 V
Also announced is the EOS R50 V APS-C mirrorless camera with interchangeable lens, where V emphases “Video”. The R50 V available in black or white colours offers a compact, all-in-one solution primarily for video vlogging. It offers the quality and low-light performance of a larger APS-C sensor over compact cameras for simple casual photography. The R50 V is a refresh of the EOS R50 released 2 years ago. It is positioned higher up the performance line-up from the V1 with this larger sensor. It is for those who want to move up to a larger sensor camera with better quality images and video at the expense of portability.
Price-wise, out of the box, the R50 V is cheaper than the Powershot V1. It comes with a body + basic 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ power zoom pancake lens priced at S$1,190 ($899 body only). This makes it a rather good entry level APS-C camera. Also if you are looking to invest into the Canon ecosystem and lenses. There are two ways to adjust zoom on the EOS R50 V, via the pancake lens twist ring or the index finger zoom lever.
The R50 V spots the same 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor as the outgoing R50 and Canon’s updated DIGIC X image processor. Being a compact mirrorless APS-C, the R50 V offers interchangeable lenses and adds the flexibility to choose lenses based on shooting needs. Though it is not lightweight compared to most phones today, but is a featherweight when it comes to APS-C compacts and can be held comfortably for one-handed handheld shooting. This is especially useful for one-handed vlogging or with a gimbal.
Built for videos first
Like the PowerShot V1, the EOS R50 V is built for video-centric users first, which is odd for a line-up known primarily for still photography. Though the R50 is marketed as a video camera first with video content creators in mind, yet still offers good photo stills expected of an APS-C sensor. Most of the EOS R50 V vlogging-specific video features on software with minor hardware enhancements. The R50 dual pixel CMOS AF II system is touted by Canon to provide reliable autofocus with subject tracking capabilities, though I yet to test it in comparison to Sony’s AF which is much the industry benchmark today.
Body wise, the R50 V rectangular and modern-looking body caters to shooting in both landscape and portrait modes. The control dials layout sits on the top, taking a design hint from larger SLR sliding with dedicated mode dial. Though strangely, the modes are only dedicated only to video modes with 6 out of 8 modes being video modes. Also, the R50 V offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps (cropped) and 30fps (uncropped), utilizing 6K oversampling for enhanced detail. The camera supports Canon Log 3 profiles and HDR PQ for greater flexibility in post-production.
Unique front selfie controls
Moreover, there are some selfie comforts on the R50 V. It also spots a dedicated secondary video record button on the both right front of the camera used in forward-facing portrait format, touted to be a live-streaming capability. Also, the camera has dual tripod mounts to allow for both portrait and landscape shooting orientations.
Notably, like the V1, the R50 features flip out 3.0″ swivel LCD screens with touch screen functionality assisting in composing shots from different angles. Both the V1 and R50 V cameras does not have any electronic view finder (EFV), though both cameras have hot shoes allowing accessories, though no word whether Canon’s own EVF-DC2 EFV is compatible.
Also, the R 50V camera lacks in-body image stabilization and loses it’s built-in flash (which was available on the old R50), which may affect handheld shooting in low-light conditions. However, its compact size and lightweight design make it suitable for on-the-go content creation. The EOS is is available in both black and white colours. It is also compatible with Canons APS-C range of RF lens mount, which is compatible to some extent with Canon’s full-frame EOS R cameras.
Canon EOS R50 V Key Specifications:
- Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS
- Removable Lens with RF mount (compatible with RF and RF-S lenses)
- Video: 4K up to 60fps (cropped), Full HD up to 120fps
- Autofocus: Dual-Pixel CMOS AF II + subject tracking
- ISO Range: 100–32,000 (expandable to 51,200)
- Stabilization: Digital IS for video, Lens optical IS (no in-body stabilization)
- Display: 3.0″ vari-angle touchscreen (1.04M dots)
- Audio: Mic and headphone jacks
- Connectivity: USB-C, micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Weight: Approximately 554g (body only), RF-S14-30mm (181g)
Wrapping up
That wraps up our first looks of both the Canon Powershot V1 and EOS R50 V creator cameras. If you’re after portability, quick setup, and simplicity, the V1 feels like a no-fuss option that just works out of the box. Its a tad limited in flexibility, but makes up for it with product focus and built-in cooling. It is a versatile tool for casual creators or daily vloggers.
The R50 V, on the other hand, leans into growth potential- interchangeable lenses, a larger APS-C sensor, and pro-level tools like Canon Log 3 make it more future-proof. You’ll trade off some convenience for control. But if serious content creation or hybrid photo-video work is your goal, the R50 V packs more long-term value. If either camera fits your needs and workflow, it’s worth checking them out in-store or online- both the PowerShot V1 EOS R50 V are now available in Singapore at Canon-authorised retailers.
