Canon PowerShot V1 Drops: The Vlogging Camera You’ll Wish You Could Get Sooner

Canon PowerShot V1
Credit: Canon

 

Canon just unveiled the PowerShot V1, and damn if it isn't one of the most exciting compact I've seen in years. The photography world is buzzing, and for good reason. This little powerhouse is crammed with features that usually require a much bigger camera and budget. The only frustrating part? Canon's rolling it out in Asia first, making the rest of us wait until later in 2025 to get our hands on one.

After digging through every spec and hands-on report available, I'm convinced this camera deserves the attention. Here's why it matters and how you might satisfy your gear cravings while Canon sorts out its global distribution.

A Creator's Tool That Actually Makes Sense

Canon's clearly been paying attention to what content creators actually need instead of what marketing departments think they want. The PowerShot V1 specs center around a substantial 22-megapixel Type 1.4 sensor—bigger than the 1-inch sensors we usually see in compacts, yet still keeping the body manageable.

What struck me immediately was the balanced approach. Unlike Sony's recent offerings that sometimes feel like video cameras that reluctantly take stills, the V1 handles both with equal confidence. The lens range is practical—16mm at the wide end for environmental context and self-recording, extending to 50mm for flattering portraits. I've shot a lot of content with similar focal ranges for years, and honestly, it covers 90% of what most creators need.

For self-recording (which I've struggled with more times than I care to admit), the articulating screen is properly implemented, not hobbled like some competitors. The windscreen over the mics shows someone at Canon actually shot outdoors before finalizing the design.

I spent a weekend last month shooting a project with a different compact camera and went home with cramping hands. The V1's ergonomics suggest someone designed it for actual use rather than just looking good in marketing photos.

Credit: Canon

Video That Professional Creators Will Appreciate

The video specs reveal Canon's serious intentions:

Full-width 4K at 30p, oversampled from 5.7K, giving you detail most compacts can't touch. 4K at 60p with a minor 1.4x crop when you need smoother motion. 10-bit Canon Log3 that gives you real grading flexibility (not the baked-in look that plagues budget options). A thermal design that allows extended recording—something my Canon R5 still struggles with despite costing three times as much. Dual stabilization systems that work together rather than fighting each other.

The dedicated audio ports and Multi-Function Shoe aren't afterthoughts either. Last week I shot interviews with a competitor's compact and needed to chase down adapters just to monitor audio properly. The V1 eliminates that nonsense.

Still Photography That Hasn't Been Sacrificed

While video clearly drove development, the still photography features remain impressive:

A 30fps electronic shutter that captures the decisive moment even when shooting unpredictable subjects. Dual Pixel AF II that doesn't lose your subject when they turn slightly away from camera. Built-in ND filter—something I've added external filters to achieve on countless occasions when wanting shallow depth of field in bright conditions. RAW capability with Canon's color science, which continues to produce the most natural skin tones in the industry.

Who Will Get the Most From This Camera?

Content creators who film themselves will immediately appreciate how this camera addresses their specific challenges. The focusing stays reliable during movement, stabilization delivers professional-looking footage without gimbals, and the audio setup adapts to various scenarios without requiring an engineering degree to configure.

Travel photographers will love having this kind of image quality in a package that doesn't announce "expensive camera here" or require its own carry-on bag. I traveled through Spain last summer with my R5 and 24-105 and would have traded it in a heartbeat for something this capable yet discreet.

Those moving beyond smartphones will find the V1 offers substantial quality improvements while remaining approachable. It bridges the gap between phone photography and enthusiast equipment without the intimidation factor.

I've also seen professionals increasingly adopt compact cameras as backup bodies. The V1 is capable enough to serve this role without compromising quality when your main system is unavailable or impractical.

Pre-Owned Options to Tide You Over

While awaiting the V1's global release, several existing models offer solid capabilities:

• Sony ZV-1 (~$550-650): Sony's creator-focused compact with features tailored for vlogging. The forward-facing microphone works surprisingly well in moderately noisy environments, though you'll want spare batteries for any serious work.

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (~$600-700, body only): Offers 4K, in-body stabilization, and access to excellent affordable lenses. I shot a documentary short with this camera two years ago and still occasionally use it despite owning "better" equipment—sometimes small and unobtrusive wins the day.

• Canon G7X Mark II (~$500-600): Provides 4K video, a 20MP 1-inch sensor, and 24-100mm lens. I borrowed one last year for a weekend project and was impressed by the image quality, though extended recording in summer heat proved challenging.

I still use a pre-owned Canon compact I bought while waiting for another camera release. What was meant to be temporary became a permanent part of my kit because its size let me capture moments I'd have missed with larger equipment. Quality cameras typically maintain decent resale value too—I sold a four-year-old Canon compact last year for about 60% of what I paid new.

When Can We Actually Get One?

Based on Canon's announcement and industry sources, the PowerShot V1 will arrive in Asian markets around April 2025 with an estimated price of $1,199 USD. Canon hasn't confirmed exact timing for North America and Europe, but mid-2025 seems likely based on previous global rollouts.

For serious content creators, this camera warrants keeping an eye on—it addresses real-world needs rather than just adding features to a spec sheet. Until it's available, exploring pre-owned options builds valuable experience that transfers directly to the V1 when it arrives.

Need gear recommendations or have questions about what might work for your specific creative needs? Drop a comment below or check our curated collection of inspected pre-owned Canon equipment.

I've been shooting professionally for over a decade, and the most valuable insight I can offer is this: the best camera is one you understand deeply before the perfect shot presents itself. Consider this waiting period an opportunity to develop that relationship.

Need something to shoot with now? Check out our hand-picked pre-owned Canon gear—perfect for creators who can’t wait.