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Canon PowerShot V1 Compact Announced

Stop the press. In exciting news Canon has officially announced the PowerShot V1, a brand-new compact camera aimed at hybrid content creators. The launch comes just days before CP+ 2025, Japan’s biggest photography and imaging trade show, where Canon is expected to showcase the camera alongside other innovations. The V1 marks a significant step forward for the PowerShot series, introducing several firsts including a larger 1.4-inch sensor, faster readout speeds, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II.

At present, the PowerShot V1 has only been announced in Japan, with no confirmation of an international release. However, given its hybrid design, advanced autofocus, and dedicated vlogging features, it’s clear that Canon is targeting a new generation of users who want a portable, all-in-one camera for both video and photography. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the PowerShot V1 stand out from the crowd, with this timely compact camera release.

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First Look at the new PowerShot V1

The Canon PowerShot V1 is an all-in-one compact camera which is capable of high-quality stills and video, from a point-and-shoot form factor. It brings a new 22.3MP 1.4-inch sensor, with improved image quality over a traditional 1-inch sensor, delivering more detail, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance.

Along with the new sensor, Canon has introduced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for PowerShot, which is another first for any PowerShot camera. This is set to offer fast, accurate autofocus with AI-driven subject detection and tracking, much like from Canon’s advanced mirrorless EOS R cameras offer.

 Dual Pixel CMOS AF II is capable of maintaining focus on moving subjects such as people, pets, and vehicles, which is ideal for hybrid creators who need reliable AF performance so they can concentrate on the creative side.

The V1 also integrates a built-in ultra-wide zoom lens with a bright f/2.8-4.5 aperture, which covers an equivalent range of 16-50mm for stills and 17-52mm for video. This is very useful for vlogging, street photography, and everyday shooting, while completely eliminating the need for interchangeable lenses – which is one of the main draws to a point and shoot.

Compact Hybrid for Video and Stills

Canon has positioned the PowerShot V1 as a true hybrid camera, with a range of features for both photography and video content.

Key video features include:

• 4K60P (cropped) recording for high-speed, detailed footage
• 5.7K oversampled 4K30P for high-quality standard 4K video
• Canon Log 3 support, allowing for 10-bit 4:2:2 recording with a wider dynamic range
• Long recording times, thanks to an internal cooling fan

For stills photography, the V1 supports up to 30fps continuous shooting in electronic shutter mode, which is brilliant for capturing fast-moving subjects, action shots, and spontaneous moments of your friends jumping into the pool!

A New Sensor

One of the most significant upgrades in the PowerShot V1 is its new 1.4-inch sensor, which has around twice the surface area of a traditional 1-inch sensor, and is often used for compact cameras. This brings several benefits including:

• Higher image quality with greater detail and improved noise control
• Faster readout speeds, reducing rolling shutter distortion when recording video
• Better light-gathering for handheld shooting in low-light

Dual Pixel CMOS AF II Arrives for PowerShot Cameras

The PowerShot V1 is the first in the compact series to feature Canon’s advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II. This means faster, more precise autofocus, with enhanced subject recognition powered by AI is expected. The camera is capable of detecting and tracking:

• Human subjects (face, eye, and body detection)
• Animals (cats, dogs, and birds)
• Vehicles (cars, motorbikes, trains, and planes)

For vloggers and content creators, this autofocus system will help achieve sharp focus even when moving around the frame.

Integrated Zoom Lens for Stills and Video

With a 16-50mm equivalent range for stills and 17-52mm for video, the PowerShot V1’s built-in zoom lens is more versatile than many compact cameras. This gives photographers and videographers the ability to capture diverse images such as wide landscapes, natural-looking portraits, and everything in between, without ever changing lenses.

The lens’ f/2.8-4.5 aperture allows for good low-light shooting, able to handle indoor content, nighttime cityscapes, and vlogging in different lighting conditions. Canon has also included optical and electronic image stabilisation, helping to reduce camera shake when recording handheld footage.

Record Long Shoots Without Overheating

Overheating is a challenge for compacts, or any camera that is capable of recording high resolution video for extended periods. Canon has addressed this with a built-in cooling fan, and the PowerShot V1 can keep recording for over two hours in 4K30P.

This is particularly useful for creators who need uninterrupted takes when filming livestreams, interviews, travel content, or behind-the-scenes footage for social media for example.

Connectivity for content creators

Canon has included versatile connectivity to streamline the V1’s workflow for live streaming, sharing clips to social media, and backing up files. These include:

1. USB-C support for live streaming and video calls
2. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless transfer
3. Canon Camera Connect app for remote control and mobile editing
4. image.canon cloud service for automatic backups and workflow

The USB-C connection lets you plug the camera directly into a computer taking a lot of the hassle out of live streaming, while capturing higher-quality video without the need for extra devices.

First in the PowerShot Lineup with Canon’s Multi-Accessory Shoe

The PowerShot V1 is also the first PowerShot camera to feature Canon’s Multi-Accessory Shoe, enabling you to mount professional audio devices, and other accessories. This next-gen connects digital microphones, external recorders and flashguns, giving more control over their audio and video setup without cables.

For vloggers and filmmakers looking to improve their production quality, this accessory mount opens up new creative options with Canon's latest accessory technology.

Only Available in Japan

At the moment, the PowerShot V1 has only been announced for the Japanese market, with no confirmation of a global release. Given its mix of photo and video features, it’s a strong contender for international expansion, but Canon hasn’t confirmed if that will happen.

The timing of the announcement, just ahead of CP+ 2025, suggests Canon is testing interest in the new camera, and if it proves popular at the show, it may pave the way for a broader launch later in the year. Fingers crossed!

In the meantime, explore our range of Canon compact cameras, which include the PowerShot G7 X III and more. 

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By Nick Dautlich on 20/02/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.