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Canon PowerShot V1 First Look Review

Canon has officially returned to the compact camera market with the release of the Canon PowerShot V1, its first point-and-shoot since the PowerShot G1 X Mark III from 2017. In this Canon PowerShot V1 first look review, we explore what makes this model so appealing for content creators in 2025, and include Gareth’s hands-on video review and sample images.

Is This The Best Vlogging Camera of 2025? | Canon Powershot V1 Hands-on Video Review

Originally announced exclusively for the Japanese market at CP+ 2025 in Japan, the PowerShot V1 is now thankfully available in the UK. It arrives with a brand new 1.4-inch 22.3MP sensor, which is much larger than typical compact cameras offer, and promises improved low-light performance and exceptional image quality, from a pocket-friendly size that you can take anywhere.

It also features Dual Pixel CMOS AF for PowerShot, which is an adaptation of Canon’s very effective autofocus system specifically for the PowerShot range, which delivers precise and reliable subject recognition and tracking.

With its newly designed compact body, integrated zoom lens, and powerful video capabilities, the PowerShot V1 is set to ignite the creator world amongst vloggers, content creators, and photographers who want a portable yet extremely capable compact hybrid camera.

Let’s begin by taking a closer look at what this new release has to offer.

Canon’s Return to the Compact Camera Market

It’s been years since Canon previously released a compact digital camera, especially one which is aimed so squarely at vloggers and hybrid content creators. The PowerShot G7 X Mark III launched in 2019, and was very well-received, but the rise of smartphones has put compact cameras under some pressure.

Now with the PowerShot V1, Canon is introducing a completely redesigned system, which combines high-quality video-centric features with a hybrid stills and video approach. This makes perfect sense as the vlogging and content creation boom has increased demand for dedicated cameras with better image quality, advanced autofocus, ease of use and connectivity.

The PowerShot V1 meets all of these and more, and is perfect for content creators and vloggers who don’t want interchangeable lenses, but do want a pocket-sized camera that delivers high-end image quality and a better features than a smartphone offers. Let’s explore some of those next.

Sample image at 20mm. Camera settings 1/200 sec. f/7.1. ISO 100

PowerShot V1 key features

The V1 brings a lot of firsts to the PowerShot lineup, which are mixed in with features ported from Canon’s line of mirrorless cameras for video-centric creators. At its heart, is a newly developed 1.4-inch sensor, which is a huge leap forward for this category, offering better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and richer detail than a typical 1.0-inch compact camera sensor. It’s not quite an APS-C mirrorless camera, but it significantly outperforms most smartphones and previous generation Canon compact cameras.

There’s also Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which is another first for the PowerShot lineup. This AF system brings Canon’s renowned autofocus capabilities to the compact form factor. Unlike previous PDAF or contrast-based AF systems, which could be slow and unreliable, the V1 delivers fast, accurate tracking, even in low lighting conditions.

Key features include:

• New 22.3MP 1.4-inch sensor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF for PowerShot
• Unlimited 4K shooting time
• Built-in 16-50mm (stills) and 17-52mm (video) full-frame equivalent zoom lens
• In-camera recording of 4K 60P (crop) and 4K 30P (full-width) video
• Subject Tracking IS
• Optical and electronic image stabilisation
• Up to 30fps continuous stills shooting in electronic shutter mode
• USB for live streaming and video calls
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Multi Accessory Shoe

Next let’s find out how the camera works for vlogging and content creation.

Designed for Everyday Content

The Canon PowerShot V1 is lightweight and portable, weighing in at just 426g, which is lighter than any of Canon’s interchangeable lens cameras when a lens is attached.  Despite being so compact the V1 has an ergonomic grip that makes it easy to handhold, and includes a fully articulating vari-angle touchscreen, which allows for easy framing whether filming selfie-style, overhead, or from creative angles. This is a win for vloggers who need a hassle-free setup that they can run-and-gun with, or use to shoot all day long.

There are advanced features too, including a tally lamp on the front, which ensures that users always know when they’re recording, a feature that has been added since previous compact models.

The control layout is straightforward, with a video-first mode dial and customisable buttons that make operation intuitive. In contrast to some of Canon’s EOS R mirrorless cameras, which have a steeper learning curve, the PowerShot V1 is designed to be accessible for newcomers and more advanced creators, straight out of the box.

For a true all-in-one setup from the outset Canon has also released the V1 Premium Vlogging Kit, which adds a memory card and multi-functioning grip/tripod Canon Tripod Grip HG-100TBR. This allows for remote shooting, handheld and tripod mounted content creation from a single device.

Sample selfie at 8mm. Camera settings 1/160 sec. f/9. ISO 100

Ultra-Wide-Angle Zoom Lens for all types of subjects

One of the key features of the Canon PowerShot V1 is its integrated ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, which covers a full-frame equivalent of 17-52mm for video and 16-50mm for photos. This wide 17mm field of view is particularly beneficial for vloggers, allowing them to capture themselves and their surroundings while holding the camera at arms length.

For creators who film handheld vlogs, travel content, or events, the wide focal length ensures that everything fits in the frame, even when recording in tight spaces. The f/2.8-4.5 aperture gives you the versatility to gather light in a range of conditions, allowing for brighter indoor shots, outdoor shooting, and creating natural bokeh while recording interviews or portrait-styled content.

A 1.4x crop mode is available for photography, which increases the equivalent focal length to 23-71mm, while using around 1-inch of the sensor area. This allows for an additional zoom effect, albeit with a slight loss of resolution. What other tools are available for capturing content?

Built-in Creative Colour Filters

The Canon PowerShot V1 includes 14 built-in creative colour filters, which allows users to apply professional-grade colour effects in-camera. These presets include:

• Story Teal and Orange for a cinematic contrast effect.
• Retro Green for a nostalgic, faded look.
• Story Blue to enhance shadows and cool tones.

These filters are ideal for creators who want to create consistent images for social media channels without the need for post-processing. Compared to previous PowerShot camera Canon models, this is a useful step in providing users with creative control, while adding the ability to generate consistent styles and build audience recognition. This brings us neatly onto image quality.

Selfie taken with the Canon V1 camera

Image Quality and Sensor Performance

At the heart of the PowerShot V1 is a 1.4-inch 22.3MP sensor, which is roughly twice the size of the common 1.0-inch sensor found in most compact cameras. This puts it ahead of the curve, offering better detail, dynamic range, and improved low-light performance compared to previous gen. compact cameras.

This larger sensor, combined with Canon’s image processing, helps to produce natural skin tones, rich colours, and sharp details, which is especially useful for vloggers, lifestyle creators, and photographers. Even when compared to interchangeable-lens cameras the PowerShot V1 delivers excellent results, but from a very compact form. With his hands-on experience, Gareth’s first reaction to seeing his results was that ‘it has no business being this good,’ which is high praise indeed!

Mechanical vs Electronic Shutter

The Canon PowerShot V1 offers both mechanical and electronic shutter options, giving creators more flexibility when it comes to shooting. The mechanical shutter is ideal for fast-moving subjects like sports and wildlife photography, while the electronic shutter allows for silent shooting and achieves faster speeds up to 1/16,000s, which is perfect for bright daylight conditions and creative motion blur effects.

The camera can even decide on the most appropriate burst shooting mode when set to High-Speed Continuous + mode, which will shoot at up to 30fps when using the electronic shutter.

Sample image at 25mm. Camera settings 1/200 sec. f/7.1. ISO 100

Canon’s Best PowerShot AF Ever

Autofocus is important for vlogging or any type of content creation, and technology has moved on since the previous model launched. Canon has taken the opportunity to introduce Dual Pixel CMOS AF to the PowerShot line-up for the first time in this camera. The advanced dual-pixel system ensures that faces and eyes are consistently sharp, even on moving subjects.

Compared to the Canon G7 X Mark III, which relied on contrast-based autofocus, the PowerShot V1 is a major leap forward. Subject tracking has also significantly improved, allowing users to confidently record people, pets, action, and any moving subject without needing to worry about missed focus, leaving them free to concentrate on the creative side, and think about commentary.

Built for Video Content

This compact hybrid camera puts video-first and offers unlimited 4K video recording, which is a feature that even some of Canon’s mirrorless cameras are missing. Thanks to efficient cooling it is capable of recording 4K 30p (full width) unlimited, as well as 4K 60p (cropped) for slow motion effects in 4K resolution.

For the first time in a PowerShot camera, Canon has also included the Canon Log 3 colour profile, which records wider dynamic range for more flexible colour grading during post processing. This brings the V1 compact closer to professional mirrorless and cinema cameras, while making it a viable B-camera for creators who shoot with more than one body and need to match colours across various cameras.

Stabilisation and Low-Light Performance

Handheld footage from the Powershot benefits from electronic image stabilisation, reducing shake when walking or filming without a tripod. While it doesn’t match the IBIS found in high-end mirrorless cameras, it provides an advantage with steadier footage even in darker conditions.

Conversely, a built-in 3-stop ND filter helps when shooting in bright environments, allowing for shallow depth of field effects or slower shutter speeds for motion blur. This is another first for the PowerShot range, making the V1 an attractive option for everyday filmmaking and travel vlogging.

Connectivity and Live Streaming

For creators who live stream or work remotely, the PowerShot V1 includes USB plug-and-play compatibility. It functions as a high-quality webcam without requiring additional software, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make wireless file transfers easy with your smartphone.

Compared to the Canon G7 X Mark III, which had limited live-streaming functionality, the V1 is far more capable, allowing for direct streaming to platforms like YouTube with a stable connection. Simply download the Canon Camera Connect app to get started with streaming over USB.

Who is the PowerShot V1 for?

The PowerShot V1 is destined for vloggers, content creators, and social media influencers who want a dedicated camera with better quality than a smartphone, but without the hassle of lens changes. It’s also well-suited for photographers who want a second compact camera that delivers strong stills and excellent video performance without the size that goes with an interchangeable lens system.

If you need unlimited 4K recording, reliable autofocus, and a super compact camera, the PowerShot V1 is an excellent choice.

Canon has made a strong comeback to the compact camera market with the PowerShot V1. It combines a newly developed larger sensor, refined dual pixel autofocus, unlimited 4K recording, and accessible yet professional video tools into an ultra-portable hybrid camera that directly serves vloggers and creators.

For anyone who’s also considering the interchangeable lens EOS R50 V, you can see how these two compare in our Canon EOS R50 V Camera Review, which has a specs comparison table to help you decide.

While smartphones may dominate casual content creation, the PowerShot V1 proves that a dedicated camera is still the winner, especially for creators who need more control, better image quality, and a better overall shooting experience.

Reserve your Powershot V1 Camera or the all-in-one Canon V1 Premium Vlogging Kit today and elevate your content with this fantastic pocket-sized compact.

If you’re selling unwanted gear in order to upgrade why not snag a fast and free trade-in quote and we’ll not only pay you for your old equipment, but also take a lot of stress out of the upgrade process.

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By Nick Dautlich on 26/03/2025

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.