Canon PowerShot V1 Review

In a world where smartphone cameras dominate casual photography, Canon has thrown its hat back into the compact camera ring with the PowerShot V1. After months of rumors and speculation, I’ve finally had some hands-on time with this pocket powerhouse. Here’s my take on whether it lives up to the buzz.

First Impressions: Build and Design

The moment I picked up the V1, I noticed its solid construction. Unlike competitors that feel plasticky, the V1 has a premium heft without being too heavy at 426g (with battery). The grip feels just right – substantial enough for steady shooting but not so bulky that it loses its compact appeal.

Canon has nailed the control layout. The fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen is responsive and bright, while the physical dials offer satisfying tactile feedback. If you’re coming from the G7X Mark III, you’ll feel right at home, though the V1 feels more refined.

The multi-accessory shoe on top is a welcome addition, giving you options for external mics or other accessories. Overall, the build quality surpasses the Sony ZV-1 while maintaining pocketability.

Sensor and Image Quality

The V1’s standout feature is its 1.4-inch sensor that delivers 22.3MP for still photos and 18.7MP for video – sitting between a 1-inch and Micro Four Thirds in size. With approximately twice the surface area of a standard 1-inch sensor, it captures noticeably better detail and shows less noise in low light compared to typical compact cameras.

In good lighting, images pop with Canon’s signature color science – natural but pleasing skin tones and vibrant blues and greens without looking artificial. The dynamic range impresses, holding details in both shadows and highlights better than expected.

High ISO performance is solid up to ISO 6400, where images remain usable despite some noise. The noise has a film-like quality rather than the smudgy digital look of smaller sensor compacts.

Lens Performance

The integrated 16-50mm (equivalent) f/2.8-4.5 lens strikes a smart balance. The wide end at 16mm is genuinely wide – perfect for vlogging, landscapes, or cramped interiors. The 50mm reach, while not as long as some competitors, hits the sweet spot for portraits and detail shots.

The edge-to-edge sharpness is impressive, particularly at the wide end. There’s minimal distortion, thanks to in-camera corrections, and chromatic aberration is well controlled. The variable aperture means you lose some light when zooming in, but the f/2.8 wide end, paired with the larger sensor, creates a pleasing background blur for close-up subjects.

The 1.4x crop mode is handy, effectively giving you a 23-71mm equivalent focal range when needed. When using this crop mode, the camera utilizes an area equivalent to a 1.0-inch sensor, though it does reduce the number of recorded pixels.

Video Capabilities

For video shooters, the V1 delivers the goods. 4K recording at 30p uses the full sensor width (no annoying crop), while 4K60p is available with a slight crop. The footage has excellent detail and pleasing colors straight out of the camera.

What sets the V1 apart is Canon’s implementation of Dual Pixel AF II in a PowerShot camera. The autofocus is quick, reliable, and rarely hunts – even in dimmer conditions. Face and eye detection works brilliantly for vlogging or interviews.

The built-in cooling fan is a game-changer for long-form content, allowing for over two hours of continuous 4K30p recording without overheating – something many competing cameras struggle with.

Canon Log 3 is included for those who color grade, supporting 4:2:2 10-bit recording for enhanced dynamic range in high-contrast scenes. The camera offers multiple color spaces, including BT.709/BT.2020 and CinemaGamut, which covers nearly 100% of the visible spectrum. Subject tracking stabilization works very well for walking shots, especially with the dedicated Subject Tracking IS function that recognizes and persistently follows your main subject.

Handling and Performance

Battery life from the LP-E17 is acceptable at around 300 shots per charge, though I’d recommend a spare for full-day outings. The USB-C charging option is convenient for topping up on the go.

Operational speed is snappy throughout the interface, and the 30fps burst rate with an electronic shutter captures fast action effectively. The mechanical shutter maxes out at 1/2000s, while the electronic shutter reaches 1/16000s – helpful for shooting wide open in bright conditions.

The built-in ND filter (3 stops) is a thoughtful addition for video shooters working in bright environments, with the option to toggle it on or off as needed. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity work reliably for quick image transfers to the Canon Camera Connect app, and the camera supports Canon’s cloud service “image.canon” for automatic transfers to various applications on smartphones or computers.

Who Should Buy The V1?

The PowerShot V1 makes the most sense for:

1. Content creators seeking a powerful, compact video tool with reliable AF and no overheating issues
2. Travel photographers wanting quality beyond a smartphone without lugging a larger kit
3. Street photographers appreciate the discrete size but proper controls
4. Casual photographers upgrading from smartphones for significant image quality gains

What Could Be Better

No camera is perfect, and the V1 has its shortcomings:

• The lens, while good, loses light at the telephoto end with its f/4.5 maximum aperture
• No built-in flash (though the multi-shoe supports external options)
• No viewfinder for photographers who prefer eye-level composition
• The menu system remains somewhat dated compared to competitors

The Verdict

The Canon PowerShot V1 marks a welcome return to form for Canon’s compact camera lineup. Rather than just iterating on old designs, Canon has created something that feels genuinely fresh while addressing the needs of today’s image-makers.

In a landscape where smartphones have eaten away at the compact camera market, the V1 makes a compelling case for dedicated hardware through its larger 1.4-inch sensor, versatile 16-50mm lens, thoughtful cooling fan design, and creator-focused features like the 14 built-in color filters. It’s not trying to be the camera for everyone – instead, it excels at being the perfect second camera or all-in-one solution for specific users.

Canon has wisely positioned the V1 between pure vlogging cameras and traditional compacts, creating something more versatile than either. With specialized shooting modes like Review Video for product shots, Image Stabilization Video for walking shots, and Beautiful Skin Video with five levels of skin tone correction, the V1 addresses multiple creative needs.

Is it revolutionary? No. But it’s refined, reliable, and competent – taking the best bits from several camera categories and packaging them into something genuinely useful. The Multi Accessory Shoe further expands its capabilities, allowing for digital audio input and smartphone connectivity. In a world of increasingly specialized gear, the V1’s versatility feels refreshing.

Buy the Canon PowerShot V1