Canon PowerShot V1 Review: Bold Compact Camera with Unique Video-Focused Sensor

The high-end compact camera market expands with the introduction of the Canon PowerShot V1. This camera stands out with its 1.4-inch, 22.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, which is larger than the typical 1-inch sensors and offers enhanced image quality.

The PowerShot V1 incorporates a fixed zoom lens equivalent to 16-50 mm (f/2.8-4.5), which is optically stabilized, and features the advertised Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system, known for precise and reliable tracking, all within a compact body.

Compared to the Sony ZV-1 Mark II with its 1-inch 20 MP sensor and 18-50 mm lens, Canon bets on superior image quality and a 4K60p video mode.

Canon PowerShot V1Technical Specifications

This test was conducted with a device loaned by Canon.

Canon PowerShot V1A Compact Designed for Creators

With dimensions of 105.5 x 60.9 x 41.5 mm and a weight of 426 g, the Canon PowerShot V1 embodies the essence of a compact camera: it can slip into a pocket or a small bag. It sports a robust magnesium alloy chassis and clean lines. Its motto seems to be simplicity and functionality.

The handling is good thanks to a rubberized grip that ensures a firm hold. The controls are well thought out: on the top, five controls are strategically placed: the ON/OFF switch, a notched PASM mode dial providing access to exposure programs, the shutter release surrounded by its zoom ring, the red dot video recording button, and a photo/video selector. On the back, four buttons facilitate navigation. To adjust the aperture, select a shutter speed, or adjust the exposure, one must rely on the screen, which, from this perspective, is pleasant to use.

An Onboard Fan

On the right side, a hatch houses a USB-C port (charging, continuous power, data transfer via USB 3.2 Gen 1) and a micro-HDMI output for an external monitor. In the same location, a 3.5 mm microphone jack and a 3.5 mm headphone jack allow for the connection of a microphone and sound monitoring.

Not surprisingly for a small format, battery and SD card share the same hatch, located under the device.

Importantly, the PowerShot V1 is “open” on the left side through a thermal extraction hatch, which contains a small fan that cools heavily used internal components during video recording. Consequently, the camera should be handled with care in inclement weather.

Wireless Connectivity and Control Application

The PowerShot V1 is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips for a quick and stable connection to a smartphone, tablet, or computer. These functions are managed via the Canon Camera Connect app, which allows remote control of the camera and automatic transfer of photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet.

The device supports connection to a local network for direct transfer to a computer or an FTP server, which can be useful for professionals who need to back up their files regularly.

Canon PowerShot V1Screen: Practical but Limited in Bright Sunlight

The 3-inch screen of the V1 is designed for creators: it is touch-sensitive and fully articulated, with 1.04 million dots, and pivots in all directions. It is ideal for vlogs/selfies facing the camera or for complex framing (low angle, unusual angles). Its touch interface makes it easy to navigate through menus or manage focus with a tap.

A simplified “vlog” mode for beginners automatically adjusts settings, which is convenient for getting started without diving into the settings. Canon’s menus, rich in options, require some time to adapt, but allow for extensive customization (color profiles, autofocus options).

However, in bright sunlight, particularly in spring and inevitably in summer, the screen is prone to reflections, and its brightness cannot be increased sufficiently to ensure real viewing comfort. The lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a drawback for photographers (in bright sunlight).

Canon PowerShot V1An Innovative Sensor and a Versatile Lens

The PowerShot V1 introduces a 1.4-inch, 22.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, a first in this category. Canon seems to want to stand out in a saturated market, but without competing with its APS-C mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses (such as the EOS R50), while targeting demanding creators. Thus, this new sensor is larger than that of the Sony ZV-1 II and equivalent in this respect to the Micro 4/3 sensors of Panasonic cameras (G100D, etc).

With a surface area twice that of the 1-inch sensor found in the Sony ZV-1 II, the PowerShot V1 has larger photodiodes and captures light better, with reduced noise at all ISO sensitivities. This is clearly a strong point, especially in photography where the images are clean up to ISO 1600, without necessarily having to use specialized software (Topaz or Lightroom) to reduce noise.

The dynamic range is good, and one can relatively well recover highlights and shadows in RAW files, again with third-party software (Lightroom, Capture One, Photolab, etc.).

In video, the increase in ISO seems even better managed, thanks to good filtering algorithms, without impacting the precision of the image.

A Versatile Lens

The 3x optical zoom covers an interesting focal range for vlogging, selfies, and landscapes, from 16 to 50 mm (full-frame equivalent). Its optical quality is decent: minimal distortion and vignetting at wide-angle (likely electronically corrected), almost no chromatic aberrations, and consistent sharpness—although moderate.

Although there is no dedicated macro mode, the focusing distance of 5 cm (16 mm) allows capturing fine details (veins of a leaf, texture of an object), moreover with a soft bokeh at f/2.8.

The lens is quiet and includes optical stabilization (up to 5 stops of correction). Midway through the zoom range, one can feel the “kick” of the stabilization, which helps a lot for handheld shots without having to push the ISO. A 3-stop ND filter, activatable via settings, reduces exposure to maintain a low shutter speed and is handy for maintaining a cinematic look in video.

Canon PowerShot V1High Performance in Photography

Autofocus: The Precision of Dual Pixel CMOS AF II

The combination of the 1.4-inch sensor and lens proves to be remarkably effective for focusing. Autofocus is clearly a strength of the PowerShot V1 thanks to the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which utilizes each pixel to focus across the entire surface of the sensor.

The PowerShot V1 excels in subject detection, identifying faces, eyes (human and animal), and objects with disconcerting ease. Eye detection tracks a moving subject reliably, even in low light or if partially obscured, and tracking remains responsive for a fast-moving subject. Canon’s expertise in this area, developed with its DSLRs and reinforced with its recent mirrorless cameras, such as the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, is evident. The AF quickly repositions if the distance changes, inspiring confidence for spontaneous shots—a crucial aspect.

The system works down to -4 EV (at f/2.8, ISO 100) and is therefore usable in low light conditions.

In video, focus transitions are smooth and natural, and the user can adjust the speed. Focus breathing is moderate and barely perceptible.

High Burst Rates for a Compact

The DIGIC X processor offers high burst rates: 30 frames per second with the electronic shutter, 15 frames per second with the mechanical shutter. The buffer

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Maya Singh

Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.