Canon announces the Powershot V1 – proving compact cameras are making a comeback

By Tim Levy | 21 February 2025
The Canon Powershot V1 – aimed at content creators.

The Canon PowerShot series, introduced in 1996, is a line of compact digital cameras that has played a significant role in the evolution of consumer photography.

Designed to offer fairly high-quality imaging in a portable form, the PowerShot series quickly gained popularity among casual photographers and enthusiasts alike.

The 1996 0.5MP Powershot 600. 

Early models, such as the 1996 0.5 Megapixel (half a megapixel CCD) PowerShot 600, featured tiny resolutions and basic digital capabilities, but as technology advanced, so did the PowerShot lineup.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Canon introduced various sub-series, including the high-performance PowerShot G-series for advanced users, the rugged D-series for outdoor and underwater photography, and the ultra-zoom SX-series.

Then the rise of the smart phone from 2013 to 2022 virtually killed off the compact camera market. 

Of late, compact cameras have made a comeback due to a mix of nostalgia, aesthetic appeal, and a desire for a different shooting experience than smartphones provide. Many people appreciate their portability, dedicated controls, optical zoom capabilities, and the distinct image quality they offer, especially in low light or high-action situations. And for vloggers, they offer superior low-light footage.

Additionally, influencers and content creators have revived interest in retro-style photography, while brands have responded with stylish, high-quality compact models that appeal to enthusiasts looking for a more intentional approach to photography.

Let’s not forget about price points. Full-frame mirrorless cameras are still quite expensive, especially for younger content creators. On the other hand, compact cameras offer a shallow learning curve, portability, and a reasonable price, making them a great option that outperforms phone cameras in almost every way.

Sony has recently seen great success with their fairly inexpensive Sony ZV-1MkII camera in the vlogosphere – and now Canon wants to see a piece of that pie.

The Canon Powershot V1 back with articulating screen.

Aimed at video-centric content creators

The new Canon Powershot V1 is a compact camera designed with videographers in mind. Featuring a decent ultra-wide to standard lens 16-50mm equivalent F2.8-4.5 zoom lens. At its core, it houses a 22-megapixel Type 1.4 (18.4 x 12.3mm) sensor, complemented by Canon’s advanced Dual Pixel AF II system for fast and accurate autofocus.

The camera sports a fully articulating rear display for flexible framing and a built-in windscreen for its top-mounted microphones, enhancing audio quality. However, it lacks a built-in flash or electronic viewfinder, reinforcing its focus on video-centric functionality.

Currently, the camera is only available for preorder (available some time in April) in Asia and listed on the Canon Japan website for 148,500 yen which is about AU$1,550(+GST) 

You can see more about this camera on the Canon Japan website.

Notice that legacy speedlights cannot be used, as the hot shoe features Canon's new Multi-Function Shoe and lacks the traditional center-pin trigger for older speedlight compatibility.
  • Sensor: 22MP Type 1.4 (18.4 x 12.3mm) Dual Pixel AF CMOS
  • Lens: 16-50mm equivalent F2.8-4.5 zoom lens with 3EV ND filter
  • Video Capabilities:
    • Full-width 4K up to 30p from 5.7K capture
    • 4K/60p from a 1.4x crop (1:1 pixel capture)
  • Stills Performance: Up to 30 fps in electronic shutter mode
  • Cooling System: Built-in fan for extended video recording
  • Weight: 426g with battery
  • Size: Approx. 118.3 x 68.0 x 52.5 mm
  • Streaming: Supports both wired and wireless video streaming
  • Connectivity & Accessories:
    • Multi-function hotshoe for flash or audio accessories
    • Fully-articulated rear touchscreen
    • Headphone and microphone sockets