Canon’s New Camera Is in a Category Once Thought Practically Dead

A new point-and-shoot camera? In 2025? That might seem surprising if you aren’t up on the latest trends. The reality is the prices of used and older compact cameras have gone through the roof. There’s a real interest, especially among younger people, for capable cameras separate from their phones. 

Canon follows recent announcements by Nikon, Panasonic and others with its new camera in a category once thought dead. The PowerShot V1 records 4K video at 60fps, takes 22.3-megapixel photos and has a stabilized zoom lens.

Perhaps most interesting, and hinting that there may be more cameras to come in the future, is that the V1 features an entirely new, 1.4-inch image sensor. Most of the V1’s likely competitors, like the Sony ZV-1 II, have 1-inch sensors. A larger sensor generally translates to better image quality. 

For Vloggers and more

• 1.4-inch sensor (similar in size to M4/3)
• 4K60 with crop, 4K30 full frame with down sampling
• 5,760×3,840 photos (22.3 megapixels)
• RAW and C Log 3
• 16 to 50-millimeter (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-4.5 lens
• Dual Pixel autofocus
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI (micro), 3.5mm headphone and 3.5mm mic jacks

Lacking an electronic viewfinder or built-in flash, the V1 is intended primarily for video. It records 4K30 full-frame and 4K60 with a slight crop. The new sensor uses the same Dual Pixel autofocus as what’s found on Canon’s R6 MkII. There are both mechanical and electronic shutters, with a 1/2,000 maximum shutter speed for the former, and 1/16,000 for the latter.

Getting light to that new, relatively large sensor is an f/2.8-4.5 lens that goes from an ultrawide 16mm to a more portrait-friendly 50mm (35mm equivalent). That’s GoPro-levels of wide angle and will likely come in handy — pun very much intended — for handheld video recording and selfies. Mechanical and electronic image stabilization help keep video smooth and photos blur-free. There’s also a three-stop neutral density filter to allow for wider apertures or longer exposures in bright light.

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For people who want more pro-level control of their videos and photos, both 10-bit C Log 3 recording and RAW image capture are available. The V1 will include a “dead cat” wind muff for better audio recording outside. There are mic and headphone jacks, so you can monitor and record audio with a separate mic. The multifunction shoe on top lets you connect and power other Canon accessories, like wireless mics.

Recording 4K video can heat up any device, so there’s a built-in cooling fan to keep record times long (or at least longer). 

So… when?

Canon expects to release the PowerShot V1 in late April… sort of. Right now the camera has officially been announced only in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. A US release is likely for sometime in 2025. US pricing, too, is unknown. It’s 148,500 yen in Japan, which at current exchange rates is $989. Could that mean $999 in the US? That would compete fairly well with the $899 Sony ZV-1 II and its smaller sensor.