While smartphones have sounded the death knell for many point-and-shoot cameras, Canon believes there is still a future for this platform, particularly among video content creators.
To that end, the company has reintroduced a pair of next-generation PowerShot compact pocket cameras designed with wide-angle zoom lenses, vari-angle LCD touchscreens, and high-resolution video support.
Could the point-and-shoot camera reclaim its status as the king of online video content?
Image Credit – CanonUSA
Kicking off this new lineup is the Canon PowerShot V1 digital camera. Featuring a full-frame 1.4-inch CMOS sensor and a 16-50mm f/2.8-4.5 wide-angle zoom lens, the PowerShot V1 is built for vlogging and video content creation that requires minimal post-processing.
It can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second, with a 1.4x crop, and includes a built-in cooling fan that allows the camera to record for up to two hours nonstop.
When capturing in 4K30p, the camera utilizes the entire sensor for over-sampled 5.7K video, resulting in superior image quality.
The V1 also supports Canon Log 3, which enhances dynamic range and color accuracy, while offering an expanded ISO of up to 25600, providing excellent low-light performance and a variety of movie modes.
Image Credit – CanonUSA
Additionally, the V1 captures 22 MP still images with support for RAW format and continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second.
A built-in ND filter adds up to three stops of light reduction, enabling a maximum ISO rating of 51200, which is a full stop higher than its competitors.
The V1 features Canon’s advanced DIGIC X image processor and, for the first time, dual pixel CMOS AF II autofocus, establishing this point-and-shoot as a viable backup for higher-performance R series mirrorless cameras.
The autofocus system includes eye tracking for both people and animals, along with improved subject tracking.
Image Credit – CanonUSA
Canon has announced the R50 V mirrorless camera. Equipped with RF-S interchangeable lens options, the R50 V boasts a 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC X processor, capable of capturing cropped 4K60p video or full 4K30p video.
The R50 V offers continuous still image capture at up to 15 frames per second and supports a wide range of Canon RF lenses.
Canon is bundling the R50 V with the RF-S 14-30mm f/2.6-603 IS STM zoom lens, providing a full-frame equivalent focal length of 22-48mm.
This lens supports optical image stabilization and features an ultra-quiet STM focusing motor that is both fast and precise.
Image Credit – CanonUSA
Canon is also introducing the RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM prime lens, which allows manual focus and aperture control for quieter video recording, as well as programmable function buttons for user convenience.
Optimized for still photography, the RF20mm prime lens contains 15 elements organized into 11 groups, including super ultra-low dispersion (SUD), ultra-low dispersion (UD) and Blue Spectrum Refractive Optical (BR) elements to reduce chromatic aberrations for impressive clarity and color accuracy, and an eleven bladed round aperture for smooth and professional looking bokeh.
Pricing and Availability
The high-end Canon PowerShot V1 digital camera is available for pre-order at a retail price of $899.
Meanwhile, the more consumer-friendly Canon R50 V APS-C camera will soon be available at a retail price of $649 body-only or $849 with the RF-S 14-30mm f/2.6-603 IS STM zoom lens.
The RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM lens is also available for pre-order for $1699. Shipping for all products is scheduled for April 2025.
[source: CanonUSA]
Order Links:
- Canon Powershot V1 Digital Camera (B&H)
- Canon R50 V Mirrorless Camera (B&H)
- Canon EOS R50 V Mirrorless Camera with 14-30mm f/4-6.3 Lens (B&H)
- Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM RF mount lens (B&H)
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