After almost disappearing as a class, compact cameras are making a comeback. Fujifilm’s X100 VI turned a star on the images aspect, due to its attractiveness and classy movie emulations. And DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 captivated content material creators with its motorized topic monitoring and a gimbal that smooths harsh digital camera strikes.
Now, Canon has jumped again into compacts with the PowerShot V1, a vlogging-centric mannequin that follows the six-year-old G7X Mark III. It’s designed to outshine rivals with a big 1.4-inch 22-megapixel sensor, and boasts different spectacular options like optical stabilization and 4K supersampled video. On the similar time, this digital camera is surprisingly strong in the case of images.
The V1’s 16-50mm lens is sweet and extensive however it’s gradual in comparison with its foremost rival, Sony’s ZV-1 II. And the place Fujifilm’s X100 VI is svelte and fairly, the PowerShot V1 is apparent and a bit chonky. Nonetheless, none of that detracts from the truth that this can be a {powerful} compact digital camera able to capturing unbelievable video and pictures, particularly in low mild, and will swimsuit many creators.
Design and dealing with
As an alternative of going retro like Fujifilm, Canon selected a extra useful method to the PowerShot V1’s design. It’s comparatively thick at 2.1 inches, a bit larger than the X100 VI for those who don’t embody the lens, however it’s barely lighter at 15.03 oz with a battery. By comparability, Sony’s ZV-1 II is simply 10.3 ounces and 1.84 inches thick.
The PowerShot V1 bears some resemblance to Canon’s G7X III that has change into massively popular of late, however is thicker because of the built-in fan and energy zoom lever. Not like the G7X III, the V1 lacks a popup flash sadly, however does have a hotshoe for exterior flashes. Canon additionally moved the file button from the again to a extra sensible place on prime.
The grip is small, however the rubberized floor makes it straightforward to carry, particularly when vlogging. Controls are ample for a compact, however I’d desire not less than one dial on the highest to vary settings. It will even be good if the digital camera was a bit extra pocketable like Sony’s ZV-1 II. The buttons and dials are responsive, however they do really feel a bit low cost subsequent to Canon’s mirrorless fashions. In brief, the PowerShot V1 presents strong dealing with however isn’t a looker like Fuji’s choices.
One other good change is a brand new absolutely articulating display, changing the earlier mannequin’s pop-up show. That makes vlogging and images simpler, as you may see the display when holding the digital camera excessive, low or towards you. My solely criticism is that it’s a bit too dim when utilized in shiny daylight. And you may’t simply look by way of the digital viewfinder to get a clearer view, as a result of there isn’t one on the PowerShot V1.
This digital camera has respectable battery life for a compact at 400 pictures or about 75 minutes of 4K 30p taking pictures on a cost. Different notable options embody mic and headphone inputs together with a microHDMI and USB-C (charging and knowledge switch) ports, plus a single SD UHS-II card slot.
Vlogging and content material creation
The ‘V’ in PowerShot V1 stands for vlogging, so let’s discuss that subsequent. To greatest serve in that capability, it makes use of a large 16-50mm equal lens so you may at all times suit your face into the body, even in cropped mode. Nevertheless, that zoom vary may also be limiting for capturing closeups or B-roll.
Video specs are top-notch for a compact, with sharp, supersampled 4K 30p video that makes use of the total sensor width or 4K 60p video with a 1.4x crop. On prime of that, you may seize 10-bit video when utilizing Canon’s C-Log 3 or HDR codecs.That’s higher than Sony’s ZV-1 II, which solely presents 4K 30p and S-Log video with no 10-bit possibility. Nevertheless, DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 surpasses each fashions with uncropped 4K at as much as 120 fps, whereas additionally providing 10-bit D-LogM or HDR video.
With its giant sensor, the PowerShot V1 presents sharp video and correct, pure shade rendering with Canon’s normal excellence in pores and skin tones. Taking pictures in C-Log3 10-bit boosts dynamic vary significantly in sunny or contrasty scenes, whereas supplying you with extra latitude to regulate video in submit. And when you want to shoot indoors or at evening, the digital camera outperforms compact rivals, displaying decrease noise at excessive ISO settings.
The drawback of a bigger sensor is that rolling shutter that may warp video is extra pronounced than on Sony’s 1-inch ZV-1 II on the 4K 30p setting. If that’s a priority, the cropped 4K 60p setting reduces the issue because it samples a smaller portion of the sensor.
Overheating isn’t a problem with this digital camera both, due to the built-in fan. I by no means noticed any signal of a heat-related shutdown when utilizing the PowerShot V1 with the temperature threshold setting at “excessive.”
Autofocus is an important function for vlogging and the PowerShot V1 competes nicely towards Sony’s ZV-1 II, due to its upgraded processor. It stays locked even on fast-moving topics and the eye- and face-detection, together with topic detection for animals and autos, all work nicely.
The place the ZV-1 II solely presents digital video stabilization, the PowerShot V1 marries 5-stop optical stabilization with digital stabilization. Which means you may shoot easy handheld video with none impression on picture high quality, or allow e-stabilization for strolling or different difficult eventualities. Nevertheless, neither digital camera holds a candle in that regard to DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3, which has a built-in 3-axis gimbal.
Audio can be a plus on the PowerShot V1, because it presents each mic and headphone jacks, whereas the ZV-1 II lacks a headphone port. Canon’s mannequin additionally has an honest built-in stereo mic and comes with a hotshoe-attached wind muff.
Pictures
Regardless of the vlogging emphasis, the PowerShot V1 is extremely succesful for pictures as nicely. In truth, it excels in each picture high quality and pace due to the distinctive 22.4MP, 1.4-inch sensor and Canon’s newest Digic X picture processor to energy autofocus and AI capabilities.
You possibly can hearth off bursts at as much as 30 fps in digital mode, and a really speedy 15 fps with the mechanical shutter (and sure, it has a mechanical shutter which is uncommon for a compact). That makes it one of many quickest compacts accessible. By comparability, the X100 VI can hit 25 fps speeds whereas the ZV-1 II is restricted to fifteen fps speeds. The Osmo Pocket 3, in the meantime, can take pictures however is absolutely designed nearly completely for video.
The PowerShot V1’s excessive speeds are backed up by Canon’s Twin Pixel II focus system that delivers sharp pictures nearly all of the time, powered by the corporate’s newest AI tech for face- and eye-detection. As with different latest fashions, the digital camera additionally presents AI topic detection for animals, autos, airplanes and extra.
The PowerShot V1 trumps Sony’s ZV-1 II with its built-in 5-stop optical stabilization to scale back blur. That enabled me to take pictures all the way down to an eighth, and generally even 1 / 4 of a second, to blur backgrounds whereas maintaining the foreground sharp.
The difficulty with most compact cameras is that they will take good pictures in well-lit circumstances however begin to fall down in low mild. That’s not the case with the PowerShot V1. The bigger 1.4-inch sensor could be very shut in measurement to Micro 4 Thirds, so it delivers clear photos as much as ISO 6400, with manageable noise whilst excessive as ISO 12800.
The great thing about Canon cameras is that you simply get great-looking photos straight out of the digital camera with no fuss, significantly with pores and skin tones — an incredible boon for newbies. JPEG photos have a superb steadiness of sharpening and noise discount, whereas RAW pictures enhance dynamic vary in difficult taking pictures circumstances and offer you extra room to mess around when enhancing in Lightroom.
Wrap-up
I can see what Canon was going for with the $900 PowerShot V1. It successfully beats out its foremost compact vlogging rival, Sony’s ZV-1 II, by providing a bigger sensor, optical stabilization and extra video choices for across the similar worth. And it appeals to hybrid shooters greater than DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 as it may well higher deal with images chores whereas additionally capturing higher-quality video.
The issue is that it’s nonetheless primarily a vlogging digital camera and quite a lot of content material creators have deserted such a compact mannequin in favor of the Osmo Pocket 3. That’s as a result of the Pocket 3 presents distinctive options like motorized digital camera monitoring and a superior three-axis gimbal. It additionally pairs with DJI’s common Mic 2 and Mic mini wi-fi microphones, which is one other huge benefit. On the similar time, the PowerShot V1 has a reasonably primary design, so it might not attraction to patrons searching for one thing prettier just like the X100 VI.
On the finish of the day, the PowerShot V1 is certain to be a success as a result of it delivers in the case of video and photograph high quality — particularly given the present recognition of the now-ancient G7X III. In truth, I’d suggest it over Sony’s ZV-1 II, significantly for those who’re searching for a hybrid digital camera that pulls double responsibility.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/canon-powershot-v1-review-a-powerful-compact-camera-capable-of-capturing-incredible-video-163009584.html?src=rss
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