Just two years ago, Canon introduced its budget R50 APS-C camera with the RF mount. Now, Canon has announced a vlogging variant of the R50, the EOS R50V. And, alongside the R50V, Canon has also announced the PowerShot V1, a compact camera with a large sensor and good video features.
The EOS R50V
As a Nikon shooter, the new Canon EOS R50V compared to the older R50 reminds me of the Nikon Z30 compared to the original Z50. Gone are the viewfinder and the flash, and instead there’s a front record button.
Like the older Canon EOS R50, the new R50V has no image stabilization, and thus it’s really meant to be a video camera that’s mounted on a tripod most of the time – or at least used with a stabilized lens. Here are the most important spefications:
- Sensor: 22.3mm x 14.9mm CMOS APS-C
- Video Resolution: 4K60 Video with crop, 4K30 without Crop
- Video Quality: 10-bit 4:2:2 Video with optional C-Log3 Log Profile
- Product demo autofocus mode
- Weight: 370g
- Dimensions: 116 x 85.5 x 68.8 mm (4.6 x 3.4 x 2.7″) – Very small indeed!
The R50V did gain a few upgrades in its video compared to the original R50. Unlike the R50, it can shoot 4K at 60fps, albeit with a crop. It also has 10-bit 422 video that can optionally be captured in Canon’s C-Log3 Log profile. Its video autofocus gains a product demo mode, which will focus on products held close to the lens, and then go back to the face of the person in the video when the product is retracted. It’s also got a video livestream button and a four livestreaming protocols.
The camera supports the new Canon RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ, which is the first Canon APS-C lens with power zoom.
Another unusual feature of the R50V not present on the R50 – and indeed, not present on most cameras – is a vertical tripod socket. This feature is meant to aid in the shooting of those questionable vertical videos as an alternative to tilting a ballhead vertically.
In terms of photography, the R50V still has pretty good autofocus of the R50, but due to the lack of viewfinder and its compact size, it will be more limited as a camera for general-purpose still photography. That’s okay, because the R50V was designed primarily for filming talking-head and studio-style tutorial videos on a tripod, and it looks well-suited to that purpose.
If you’re interested in buying the R50V, consider pre-ordering it from B&H Photo through the link below to support Photography Life at no extra cost to you:
The Canon PowerShot V1
Who knew the point-and-shoot would experience a bit of a revival? That’s good for Canon, who announced the PowerShot V1 alongside the bigger R50V. What first struck me about the PowerShot V1 is its price: $899, which is actually $250 more expensive than the R50V at $649! You can even get the R50V with the Canon 14-30mm f/4-6.3 for a little less than the V1. So, what gives about the V1? Why is a point-and-shoot pricier than an interchangeable lens camera?
Well, the V1 has some unique features. For one, it has a large and newly-designed 1.4″ sensor. Let’s stop and consider this new sensor for a second: the actual dimensions of this sensor are 18.4mm x 12.3mm, giving it a surface area of 226.3mm2, which is almost the same as the Micro Four-Thirds area of 224.9mm2! Really the main difference is the aspect ratio. You can see how close they are in this diagram:
The V1 point-and-shoot also has optical image stabilization in its built in 16-50mm (full-frame equivalent) lens. And note the unusual focal length range – this is one of the few point-and-shoots that can shoot true ultra-wide photos! Adding to the uncommon features are a cooling fan for shooting long periods of video, and a built-in 3-stop ND filter for shooting in brighter conditions (which could be especially useful for video).
So, is it worth the extra price over the R50V? It’s hard to say. I think it’s a bit of two things: yes, it’s a very capable compact camera with a new sensor, and so it naturally demands a higher price. But I can’t help also thinking that Canon is taking advantage of the rising curiosity for point-and-shoots that have recently also gone up in price in the used market. Supply and demand, I guess.
At any rate, I think the V1 should be a great all-around compact camera, and probably one of the best point-and-shoots available – mainly because of its sensor size, but also because of the unique lens. It should be very popular with those who want a small, compact camera whether for stills or video usage.
If you’re interested in this camera, consider buying it at B&H below to support our ad-free site!
Press release:
For All Creators: Canon’s New PowerShot V1 and EOS R50 V Expand EOS/PowerShot V Series
MELVILLE, N.Y., – March 26, 2025 — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, answers the needs of video creators with the new PowerShot V1 and EOS R50 V. Both cameras are part of Canon’s growing EOS/PowerShot V Series which seeks to help all creators, including cinema, livestreaming, vlogging, and VR, heighten their visual story telling.
Canon Reinvigorates Point-and-Shoot
If you’re a creator, you want the ability to pursue your own visual expression without compromising quality. Something lightweight and compact that can be used anytime or anywhere to lift your vision forward—a camera that works with you. Designed with a smart and modern concept, the PowerShot V1 is a reliable partner boasting key features including:
- A newly designed grip created for both normal and selfie shooting.
- Ultra wide-angle zoom lens—approximately 17-52mm for movie recording and 16-50mm/F2.8-4.5 for still imagery.
- New 1.4 type sensor with approximately 22.3 megapixels for stills.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for PowerShot for improved AF speed and subject detection tracking performance when compared to the PowerShot G7 X Mark III.
- A cooling fan inside the body to help enable longer video recording.
- A still image/movie shooting switch for quick and easy transition—the first in a PowerShot camera.
- Continuous still shooting at up to approximately 30 frames per second, a mechanical shutter with a maximum speed of 1/2000 seconds, and an electronic shutter with a maximum shutter speed of 1/16,000 seconds.
The Canon PowerShot V1 is also designed with workflow top of mind. Creators can leverage high quality video calls and livestream on a PC with a single USB cable, and the camera works intelligently with smartphones—both wired and wirelessly—via the Canon Camera Connect app.
Cinema Quality in the Palm of Your Hand
A movie-focused, high-performance camera that can fit in the palm of your hand? Yes—it does exist, with the EOS R50 V. The legacy of Cinema EOS technologies is splashed throughout, making EOS R50 V one for all creators who have high artistic ambitions to take to the next level. Key features include:
- Video-focused design elements such as a livestream button, movie recording button in the front of the camera, and a tripod screw hole for vertical shooting.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for quiet and smooth AF.
- Ability to shoot 4K crop at 60fps and YCC 422 10bit.
- Compatibility with the newly launched RF-S14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ, the first RF-S lens with built-in power zoom.
- Four different methods of livestreaming: UVC/UAC, HDMI, Camera Connect, and Live Switcher Mobile multi-camera.
- APS-C sensor and DIGIC X image processor for rich bokeh.
- Image creation consistent with Cinema EOS with five presets for editing, such as Canon Log 3.
Creators are not one-size-fits-all, and EOS R50 V was built through creator feedback to make content creation easier. With modern design elements, customization options, and a new lens bundled together, the EOS R50 V is destined to be in your gear bag.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon PowerShot V1 is scheduled to be available in April 2025 for an estimated retail price of $899.99.* The Canon EOS R50 V is scheduled to be available in April 2025 for an estimated retail price of $649.99* for the body only and $849.99* with the RF-S14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ. For additional information, please visit usa.canon.com.
* Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
The last image (featured) looks so funny with that “hair” on the hotshoe!
Yes, the mini-dead cat :D