PowerShot V1 versus Canon EOS R50V

Overview

Both the Canon PowerShot V1 and Canon EOS R50V are video-centric cameras but appeal to different types of photographers. The PowerShot V1 is small with a fixed lens, 1.4-inch 22.3MP sensor, and 16-50mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens and tip the scales at just 374g. It's all convenience of carrying and convenience of operation, with flip-out 3-inch LCD, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, and 4K/60p video, but at the expense of 1.4x crop. The EOS R50V, on the other hand, is an APS-C mirrorless with 24.2MP sensor and support for RF and RF-S lenses, and comes in at 370g without a lens. It's video-friendly with features like a front record button, vertical shooting mount, and cooling for handling long takes. They both share Canon Log 3 support, 10-bit video, and reliable autofocus but differ in terms of shape—permanent, bulkier, and swappable lensable and flexible and swappable lensable respectively—and thus best used for different uses. Let's break down what each offers, their positives and negatives, and what works for you.

Canon PowerShot V1

The PowerShot V1 is for those who require a camera that they can just grab and go, like vloggers or social media personalities. Its 1.4-inch 22.3MP sensor is better than the 1-inch sensors you'd find in something like the Sony ZV-1 II, giving you decent dynamic range and decent performance in low light for its size. The 16-50mm lens offers a good coverage, from wide angles for landscapes or vlog-style shots to standard view for portraits, and it folds up well when the camera is turned off. There is a built-in 3-stop ND filter, which is great for keeping your footage cinematic under bright sunlight. A cooling fan allows you to shoot 4K/30p for more than two hours at 30°C, ideal for extended YouTube videos or livestreams. It also has convenient modes such as Movie Close-up Demo, where it maintains focus on items you hold up, and Smooth Skin Movie for softening skin tones—both are a lifesaver for TikTok or Instagram content. It may also be used as a 1080p webcam on USB-C, and be used by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the Canon Camera Connect app for quick file transfer. Its HG-100TBR Bluetooth grip and tripod make it easy to handle for vlogging.

The V1 is not, however, perfect. There is no viewfinder or pop-up flash integrated into it, so still-shooting can be tricky in full sun where the LCD is impossible to read. The lens’s f/2.8-4.5 aperture isn’t great for low light or getting that blurry background look, and it’s not as sharp as what you’d get from bigger sensors. The 4K/60p mode crops the frame by 1.4x, which can mess with wide-angle shots, especially for group vlogs. Since the lens is fixed, you’re stuck with that 16-50mm range—no swapping for macro or telephoto shots. The LP-E17 battery yields about 400 shots or 70 minutes of video, so you might need to carry some spares in the event of a long day. There's no weather sealing, either, so you'll need to watch your feet in the rain or dust. For $899.99, it's a good price for a beginner setup, but it's not great for serious photographers or anyone who wants more creative control.

Purchase the PowerShot V1

PowerShot V1 Pros

• Short and lightweight, at 374g and easy to stuff in a pocket or small bag.
• Fixed 16-50mm lens so no fiddling with lens options—perfect for beginners.
• 3-stop ND filter and cooling fan provide cinematic look and over two hours of 4K/30p recording.
• Close-up Demo and Smooth Skin modes make social media postings easy.
• $899.99 everything you need, no additional purchase.
• Bluetooth grip and tripod accessory add vlogging setup convenience.

PowerShot V1 Downsides:

• No viewfinder or flash, which makes stills difficult in bright or low-light situations.
• f/2.8-4.5 lens struggles with low-light performance and constricts background blur.
• 4K/60p's 1.4x crop can be a nuisance for wide-angle vlogging.
• Fixed lens means no macro, telephoto, or fast glass options.
• No weather sealing, so not suitable for extreme environments.
• Battery life (70 minutes of video) may not be sufficient for extended shoots.

Canon EOS R50V

The Canon EOS R50V is an ultra-light APS-C mirrorless camera perfect for creators needing adaptability and room to grow. Its 24.2MP sensor, the same as the EOS R50, offers better resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance than V1's smaller sensor. It uses Canon's RF and RF-S lenses, so you can use anything from a pancake prime like the RF 28mm f/2.8 to a zoom like the RF-S 55-210mm, depending on what you're photographing. The R50V is video-oriented, with a front-facing record button, a vertical tripod mount for social media orientations, and a 3-inch flip-out LCD. A cooling system enables you to shoot 4K/60p for up to two hours at 25°C without crop in 4K/30p and with a limited 1.15x crop in 4K/60p. You get Canon Log 3, 10-bit HDR-PQ, and in-body LUTs for professional color grading, and Slow & Fast mode for up to 120fps at 1080p. Its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II can reliably capture people, animals, or cars, and there is an auto-level function to keep your horizon straight while handheld shooting. The camera's grip, mode dial, and zoom lever make it ergonomic to hold, and there is a hot shoe to mount mics or flashes. Like the V1, it also offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C webcam functionality.

There are some drawbacks, though. At 370g without a lens, it's lightweight for a mirrorless, but put glass in and it's hardly pocketable compared to the V1. The body costs $649.00, but lenses will send your overall well over $1,000—significantly higher than the all-in cost of the V1. The RF-S range of lenses is still growing, but Canon's tight control over third-party lenses equates to fewer budget-friendly choices. There’s no in-body stabilization, so you’ll rely on lens stabilization or digital IS, which might not be as smooth for video. No weather sealing means you’ll need to watch out in rough conditions. The R50V’s features, like custom profiles and lens choices, can feel overwhelming if you’re new to this kind of camera. LP-E17 battery offers around 400 shots or 70-80 minutes of video, so spares are prudent. Even with its less serious 4K/60p crop, wide-angle video could still be slightly tight relative to uncropped options.

Purchase the EOS R50V

EOS R50V Pros:

• RF/RF-S lenses enable you to shoot anything from portraits to far-away subjects.
• 24.2MP APS-C sensor offers sharper images and better low-light performance.
• Front record button, vertical mount, and cooling support for up to two hours of 4K/60p.
• LUTs, Canon Log 3, and 120fps slow-mo bring pro sheen.
• Hot shoe allows comfortable grip and operation with mics, flashes, or other accessories.
• Excellent for video and high-quality stills.

EOS R50V Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier with lenses, less travel-friendly than the V1.
• $649.00 body price escalates rapidly with lenses, easily over $1,000.
• No in-body stabilization or weather sealing, which can limit video or outdoor use.
• RF-S lens selection is less extensive than other systems, with fewer third-party alternatives.
• More complex setup might be daunting for beginners.
• 4K/60p's 1.15x crop minimally limits wide-angle shots.

Summary

The Canon PowerShot V1 and EOS R50V are both excellent options for video creators, but they're made for different kinds of work. The V1 is perfect for vloggers or social media content creators who want something portable and shootable right now. Its 1.4-inch 22.3MP sensor and 16-50mm lens suffice at the price, and additions such as the ND filter, longer 4K/30p recording, and social media modes make it a no-brainer for spontaneous, pro-quality content. But the non-changeable lens, sacrificed low-light performance, and lack of a viewfinder hold it back from more challenging endeavours or serious photography. For $899.99, it's a great deal if ease is paramount.

The EOS R50V is for creatives who seek more control and better quality, whether shooting video or stills. Its 24.2MP APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses enable you to tackle all types of projects, from cinema shorts to wildlife footage, and its video capabilities—LUTs and cooling system—comply with professional standards. The sacrifice is cost and weight: starting at $649.99, you'll spend more on lenses, and it's less easy to jam into a bag. It's a little tougher to learn if you're new to mirrorless too. If you're just beginning or like to travel light, use the V1. If you're ready to invest in a system that grows with you, the R50V is the way to go.