There’s still a strong demand for vlogging cameras because until smartphones get bigger sensors and real aperture control – ‘real cameras’ will rule. Canon is adding another couple of options for content creators with the PowerShot V1 and EOS R50 V. There’s also a new lens. the RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ, and it’s the company’s first RF lens with internal power zoom.
EOS R50 V
- Interchangeable RF lenses
- 24MP APS-C sensor
- 4K/60p
- 4K/30p, with 6K oversampling
- Full HD 120p
- Canon Log 3
- Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus
The R50 V is the one for more advanced users. It is an interchangeable lens camera, records in Canon Log 3 4K video with pro audio manual control. 4K/30p is easily the best recording option as it’s oversampled from 6K on the 24.2MP APS-C sized sensor. What’s not so good is the 4K/60p. That resolution and frame rate combo is cropped to 64% of the horizontal area.
C-LOG 3 is a big bonus for creators who want greater flexibility when editing to colour grade and balance their image. I can do this because it’s a 10-bit video camera. Reliable autofocus is also vital for vlogging and the R50 V has Dual CMOS AF II which not only tracks people it locks onto pets, horses, planes and trains.
Four channel audio is a professional touch that is most welcome in a camera of this size and portability.
The vari-angle touchscreen and a front-facing record button combine for a fast recording setup. The EOS R50 V has speedy offloading to smartphones and computers via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. The dedicated LIVE button provides quick access to livestreaming options. The camera is also compatible with Canon’s Live Switcher Mobile App, for easy multi-camera streaming with custom layouts and direct streaming to YouTube or Facebook – all from a mobile device.
RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ LENS
- 14-30mm zoom range (22-48mm full-frame equivalent)
- Internal Power Zoom with remote operation
- Optical image stabilisation up to 5 stops
- Combined control and focus ring
- Compact with a non-extending design
- STM autofocus
- 4 UD elements
The R50 V can be paired with the RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ lens, featuring an internal power zoom, controllable via the camera’s zoom lever for smooth focal length transitions. This is a video-first lens is just 181g and it should be a big seller whether as the kit lens or on its own.
It’s the first Canon RF lens with an internal power zoom. It has two-step variable speeds and 15 adjustable levels plus Optical Image Stabilisation up to 5 stops. UD and aspheric lenses and Super Spectra coating helps ensure sharpness. A 15cm minimum focus distance will also make it easier to get sharp product videos. There’s a combined control and focus ring for quick setting adjustments and no switches on the barrel.
Canon’s STM autofocus ensures quiet smooth tracking with minimal noise. You can also remotely operate the zoom via smartphone or Bluetooth remote, and attach 58mm filters for creative lighting control. All these factors combine to make this lens a brilliant option for a gimbal setup.
POWERSHOT V1
- Pocketable and lightweight, at 429g (including battery and SD card)
- Built-in 16-50mm f/2.8-4.5 lens
- Large 1.4-inch sensor
- 4K 60p video
- Full HD 120p
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- Optical Image Stabilisation up to 5 stops
- Movie digital IS
- Canon Log 3
If you want a simple but powerful camera for vlogging then the PowerShot V1 is probably the one for you. It’s a compact 4K camera with a 1.4″ CMOS sensor with a resolution of 22.3MP. It has an integrated ultra-wide lens plus Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus technology and advanced digital stabilisation. You’ll also get Optical Image Stabilisation up to 5 stops to help record smooth shots. So your video should be sharp and shake-free. Again, the vari-angle touchscreen offers easy control.
Canon says the V1 delivers extended 4K recording thanks to an active cooling system. It supports 4K/30p (5.7K oversampled), 4K/60p (cropped) and Full HD 120p for slow-mo. The 1.4-inch sensor enhances low-light performance, while the built-in 16-50mm f/2.8-4.5 lens provides decent zoom range.
There’s a built-in microphone with noise reduction and fortunately there’s also a microphone jack for external audio recording and a headphone jack for monitoring in real time. Just the like the R50 V the PowerShot V1 can connect to Bluetooth devices for remote hands-free shooting. Plus, it supports Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for fast file transfers.
You can also record in C-LOG 3 for grading and the camera does 10-bit in HEVC.
The V1 weighs in at just 426g.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
EOS R50 V lens kit with RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ: $1499
