Is Canon Powershot V10 Vlog Camera Vlogging up the Wrong Tree?

With social media content ballooning to an all-time high, Canon—like many other manufacturers recently—has doubled down on going smaller. With the announcement today of the new Canon PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera, Canon has unveiled perhaps their most ambitious (and tiniest) camera yet 100% aimed at this self-producing social vlog content audience.

But with every smartphone sporting a camera system that produces gorgeous images and video, is this a play that will pay off?

With 4K UHD up to 30p and a 1” CMOS sensor providing some surprisingly decent low light range behind its 19mm wide selfie-taking lens, this isn’t just a kid’s toy (even if it will most likely be used mainly by a younger generation of content creators).

Let’s take a look at this new PowerShot V10 to see how it might be useful for various film and video projects.

Introducing the Canon PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera

As its name implies, this is a camera really designed for one thing: vlogs! Exciting, right?

Canon has teased this coming for some time, and this PowerShot V10 is actually the first product in Canon’s new consumer video production, live streaming, and a vlogging line called the PowerShot V camera series (the V stands for “video communication” of course).

Designed specifically for vloggers and on-the-go content creators, this camera is fully realized for self-shooting and ease of use in any lighting situation. From the looks of it, while as tiny and compact as a camera can come, it’s actually quite intuitively optimized for smartphone-like handling and use. This is great for content creators looking to operate one-handed—presumably so their other hand can make various peace signs next to their face. Therein lies the issue. Is it trying to replace smartphones? 

One of Canon's tiniest cameras yetCredit: Canon

Specs and Features

Along with the 1” CMOS sensor capable of its 4K UHD up to 30p and Full-HD up to 60p, the PowerShot V10 also boasts some of Canon’s expected Face-Tracking AF software and image stabilization. Add to that two built-in stereo microphones and a third mic just for background noise reduction, and this nifty little guy should handle adverse locations as well as any action cam or smartphone.

Designed for self shooting video contentCredit: Canon

Here are the full specs and features:

• Compact and lightweight design, 211g/ 63 x 90 x 34 mm
• 4K UHD 30P, Full-HD 60p
• 19mm wide lens, which is ideal for selfie-taking
• Smartphone-like handling and style with vertical grip, easy for one-handed operation
• 1” CMOS sensor lens helps to enable low-noise video quality in dark areas
• Webcam capability (UVC/UAC), horizontal only
• Live Streaming via Camera Connect app1
• Auto upload of content via image.canon2
• Face-tracking AF designed to automatically detect and autofocus on a person’s face
• Image stabilization
• Two high-quality stereo microphones and a third microphone for background noise reduction

Is the Price Worth Paying?

So, who is the Canon PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera for?

At a price point of $429, it's in a sweet spot between high-end smartphones and tech that will probably end up as e-waste. The feature set is there and should help content creators get a nice image. But a question still remains: is there a niche for this camera to fill?

For creators that want ease of use, nothing can top a smartphone. It's a camera and delivery platform in one device. For those chasing image quality, you can get so much more from a camera for just a few hundred dollars more. I'm talking about a bigger sensor, resolution, and versatility. I won't even have to leave the Canon brand (looking at you, EOS M50 MkII).

If this tool is something you'd want in your kit, the Canon PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera is available for pre-order today and currently comes in two variations of black and silver. But from our experience, there are better tools out there for content creators to benefit from.

But we want to hear from you! Let us know if you think the PowerShot V10 has some uses we missed.