I’m about to head back to Africa for two months of wildlife photography, filmmaking, and expedition work—and alongside my usual full-frame mirrorless setup, I’m packing something completely different: the Canon Powershot V1.
This isn’t my primary wildlife camera. It’s not even my secondary body. But for behind-the-scenes storytelling, quick vlogging, and capturing spontaneous moments during a fast-paced expedition across Botswana and Zambia, it might just become the most important camera in my bag.
Here’s exactly why I’m bringing it—and how I plan to use it during this multi-week safari adventure.
Why I Needed a Pocket-Sized Camera
On every wildlife trip, I aim to capture more than just the animals. I document behind-the-scenes footage, gear setups, roadside moments, and the daily rhythm of expedition life.
In the past, I relied on the Canon R5 or R5C to film these moments. While both produce cinematic footage, they’re heavy, setup-intensive, and often overkill for casual storytelling. Sometimes, by the time I pulled out a large camera, the moment had already passed.
This time, I needed something ultra-portable, fast, and simple—a camera that could live in my car’s door pocket or sling bag, ready at a second’s notice.
That’s where the Canon Powershot V1 comes in.
What Is the Canon Powershot V1?
Recently announced by Canon, the Powershot V1 is a compact, content-creator-focused camera designed for vloggers and filmmakers who want professional-level footage without the size and complexity of traditional setups.
Here’s why it caught my attention:
16–50mm Equivalent Zoom Lens: Versatile for capturing wide scenes, car interiors, landscapes, and spontaneous moments.
Built-in Stereo Microphones: Excellent ambient audio quality without needing external mics for casual shooting.
Flip-Out Screen: Essential for framing yourself while vlogging or filming quick updates.
4K Video with 4:2:2 10-bit C-Log 3: A huge advantage—this allows me to color match my V1 footage seamlessly with my professional Canon R5C and R5 cinema setups.
Built-In ND Filters: Extremely rare in a camera this size—perfect for controlling exposure during bright daytime filming without lugging external filters.
Internal Stabilization: Helps smooth handheld shooting or dashcam footage in rough conditions.
USB-C Charging: Ideal for travel; I can charge it in the vehicle while driving.
It’s not meant to replace a professional wildlife lens setup—but for documenting the experience, it might just be the most efficient tool I’ve ever carried.
📘 Want a deep dive into my field-tested safari gear choices? Read: The Complete Namibia Photo Guide.
How I Plan to Use the Powershot V1 on Safari
Here’s exactly how this camera fits into my workflow across two months in Botswana and Zambia:
Dashcam Recording: Mounted on my vehicle dashboard to document road journeys, off-road driving, and spontaneous roadside encounters.
Handheld Vlogging: Shooting daily field updates, campsite walkthroughs, meal setups, gear setups, and reflections at the end of long days.
Timelapse Capture: Setting up quick timelapses of sunrises over the Okavango Delta, sunset gear breakdowns, or even starry night skies from the campsites.
Quick BTS and B-Roll Shots: Filming casual camp life, spontaneous wildlife activity, or gear setup moments while my R5C and R3 focus on primary footage.
The beauty of the V1 lies in its ability to blend into the background of my day. I don’t have to stop what I’m doing to start filming—it’s always ready.
🎯 I will post a lot of BTS content on my YouTube Channel, make sure you subscribe not to miss it!
What I’ll Actually Be Filming
Expect a wide range of real-world storytelling coming from the Powershot V1:
Field Gear Setups: Practical tutorials showing how I build my safari rigs and organize photo/video gear in remote environments.
Camp Life: From coffee brewing at sunrise to setting up tents and preparing meals.
Candid Travel Moments: Encounters at local lodges, crossing river ferries, market visits, and spontaneous wildlife moments.
Wildlife Reactions: Capturing my real-time reactions when we bump into lions, elephants, or wild dogs without a long setup time.
Daily Recaps: Informal evening updates summarizing the day’s wildlife sightings, shooting conditions, and reflections.
This will allow viewers to experience the trip authentically, beyond the polished wildlife photos.
🗺️ Want a complete seasonal guide to planning your own African wildlife trip? Read: Best Time to Go on Safari.
What I’m Still Curious About
No piece of gear is perfect. Here’s what I’m eager to test once I’m deep in the field:
Stabilization Performance: Will the internal stabilization smooth out rough, bumpy off-road driving shots enough to be usable?
Battery Life: Will a pocket-sized body last through heavy shooting days without carrying half a dozen spares?
Color and Dynamic Range: Can this tiny sensor match the Canon R5C and R5 footage well enough for seamless editing across platforms?
Real-world testing will reveal whether the V1 can truly hold its own within a professional production pipeline.
A New Kind of Safari Camera?
The Canon Powershot V1 isn’t here to replace my primary bodies—but it fills a vital gap. It’s about spontaneity, speed, and storytelling.
In many ways, this camera represents a shift in how I think about travel content: low friction, ready anytime, and designed for connection, not just technical perfection.
If you’re a photographer, filmmaker, or travel content creator, there’s something powerful about having a “no-excuse” camera in your pocket—one that helps you capture the in-between moments that truly tell the story.
