One of the best vlogging cameras I've tested is a Canon shaped like a flip phone

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Canon Powershot V10 is a budget-friendly point-and-shoot camera for $429. 
• Its ultra-portable form factor is great for live streaming or video conferences. 
• However, it’s a “video first” camera, as the photos it produces are not much to talk about. 

The Canon Powershot V10 burst on the the scene last year as Canon’s attempt to reach vloggers who were ready to ditch their smartphones — but wanted a budget-friendly alternative. This camera is different from a typical point-and-shoot with its branding as a video-first device: Canon wants the creator to know that video is king. 

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So what is the Powershot V10? On first glance it looks a bit like a chunkier version of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip smartphone with its foldable form factor. It has a one-inch CMOS sensor like a point and shoot camera, but it also touts a Digic X processor. 

This is the same processor found in many of the high-end camera bodies such as the R5. Why so much processing capability in this little point and shoot? 

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The Powershot V10 gets a processing boost in its image sensor because of the video capability. It shoots 4K at 30 frames per second and 1080p at 60 frames per second. If you scoffed at that frame rate, know there’s more to that spec. 

Yes, it’s a slower 4K frame rate than your smartphone, but due to the processor, you’ll get better auto focus performance since the V10 locks onto faces with ease within the 19mm (wide) framing. It is impressive to see the auto focus lock and track subjects in a small camera you’d assume has limited computing power. 

The digital image stabilization feature is pretty smooth, but there’s a caveat. When stabilization is activated, your video is cropped in about 15% closer. You’ll have to make adjustments for this in your framing if you’re holding the camera in selfie mode, as you’ll lose headroom in your shot. 

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Regarding the V10’s form factor and handling, it does resemble a chunky flip phone, and that’s no mistake on Canon’s part as it’s designed to be operated with one hand. If you’re shooting in frequently-changing lighting, for example, the auto mode adjusts the exposure quickly without forcing you to fumble through the menu to adjust the shutter speed or ISO. 

The body also has a flip screen that works well in both portrait or landscape shooting mode, making it easy to create 16:9 or 9:16 aspect ratio video. Granted, the screen is not quite three inches in length, but it’s big enough see the menus with ease. 

There’s also a kickstand, which is great for mounting the camera on a flat surface for hands-free capture, or even some cool b-roll to set up your next scene. Whether you’re hands-free or not, the shutter activation is a very obvious red button on the body that is easily accessible regardless of shooting in portrait, landscape or selfie mode. It’s super easy to grasp because the camera is about the same size as a credit card.

From an I/O standpoint, the V10 has a USB-C port for charging and webcam capability, as well as a microphone jack (which is good, since the internal mics aren’t stellar). They’re certainly not bad, but they’re not much different from a smartphone as far as noise cancelling and voice isolation goes. 

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Canon also added a host of filters to the video mode, allowing users to get creative with the look and tonality of their footage. These filters are not typical adjustable color profiles found on other Canon cameras — they’re more like Instagram filters with preset “aesthetics” that change the overall image mood. Personally, I can’t say they look that great, but I’m sure some creators will love them. 

Lastly, I have to comment on the fixed focal length. 19mm is not ideal for vlogging, in my opinion. Yes, you want your field of view to be wide, but this is really wide. The positive side to this is that utilizing limitations help make you a better photographer: shooting with one focal length forces you to think deliberately about framing and composition. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Canon Powershot V10 is designed for younger creators who are ready to ditch their smartphone, but want to shoot video on a device that’s just as portable. It’s not for someone looking for a camera with a traditional form factor, or needs a device that can shoot video or photos in equal quality. 

I can see this device being great for high school or college students looking for their first camera, or vloggers at any age that need an ultraportable, one-handed camera that requires little fuss. Even with the caveats, it’s hard to turn down the V10 because of its price point.