The Canon PowerShot Pro1 was released almost 18 years ago and was billed as the “bridge camera” between point-and-shoot and DSLR, but priced the same as the second camera. Unable to balance price versus features, it will be the ultimate product of its kind.
In his latest vintage review, photographer Gordon Laing dusts off a nearly 18-year-old camera to see how it performs today and examines its impact on the photographic landscape of the time. there. The Pro1 is the third and final model of the PowerShot Pro line that began in 1998 alongside the Pro70. The PowerShot Pro series featured cameras that were all equipped with long zoom ranges for the time and were packed with a plethora of controls and options designed to satisfy enthusiasts who couldn’t stand the cost of the camera. DSLR photos and attached lenses but want similar performance.
“The 28-200mm equivalent 7x optical zoom is arguably the highlight of the Pro1, becoming the first – and still the only – PowerShot to feature a red ring denoting Canon’s renowned L series, as evidenced here by the use of fluorite and ultra-low dispersion elements,” writes Laing. “Until then, the L-brand is reserved for Canon’s finest full-frame lenses or flagship camcorders.”
The camera has a 2/3-inch CCD sensor from Sony and is capable of capturing 8-megapixel images, which Laing says is the highest resolution PowerShot the company has produced, and even higher resolution. even the first 6-megapixel DSLRs. The camera can shoot at ISOs between 50 and 400, but Laing says the best quality is found at the lowest end of that spectrum, which is common during the day.
The Pro1 was also capable of recording video at up to 640×480 pixels, albeit at a slow 15fps, which was half what high-end competitors were offering at the time.
“Movies are limited to 30 seconds, you can adjust the zoom before – but not while recording – and while the screen flips forward to face you for potential vlogging, the lens does not any optical stabilization,” explains Laing.
Laing says that while the camera is packed with features, it’s awkwardly placed on the market.
“For the same amount as the Pro1, or even less in some cases, you can buy one of the new entry-level DSLRs like the Nikon D70 or Canon EOS 300D, the first Digital Rebel,” he explains. prefer.
“Sure, both come with a shorter zoom range at that price point, but the opportunity to swap lenses, compose using a true SLR viewfinder, and take pictures with a significantly larger sensor proves to be the case. an unbeatable combination for the target market.”
Given the choices on the market, Laing said enthusiasts often choose DSLRs over PowerShot Pro1 bridge cameras. The Pro1 is thus the final product of the PowerShot Pro line, but Canon will follow suit with the PowerShot SX superzoom camera, which Laing says has sold well for generations.
Read Laing’s full vintage Canon PowerShot Pro1 review on CameraLabs, where he dives deeper into the nearly two-decade old camera.
