Canon
PowerShot V1
Compact creator camera with a 22.3MP 1.4-type sensor, built-in 16–50mm f/2.8–4.5 zoom, cooling fan, and Canon Log 3.
$899
Released Apr 2025
GoPro
HERO12 Black
1/1.9-inch action camera with HDR 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 slow-mo, HyperSmooth 6.0, and 10m waterproof body.
$349
Released Sep 2023
PowerShot V1 is 1.6 years newer.
Wins
PowerShot V1
Wins
HERO12 Black
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- APowerShot V1 has higher AF points / zones (3431 vs 0)
- BHERO12 Black has higher IBIS effectiveness (6 stops vs 0 stops)
- APowerShot V1 has higher ISO max (native) (32,000 vs 6,400)
- BHERO12 Black has lower Weight (154 g vs 426 g)
- APowerShot V1 has higher Burst (mechanical) (15 fps vs 6 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
PowerShot V1
118 × 68 × 53 mm
426 g (0.94 lb / 15.03 oz)
HERO12 Black
72 × 51 × 34 mm
154 g (0.34 lb / 5.43 oz)
PowerShot V1 is 47mm wider, 17mm taller, and 19mm thicker than HERO12 Black.
PowerShot V1 is 272 g heavier than HERO12 Black.
Depth (front-to-back): 53mm PowerShot V1 · 34mm HERO12 Black
Sensor size, to scale
PowerShot V1
18.4 × 12.3 mm · 1.4-type
226 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
PowerShot V1
AF points / zones
3431 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 118.3, 68, 52.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II, SD UHS-I
ISO max (native)
32,000 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
15 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
AA filter
Only PowerShot V1 supports it
Reasons to choose
HERO12 Black
Codecs
Adds H.265 (HEVC)
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 71.8, 50.8, 33.6
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
154 g vs 426 g — lower is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only HERO12 Black supports it
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Weather sealing
Only HERO12 Black supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
PowerShot V1
Pros
- ✓Large 1.4-type sensor for a compact
- ✓Built-in 16–50mm f/2.8–4.5 zoom
- ✓4K 60p and Canon Log 3
- ✓Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- ✓Cooling fan for longer recording
Cons
- –Fixed lens limits flexibility
- –4K 60p uses cropped mode
- –No built-in EVF
HERO12 Black
Pros
- ✓HDR 5.3K and 4K120
- ✓HyperSmooth 6.0
- ✓10m waterproof
- ✓Strong used value
Cons
- –Superseded by HERO13
- –Fixed lens
- –Smaller battery than HERO13
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, PowerShot V1 or HERO12 Black?
HERO12 Black scores 8.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for PowerShot V1 — 154g — ultralight for all-day carry.
What's the resolution difference between the PowerShot V1 and HERO12 Black?
PowerShot V1 is 22.3 MP and HERO12 Black is 27.6 MP, so the HERO12 Black captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the PowerShot V1 and HERO12 Black have in-body image stabilization?
PowerShot V1 does not have IBIS, while hERO12 Black does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the PowerShot V1 or the HERO12 Black?
PowerShot V1 reaches 30 fps electronic. HERO12 Black reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the PowerShot V1 and HERO12 Black?
PowerShot V1 weighs 426 g and HERO12 Black weighs 154 g, so the HERO12 Black is 272 g lighter.
Do the PowerShot V1 and HERO12 Black record 4K video?
PowerShot V1: 4K up to 60p. HERO12 Black: 4K up to 120p.
Are the PowerShot V1 and HERO12 Black weather sealed?
PowerShot V1: No. HERO12 Black: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 400 shots (CIPA) for the PowerShot V1 and 640 shots for the HERO12 Black, giving the HERO12 Black the edge.
How much does each cost?
PowerShot V1 launched at $899 and HERO12 Black at $349. The HERO12 Black is $550 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.