Video: Canon PowerShot Pro1 ‘red-ring’ bridge camera review 18 years later: Digital Photography Review

Gordon Laing, Founder of CameraLabs, is back with another Reverse Review, this time take a look PowerShot Pro1, a bridge camera that was once the flagship of Canon’s fixed-lens PowerShot Pro lineup.

At the time of release, in February 2004, the PowerShot Pro1 retailed for around $1,000. Inside the camera is Sony’s flagship 8MP 2/3in CCD sensor that can capture images from 50 to 400 ISO. In Gordon’s own words, ’50 ISO looks great, 100 is just fine, but at 200 losses are visible, while at 400 ISO quality has taken a big hit. However, this was very popular at the time. ‘ VGA video (640 x 480 pixels) can also be recorded, albeit at 15fps raw and limited to 30 seconds.

Detailed image of the Canon PowerShot Pro1, shared in our initial review of the camera.

The camera features the one and only PowerShot L-series fixed lens branded with the iconic red ring normally reserved for expensive Canon SLR lenses. The lens is a 7x zoom lens that offers a full-frame equivalent zoom range of 28–200mm. As we noted in our initial review, Canon says the lens has a red ring because it has both extra-low dispersion (UD) and pigment elements, and delivers image quality. impressive thanks to its compact nature.

Here is a collection of sample images taken by Gordon on PowerShot Pro1, shared with permission:

As Gordon notes in the video, Canon has taken full advantage of the camera’s power, packing it full of controls, including a mode dial, trackpad, front fingertip dial, and dedicated buttons. to cycle through certain shooting modes. The PowerShot Pro1 features a 2-inch rear-coupled 235K-dot LCD monitor, as well as a top-mounted display for quick viewing of settings. At the time, the electronic viewfinder had a relatively high resolution (235K-dot) and provided a DSLR-like shooting experience in a more compact form factor.

Ports on the camera include a standard USB connection, a DC input for powering external cameras, a 3.5mm AV output for sharing images on a TV or monitor, and a hotshoe that works with batches. Canon lighting accessories. Photos taken with the camera are saved on a Compact Flash memory card and are measured at approximately 3–4MB at the highest quality JPEG setting (three levels are available, as well as the Raw setting).

PowerShot Pro1’s 7x optical zoom fixed-lens shot, complete with the iconic red ring. Gordon Laing’s photo.

While Canon has thrown almost everything they have into the PowerShot Pro1, it will be the last of its kind for many years to come, as the high-end bridge camera market is being dominated by cameras. entry-level DSLRs, such as the Nikon D70 or Canon’s first Digital Rebel Camera, the 300D. To conclude his 18-year review, Gordon said:

‘Back in the 2000s, I had a soft spot for professional cameras like the PowerShot Pro or Sony F series, even if the entry-level digital SLRs eventually matched them in price. chief. I love how manufacturers not only throw everything they can think of at them, but also use them as testbeds for creative new ideas or unusual body designs. ‘

You can read Gordon’s full review and find more sample images on Gordon’s website, Cameralabs. You can also stay up to date with his latest Classic Reviews on his YouTube channel, DinoBytes.