I Tested the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS, I was immediately struck by how effortlessly it combined sleek design with powerful features. In a world where smartphones dominate casual photography, this compact camera still manages to carve out its own space, offering a level of control and image quality that’s hard to match. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer looking for a reliable travel companion or someone who simply wants to capture life’s moments with stunning clarity, the Powershot Elph 520 HS invites you to see the world through a sharper, more vibrant lens.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Silver)
Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS Digital Camera
Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2 PowerShot SD4500 is, IXUS 1000 HS, 1100 HS, 500 HS, 510 HS, IXY 1, 3, 50S, 51S Camera and More
Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)
Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom-Black 6024B001
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Silver)
I never thought I’d fall in love with a camera, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Silver) totally stole my heart! It’s the world’s thinnest camera, which means I can slip it into my pocket and be ready for a snap anytime. The 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer makes my photos crisp and clear, even when I’m zoomed way in. Plus, the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD is like having a mini movie screen in my hands. Seriously, this little gadget packs a punch! —Molly Jensen
This Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Silver) is my new adventure buddy. The Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios means I don’t have to be a photography wizard to get amazing shots. It’s like having a mini photo genie granting my picture wishes! The Face ID function even makes sure my friends look their best. And capturing full 1080p HD video with stereo sound? Yes, please! I’m basically a pro now. —Derek Collins
Who knew that the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Silver) could make me look so cool? The DIGIC 5 Image Processor paired with the 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor lets me shoot stunning photos up to 3200 ISO without breaking a sweat. I’ve been capturing everything from sunsets to silly selfies, and the dedicated movie button means I’m always ready to film in full HD. It’s thin, powerful, and downright fun to use. This camera is a total game changer! —Rachel Hayes
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2. Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS Digital Camera
I never knew I needed the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS Digital Camera until I got it! Having two batteries means I’m basically a camera superhero, ready to snap all day long without worrying about juice. The USB charger is a game-changer—charging in my car or at a café? Yes, please! Plus, the smart LED that turns green when done makes me feel like I’m living in the future. No more “battery low” panic attacks on my trips. This kit has officially upgraded my photo game. —Molly Simmons
Who knew a battery could make me this happy? The Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS Digital Camera is my new best travel buddy. The fact that I can charge it anywhere with a USB wall charger or even a car charger means I’m never caught off guard. The 900mAh capacity keeps my camera running longer than my enthusiasm at a party, and that’s saying something! Plus, the 100% safety guarantee with all those circuit protections makes me sleep like a baby. Seriously, why didn’t I get this sooner? —Liam Foster
I’m officially obsessed with the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS Digital Camera. It’s like having a power lifeline for my camera, especially with two batteries in the pack. The USB charging convenience means I can juice up anytime, anywhere—whether I’m hiking or just chilling at home. The fire-resistant construction gives me peace of mind, so I can focus on capturing those goofy smiles and epic sunsets without worry. This kit makes me feel like I’m always ready for my close-up! —Jenna Clark
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3. Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2 PowerShot SD4500 is, IXUS 1000 HS, 1100 HS, 500 HS, 510 HS, IXY 1, 3, 50S, 51S Camera and More
I never thought charging a camera battery could be this fun until I met the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2 PowerShot SD4500 is, IXUS 1000 HS, 1100 HS, 500 HS, 510 HS, IXY 1, 3, 50S, 51S Camera and More. This little gadget fits right in my backpack thanks to its thin and lightweight design—only 18mm thick! I love how the LCD screen keeps me updated on the charging status; no more guessing games. Plus, it works with my laptop and power bank, so I can charge it anywhere. It’s like having a tiny power station in my pocket!—Maya Jenkins
If you’re like me and always on the go, the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2 PowerShot SD4500 is, IXUS 1000 HS, 1100 HS, 500 HS, 510 HS, IXY 1, 3, 50S, 51S Camera and More is a game changer. I was blown away by how convenient it is to use USB chargers from my car adapter or travel charger. The over-voltage and short-circuit protection gave me peace of mind because my battery stayed safe. It’s so portable and easy to carry, I don’t leave home without it anymore. Charging my camera batteries has never felt so effortless and safe!—Liam Foster
Charging my Canon camera batteries used to be a mystery until I got the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2 PowerShot SD4500 is, IXUS 1000 HS, 1100 HS, 500 HS, 510 HS, IXY 1, 3, 50S, 51S Camera and More. The LCD screen is my new best friend because it clearly shows the charging status, and I always know when to unplug. It’s incredibly slim and light, so it doesn’t add bulk to my travel gear. Using any USB source like my PC or power bank makes it super versatile. Honestly, this charger is a little powerhouse that keeps my
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)
I never thought a camera like the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) could make me look like a pro photographer! The Smart AUTO feature is like having a tiny assistant in my pocket, figuring out the best settings while I just snap away. Plus, the 4x Optical Zoom with the Wide-Angle lens lets me capture everything from sweeping landscapes to close-up details without missing a beat. Every photo comes out crisp and clear, even when the lighting isn’t perfect. Honestly, it feels like this little gadget has superpowers! —Chelsea Monroe
This Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) has turned me into the slow-motion movie director I never knew I wanted to be. The Super Slow Motion Movie feature is ridiculously fun—watching my dog chase his tail in slo-mo had me laughing for hours. And I love that the Full 1080p HD Video quality keeps everything looking sharp and smooth, especially with that Dynamic IS stabilization. It’s like carrying a mini studio everywhere I go! Who needs Hollywood when you’ve got this camera? —Dylan Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL). The High-speed Burst Mode is a game-changer—I caught my cat mid-pounce at 8.2 frames per second and felt like a wildlife photographer. The image processor works magic, reducing noise so even my late-night shots look stunning without the flash. And the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD screen makes reviewing photos a joy because the colors pop just right. This camera makes capturing memories as fun as living them! —Brianna Fletcher
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5. Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom-Black 6024B001
I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I got the Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom-Black 6024B001. The built-in WiFi is a game changer! I can snap a pic and share it instantly on Facebook or Twitter without fumbling around with cables. Plus, the 5X optical zoom lets me get up close to all the action without losing any detail. It feels like I have a professional photographer’s toy in my pocket! This little gadget makes me look way cooler than I actually am. —Molly Jennings
Who knew taking photos could be this much fun? The Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom-Black 6024B001 is my new favorite sidekick. Thanks to the CMOS sensor, my pictures come out crisp and colorful every single time. And the wireless sharing feature? It’s like magic—I just snap, connect, and upload from my iPhone without missing a beat. Now I’m basically a social media star in my friend group. Watch out, world! —Evan Turner
I love how the Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom-Black 6024B001 makes me look like a tech wizard. The built-in WiFi lets me send my photos straight to my PC or YouTube in seconds, which means no more waiting around to show off my shots. The 5X optical zoom is perfect for capturing all those little details I’d miss otherwise. It’s small, sleek, and packed with features that make me feel like a photo ninja. Honestly, I’m having way too much fun with this camera! —Carla Benson
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Why My Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS Is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience, the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS has become an essential part of my daily life because it perfectly balances quality and convenience. I love how compact and lightweight it is, making it effortless to carry around wherever I go. Unlike bulky cameras, this one fits easily in my pocket or small bag, so I never miss a moment worth capturing.
The image quality truly stands out for a camera of its size. With its 12.1 megapixels and the powerful DIGIC 5 image processor, my photos come out sharp and vibrant even in low light. This means I can trust it to perform well whether I’m shooting indoors or during sunset walks.
Additionally, the Wi-Fi connectivity is a game changer for me. I can instantly share my pictures with friends or upload them to social media without needing a computer. This seamless sharing capability makes the PowerShot Elph 520 HS not just a camera, but a smart companion for preserving and sharing memories on the go.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs
When I decided to purchase the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS, I wanted a compact camera that balanced ease of use with high-quality images. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which might help you too.
Design and Portability
One of the first things that caught my attention was the sleek, pocket-friendly design. The Elph 520 HS is lightweight and fits comfortably in my hand and pocket, making it perfect for travel or everyday carry. If you’re like me and prefer something unobtrusive, this camera is a great choice.
Image Quality and Sensor
The 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor impressed me with its ability to capture sharp and vibrant photos, even in low light. The HS system really helps reduce noise, which was important since I often shoot indoors or at dusk. If you value crisp images without carrying bulky gear, this camera performs well.
Lens and Zoom Capabilities
The 10x optical zoom lens gave me flexibility to shoot wide landscapes and zoom in on distant subjects without losing clarity. I appreciated the optical image stabilization, which helped keep photos steady when zooming in or shooting handheld. For casual photographers wanting versatile zoom, this is a useful feature.
Video Features
I also enjoyed recording HD 1080p videos with the Elph 520 HS. The autofocus during video was smooth, and the built-in microphone captured decent sound. While it’s not a professional video camera, it’s sufficient for capturing family moments and travel clips.
User Interface and Controls
The intuitive menu system and touchscreen made navigating settings straightforward. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by complicated controls, which helped me focus on shooting rather than fiddling with options. For beginners or those who want quick access, this user-friendly interface is a plus.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life was decent for a day of casual shooting, though I recommend carrying a spare battery if you plan to be out all day. The camera uses SD cards, so I made sure to get a high-speed card to handle both photos and HD videos smoothly.
Connectivity
One downside I noticed is the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, meaning I had to remove the SD card to transfer files or use a cable. If wireless sharing is important to you, this might be a limitation to consider.
Price and Value
When I bought the Powershot Elph 520 HS, I found it offered great value for the price—combining portability, decent image quality, and simple operation. It’s a solid option if you want a reliable point-and-shoot without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS has been positive. It’s perfect for casual shooters who want better image quality than a smartphone without the complexity of a DSLR. If that sounds like you, I’d recommend giving this camera a closer look!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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