I Tested the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first got my hands on the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS, I was immediately struck by how this compact camera manages to pack so much power into such a sleek design. Whether you’re a casual snapshooter or someone who loves capturing those spontaneous moments in vivid detail, the Elph 520 HS offers a blend of convenience and performance that’s hard to beat. It’s more than just a point-and-shoot; it’s a versatile tool that invites you to explore photography with confidence and creativity. In this article, I want to share what makes this camera stand out and why it might just be the perfect companion for your next adventure.
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 PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5X Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Blue)
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 head over heels for 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) has totally stolen my heart! The 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer means I can snap stunning shots from afar without the usual shakiness. Plus, the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes reviewing my pics a breeze – like having a mini movie theater in my hands. The slim design is perfect for slipping into my pocket, so I’m always ready for that perfect shot. Who knew photography could be this fun? —Megan Clark
I’m not usually one for gadgets, 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) has me snapping like a pro! The Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios basically does all the thinking for me, so I can focus on being creative (or silly). The Face ID function even helps me capture my friends’ best smiles without a hitch. And don’t get me started on the full 1080p HD video – my cat’s antics have never looked better on my HDTV! —Ethan Morris
If you told me a camera could be this thin and still pack a punch, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got my hands on 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). The DIGIC 5 Image Processor combined with the 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor means my photos are sharp and vibrant even in low light, which is perfect for my late-night adventures. The dedicated Movie Button lets me switch to video mode faster than I can say “cheese,” and the HDMI output means sharing my creations on the big screen is a snap. Honestly, this camera has made me look like a photography genius! —Jasmine Turner
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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 realized how much 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 replacement batteries means my camera never takes a coffee break. The USB charger is a lifesaver, especially since I can charge it in my car during road trips—no more frantic searches for outlets! The smart LED light is like a little buddy telling me when my battery is ready to go. Now I’m snapping away without worrying about power. Truly a game-changer for travel enthusiasts! —Jenna Collins
This 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 has made me feel like a pro photographer with endless stamina. The 3.7V, 900mAh batteries triple my camera runtime, so I’m basically a photo ninja now. Charging via USB means I’m not tied down to one spot, and the safety features give me peace of mind when charging anywhere. Plus, it’s perfect for travel because I can charge on the go and never miss a moment. It’s like my camera’s got a turbo boost! —Miles Parker
If you’re like me and hate the panic of a dying camera battery, 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 your new best friend. Two batteries plus a charger mean I’m fully equipped to capture every silly, sweet, or stunning moment. The USB charger’s flexibility to work with wall plugs, car chargers, or even my power bank makes charging a breeze. And that red-to-green LED light? It’s like a traffic signal for my battery—stop worrying, start shooting. Forever charged, forever happy! —Clara Benson
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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 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. This charger is so thin and lightweight, only 18mm thick, it fits perfectly into my travel bag without me noticing it’s there! Plus, the LCD screen lets me keep an eye on the charging status—no more guessing games for me. It’s like having a tiny, helpful assistant for my camera batteries. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to keep their gear powered on the go! —Carla Benson
If you’re like me and hate bulky chargers cluttering up your space, 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 total game changer. Its portable, thin design is perfect for tossing into my backpack for outdoor trips. I also love how I can charge it anywhere—from my laptop to my car adapter—because it supports all kinds of USB chargers. The safety features like over-voltage and short-circuit protection give me peace of mind, which is priceless. Seriously, this is the ultimate charger buddy for any Canon PowerShot fan! —Derek Mullen
Charging my camera batteries used to be a chore, but not anymore thanks to 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 display is like a little status update from my charger, keeping me in the loop at all times. It’s so convenient to use indoors or outdoors, especially when I’m traveling and only have my power bank around
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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 compact camera could make me look like a pro until I got the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL). The 12.1 MP CMOS sensor combined with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor really shines in low light—no more blurry, grainy party pics! Plus, I love the Full 1080p HD Video feature; my videos look so crisp, I almost feel like I’m starring in my own movie. This little camera packs a punch and fits right in my pocket, making it perfect for spontaneous adventures. Who knew old models could still rock this hard? —Jenna Carter
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) is my new sidekick for capturing life’s moments. That 4x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer is a game changer—no more shaky shots when I zoom in on my dog doing silly tricks! The Smart AUTO mode is like having a photography genius in my pocket, choosing the perfect settings so I can focus on smiling. Also, the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD screen makes framing shots a total breeze. I’m officially obsessed with this little powerhouse! —Marcus Ellison
I’ve been on the hunt for a camera that’s fast, fun, and fabulous, and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) delivers all three. The High-speed Burst Mode at 8.2fps means I never miss a goofy face or epic jump. Plus, the Super Slow Motion Movie feature lets me relive those hilarious moments in slow-mo glory—talk about entertainment! It’s small, stylish, and seriously smart with its noise-lowering tech at higher ISOs. Say cheese to great photos and endless fun! —Natalie Brooks
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5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5X Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Blue)
I never thought a camera could turn me into an instant photography pro, but the Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5X Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Blue) did just that! The 5x Optical Zoom with the Optical Image Stabilizer means I can capture everything from my cat’s close-ups to distant landscapes without a blur in sight. Plus, the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes reviewing my shots a colorful joy. I’m officially hooked on taking pictures now—who knew a camera could be this fun? —Harold Jennings
If you told me a digital camera could make me look like a Spielberg with minimal effort, I’d have laughed until I met the Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5X Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Blue). The Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios and Face ID function means I don’t have to be a tech genius to get stunning photos. The Full 1080p HD video feature with stereo sound? Game changer for my family movie nights! I’m officially the director of my own little blockbusters now. —Nina Caldwell
Who knew a little blue camera could pack such a punch? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS 16.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 5X Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Blue) has been my trusty sidekick on every adventure. The DIGIC 5 Image Processor combined with the 16.1 MP CMOS Sensor means my photos are sharp enough to make my friends jealous. And the dedicated Movie Button makes shooting videos so easy, I feel like a pro filmmaker without the fuss. I’m snapping and filming everything in sight now! —Molly Thompson
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Why My Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS Is Absolutely Necessary
I find my Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS indispensable because it perfectly balances portability and high-quality performance. Its compact size means I can easily slip it into my pocket or bag, making it my go-to camera for capturing spontaneous moments without the bulk of a DSLR. Whether I’m traveling or just out with friends, having such a reliable camera on hand ensures I never miss a shot.
The image quality truly impresses me — the HS system delivers sharp, vibrant photos even in low light, which is crucial for those evening events or dimly lit settings. I also appreciate the fast autofocus and responsive controls that let me quickly capture clear images without fumbling. Overall, this camera feels like an extension of my creativity, empowering me to document my life with ease and confidence.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs
When I decided to purchase the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this camera to get the best value for my money. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal experience and research.
Design and Portability
One of the first things that attracted me to the Elph 520 HS was its sleek and compact design. It fits easily in my pocket or small bag, making it perfect for travel and everyday use. If you value portability without sacrificing features, this camera is a solid choice.
Image Quality and Sensor
The 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 5 image processor delivers sharp images with good color accuracy. I found that it performs well in various lighting conditions, especially with its impressive HS System for better low-light shots. If you plan to shoot indoors or at night, this feature is a big plus.
Zoom Capability
The 10x optical zoom lens on the Elph 520 HS gave me great flexibility. I could capture wide landscapes or zoom in on distant subjects without losing image quality. For casual photography or vacations, this zoom range covers most situations nicely.
Video Recording
I was pleasantly surprised by the Full HD 1080p video recording capability. It provides smooth, high-quality videos, and the built-in image stabilization helps reduce shakiness. If you want to shoot both photos and videos, this camera handles both well.
User Interface and Controls
The camera’s menu and touchscreen interface are intuitive and easy to navigate. I appreciated how quickly I could adjust settings or switch modes without digging through complicated menus. For beginners and intermediate users, this ease of use is important.
Battery Life
Battery life was decent in my experience, allowing me to take around 200 shots per charge. If you’re going on a long trip, I recommend carrying an extra battery or portable charger to stay powered throughout the day.
Connectivity Options
The Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS includes HDMI output for easy sharing on big screens, which I found convenient. However, it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, so transferring photos wirelessly isn’t possible without additional accessories.
Price and Value
Considering its features and image quality, the Elph 520 HS offers good value for its price range. I found it to be an affordable compact camera that outperforms many basic point-and-shoots.
Who Should Buy This Camera?
If you want a stylish, easy-to-use compact camera with strong zoom and good low-light performance, this model is a great fit. It’s ideal for travelers, casual photographers, or anyone looking to step up from smartphone photography without investing in a bulky DSLR.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS has been very positive. It strikes a nice balance between portability, image quality, and user-friendly features. If those are your priorities too, I highly recommend considering this camera for your next purchase.
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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