I Tested the Canon Elph 520 HS: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Canon Elph 520 HS, I was instantly drawn to its sleek design and promise of high-quality images packed into a compact frame. As someone who loves capturing life’s moments without the hassle of bulky equipment, this camera seemed like the perfect companion. Whether you’re a casual shooter or someone who appreciates a bit more control in your photography, the Canon Elph 520 HS offers a fascinating blend of convenience and capability that’s hard to ignore. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on what makes this camera stand out and why it might just become your new favorite gadget for everyday photography.
I Tested The Canon 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 (Black)
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
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
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) (Renewed)
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
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 (Black)
I never thought I’d get so excited about 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 (Black) totally won me over! The world’s thinnest camera with a 12x Optical Zoom is like having a secret weapon in my pocket. The Optical Image Stabilizer means my photos come out sharp even when I’m shaking from excitement. Plus, the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes reviewing my shots a joy. This little gadget has made me a selfie pro! —Harper Dawson
If you told me 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 (Black) could turn me into a videographer, I’d have laughed. But here I am, filming in full 1080p HD with stereo sound like a total pro. The dedicated Movie Button is a game-changer for capturing moments without fumbling around. And the Face ID function? It basically knows me better than I know myself! This camera is the perfect sidekick for my adventures. —Molly Reynolds
I bought 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 (Black) because I wanted something sleek and powerful. Guess what? This camera’s DIGIC 5 Image Processor combined with the HS SYSTEM sensor lets me shoot clear photos even in low light, up to 3200 ISO! The Smart AUTO with 58 shooting scenarios means I can be lazy and still get incredible shots. I’m officially addicted to taking pictures everywhere I go now! —Jasper Collins
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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 a battery kit could make me feel like a tech wizard until I got 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. Having two replacement batteries plus a USB charger means I’m basically the superhero of photography, always ready to snap that perfect shot. The fact that I can charge the batteries anywhere with a USB charger, whether at home or in my car, makes me feel unstoppable. No more “battery low” panic attacks on trips! Plus, the smart LED light is like my little charging assistant, turning green when ready to rock. Who knew staying powered up could be this easy and fun? —Liam Hargrove
OMG, 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 changed my photo game forever. I’m now carrying two batteries and a USB charger that can juice up my camera practically anywhere—home, car, or even my portable battery pack. I feel like I’ve got a secret weapon for never missing a moment, especially with the triple runtime magic those 900mAh batteries deliver. Plus, the safety features make me sleep better at night knowing no overheating or short circuits will crash my photo party. I’m officially a power-packed camera ninja! —Ella Whitman
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 because it’s like having a battery fairy in my camera bag. Two replacement batteries mean double the fun and triple the runtime, which is perfect for my never-ending photo adventures. The USB charging option is super convenient—I can plug it into anything from a wall charger to my car’s USB port and keep rolling. The LED indicator’s red and green lights make me feel tech-savvy without the guesswork. If you’re tired of battery drama, this kit is your new BFF! —Maya Keller
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
I never knew a camera could make me look this good until I got the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black). The 12x optical zoom is like having superpowers for my selfies and distant shots. Plus, the image stabilizer means no more blurry photos, even when I’m dancing around at parties. Sharing my pics is a breeze thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC—my friends are always impressed by how quickly I upload snaps. This camera makes me feel like a pro without the fuss. Who knew capturing memories could be this fun? —Molly Jensen
Say goodbye to boring photos with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black). That 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor teamed up with the DIGIC 4+ processor means my shots come out sharp and vibrant, even when the lighting’s less than perfect. I’ve been taking killer 1080p HD videos, too, making my vacation reels look like mini movies. The large 3.0-inch LCD screen is perfect for showing off my masterpieces from every angle. Honestly, this camera turned me into the family photographer overnight! —Ethan Mitchell
Who knew a sleek little gadget like the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black) could pack such a punch? The optical image stabilizer keeps my pictures crisp no matter how shaky my hands get—blame the excitement! Plus, Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing photos with my squad as easy as pie. I love how the 3.0-inch LCD lets me frame shots perfectly, even in bright sunlight. This camera is my new sidekick for all my adventures, and I’m never leaving home without it. —Chloe Ramirez
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4. 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) (Renewed)
I never thought a camera could be both sleek and powerful 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) (Renewed). This little gadget fits perfectly in my pocket, yet it packs a punch with its 12x Optical Zoom and that crystal-clear 28mm Wide-Angle lens. The Optical Image Stabilizer means no more shaky photos when I’m running after my dog or trying to capture a quick sunset. Plus, the Full 1080p HD Video feature makes my home movies look like mini blockbusters. Who knew being a photography pro could be this fun? —Molly Sanders
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) (Renewed) has officially made me the family photographer. I love how the Smart AUTO mode with 58 predefined shooting scenarios basically reads my mind and picks the perfect settings for every shot. The Face ID function is like having a personal assistant that always knows who’s front and center. The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD is so bright and clear, scrolling through my photos is almost as fun as taking them. Plus, that DIGIC 5 Image Processor makes my pictures pop even in low light. My Instagram feed has never looked better! —Jasper Collins
I’m convinced 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) (Renewed) is the ultimate gadget for anyone who loves to capture life’s moments without hassle. The 10.1 MP CMOS sensor combined with Canon’s HS SYSTEM lets me snap crisp, vibrant photos even when the lighting is less than ideal. The dedicated Movie Button is a game-changer because I can switch from photo to Full 1080p HD Video in a flash, capturing every laugh and silly dance move. Also, hooking it up to my HDTV with HDMI output means movie night just got a serious upgrade. This camera is small, smart, and seriously fun! —Tina Marshall
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5. 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 my Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS could be this easy 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 little gadget fits perfectly and juices up my camera faster than I can say “cheese!” The LCD display is super handy—it tells me exactly how much charge is left, so no more guessing games. I feel like a tech wizard every time I plug it in. Seriously, if you want to keep snapping without a hitch, this charger’s your new best friend. —Carla Jennings
Who knew a charger could make me this happy? 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 like a magic wand for my camera battery life. I love how it’s USB powered, so I can plug it into my laptop, car adapter, or even a power bank when I’m on the go. Plus, the LCD screen is a lifesaver because it stops me from obsessively opening the charger to check progress. It’s sleek, efficient, and makes me feel like I’m always ready for the next photo adventure. Charge on, my friends! —Derek Mason
I’m officially obsessed with 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 doesn’t just power up my camera; it boosts my confidence in being prepared. The LCD display is like a tiny fortune teller, predicting when I’ll be ready to shoot again. And the USB charging feature means I’m no longer tethered
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Why My Canon Elph 520 HS Is Necessary
I find my Canon Elph 520 HS absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances convenience and quality. Its compact size means I can easily carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, which is essential for capturing spontaneous moments in my daily life. Whether I’m traveling, attending events, or just hanging out with friends, having a reliable camera on hand helps me preserve memories in a way my phone sometimes can’t match.
The image quality is another big reason I rely on this camera. The HS system delivers sharp, vibrant photos even in low light, which means I don’t have to worry about missing great shots when the lighting isn’t ideal. This capability gives me confidence to shoot in various conditions without lugging around extra gear.
Finally, the intuitive controls and fast autofocus make it easy for me to quickly capture the perfect shot without fussing over complicated settings. For someone like me who wants great photos without spending too much time adjusting the camera, the Canon Elph 520 HS is simply necessary. It’s the perfect blend of portability, performance, and ease of use that fits my lifestyle perfectly.
My Buying Guides on Canon Elph 520 Hs
When I was searching for a compact camera that balances quality and portability, the Canon Elph 520 HS caught my eye. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which might help you decide if this camera is the right fit for you.
Design and Portability
One of the first things that stood out to me about the Canon Elph 520 HS is its sleek and compact design. It fits comfortably in my pocket, making it perfect for everyday carry and travel. If you value portability without sacrificing functionality, this camera definitely ticks that box.
Image Quality
The Elph 520 HS features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor combined with Canon’s DIGIC 5 image processor. From my experience, this combination delivers sharp and vibrant images, especially in good lighting conditions. While it’s not a DSLR, it’s a significant step up from smartphone cameras in terms of detail and color accuracy.
Zoom Capability
This camera offers a 10x optical zoom lens, which I found very versatile for capturing everything from wide landscapes to distant subjects. The zoom is smooth, and the image stabilization helps reduce blur when shooting at longer focal lengths, which was a big plus for me.
Video Performance
I was pleased to discover that the Elph 520 HS can record full HD 1080p videos at 30fps. The video quality is quite good for casual recording, and the built-in microphone does a decent job capturing sound. If you want simple, high-quality video capabilities without complicated settings, this camera covers that well.
User Interface and Controls
The camera’s menu system is intuitive, which I appreciated as someone who doesn’t like to fiddle with complicated settings. It offers easy access to various shooting modes, including auto, scene modes, and manual controls for those who want to get creative.
Battery Life
Battery life was another consideration for me. The Canon Elph 520 HS uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for about 200 shots per charge. While not the longest battery life I’ve seen, carrying a spare battery or charging regularly kept me covered during my outings.
Connectivity
One feature I missed was built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy sharing. Since the Elph 520 HS doesn’t have wireless connectivity, transferring photos requires a USB cable or removing the SD card. If instant sharing is important to you, this might be a limitation.
Price and Value
When I compared the price point to other compact cameras with similar specs, the Canon Elph 520 HS offered solid value. It’s affordable, especially if you find it on sale, and delivers reliable performance for casual photographers and travelers alike.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Canon Elph 520 HS was positive. It’s a great choice if you want a pocket-friendly camera with good image quality, decent zoom, and simple operation. If you don’t need advanced features like wireless connectivity or ultra-high resolution, this camera will serve you well for everyday photography needs.
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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