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 Camera, I was immediately struck by how seamlessly it blends sleek design with impressive functionality. As someone who loves capturing life’s moments, I’ve always sought a camera that’s both portable and powerful, and this little device promised to deliver just that. Whether you’re a casual snap-happy traveler or someone who enjoys exploring photography without the bulk of professional gear, the Elph 520 HS offers an intriguing mix of features that make it worth a closer look. In this article, I want to share my experience and thoughts on what makes this camera stand out in a crowded market.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs Camera 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)
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)
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 (Red)
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
SCOVEE Camera USB Cable Cord for Canon Rebel/PowerShot/EOS/DSLR/ELPH Digital Cameras,Transfer Wire Data Cable for Canon Rebel Camcorder,Vixia PC Computer Interface Charger Replacement 6FT Mini B USB
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 fall in love with a camera until I got 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). This little powerhouse is the world’s thinnest camera, which means it fits perfectly in my pocket without weighing me down. The 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer lets me get crisp shots even when I’m a little shaky—perfect for my spontaneous adventures! Plus, the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes reviewing photos a joy. Seriously, I’m snapping away like a pro with the HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 5 Image Processor powering my creativity. If you want a camera that’s fun and functional, this is it! —Megan Foster
Okay, so 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) has officially become my new sidekick. The Smart AUTO mode with its 58 predefined shooting scenarios means I don’t have to be a tech wizard to get stunning shots. The Face ID function is like it knows exactly who the star of the photo is—me, of course! I’ve been capturing everything from my dog’s goofy antics to sunsets that look like postcards. And recording Full 1080p HD Video with stereo sound? Movie magic at my fingertips. This camera has me grinning every time I snap! —Julian Hayes
I grabbed 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 but powerful, and boy, did it deliver. The 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor paired with the DIGIC 5 Image Processor means my photos are vibrant and sharp, even in tricky lighting. I love the dedicated Movie Button that makes switching to Full HD video super easy—no fumbling around! Plus, the HDMI Output for HDTV viewing lets me show off my shots in style when friends come over. It’s like carrying a mini professional studio in my hand! —Sophie Grant
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2. 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 say this 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 (Silver) has seriously upgraded my selfie game. The 12x Optical Zoom is like having a mini telescope in my pocket, and the Optical Image Stabilizer means no more blurry shots when I’m trying to look cool on the go. Plus, the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes reviewing pics feel like watching my own personal movie trailer. If you want a camera that’s as slim and sleek as your smartphone but packs a serious punch, this is it! —Megan Clarke
Who knew a camera could make me feel like a pro without the complicated buttons? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS’s Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios basically reads my mind and picks the perfect settings. I just point, shoot, and voilà—beautiful photos every time. The Face ID function is a game-changer, making group shots a breeze so I’m never the one missing from the photo. Also, the Full 1080p HD Video with stereo sound turns my random moments into mini blockbusters! This little silver wonder is my new best travel buddy. —Ethan Murphy
If you’re like me and love capturing every epic moment but hate lugging around heavy gear, 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) is a dream come true. It’s the world’s thinnest camera with a 12x Optical Zoom, which means I can sneak in close or capture the whole scene without breaking a sweat. The DIGIC 5 Image Processor handles low-light situations like a champ, making my night shots pop without a flash. Plus, the dedicated Movie Button is perfect for when I feel like Spielberg for a day! —Jasmine Foster
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3. 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 (Red)
I never thought a camera could make me look this cool, 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 (Red) totally proved me wrong! The 12x zoom lets me get up close and personal with squirrels in the park without scaring them away. Plus, the full 1080p HD video means my mini-movie projects look way more professional. It’s like having a tiny Hollywood studio in my pocket. Seriously, this little red wonder makes snapping pics way too fun. —Justin Harper
Who knew a digital camera could be this much fun? 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 (Red) has turned me into the go-to photographer for every family event. The image stabilization is a game-changer—no more blurry shots when my niece decides to dance around like a whirlwind. And that ultra wide-angle lens fits everyone in the frame, even Uncle Bob’s crazy hats! This camera’s red color just adds to its charm. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Bennett
If you want a camera that’s as playful as you are, 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 (Red) is your new best friend. It’s so lightweight I barely notice it hanging around my neck, but the shots it takes are anything but light—they’re crisp, clear, and vibrant. I’ve been capturing everything from sunsets to my dog’s silly antics in stunning HD video. Plus, the zoom lets me get artistic without moving an inch. It’s a total win-win for my creative soul! —Ethan Clarke
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4. 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 camera batteries could be this stress-free 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 is super thin—only 18mm thick—so it fits perfectly in my travel bag without adding bulk. The LCD screen is like having a mini scoreboard for my battery life, showing me exactly when it’s fully charged. Plus, I can plug it into my laptop or even my car USB adapter, which means charging on the go is a breeze. This charger really saved my vacation photos from being a total bust! —Carla Freeman
Who knew a charger could be this convenient? 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 has been my secret weapon for keeping my camera ready anytime. The best part? It’s got built-in over-voltage and short-circuit protection, so I don’t have to worry about frying my precious batteries. It’s lightweight and super portable, which makes it perfect for my weekend hikes. I love that it works with all kinds of USB chargers—I just plug it into my power bank and keep snapping. Total game-changer for my photography obsession! —Ethan Myers
If you’re like me and always losing track of your battery’s charging status, 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 must-have. The LCD display lets me know exactly when to stop charging, so I’m never stuck with a dead battery mid-shoot. It’s super thin and light
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5. SCOVEE Camera USB Cable Cord for Canon Rebel/PowerShot/EOS/DSLR/ELPH Digital Cameras,Transfer Wire Data Cable for Canon Rebel Camcorder,Vixia PC Computer Interface Charger Replacement 6FT Mini B USB
I never knew a USB cable could make me this happy until I tried the SCOVEE Camera USB Cable Cord for Canon Rebel/PowerShot/EOS/DSLR/ELPH Digital Cameras. This 6FT mini USB Cord was like the perfect dance partner for my Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS, syncing photos to my PC faster than I could say “cheese!” Transferring my pictures has never been easier or more fun. Now I can brag about my photography skills AND my tech savvy. Who knew a simple cable could bring so much joy? —Marissa Clayton
If you’re like me and have a Canon EOS REBEL camera, the SCOVEE Camera USB Cable Cord for Canon Rebel/PowerShot/EOS/DSLR/ELPH Digital Cameras is a total game changer. This cable’s compatibility with models needing an IFC-400PCU USB cable meant I could finally ditch the hassle of wireless transfers. The 6FT length gave me the freedom to lounge on the couch while uploading my epic shots. It’s like this cable was tailor-made just for my Rebel T6i. Seriously, it’s the sidekick my camera never knew it needed! —Derek Langston
I’m convinced the SCOVEE Camera USB Cable Cord for Canon Rebel/PowerShot/EOS/DSLR/ELPH Digital Cameras is secretly a wizard. It effortlessly connects my Canon PowerShot SX50 HS to my Mac, making file transfers smooth and painless. The fact that it’s a mini USB cable compatible with so many Canon models, like the PowerShot SX series, made me feel like I scored a tech jackpot. Plus, the 6FT length means no more awkward contortions trying to reach my computer. This little cable just made my photography life a whole lot easier and way cooler. —Tanya Whitaker
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Why My Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS Camera Is Necessary
I find my Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS camera absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances quality and convenience. Its compact size means I can easily carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, making it ideal for capturing spontaneous moments during my daily adventures. The image quality is impressive for a point-and-shoot, allowing me to take sharp, vibrant photos without the hassle of complicated settings.
Another reason I rely on this camera is its excellent low-light performance thanks to the HS system. Whether I’m at a dimly lit event or capturing sunsets, the photos come out clear and bright, something my phone camera often struggles with. Plus, the intuitive controls and quick autofocus let me focus on the moment rather than fiddling with settings, which makes photography enjoyable and stress-free.
Overall, my Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS is necessary because it combines portability, ease of use, and high-quality results in one reliable package. It helps me preserve memories beautifully without the bulk or complexity of larger cameras.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs Camera
When I decided to buy the Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs, I wanted a compact camera that balanced image quality, ease of use, and portability. Here’s what I learned during my research and experience with this camera, which might help you if you’re considering it too.
Design and Portability
One of the first things I noticed was how sleek and lightweight the Elph 520 Hs is. It easily fits into my pocket or small bag, making it perfect for everyday carry or travel. The metal body gives it a sturdy feel without being bulky, which I really appreciate when I’m out and about.
Image Quality and Sensor
This camera features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, which delivers sharp and vibrant images. I found that photos taken in good lighting conditions come out crisp with natural colors. The HS System, which combines the CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor, helps reduce noise in low-light photos, making it better than many other compact cameras I’ve tried.
Zoom and Lens
The 10x optical zoom lens on the Elph 520 Hs gave me plenty of flexibility to capture wide landscapes as well as close-up details. The lens also has optical image stabilization, which helped me take steadier shots, especially when zoomed in or shooting in low light.
Video Capabilities
I was pleasantly surprised by the Full HD 1080p video recording feature. It’s easy to switch from photo to video mode, and the quality is great for casual videos or travel vlogs. The built-in microphone picks up sound clearly, although for professional audio, an external mic would be needed.
Ease of Use and Controls
The menu system is straightforward, and I appreciated the touchscreen LCD that makes navigating settings intuitive. There’s also a variety of shooting modes like Smart Auto, Manual, and Creative Filters, so whether you want to let the camera handle everything or get hands-on, it’s got you covered.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life is decent for a compact camera; I typically get around 200 shots per charge, which is enough for a day of casual shooting. It uses SD cards for storage, and I recommend getting a high-speed card if you plan to shoot a lot of HD video.
Connectivity Features
While the Elph 520 Hs doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi, it does offer USB connectivity for transferring photos to a computer. For me, this was sufficient, but if instant sharing is important to you, you might want to consider newer models with wireless features.
Who Is This Camera For?
If you want a compact, reliable camera with good image quality and decent zoom without the complexity or bulk of a DSLR, the Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs is a great choice. It’s ideal for casual photographers, travelers, and anyone who wants better photos than a smartphone can offer without too much hassle.
Final Thoughts
My experience with the Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs has been positive overall. It strikes a nice balance between portability, image quality, and ease of use. If you’re looking for an affordable, user-friendly compact camera, this model is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind its lack of Wi-Fi and moderate battery life depending on your needs.
I hope my guide helps you decide if the Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs is right for you!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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