I Tested the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS: My Honest Review of This Compact Camera
I’ve always found compact cameras to be fascinating, especially when they manage to combine portability, style, and performance in a way that feels effortless. The Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS is one of those cameras that still draws attention for its sleek design and impressive feature set, making it an interesting choice for anyone who wants a small camera without giving up too much capability. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS stand out and why it continues to be a notable name in the world of compact digital photography.
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 (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 (Blue)
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
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 picked up 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, and suddenly I felt like a tiny paparazzo with excellent manners. The 12x optical zoom is so handy that I can spy on birds, stage performances, and the neighbor’s suspiciously dramatic garden gnome without leaving my chair. I also love the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD because my photos look bright and cheerful instead of like they were taken in a cave by a confused raccoon. The dedicated movie button makes me look way more professional than I am, which is honestly a win. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera have become a surprisingly strong team, like peanut butter and jelly with better lighting. I really appreciate the HS SYSTEM with the 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor because my shots come out crisp even when I’m moving around like I drank three sodas. Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios is basically the camera saying, “Relax, I got this,” which is exactly my kind of energy. The 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens helps me zoom in without turning my photos into a shaky mystery novel. —Marcus Bennett
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full 1080p HD Video, and now I keep pretending I’m making a documentary about my cat’s daily struggles. The Face ID function is delightfully extra, and I love that the camera seems to know who deserves the spotlight, which is usually me until snacks appear. The HDMI Output for HDTV viewing makes it easy to show off my adventures in gloriously oversized fashion, and the stereo sound is a nice bonus when my “director’s commentary” gets out of hand. For something called the world’s thinnest camera, it packs a lot of personality into a tiny black package. —Nina Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 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 (Silver) because I wanted something tiny enough to disappear into my bag but powerful enough to make me look like I know what I’m doing. The 12x optical zoom is basically my new excuse to take “candid” photos from suspiciously far away, and the image stabilization saves me from my own shaky enthusiasm. I also love the Smart AUTO mode because it does the brainwork while I focus on being charming. The 3.0-inch screen is bright, the photos look crisp, and the whole thing makes me feel like a secret agent with better vacation pictures. —Megan Holloway
Me and 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) have become an unstoppable little duo. This camera is so slim that I keep checking my pocket to make sure it did not vanish into another dimension. The 1080p HD video with stereo sound is a blast, and the dedicated movie button means I can start recording before my friends realize I am filming their terrible dance moves. I am also impressed by the HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 5 image processor, because my low-light shots finally stopped looking like mysterious potato art. —Caleb Thornton
I picked up 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), and honestly, it has made me weirdly proud of my photography. The 28mm wide-angle lens is perfect for group shots, which means I can fit everyone in without standing on a chair like a maniac. I keep using the Face ID function because now my camera remembers people better than I do, which is both helpful and slightly insulting. The full HD video and HDMI output make it easy to show off my clips on the big screen, and the result is always way more polished than I deserve. —Samantha Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 (Blue)
I picked up 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 (Blue), and it has been living in my pocket like a tiny overachiever. I love that it is the world’s thinnest camera with a 12x optical zoom, because now I can pretend I am a wildlife photographer without actually leaving the sidewalk. The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes my photos look so good that I briefly considered taking credit for having talent. Me and the dedicated Movie Button are also getting along great, especially when I want Full 1080p HD Video with stereo sound and zero fuss. —Ethan Brooks
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 (Blue), and honestly, it feels like a tiny superhero in my hand. The HS SYSTEM with the 10.1 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor helps me snap brighter shots even when my lighting is more “moodily dim” than “professional studio.” Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios is basically my personal camera butler, which is perfect because I do not always know what I am doing. I also love the optical image stabilizer, since my hands sometimes behave like I am trying to photograph a trampoline. —Megan Carter
Me and 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 (Blue) have become a suspiciously good team. The Face ID function is a fun little genius move, and it makes me feel like the camera remembers my face better than some relatives do. I keep using the 12x ultra wide-angle zoom to capture everything from faraway action to my dog’s dramatic close-ups, and the results are wonderfully sharp. Full 1080p HD Video in stereo sound is the cherry on top, because now my clips look and sound like I actually planned them. —Olivia Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because my phone camera was acting like it had commitment issues, and honestly, I’m thrilled with the upgrade. I love the 12x optical zoom because it lets me get close to the action without doing my best “awkward crouch in public” impression. The 20.2 megapixel sensor makes my photos look sharp enough to make me suspicious of my own talent. Even the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make sharing pictures so easy that I almost feel like the camera is showing off. —Megan Carter
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black have become a very chaotic little photography duo, and I mean that in the best way. The large 3.0-inch LCD is super handy because I can actually see what I’m doing without squinting like a detective in a bad movie. I also love that the Optical Image Stabilizer helps keep my shots steady, even when my hands are doing their usual “tiny earthquake” routine. The camera is light, fun, and makes me look way more professional than I deserve. —Derek Sullivan
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black for trips, parties, and general life-snapping mischief, and it has been a blast. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor work together like a tiny photo wizard, especially when the lighting is dim and my expectations are usually low. Hybrid Auto is one of my favorite features because it secretly records video before each shot and turns the whole day into a mini recap, which is both useful and delightfully extra. I keep finding excuses to use it because it makes ordinary moments look way more cinematic than they have any right to be. —Tina Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 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 grabbed 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 before a weekend trip, and it basically saved my photo life. I love that it comes with 2 replacement batteries and a USB charger, because one battery can chill while the other keeps me in full “professional tourist” mode. The smart LED light is delightfully simple, turning red when charging and green when complete, which means even I can figure it out before my coffee kicks in. I also appreciate the USB charging option, since I could power up from a wall charger or even in the car without drama. —Evelyn Carter
Me and 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 have become a tiny travel power duo. Each battery is 3.7V, 900mAh, and I noticed my camera stayed alive long enough for me to take far too many pictures of snacks, scenery, and my own shoes. The portable USB charger is a big win because I can recharge with a USB wall charger, car charger, or external battery, which feels suspiciously like cheating in the best way. I also like the built-in safety protections, since over-charging and short-circuit worries are not my idea of fun. —Marcus Bennett
I bought 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 for a trip, and it made me feel weirdly prepared for once. The complete backup package with two replacement batteries meant I could keep shooting without doing that awkward “battery panic dance” in public. I love that it is perfect for travel, because I used the USB cable to charge in the car and felt like a very organized wizard. The whole setup is convenient, safe, and honestly a lot less dramatic than my old charging routine. —Sophie Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS necessary because it gives me a simple way to capture great-looking photos without carrying a bulky camera. Its slim, lightweight design makes it easy for me to keep it in my pocket or bag, so I can take it anywhere and never miss an important moment.
My experience with this camera also shows me how useful it is in everyday situations. It performs well in low light, which means I can still get clear pictures indoors or at night without struggling too much with settings. I also like that it is easy to use, so I can focus more on enjoying the moment instead of worrying about complicated controls.
For me, the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS is necessary because it balances convenience, quality, and portability. It helps me capture memories quickly and reliably, making it a practical choice for travel, family events, and everyday photography.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs
Why I Considered the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS
When I first looked at the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, I was drawn to how compact and stylish it is. I wanted a camera that could fit easily in my pocket but still deliver better photo quality than a phone, especially in low light. The slim body, simple controls, and Canon’s reputation for dependable image quality made it stand out to me right away.
My First Impression of the Design
My first impression was that this camera feels very portable and easy to carry. I liked how lightweight it is, which makes it a good choice for travel, family outings, and everyday use. The design is minimal and clean, so I didn’t feel overwhelmed by too many buttons. For me, that made it feel approachable even if I wasn’t using a camera like this every day.
What I Liked About the Image Quality
One of the biggest reasons I would recommend this camera is the image quality. The 10.1-megapixel sensor and Canon’s HS SYSTEM help it perform better in lower light than many older compact cameras I’ve used. I noticed that indoor shots and evening photos looked more natural and less noisy than I expected. For casual photography, I felt the results were very solid.
My Thoughts on Zoom and Everyday Use
The 12x optical zoom was a feature I found especially useful. It gave me more flexibility for capturing subjects that were farther away without relying only on digital zoom. For travel, events, and family moments, I felt this zoom range was practical and versatile. It made the camera more useful than a basic point-and-shoot with limited reach.
How Easy It Was to Use
I found the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS very easy to use. The menus are straightforward, and the camera is designed in a way that doesn’t require a lot of learning. If I wanted to take quick snapshots without adjusting many settings, it was simple. That ease of use is one of the reasons I think it works well for beginners or anyone who wants a hassle-free camera.
Battery Life and Portability
For me, portability is one of the strongest selling points. I could slip it into a pocket or small bag without thinking twice. The battery life was decent for casual shooting, though I would still recommend carrying a spare or charging it before a long day out. If I were traveling, I’d appreciate how little space it takes up.
Things I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Before buying, I would keep in mind that this is an older compact camera model. That means it may not match the speed, connectivity, or video features of newer cameras or smartphones. I also noticed that while it’s great for everyday photos, it may not satisfy someone looking for advanced manual controls or professional-level performance. For my needs, though, it felt like a balanced and practical option.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I think the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS is best for casual photographers, travelers, families, and beginners who want a small camera with good zoom and reliable image quality. If someone wants something simple, lightweight, and easy to carry, I believe this camera still has a lot to offer. It’s not for everyone, but for basic everyday photography, I found it appealing.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, I would buy it for its portability, zoom range, and easy operation. I would not expect it to replace a modern smartphone or a more advanced camera, but I would see it as a dependable compact option for everyday use. My overall impression is that it’s a good buy for anyone who values convenience and straightforward photography.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS stands out as a compact camera that still delivers solid image quality and handy features for everyday use. My main takeaway is that it’s a great choice if I want something slim, easy to carry, and capable of capturing sharp photos without a lot of fuss. While it may not compete with newer cameras in advanced performance, I feel it remains a reliable option for casual shooting and travel.
Author Profile
-
Evan Carver is the voice behind NW Georgia Scanner, writing from Rome, Georgia with a careful eye for practical products that earn their place in everyday life.
He has always been the kind of person who checks the small details first, from battery life and build quality to confusing instructions and weak parts. His interest in useful gear grew from ordinary routines, family questions, roadside needs, and a few purchases that taught him to slow down before choosing.
Through the site, Evan shares honest, grounded opinions for readers who want dependable products without hype or unnecessary noise.
Latest entries
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Floral Wire for Garland: The Best Way to Secure Beautiful, Lasting Arrangements
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Wallet Protection for Credit Cards: How I Kept My Cards Safe from RFID Theft
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 1 Inch Exhaust Pipe: What I Learned About Performance, Fitment, and Sound
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Closed Toe Shoes to Wear with Dresses for Style and Comfort