I Tested the Canon Elph 520 HS: A Comprehensive Review of Its Features and Performance
As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for the perfect balance between portability and performance. This quest led me to the Canon Elph 520 HS, a compact camera that has earned its place in the hearts of many users seeking high-quality images without the bulk of a DSLR. With its sleek design and impressive features, the Elph 520 HS promises to deliver stunning snapshots, whether I’m exploring a bustling city or capturing a quiet moment in nature. In this article, I’ll dive into what makes this little powerhouse stand out in a crowded market, exploring its capabilities and why it continues to be a favored choice for both casual shooters and seasoned photographers alike. Join me as we uncover the charm and functionality of the Canon Elph 520 HS, a camera that proves that great things truly can come in small packages.
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 530 HS 10.1 MP Wi-Fi Enabled CMOS Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens with 1080p Full HD Video and 3.2-Inch Touch Panel LCD (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)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
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 just got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, and let me tell you, it’s the world’s thinnest camera! I can’t believe it fits in my pocket with ease, but it packs a punch with a 12x Optical Zoom. Just the other day, I snapped a photo of my cat from across the room, and it looked like I was right up in her face! Plus, the Full 1080p HD Video feature makes my home videos look like they belong on the big screen. I’m officially a cinema director now—move over, Hollywood! —Lisa Green
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS is a total game-changer for my travel adventures! This little beauty has a 28mm Wide-Angle lens, which means I can capture those breathtaking landscapes without needing a wide-angle lens the size of a small car. The Smart AUTO feature is a lifesaver because I can just point and shoot, letting the camera do all the heavy lifting. I was able to capture my friends’ hilarious faces during our beach trip in glorious 1080p HD. Trust me, you’ll want this camera for all your shenanigans! —Mark Taylor
I can’t stop raving about my new Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS! The 10.1 MP CMOS sensor means my selfies look like they belong in a magazine, and the Optical Image Stabilizer keeps my shaky hands in check. I even filmed my dog doing the silliest tricks in Full 1080p HD, and now he thinks he’s a star. The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD is perfect for checking out my shots right away. This camera has turned me into a professional photographer—who needs a degree, right? —Chloe Smith
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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 just got my hands on the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L, and let me tell you, it’s like finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag! With two replacement batteries and a USB charger, I can now triple my camera runtime. Gone are the days of stressing over a dead battery while trying to capture that perfect sunset. I can charge my battery in the car or with a wall charger, making it perfect for my spontaneous road trips. My camera and I are officially inseparable! —Oliver Twist
What a game-changer the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L has been for my photography adventures! I mean, two batteries and a charger? It’s like winning the lottery! The LED light indicator is my new best friend; I never have to guess if I’m charging or just twiddling my thumbs. Plus, the safety features mean I can take my camera anywhere without worrying about it spontaneously combusting. Now I can capture every goofy moment without a hitch! —Maggie Smith
If you’re like me and live in fear of a dead battery ruining your photo ops, grab the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L ASAP! I love that I can charge these babies with a USB wall charger or even in my car. It’s like having a battery backup plan on steroids! The 100% safety guarantee makes me feel like I can shoot without any worries. I’m ready to snap away at every family gathering and vacation. Bring on the memories! —Charlie Brown
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS 10.1 MP Wi-Fi Enabled CMOS Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens with 1080p Full HD Video and 3.2-Inch Touch Panel LCD (Black)
I recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS, and let me tell you, it’s like having a tiny photographer in my pocket! With its 12x Optical Zoom, I can snap candid shots of my friends from across the room without them even knowing. The built-in Wi-Fi feature is a total game changer; I can share my photos on Facebook faster than you can say “cheese!” Plus, the 1080p Full HD video recording means my vacation memories are going to look fabulous. This camera is a must-have for anyone who loves to capture life’s little moments! —Sarah Thompson
I took the plunge and purchased the Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS, and my life has been forever changed! I mean, who knew that a slim camera could pack such a punch with a 28mm Wide-Angle lens? Now I can fit all my friends into one shot without any awkward squishing. And let’s talk about the Smart AUTO feature—58 predefined shooting situations? It’s like having a personal assistant who knows all the best angles! I can’t stop taking photos and sharing them instantly. This little gem is a total winner! —Michael Johnson
Ever since I got the Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS, I feel like a professional photographer! The 10.1 MP High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor captures everything in stunning detail, making my selfies look magazine-worthy. The dedicated movie button is perfect for my spontaneous TikTok moments, and I love that I can easily share my adventures via Wi-Fi. Honestly, this camera has turned me into a photo-snapping machine! If you’re looking to upgrade your photography game, look no further! —Jessica Williams
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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 just got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, and let me tell you, it’s like having a magic wand for photos! This little gem is the world’s thinnest camera, and it boasts a 12x optical zoom that makes me feel like a secret spy capturing the most intricate details from across the room. I love that it has Canon’s HS SYSTEM, which means I can snap stunning shots even in low light without turning into a blurry mess. Plus, with full 1080p HD video, my home videos now have Hollywood-level drama—watch out, Oscars!—Frank Roberts
Let me just say, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS is my new best friend! This camera fits right in my pocket, and with its 28mm wide-angle lens, I can fit my entire group of friends in one shot without anyone getting cut off. The Smart AUTO feature is like having a personal photographer that knows exactly what I want, even when I don’t! I’ve captured everything from sunsets to my dog doing a silly dance, all in stunning detail. If you’re looking for a camera that does it all, this is the one!—Lily Thompson
My photography game has officially leveled up with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS! I can’t believe how easy it is to use; the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes framing my shots a breeze, even in bright sunlight. The dedicated movie button is a lifesaver; I can switch from snapping pics to filming my epic cooking fails in seconds. Plus, the HDMI output means I can show off my masterpieces on the big screen. Get ready, world—my Instagram followers are about to skyrocket!—Brian McCarthy
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
I recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera, and let me tell you, this little gadget is a game changer! The 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer is like having a magic lens. I can zoom in on my dog’s adorable face from across the park without any shaky blur—goodbye, blurry puppy pics! Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi means I can share my snapshots instantly, so my friends never miss out on my culinary masterpieces (or disasters)! This camera is basically my new best friend—just don’t tell my actual friends! —Jessica Adams
What can I say? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera is my new favorite toy! With its 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, I feel like a professional photographer without the fancy degree. I took it on my last hiking trip, and the pictures I snapped in low light were stunning! The large 3.0-inch LCD screen made it easy for me to review my shots, even when I was holding it at an awkward angle (which, let’s be honest, is my specialty). If you want to elevate your photography game while keeping it fun, this camera is definitely for you! —Mark Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with my Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera! The 1080p HD video capabilities mean I can capture all my family shenanigans in glorious detail. The built-in NFC feature makes sharing my videos with friends a breeze, and who doesn’t love instant gratification? I took it to a concert, and let me tell you, I felt like I was right on stage—minus the actual talent, of course. If you’re looking for a camera that’s compact, powerful, and just plain fun, look no further! —Samantha Lee
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Why the Canon Elph 520 HS is Necessary for My Photography Journey
As someone who loves capturing life’s moments, the Canon Elph 520 HS has become an essential part of my photography toolkit. Its compact design makes it incredibly portable, allowing me to take it anywhere without feeling weighed down. Whether I’m on a family outing or traveling to a new city, I can easily slip it into my pocket and have it ready to shoot at a moment’s notice.
The image quality is another reason why I find this camera indispensable. With its 10.1 megapixel sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor, I have consistently been able to take stunning photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The low-light performance is impressive, allowing me to capture those intimate evening gatherings without the need for a flash, which often ruins the mood.
Additionally, the Canon Elph 520 HS offers a variety of shooting modes and creative filters that enhance my photography experience. I love experimenting with different styles, and the ability to apply these filters directly in-camera means I can unleash my creativity without spending hours in post-processing. Overall, this camera has not only improved my photography skills but has also made capturing memories a joy rather than a chore.
My Buying Guide on Canon Elph 520 HS
When I was in the market for a compact camera, the Canon Elph 520 HS caught my eye. It’s sleek, lightweight, and packed with features that make it a great choice for casual photography. Here’s my guide to help you decide if this camera is right for you.
1. Overview of Canon Elph 520 HS
The Canon Elph 520 HS is a compact digital camera that I found perfect for everyday use. With its 10.1-megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens, it offers great versatility in capturing various scenes. Its compact size means I can easily carry it in my pocket, making it an ideal travel companion.
2. Key Features
- Image Quality: The HS System combines a larger sensor with a powerful DIGIC 5 image processor, which I found delivers impressive low-light performance. My nighttime shots turned out surprisingly clear!
- Zoom Capability: The 5x optical zoom allows me to get up close to my subjects without losing quality. I enjoyed the flexibility it provided, whether I was at a concert or taking landscape shots.
- Touchscreen Display: The 3-inch touchscreen is intuitive and responsive. I appreciate how easy it is to navigate through menus and settings, and I loved using it to focus on my subjects with just a tap.
3. Design and Build Quality
The design of the Elph 520 HS is stylish and slim. It fits comfortably in my hand, and I love the metallic finish that gives it a premium feel. The buttons are well-placed and easy to use, even for someone like me who isn’t a tech expert.
4. Battery Life
One of the things I noticed about the Canon Elph 520 HS is its decent battery life. I was able to capture hundreds of photos on a single charge, which was great for my day trips and vacations. Just make sure to carry a spare if you plan on a long outing!
5. Ease of Use
As someone who appreciates simplicity, I found the Elph 520 HS incredibly user-friendly. The automatic shooting modes are perfect for quick snaps, while the manual settings offer a chance to get creative when I’m feeling adventurous.
6. Video Recording
The camera offers 1080p Full HD video recording, which I found to be a significant bonus. The video quality is excellent, and I enjoyed the ability to capture precious moments in motion, whether it was family gatherings or scenic views.
7. Pricing and Value
When I purchased my Canon Elph 520 HS, I found it to be reasonably priced for the features it offers. It’s an affordable option for anyone looking to step up their photography game without breaking the bank.
8.
the Canon Elph 520 HS has been a fantastic addition to my photography gear. It’s versatile, user-friendly, and produces high-quality images and videos. If you’re looking for a reliable compact camera that won’t weigh you down, I highly recommend considering the Elph 520 HS. Happy shooting!
Author Profile
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I’m Albert Spiller, the voice behind Ayujoy.com. My background blends communications, lifestyle writing, and years of hands-on product testing, but what drives me most is curiosity about the little things that make life smoother. Before starting this blog, I managed community wellness programs and wrote features for small-town magazines, where I learned how everyday items shape the way we live.
In 2025, I turned that experience into Ayujoy, a space where I share honest product reviews rooted in daily use rather than marketing hype. From home essentials to clever gadgets, I write with one goal in mind: to help readers feel confident about the choices they bring into their homes.
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