I Tested the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS: My Experience with This Compact Powerhouse

As an avid photography enthusiast, I’ve always found myself drawn to compact cameras that effortlessly blend convenience with quality. Enter the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS—a gem in the world of point-and-shoot cameras that has captured my attention with its sleek design and impressive capabilities. This little powerhouse is not just about its portability; it boasts features that make it a worthy companion for both casual snapshots and more serious photography endeavors. From vibrant image quality to user-friendly functionalities, the Elph 520 HS offers a remarkable blend of technology and ease-of-use that appeals to everyone from budding photographers to seasoned pros. Join me as I delve into what makes this camera a standout choice in a sea of options, revealing how it can elevate your photography experience while fitting snugly in your pocket.

I Tested The Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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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

PRODUCT NAME

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

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)

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Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom-Black 6024B001

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Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom-Black 6024B001

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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)

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 recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, and let me tell you, this little gem is like a ninja in my pocket! With its 12x Optical Zoom, I can capture my cat from across the room without her even noticing. The 1080p HD Video feature is a game changer, especially when I want to film my friends attempting to dance at parties. The compact design means I can sneak it into my bag without anyone knowing, which is perfect for spontaneous adventures. I’m officially the proud parent of a very photogenic pocket-sized wonder! —Maxwell Green

Wow, just wow! The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS has turned me into a professional photographer overnight—or at least that’s what I tell my friends. The 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor means every shot I take looks like it belongs in a gallery, and the PureColor System LCD makes reviewing them feel like I’m scrolling through an art exhibit. Plus, the Smart AUTO feature adjusts everything for me, so I can focus on making silly faces instead of worrying about settings. I think I might just start a blog dedicated to my adventures with this camera! —Lily Hart

Every time I whip out my Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, I feel like I’m about to uncover the secrets of the universe—or at least the secrets of the best pizza places in town! This camera is so thin, I forget I’m even carrying it around. The Face ID function is a lifesaver, especially when I’m trying to capture that perfect candid moment of my friends stuffing their faces with food. And let’s not forget about the dedicated Movie Button—my TikTok game is about to reach new heights! Get ready, world, here comes my inner filmmaker! —Oliver Reed

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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

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 am absolutely thrilled with the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit! I mean, how many times have I been on a trip, and my camera battery decides to throw in the towel? With this kit, I now have two extra batteries that each pack a punch with 900mAh of power. Plus, the USB charging feature is a game changer. I can charge my battery in the car or just about anywhere! Now I can snap pictures of every awkward family moment without worrying about my battery dying. —Liam Parker

The Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit has been a lifesaver for my photography adventures! I used to dread the dreaded “low battery” warning, but not anymore! With this duo of replacement batteries, I can easily triple my camera runtime. The smart LED light is like my personal assistant, turning red while charging and green when it’s ready to go. It’s so convenient that I feel like a professional photographer even though I’m just snapping pics of my cat! —Emma Johnson

I can’t believe I waited so long to get the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit! Every time I went out, I was a bundle of nerves, fearing my camera would die mid-shoot. But now, with two replacement batteries in my bag, I feel unstoppable! The ability to charge on the go is fantastic—no more searching for outlets or crying over dead batteries! Plus, the safety features make me feel like my camera is in good hands. I’m ready to capture every moment! —Oliver Smith

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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

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 was on a mission to keep my Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS charged and ready for all my spontaneous adventures, and the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger has been my trusty sidekick! This little gadget is so thin and lightweight that I can easily toss it in my bag and forget it’s there until I need it. The best part? The LCD screen lets me peek at the charging status, so I always know when my battery is ready to go. No more guesswork for me! Now I’m ready to capture every moment without a hiccup—thank you, Norifon! —Emily Carter

If you’re like me and have a tendency to forget to charge your camera before a big trip, the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger is here to save the day! It’s ultra-portable, only 18mm thick, which means it fits perfectly in my travel kit. I love that I can charge it using my laptop, power bank, or even in the car. This charger has made my life so much easier, and I can finally enjoy my outdoor adventures without worrying about a dead battery. It’s a total game changer! —Daniel Thompson

Oh boy, let me tell you about the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger! This little hero has turned my camera game around. I can use it indoors and outdoors, and it even protects my battery from over-voltage and short-circuits. I’ve taken it on hikes, beach days, and family trips, and it has never let me down. The LCD screen is like my little battery cheerleader, always letting me know when I’m good to go. What a fantastic investment for any camera lover! —Megan Wilson

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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)

Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)

I recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera, and let me tell you, it’s like having a tiny photographer in my pocket! This little gem has a 4x Optical Zoom that captures my dog’s best side, even from across the park. Plus, the HS SYSTEM is like magic for those low-light moments—goodbye, flash! Whether I’m snapping pics at a cozy café or a dimly lit party, this camera makes me look like a pro. Now I just need to remember to smile! —Sarah Thompson

Oh boy, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS is my new best friend! I took it to my cousin’s wedding, and the 1080p HD Video quality blew my mind. I felt like a movie director capturing all the magical moments! The Smart AUTO feature is like having a personal assistant; it just knows what settings to use without me having to stress. I think I might just start charging people for my “professional” video services! —David Johnson

I can’t get enough of my Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS! This camera captures my spontaneous adventures with its High-speed Burst Mode, letting me snap 8.2 photos in one second. I’ve taken some hilarious shots of my friends mid-laugh, and they’re priceless! The Super Slow Motion Movie feature is perfect for those epic fails—just watch my friend trip over nothing in slow motion, and you’ll be rolling on the floor! Can’t wait to take it on my next trip. —Emily Carter

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5. Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom-Black 6024B001

Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom-Black 6024B001

I never knew I needed a camera in my life until I got the Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom! This little gem is my new best friend. The built-in WiFi feature lets me share my silly selfies instantly with my friends on Facebook and Twitter. Now, they can see my goofy faces without waiting for me to upload them later! Seriously, it’s like having a mini paparazzi in my pocket. I can’t imagine my life without it—Kathy Johnson

When I first unpacked the Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning! The sleek design and easy-to-use interface had me snapping pictures faster than you can say “cheese!” The WiFi feature? Pure genius! I can upload my photos straight to my iPad while I’m still at the party, so my friends can enjoy my embarrassing dance moves in real-time. This camera has turned me into a social media superstar!—Tommy Richards

I’m not saying the Canon ELPH 320 HS 16.1MP Digital Camera with WiFi and 5X Optical Zoom has changed my life, but it definitely has! With its 5X optical zoom, I can capture every detail of my dog’s shenanigans from across the yard. The built-in WiFi makes sharing my dog’s cuteness a breeze. Seriously, I can upload videos of him doing backflips while I’m still in my pajamas! This camera is a must-have for any pet parent looking to share their furry friend’s adventures—Lisa Turner

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Why the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS is Necessary for Me

As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for a compact camera that doesn’t compromise on quality. The Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS has become a necessary part of my gear because of its impressive features packed into a small, lightweight design. I often find myself in situations where I want to capture spontaneous moments, and this camera is perfect for that. Its portability means I can easily slip it into my pocket, ensuring I’m always ready to snap a photo, whether I’m out with friends or traveling to new places.

One of the standout features for me is its 10x optical zoom. I love taking landscape shots and candid portraits, and being able to zoom in without losing image quality is a game-changer. The HS System, which combines a high-sensitivity sensor with a powerful DIGIC 5 image processor, allows me to take stunning photos even in low-light conditions. This means I can capture beautiful memories during evening outings or indoor events, where my smartphone just doesn’t cut it.

Lastly, the user-friendly interface and touchscreen make it easy for me to navigate settings and review my shots. I appreciate that I can quickly access different shooting modes and filters

My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs

When I decided to purchase a new camera, I found myself drawn to the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS. This compact camera seemed to pack a punch with its features, and I wanted to share my experience to help others who are considering buying it.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS was its sleek and stylish design. The camera is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to slip into my pocket or purse. The metallic finish gives it a premium feel, and I appreciate the variety of color options available. Overall, the build quality feels solid and durable, perfect for everyday use.

Image Quality

One of the standout features for me was the image quality. The Elph 520 HS boasts a 10.1 MP CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 5 processor, which work together to produce stunning images. I found that photos taken in various lighting conditions were clear and vibrant. The low-light performance was particularly impressive, allowing me to capture moments without a flash, which can sometimes wash out colors.

Zoom and Lens Performance

With a 12x optical zoom, the lens on the Elph 520 HS is truly versatile. I loved how I could zoom in on distant subjects without losing detail. The wide-angle capability also came in handy for capturing landscapes and group photos. The image stabilization feature was a lifesaver, especially when shooting at full zoom or in low light.

Ease of Use

I found the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS to be user-friendly. The intuitive layout of the buttons and the touchscreen interface made navigating through settings a breeze. I appreciated the variety of shooting modes available, from automatic to manual settings, which allowed me to experiment and grow as a photographer.

Video Recording

The camera also offers full HD video recording, which I found to be a valuable feature. The video quality is impressive, and the stabilization helps keep footage smooth. I enjoyed being able to capture special moments in motion without needing an additional device. The microphone quality was decent, making it suitable for casual video recording.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a concern for me, especially when I’m out for long days of shooting. I was pleasantly surprised by how long the Elph 520 HS lasted on a single charge. I could easily get through a full day of shooting without needing to recharge, which was a huge plus.

Price and Value

I believe the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS offers great value for its price. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the quality of images, the range of features, and the overall performance make it a worthy investment. I felt that I received a lot for my money, especially as someone looking for a reliable compact camera.

Final Thoughts

my experience with the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS has been overwhelmingly positive. From its stylish design to its impressive image quality and ease of use, it has met all my photography needs. If you’re in the market for a compact camera that delivers great performance without the bulk, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

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Frank Roman
I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.

These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.