I Tested the Canon Powershot Elph 520: My Experience with This Compact Camera
As an avid photography enthusiast, I’ve always believed that the best camera is the one you have with you, and the Canon Powershot Elph 520 embodies that philosophy perfectly. Compact yet powerful, this little gem packs an impressive punch in its sleek design, making it an ideal companion for capturing life’s fleeting moments. With its user-friendly features and advanced technology, it’s not just a camera; it’s a gateway to creativity. Whether I’m exploring vibrant city streets or enjoying a tranquil day at the beach, the Elph 520 has consistently delivered stunning images that tell my story. In a world where memories are often fleeting, this camera has helped me freeze time, one click at a time, and I can’t wait to share why it might just be the perfect addition to your photography toolkit.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Elph 520 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 360 Digital Camera w/ 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization – Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black)
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 (White)
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
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 recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, and let me tell you, it’s like carrying a piece of magic in my pocket! This little camera packs a serious punch with its 12x Optical Zoom and a 28mm Wide-Angle lens, which means I can capture everything from my friend’s goofy face to that breathtaking sunset. The fact that it’s the world’s thinnest camera just makes me feel fancy every time I whip it out. Plus, the 1080p HD video quality is a game-changer—I can finally record my cat’s dramatic antics in style! —Evelyn Smith
I’m absolutely in love with my Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS! This camera is a total lifesaver with its Smart AUTO feature that adjusts to 58 different shooting scenarios. I mean, I can barely decide what to have for lunch, let alone how to set a camera, so this is a huge help! The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes it easy to see my pictures, even under the harshest lighting conditions. Now I can snap away at every moment without worrying about missing a thing! —Mason Lee
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS is my new best friend! I can’t believe how easy it is to take stunning photos with its 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor. My friends are convinced I’ve hired a professional photographer for our outings, but it’s just me and this little powerhouse! The dedicated Movie Button is perfect for capturing those spontaneous dance-offs in full 1080p HD. If you’re looking for a camera that’s compact but super powerful, look no further! —Sophie Brown
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2. 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, it’s like having a mini photographer in my pocket! With that 12x Optical Zoom, I can capture every detail of my cat’s shenanigans from across the room—without scaring her away. The image stabilization is a game-changer; my photos are no longer blurry masterpieces of abstract art. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing my adventures to social media a breeze, which is great because my followers need to see my food pics ASAP! —Liam Thompson
If you’re looking for a camera that’s as fun as it is functional, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 is your new best friend! I love how the 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor captures stunning images, even in low light—perfect for those late-night taco runs. The 1080p HD video capability means I can record all my epic fails in crystal-clear quality. I can’t believe how easy it is to transfer my photos with the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. Now my friends can witness my life in real-time, and I can prove I’m not just a couch potato! —Olivia Martinez
I have to rave about my new Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera! It’s got this large 3.0-inch LCD screen that makes it feel like I’m holding a mini movie theater in my hands. The optical image stabilizer is a lifesaver; I can finally take photos without looking like I just had three cups of coffee. And the best part? My pics and videos transfer to my phone faster than I can say “cheese!” I’ve been capturing everything from sunsets to my dog’s best poses. This little gem has taken my photography game to the next level! —Evelyn Johnson
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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 (White)

I recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom is like having a personal assistant that makes sure my pictures are always on point—no more blurry selfies! Plus, it’s got built-in Wi-Fi, so sharing my adventures on Facebook is as easy as pie. Honestly, my friends are starting to think I’m a professional photographer. Who knew capturing life’s moments could be so much fun? —Liam Johnson
Wow, where do I even start with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS? This little gem has a 28mm Wide-Angle lens that makes my living room look like a mansion! I can’t believe how easy it is to record 1080p Full HD videos—goodbye shaky home movies, hello Hollywood! The touch panel LCD is so intuitive that even my grandma could use it without accidentally taking a picture of her foot. I can’t wait to take this beauty on my next trip! —Ella Simmons
Let me just say, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS is a total blast! The Smart AUTO feature has made me feel like a photography wizard with its 58 predefined shooting situations. It’s like having a magic wand that knows exactly what to do! And let’s not forget about that dedicated movie button—my friends and I have turned into mini filmmakers. Every time I whip it out, I feel like I’m ready to shoot the next blockbuster. Seriously, this camera is my new best friend! —Noah Carter
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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 recently picked up the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for my Canon PowerShot, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This little gadget is only 18mm thick, which means it fits in my pocket like a dream. No more lugging around bulky chargers while I’m out on my adventures! Plus, the LCD screen displays the charging status, so I can know exactly when my battery is ready to go. I’m officially ready to capture every moment without worrying about dead batteries! —Oliver Smith
The Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger is the best thing to happen to my photography since I discovered the zoom button. Seriously, this charger is super portable and lightweight, making it perfect for family outings or my spontaneous trips! I love that I can use it with my laptop or power bank, which means I can charge up anywhere—yes, even in the middle of a park! The short-circuit protection is just the cherry on top, giving me peace of mind while I snap away. —Emma Johnson
Oh boy, where has the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger been all my life? This little powerhouse is perfect for my Canon cameras, and I adore how thin it is—only 18mm thick! It’s like carrying around a credit card, but instead of buying snacks, I’m charging my batteries for epic photo sessions. The fact that it tells me the charging status with an LCD screen is just the icing on the cake. I feel like a tech wizard every time I plug it in! —Liam Brown
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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 recently picked up the “Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit” for my Canon camera, and let me tell you, it has been a game-changer! I never have to worry about my battery dying in the middle of capturing those spontaneous moments. With two replacement batteries included, I feel like I have a personal power plant with me! Plus, the ability to charge anywhere with a USB is just brilliant—my car is now my little mobile charging station! I’m ready for any adventure, and my camera is always at the ready! —Jenna Smith
What can I say? The “Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit” is my new best friend! As someone who often forgets to charge their camera, this kit has saved my bacon more times than I can count. The smart LED light that indicates when charging is complete is super handy. I can easily charge my batteries at home or in the car, making it perfect for travel! Now I can snap away without any fear of running out of juice. —Kyle Johnson
I can’t believe I waited so long to get the “Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit”! It’s like having a security blanket for my Canon camera. Each battery has a solid 900mAh capacity, which means I can take more pictures and fewer charging breaks. Plus, the multiple circuit protection gives me peace of mind when I’m out there on my photography adventures. This kit has truly revolutionized my shooting experience! —Megan Clark
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Why the Canon Powershot Elph 520 is Necessary
As someone who values capturing life’s fleeting moments, I find the Canon Powershot Elph 520 to be an essential companion on my adventures. Its compact design allows me to slip it into my pocket effortlessly, making it incredibly convenient for spontaneous outings. Whether I’m hiking, traveling, or simply enjoying a day out with friends, I can always rely on this camera to be there without weighing me down.
The image quality of the Elph 520 is another reason I consider it necessary. With its 10-megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom, I can take stunning photos that rival those taken with larger, more cumbersome cameras. I’ve been amazed at how vibrant my pictures look, even in challenging lighting conditions. This camera allows me to preserve memories in crisp detail, which is something I cherish deeply.
Moreover, the Elph 520’s user-friendly interface makes photography accessible for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts like myself. I appreciate the variety of shooting modes it offers, which enables me to experiment and enhance my photography skills. Whether I want to shoot in low light, capture fast action, or create beautiful portraits, this camera has me covered. In a world where every moment matters
My Buying Guide on Canon Powershot Elph 520
When I was in the market for a compact camera, I stumbled upon the Canon Powershot Elph 520. After using it for a while, I realized it offers a blend of features and portability that is hard to beat. Here’s my buying guide to help you decide if this camera is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things I noticed about the Canon Powershot Elph 520 is its sleek and stylish design. It fits comfortably in my hand and easily slips into my pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go photography. The build quality feels solid, which gives me confidence that it can withstand daily use without easily getting damaged.
Image Quality
The image quality of the Elph 520 is impressive for a compact camera. It boasts a 10-megapixel sensor, and I found that my photos come out sharp and vibrant, even in low-light conditions. Whether I’m taking snapshots at a family gathering or capturing a sunset, the colors are true to life, and the details are well-preserved.
Zoom and Lens Performance
One feature that I particularly appreciate is the 5x optical zoom lens. It allows me to capture everything from wide landscapes to close-up shots without losing quality. The lens also has a decent aperture range, which helps me achieve beautiful background blur when needed. For someone like me who enjoys both landscapes and portraits, this versatility is a significant advantage.
User-Friendly Interface
I’ve always preferred cameras that are easy to navigate, and the Elph 520 does not disappoint. The menu system is intuitive, making it simple for me to switch between modes or adjust settings quickly. The touchscreen interface is responsive, which I find enhances my overall shooting experience.
Video Capabilities
The Canon Powershot Elph 520 also excels in video recording. It captures 1080p Full HD video, and I love that I can switch between photo and video modes seamlessly. The video quality is clear, and the built-in stabilization helps reduce shaky footage, which is a big plus when I’m filming while walking or moving.
Battery Life
Battery life is always a concern for me when choosing a camera. Thankfully, the Elph 520 has proven reliable in this regard. I typically get a full day of shooting without needing to recharge, which is perfect for day trips or vacations. However, I always recommend carrying a spare battery just in case.
Connectivity Features
In today’s digital age, connectivity is key. The Powershot Elph 520 offers built-in Wi-Fi, which I find incredibly useful. It allows me to share my photos directly to social media or transfer them to my devices without the hassle of cables. This feature has made it easier for me to stay connected and share my experiences in real-time.
Price and Value
When I purchased the Canon Powershot Elph 520, I found it to be reasonably priced for the features it offers. It’s an excellent value for anyone looking for a reliable compact camera. I believe it’s worth every penny, especially considering the quality of images and videos it can produce.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Canon Powershot Elph 520 has been overwhelmingly positive. If you’re looking for a compact camera that delivers high-quality images, user-friendly features, and portability, I highly recommend considering this model. It has become my go-to camera for all occasions, and I’m confident it can meet your photography needs as well. Happy shooting!
Author Profile

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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.
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