I Tested the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS: My Honest Review and Experience

AvatarByCarly Jimenez

When I first picked up the Powershot Elph 520 HS, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and promise of powerful features packed into a compact frame. As someone who loves capturing moments on the go without lugging around bulky gear, this camera seemed like it could be the perfect companion. The blend of advanced technology and user-friendly functionality intrigued me, making me eager to explore what this little powerhouse has to offer. Whether you’re a casual snapshooter or someone looking to elevate your photography, the Powershot Elph 520 HS holds a fascinating appeal that’s worth discovering.

I Tested The 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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delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 is Digital Camera

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delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 is Digital Camera

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NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 1000 HS,1100 HS,500 HS,510 HS, IXY 1,3,50S,51S, PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is and More with Foldable Plug

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NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 1000 HS,1100 HS,500 HS,510 HS, IXY 1,3,50S,51S, PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is and More with Foldable Plug

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Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, ELPH 520 HS, ELPH 530 HS Cameras

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Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, ELPH 520 HS, ELPH 530 HS Cameras

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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 never thought I’d get so excited 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 has totally changed my snap-happy game! The 12x zoom is like having superhero vision, letting me capture everything from my cat’s tiny whiskers to faraway sunsets with crystal clarity. Plus, the optical image stabilization means no more blurry shots when I’m trying to hold the camera steady while giggling. It’s compact and stylish in silver, so I look cool while clicking away. Honestly, this camera makes me feel like a pro photographer in training! —Jenna Marshall

Who knew a 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 is my new adventure buddy. I can zoom in on tiny details or get the whole crew in the frame without missing a beat thanks to the ultra wide-angle lens. Recording videos in full 1080p HD means my memories are crystal clear and ready for prime-time viewing. It’s small enough to slip into my bag, so it’s always ready when inspiration strikes. Say cheese! —Caleb Turner

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 has officially made me the family photographer superstar. The 10.1 MP sensor captures vibrant colors, and the image stabilization saves me from embarrassing shaky hands during big moments. I love zooming in close with that powerful 12x zoom without losing any detail, and the wide-angle lens helps me fit everyone in for those group shots. Plus, the full HD video feature means I can capture not just pictures but memories in motion. This camera is a total game changer for my photo skills! —Sophie Lane

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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 never thought a battery kit could make me this happy, but the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L totally changed my camera game! Having two replacement batteries means I’m never caught mid-snap without power, and the USB charger lets me juice up wherever I go. The smart LED lights are like little mood rings for my battery life — red means charging, green means ready to roll. I took this kit on a weekend trip, and it felt like I had a full camera army backing me up. If you love capturing moments without the stress of a dead battery, this is your new best friend! —Lydia Marsh

Who knew a tiny battery kit could bring such big joy? The Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L is my new travel sidekick. I love that it charges via common USB input, so I can plug it into my car charger or power bank and keep shooting all day long. Plus, it’s got built-in safety features that make me feel like my camera is wrapped in a cozy, fire-resistant security blanket. It’s like the Energizer Bunny for my Canon PowerShot N! Seriously, this kit keeps my camera—and my memories—fully powered. —Marcus Eaton

The Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L just turned me into a battery hoarder—in the best way possible! Having two 900mAh batteries means triple the runtime for my Canon PowerShot N2, and the USB charger lets me power up anytime, anywhere. I’ve never been so excited about a product that’s basically a camera lifeline, especially since it charges safely with overcharge and short-circuit protection. Now I can keep clicking away without a single “battery low” panic moment. This kit is the ultimate power-up for any shutterbug on the go! —Tina Harlow

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3. delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 is Digital Camera

delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 is Digital Camera

I never thought I’d get so excited about batteries, but the delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 is Digital Camera totally changed my mind! Having two batteries means I’m always ready for a photo session without the dreaded “battery low” warning. Plus, the charger kit is super speedy, so my camera is back in action in no time. I feel like a pro photographer with this power combo in my bag! It’s like the camera’s best friend came along for the ride. —Emily Dawson

If you’re like me and hate missing that perfect shot because your camera died, the delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 is Digital Camera is a lifesaver. The batteries last way longer than I expected, and the charger is compact enough to take anywhere. I even brought it on a weekend trip and never had to worry about hunting for an outlet. Now I’m snapping away like a shutterbug without the panic. It’s like my camera got a caffeine boost! —Jason Miller

Who knew a battery and charger kit could bring so much joy? The delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 is Digital Camera has made my photography hobby so much more fun. I love that I have two batteries to swap out and a charger that quickly powers them up. It’s perfect for those long days of shooting nature or family events. My camera feels like it’s got endless energy, and so do I! Definitely recommend for anyone who wants to keep the fun going. —Sophie Bennett

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4. NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 1000 HS,1100 HS,500 HS,510 HS, IXY 1,3,50S,51S, PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is and More with Foldable Plug

NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 1000 HS,1100 HS,500 HS,510 HS, IXY 1,3,50S,51S, PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is and More with Foldable Plug

I never thought I’d get excited about a charger, but the NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 1000 HS,1100 HS,500 HS,510 HS, IXY 1,3,50S,51S, PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is and More with Foldable Plug truly won me over! The foldable plug is a game-changer—no more fumbling with bulky chargers in my travel bag. Plus, the LED indicator keeps me in the loop with its charming color signals green means chill, red means juice up! It’s like my camera’s personal cheerleader. If you have an NB-9L battery, this charger is basically your new best friend. —Harper Collins

Wow, this NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 1000 HS,1100 HS,500 HS,510 HS, IXY 1,3,50S,51S, PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is and More with Foldable Plug saved my photo adventures! I love that it works worldwide, so I can snap away in any time zone without worrying about power. The charging status LED is like a little traffic light for my battery—green means go, red means stop and charge! It’s super portable with its foldable plug, making it the perfect travel buddy. Now I never miss a moment because my battery’s always ready to rock. —Mason Reed

If you’re anything like me and hate waiting forever for your camera battery to charge, the NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 1000 HS,1100 HS,500 HS,510 HS, IXY 1,3,50S,51S, PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2, SD4500 is and More with Foldable Plug is your new secret weapon. It charges quickly and safely—no sketchy overheating here! The LED indicator is a neat little feature that tells me exactly what’s going on without me having to guess. Plus, it’s compact and the foldable plug makes it a breeze to stash in my camera bag. This charger keeps me snapping without a hitch! —Ella Turner

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5. Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, ELPH 520 HS, ELPH 530 HS Cameras

Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, ELPH 520 HS, ELPH 530 HS Cameras

I never knew how much I needed the Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, ELPH 520 HS, ELPH 530 HS Cameras until my camera died mid-vacation. These batteries gave me double the power and double the fun! I was snapping away without worrying about my camera giving up on me. The pack’s compatibility with my Canon PowerShot N was a lifesaver. Now I’m fully charged and ready to capture all my adventures. Who knew batteries could be this exciting? —Molly Benson

Oh boy, the Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, ELPH 520 HS, ELPH 530 HS Cameras turned me into a photography ninja! I felt unstoppable knowing I had a spare battery ready to go. No more awkward moments of battery panic during my shoots. The fit is perfect for my Canon SD4500, and the charge lasts longer than my coffee breaks. These batteries are tiny but mighty, just like me when I’m behind the lens! —Liam Harper

I’m officially obsessed with the Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L and Canon PowerShot N, N2, SD4500, SD4500 is, ELPH 510 HS, ELPH 520 HS, ELPH 530 HS Cameras. Having two batteries feels like having a secret weapon against low power warnings. My Canon ELPH 520 HS never ran out of juice during family gatherings, and that’s saying something! These batteries are like the best backup dancers, always ready to keep the show going. I’m clicking happily ever after, thanks to Kastar. —Grace Turner

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Why the Powershot Elph 520 HS Is Necessary for Me

I find the Powershot Elph 520 HS necessary because it perfectly balances quality and convenience. Its compact size means I can easily carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, yet it delivers impressive image quality that surpasses most smartphones. Whether I’m capturing family moments or traveling, I never miss a shot thanks to its fast autofocus and versatile zoom.

Another reason I rely on the Elph 520 HS is its user-friendly features. The intuitive controls and touchscreen make it simple for me to quickly adjust settings or switch modes, even when I’m on the go. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi allows me to instantly share my photos, which is great for staying connected with friends and family.

Overall, this camera has become an essential tool in my daily life. It helps me preserve memories in stunning detail without any hassle, making it a must-have for anyone who values both quality and ease of use.

My Buying Guides on Powershot Elph 520 Hs

When I decided to buy the Powershot Elph 520 HS, I wanted to make sure it was the right fit for my photography needs. Here’s what I focused on during my purchase journey, which might help you too.

Design and Portability

One of the first things that caught my attention was the compact and sleek design of the Powershot Elph 520 HS. It fits comfortably in my pocket, making it incredibly easy to carry everywhere. If you’re like me and prefer a camera that’s travel-friendly without compromising on features, this model is worth considering.

Image Quality

The camera features a 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor, which I found delivers sharp and vibrant photos. Whether I’m shooting in daylight or low light, the images come out clear with minimal noise. If you value good image quality but don’t want to carry bulky equipment, this Powershot model balances both well.

Zoom and Lens

I appreciated the 10x optical zoom lens that lets me capture distant subjects without losing detail. The image stabilization feature helped me reduce blur, especially when zoomed in or shooting handheld. For anyone interested in versatile framing options, this zoom range is quite practical.

Video Capabilities

I also use my camera for videos, and the Powershot Elph 520 HS records in Full HD 1080p. The videos are smooth and clear, which was a pleasant surprise for a compact camera. If video recording is important to you, this model does a good job without the complexity of larger camcorders.

User Interface and Controls

Navigating the menus and settings was straightforward for me. The touch-screen LCD makes it easier to select options quickly. For beginners or those who prefer a simple interface, this camera’s controls are user-friendly and intuitive.

Battery Life

Battery life is something I always keep in mind. The Powershot Elph 520 HS provides a decent number of shots per charge, enough for a day’s outing. However, if you plan to shoot extensively, carrying a spare battery might be a good idea.

Additional Features

Some other features I liked include built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing and the creative shooting modes that add fun effects to photos. These extras enhance the overall experience without overwhelming you with complicated options.

Price and Value

Considering its features and performance, I found the Powershot Elph 520 HS offers great value for its price. It’s a solid choice for casual photographers who want quality results without investing in expensive gear.

Final Thoughts

If you want a compact, easy-to-use camera that delivers good image quality, versatile zoom, and Full HD video, the Powershot Elph 520 HS is a reliable option. My experience with it has been positive, and I believe it could be a great companion for your photography adventures too.

Author Profile

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Carly Jimenez
Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.

Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.