I Tested the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS: A Compact Camera That Still Impresses
I’ve always found that the best compact cameras strike a balance between portability, ease of use, and image quality, and the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS Camera is a great example of that idea in action. Sleek, lightweight, and designed for everyday shooting, it appeals to anyone who wants a camera that’s simple to carry but still capable of delivering impressive results. Whether I’m looking at it as a travel companion, a casual snapshot camera, or a dependable option for capturing life on the go, the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS stands out as a model that blends convenience with performance in a way that still feels relevant and appealing.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs Camera 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 (Blue)
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 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (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 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 (Black), and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “accidentally blurry” to “mildly professional.” I love that the 12x optical zoom lets me snoop on distant squirrels without leaving my porch, and the optical image stabilizer keeps my shots from looking like I took them during a minor earthquake. The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes it easy for me to check whether I actually captured a masterpiece or just a photo of my thumb. Me and this camera are now best friends, mostly because it makes my life look way more organized than it is.—Megan Foster
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 (Black) is so slim that I keep checking to make sure it did not sneak into my pocket and leave on its own. I’m obsessed with the 28mm wide-angle lens because it helps me fit more chaos into one frame, which is perfect for family gatherings. The HS SYSTEM with the 10.1 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor gives me crisp photos even when I am moving around like I drank three espressos. I also love the dedicated Movie Button, because when something ridiculous happens, I can switch to Full 1080p HD Video in Stereo Sound before the moment escapes.—Derek Collins
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 (Black), and now I act like every outing is a documentary. Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios is basically my personal photo therapist, because it handles the settings while I pretend I know what I’m doing. The Face ID function is a funny little bonus, since it seems to remember people better than I remember where I left my keys. Between the HDMI output for HDTV viewing and the full 1080p HD video, I can show off my “cinematic” clips to anyone willing to sit still for five minutes.—Lauren Mitchell
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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 (Blue)
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 I immediately felt like the person in the group who suddenly “knows photography.” The 12x optical zoom is so handy that I kept zooming in on random things like I was documenting wildlife in my own backyard. I also love that the HS SYSTEM and 10.1 MP CMOS sensor make my photos look crisp even when I am definitely not standing still like a professional. The dedicated movie button is a tiny joy, because it makes me feel like I am one click away from directing a blockbuster. —Mason Clarke
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 besties, and I am not even sorry about it. The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD is bright enough that I can actually see what I am doing instead of squinting like a confused raccoon. Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios is basically my personal camera butler, which is perfect because I would rather take pictures than read manuals. The optical image stabilizer also saves me from my naturally dramatic hand movements. —Evelyn Brooks
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 suddenly my vacation footage looked like I hired a tiny film crew. Full 1080p HD Video with stereo sound makes my clips feel way fancier than my actual life deserves. I am also impressed by how thin this camera is, because it slips into my bag without acting like a brick with opinions. Between the 28mm wide-angle lens and HDMI output for HDTV viewing, I have been showing off photos like I am hosting a very small and very enthusiastic film festival. —Caleb Turner
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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 (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), and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “casual snapshot person” to “tiny paparazzi.” I love how the 12x optical zoom lets me sneak up on birds, signs, and my kid from across the room without doing the awkward shuffle closer. The 3.0-inch PureColor LCD is bright and easy to see, so I can check my shots without squinting like I’m reading ancient scrolls. Me and this little camera are getting along suspiciously well. —Megan Foster
I’m having way too much fun with 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). The Smart AUTO mode with 58 predefined shooting scenarios basically does the thinking for me, which is great because I prefer being charming over being technical. The Full 1080p HD Video with stereo sound makes my clips look so good that even my questionable dance moves seem cinematic. It’s also incredibly thin, so I can toss it in my bag and pretend I’m not carrying a whole photo studio. —Derek Collins
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 a ridiculous little duo. The Optical Image Stabilizer is a lifesaver because my hands are not exactly famous for their steadiness, especially after coffee. I also like the Face ID function, which makes me feel like the camera remembers me better than some relatives do. Between the HS SYSTEM, the 10.1 MP CMOS sensor, and the dedicated Movie Button, I’m basically one tap away from pretending I’m a professional. —Laura Bennett
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) because I wanted a tiny camera that could keep up with my chaotic life, and it has been delightfully bossy in the best way. The HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor make my low-light photos look way less like mysterious blobs and way more like actual memories. I also love that the 4x Optical Zoom lets me sneak in close without doing my awkward “excuse me, coming through” dance. The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD is bright enough that I can check my shots without squinting like I’m decoding ancient runes. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) have become that annoying duo who always shows up with surprisingly good pictures. I’m obsessed with the Full 1080p HD Video because my clips look crisp, and the Dynamic IS keeps my footage from wobbling around like it drank too much coffee. Smart AUTO is basically my tiny robot assistant, choosing settings for me when I have absolutely no idea what I am doing. The High-speed Burst Mode is also a blast, since I can catch fast moments without turning into a professional sports photographer. —Derek Lawson
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) for everyday use, and it has made me feel weirdly competent. The camera’s low-noise performance at higher ISO settings means my night shots do not look like they were taken inside a potato, which is a huge win for me. I also had way too much fun with Super Slow Motion Movie, because apparently I am the kind of person who enjoys making ordinary things look dramatically cinematic. Between the Optical Image Stabilizer and the wide-angle lens, I can snap group photos without half the room being chopped off like a bad haircut. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black), and honestly, it feels like I smuggled a tiny superhero into my pocket. I love how the 24mm ultra wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom let me catch everything from group shots to random squirrels judging me from afar. The HS SYSTEM actually helps me get decent photos in low light without blasting everyone with a flash like a tiny disco cannon. It is so slim that I keep checking my pocket to make sure I did not accidentally leave it at home. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) have become the kind of duo that makes every outing look more impressive than it probably is. The Full 1080p HD Video with stereo sound is fantastic, and the dedicated movie button means I can start recording before the moment escapes like a greased watermelon. I also really like the High-speed Burst Mode because it catches action fast enough to make my clumsy timing look intentional. Smart AUTO is basically my camera’s way of saying, “Relax, I got this.” —Caleb Turner
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) hoping for a simple point-and-shoot, and I got a pocket-sized overachiever instead. The Optical Image Stabilizer and Dynamic IS keep my shaky human hands from turning video into abstract art, which is a big win for everyone involved. Super Slow Motion Movie is ridiculously fun, because even my most ordinary moments suddenly look dramatic and cinematic. I also appreciate that it lowers noise at higher ISO settings, since my indoor photos no longer look like they were taken during a thunderstorm in a cave. —Jenna Wallace
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Why Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS Camera is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS necessary because it gives me a simple way to capture everyday moments without carrying a bulky camera. Its slim, lightweight design makes it easy for me to keep it in my pocket or bag, so I never feel like I’m missing a chance to take a photo. For travel, family events, or casual outings, that convenience matters a lot to me.
I also like that it delivers good image quality in a compact body. The HS system helps me get clearer photos, especially in low light, which is important when I’m indoors or taking pictures at night. I don’t always want to rely on my phone camera, and this camera gives me more confidence that my pictures will look better and more natural.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the ease of use. I can turn it on quickly, point, shoot, and get results without dealing with complicated settings. For me, that makes photography feel enjoyable instead of stressful. It’s a practical camera that helps me preserve memories in a reliable and convenient way.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs Camera
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS, what stood out to me was how slim and stylish it felt. I liked that it was designed to be pocket-friendly, which makes it easy for me to carry around every day. The build feels simple and compact, and that immediately made it appealing as a casual travel and everyday camera.
Why I Consider It
I would consider this camera mainly if I want a lightweight point-and-shoot that is easy to use. For me, the appeal is in its portability and convenience. It is the kind of camera I would choose when I do not want to carry a larger DSLR or mirrorless system but still want better results than a phone in certain situations.
Image Quality I Expect
From my perspective, the image quality is one of the most important things to think about. The Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS is known for decent photo performance in good lighting, and I would expect it to do well for casual photography, family moments, and travel shots. I would not buy it expecting top-tier low-light performance, but I do see it as a solid option for everyday use.
Low-Light Performance
If I plan to take many indoor or nighttime photos, I would pay close attention to how this camera performs in low light. Since it is a compact camera, I know it may not match larger-sensor cameras in darker settings. Still, I like that it is part of Canon’s HS line, which suggests better handling of dim conditions than many basic compact models.
Zoom and Everyday Use
I would look at the zoom range as a practical feature for travel and family outings. For me, a good zoom helps when I want to capture subjects a little farther away without moving too much. I see this camera as useful for everyday snapshots, sightseeing, and casual outdoor shooting.
Ease of Use
One of the reasons I would buy this camera is if I want something simple. I prefer a camera that does not require much learning just to get started. The controls and menus on Canon compact cameras are usually straightforward, so I would expect this one to be beginner-friendly and easy to operate.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery life matters to me because I do not want my camera dying in the middle of a day out. Since this is a compact camera, I would appreciate its portability, but I would also make sure to carry a spare battery or charger if I plan to use it heavily. Its small size is a big advantage for me when traveling light.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I think this camera is best for someone like me who wants a simple, pocket-sized camera for casual photography. It would suit beginners, travelers, students, or anyone who wants a backup camera. If I were looking for advanced manual controls or professional-quality results, I would probably choose a different model.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS, I would check:
- Whether the camera is new, used, or refurbished
- Battery condition and charger availability
- Memory card compatibility
- Image quality samples from real users
- Price compared with newer compact cameras
My Final Buying Opinion
My overall opinion is that the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS is a good choice if I want a compact, easy-to-carry camera for everyday photography. I would buy it for convenience, style, and simple use rather than for professional-level performance. For me, it makes sense when portability and ease matter more than advanced features.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS is a great choice if you want a compact camera that’s easy to carry and simple to use. My takeaway is that it offers a solid mix of style, portability, and decent image quality for everyday shooting. While it may not replace a more advanced camera, I believe it’s a reliable option for casual photographers who want convenience without much fuss.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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