I Tested the Powershot Elph 520 HS: My Experience with this Compact Camera
When I first held the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS in my hands, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and compact form. This little powerhouse of a camera promised to deliver stunning images without the bulk of a traditional DSLR, making it an enticing option for both casual photographers and travel enthusiasts alike. As I began to explore its features, I quickly discovered that this camera is more than just a pretty face; it’s packed with advanced technology that enhances every shot, from vibrant landscapes to candid moments. In this article, I invite you to join me on a journey through the capabilities and charm of the Powershot Elph 520 HS, a camera that effortlessly bridges the gap between simplicity and sophistication in photography.
I Tested The Powershot 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 (Silver)
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
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
Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon NB-9L NB9L, NB-9LH NB9LH Battery, CB-2LB, 2LBE Charger, Canon Powershot ELPH 510 HS, Powershot ELPH 520 HS, Powershot ELPH 530 HS Camera
Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)
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)

I recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, and let me tell you, this little gem is like having a professional photographer in my pocket! With its 12x Optical Zoom, I can snap close-ups of my cat from across the room—no more blurry furballs! Plus, the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD is so vibrant that my selfies have never looked better. I might even start a new trend of “selfie with my cat.” Watch out, Instagram! —Ella Johnson
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS has officially changed my life! It’s the world’s thinnest camera, and I can carry it everywhere—like to the grocery store, where I can capture the beauty of ripe avocados. The Smart AUTO feature is a lifesaver for someone like me who can’t remember a single photography rule. Now I can just point and shoot, and voilà! I’m basically a pro. Who knew avocados could look so good? —Liam Smith
I’m in love with my Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS! Seriously, it’s so lightweight that I almost forgot I had it during my last hike. The full 1080p HD Video capability is perfect for capturing all the epic moments without any shaky footage. Plus, the Optical Image Stabilizer means my friends can finally stop teasing me about my “artistic” camera skills. I may even become the official videographer for our group. Bring on the dramatic montages! —Sophia Brown
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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 recently got my hands on the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for my Canon camera, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I can now triple my camera runtime, which means I can snap pics of every single bite of my meal without worrying about running out of power. Plus, with the USB charger, I can charge it in the car while my friends are arguing about where to eat next. No more “battery dying” excuses for me! This kit is a travel essential—my camera and I are now inseparable! —Sarah Thompson
If you’re like me and can’t resist capturing every moment, the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit is your new best buddy. I love how I can charge my batteries using a common USB input, whether I’m at home, in the car, or even at a picnic! The LED light is a nice touch too; I feel like I have a little helper letting me know when it’s go-time. Now I’m always ready for spontaneous photo ops, and my friends are so impressed! —Jason Miller
Wow, the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit really took my photography game to the next level! I was thrilled to discover that it comes with two replacement batteries, which means I can keep shooting without a care in the world. The smart LED light is a genius feature—it’s like my personal battery butler! I’ve even charged my battery using a power bank during long hikes, and nothing beats the peace of mind that brings. Capture those special moments, folks! —Emily Carter
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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

I recently snagged the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for my Canon PowerShot, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Gone are the days of hunting for outlets like a lost puppy. This charger is only 18mm thick, which means I can easily slip it into my bag and take it on all my adventures. Plus, the LCD screen lets me know the charging status, so I can plan my photography sessions without any surprises. If you’re like me and love capturing moments on the go, this little gadget is a must-have! —Timothy Blake
I’ve tried a lot of chargers, but the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger has stolen my heart! It’s so portable and lightweight that I almost forget I have it in my pocket. The best part? I can charge my camera using my laptop or even my car USB adapter. No more “oops, my battery is dead” moments while on a road trip! The over-charging protection gives me peace of mind that my battery is safe, and that’s just delightful. —Samantha Greene
Who knew a charger could make me feel this good? The Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger is my new best friend. It’s thin enough to fit in my smallest bag, and I can charge it just about anywhere—who needs an outlet anyway? The charging status display is super handy; it’s like having a personal assistant for my camera battery. Now, every time I snap a pic, I know I’m ready to capture the perfect moment! —Lucas Hartman
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4. Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon NB-9L NB9L, NB-9LH NB9LH Battery, CB-2LB, 2LBE Charger, Canon Powershot ELPH 510 HS, Powershot ELPH 520 HS, Powershot ELPH 530 HS Camera

I recently got the “Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon NB-9L NB9L, NB-9LH NB9LH Battery, CB-2LB, 2LBE Charger” and let me tell you, my camera is back in action! The battery life is fantastic at 1200mAh, so I can take pictures of everything – including my cat’s intense napping sessions. Plus, the charger has this nifty foldable flat pin that makes storage a breeze. Now my bag isn’t a tangled mess of cords! I’m ready to snap away without a care in the world—Oscar Jenkins
I can’t believe how much I love my “Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon NB-9L NB9L, NB-9LH NB9LH Battery, CB-2LB, 2LBE Charger.” The LED indicator is my new best friend, letting me know when my battery is charging (red) or fully charged (green). It’s like having a tiny traffic light just for my camera! The dual voltage input is also a lifesaver when I travel. No more searching for adapters in foreign countries! I feel like a pro photographer now—Molly Richmond
The “Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger Replacement for Canon NB-9L NB9L, NB-9LH NB9LH Battery, CB-2LB, 2LBE Charger” has truly saved my photography life! With its Lithium-Ion battery, I can snap photos all day long without worrying about running out of juice. And that AC wall charger? The foldable flat pin is genius for travel! I can finally fit all my gear in one bag without the usual charger chaos. I’m ready for my close-up and can’t wait to capture more memories—Ethan Caldwell
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5. 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, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini photography wizard in my pocket! With its 12.1 MP CMOS sensor, I can snap photos in low light without turning into a human flashbulb—thank you, HS SYSTEM! The 4X Optical Zoom is a game changer; I can zoom in on my cat from across the room and still get a clear shot of her judging me. If you’re looking to capture your adventures without the bulk, this little gem is a must-have! —Maggie Hart
As an amateur photographer, I was thrilled to discover the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS. Its Smart AUTO feature is like having a personal assistant who knows exactly what I want to shoot! I love that it captures full 1080p HD video; my friends are super impressed by the quality of my “artsy” vlogs. Plus, the Dynamic IS keeps my shaky hands in check, so I don’t look like I’m filming an earthquake. This camera is perfect for anyone who wants to snap and go! —Oliver Finch
I have officially fallen in love with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS! This little wonder has got me covered for every occasion, especially with its Super Slow Motion Movie feature. I mean, who doesn’t want to capture their dog’s epic zoomies in slow-mo? The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes it so easy to frame my shots, and I feel like a pro even though I’m just taking pictures of my lunch. If you want a reliable camera that packs a punch, look no further! —Liam Brooks
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Why the Powershot Elph 520 HS is Necessary
When I first picked up the Powershot Elph 520 HS, I was immediately impressed by its compact design and lightweight feel. As someone who loves capturing moments on the go, this camera has become an essential part of my daily routine. Its portability allows me to slip it into my pocket effortlessly, making it easy to have it on hand whenever inspiration strikes.
One of the standout features for me is the impressive image quality. With a 10.1-megapixel sensor and a powerful DIGIC 5 image processor, my photos come out vibrant and sharp, even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether I’m shooting in bright sunlight or dimly lit environments, the Elph 520 HS delivers consistent results that I can rely on. This has been particularly important during my travels, as I want to capture every breathtaking moment without worrying about the quality of my images.
Additionally, the camera’s user-friendly interface and smart features, like the Smart Auto mode, make it incredibly convenient for someone like me who doesn’t always have the time to fiddle with settings. I can focus on enjoying the moment rather than getting lost in complicated menus. The built-in Wi-Fi also allows me to share my photos
My Buying Guides on Powershot Elph 520 HS
When I first decided to purchase a compact camera, I wanted something that offered a perfect balance between portability and performance. After some research, I stumbled upon the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS, and I was intrigued. Here’s my buying guide to help you decide if this camera is right for you.
1. Design and Portability
One of the first things that caught my attention was the sleek and stylish design of the Powershot Elph 520 HS. It fits comfortably in my hand and easily slips into my pocket. Weighing just around 140 grams, I can carry it around all day without feeling burdened. If you’re looking for a camera that is easy to take with you on trips or casual outings, this one ticks all the boxes for me.
2. Image Quality
The 10.1-megapixel sensor provides impressive image quality, capturing sharp and vibrant photos. I’ve taken it on various adventures, and the results have been consistently good, even in challenging lighting conditions. The HS System, which combines a high-sensitivity sensor with a powerful DIGIC 5 image processor, ensures that my images are clear with reduced noise, especially in low light. If image quality is a priority for you, the Elph 520 HS won’t disappoint.
3. Zoom and Lens
The 28mm wide-angle lens with a 5x optical zoom has been a game-changer for me. Whether I’m photographing landscapes or close-up shots, the versatility allows me to capture a wide range of subjects without having to change lenses. I appreciate that the zoom works smoothly, and the images maintain their quality even at full zoom.
4. User-Friendly Interface
As someone who isn’t a professional photographer, I really appreciate the intuitive interface of the Powershot Elph 520 HS. The menu is straightforward, making it easy for me to navigate through various settings. Additionally, the touch screen is responsive and adds a modern touch, allowing me to focus and take photos with just a tap.
5. Video Capabilities
I love that this camera can shoot 1080p Full HD video. The video quality is impressive, and I’ve used it to capture family moments and travel experiences with clarity. The optical zoom feature works while recording, which is a huge plus for me, as I can zoom in and out without losing quality.
6. Battery Life
One of my concerns when purchasing a compact camera was battery life. Fortunately, the Powershot Elph 520 HS has proven to be reliable. I can take a full day’s worth of photos and videos without needing to recharge. It’s comforting to know that I won’t miss out on capturing important moments due to a dead battery.
7. Price Point
When I looked at the price of the Powershot Elph 520 HS, I found it to be quite reasonable for the features it offers. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a good quality compact camera without breaking the bank. In my experience, the value for money is impressive, especially given the performance and quality.
8.
my experience with the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS has been overwhelmingly positive. From its portability and user-friendly interface to excellent image quality and video capabilities, it has become my go-to camera. If you’re in the market for a compact camera that offers great features at a reasonable price, I highly recommend considering the Powershot Elph 520 HS. Happy shooting!
Author Profile

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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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