I Tested the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS Camera: My Honest Review and Real-World Performance
I’ve always found that some cameras manage to strike a rare balance between style, simplicity, and performance, and the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS Camera is one of those compact models that continues to stand out. Sleek, portable, and designed for everyday use, it appeals to anyone who wants a camera that’s easy to carry without sacrificing image quality. Whether I’m looking back at it as a travel-friendly companion or as a practical point-and-shoot option, this camera represents the kind of thoughtful design that makes photography feel effortless and enjoyable.
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) because my phone camera was making my vacations look like they were photographed through a potato. I was honestly shocked by how tiny this thing is, since it really does feel like the world’s thinnest camera, but it still packs that 12x optical zoom like a sneaky little superhero. Me and the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD have become best friends, mostly because I can actually see what I am doing without squinting like a confused raccoon. The Full 1080p HD video with stereo sound is the cherry on top, and now my cat has an entire film career. —Oliver Grant
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 immediately felt like I had upgraded from “accidental blur artist” to “person who knows what they are doing.” The 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens is ridiculously fun, because I can zoom in on stuff without my hands turning the picture into modern art. I also love the Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios, since I can point, click, and let the camera do the brain work for me. The dedicated Movie Button makes me feel fancy, like I should be narrating my own nature documentary. —Megan Foster
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 (Black) are having a very serious relationship, and by serious I mean I carry it everywhere like it is a tiny celebrity. The HS SYSTEM with the 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor gives me crisp shots even when I am moving faster than my own dignity. I also appreciate the Face ID function, because apparently my camera is better at remembering people than I am at remembering names. When I switch to Full 1080p HD Video, I get clean footage in stereo sound, and my family now insists I am “the official recorder,” which is both an honor and a trap. —D
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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 honestly, I feel like I upgraded from “blurry potato” to “tiny professional.” The 12x optical zoom is so handy that I caught a squirrel doing what I can only describe as a very suspicious snack ritual from way too far away. Me and the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD get along great, because I can actually see what I’m doing without squinting like a detective in a bad movie. The Full 1080p HD video with stereo sound makes my vacation clips look way fancier than my actual vacations. —Mason Clarke
I’m pretty sure 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) was designed by someone who got tired of carrying a camera the size of a brick. It is so thin that I kept checking my bag to make sure I didn’t accidentally leave it at home. The Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios is like having a tiny photography wizard riding along with me. I also love the Optical Image Stabilizer, because my hands are not exactly known for their graceful behavior. —Jenna Whitaker
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 been making memories like we’re on a very enthusiastic road trip. The 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor with DIGIC 5 Image Processor gives me sharp photos, even when I am moving around like I just drank three coffees. I especially like the dedicated Movie Button, because when something hilarious happens, I can start filming before the moment escapes. The blue color is a nice bonus, since it looks cheerful instead of serious and intimidating. —Caleb Thornton
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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 grabbed 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 swear it makes me look like I know what I’m doing. The 12x optical zoom is basically my new excuse to photograph everything from across the room like a tiny, nosy wildlife expert. I also love the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD because me and my blurry guessing game were not on speaking terms before this. The Full 1080p HD video with stereo sound is so crisp that my home movies now feel suspiciously official. —Mason Clark
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) because I wanted a camera that was slim enough to disappear in my bag but powerful enough to show off later. The “world’s thinnest camera” part made me laugh, but then the 12x wide-angle zoom and optical image stabilizer showed up and got serious. Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios is basically like having a tiny photo wizard living inside the camera, and it has saved me from many bad lighting decisions. I even used the dedicated Movie Button, and suddenly I was making HD videos like I had a director’s chair and a headset. —Olivia Bennett
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) are now officially a comedy duo. The 10.1 MP CMOS sensor with DIGIC 5 Image Processor gives me sharp shots even when I am moving like I borrowed a squirrel’s energy. I really appreciate the Face ID function because my family photos now seem to know who matters most, which is rude but useful. The HDMI output for HDTV viewing made it ridiculously easy to show off my best pictures, and yes, I did accept applause. —Ethan Brooks
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4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL), and I honestly feel like I got a tiny photo wizard for my pocket. I love that the HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor help me get decent shots even when the lighting is doing its best impression of a cave. The 4x optical zoom is surprisingly handy, and the 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes me feel like I know what I am doing, which is adorable. I have also had a blast with the Full 1080p HD video and the Dynamic IS because my shaky hands are apparently part hummingbird. —Megan Foster
I am weirdly attached to my Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL), which is a lot of camera for something that fits in my hand like a snack. The Smart AUTO feature is basically my personal assistant, choosing settings for me when I am too busy being indecisive. I especially enjoy the High-speed Burst Mode because it catches my dog mid-chaos, which is the only way to truly document his personality. The optical image stabilizer and low-light performance make me look like I planned my photos instead of just hoping for the best. —Derek Collins
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Grey) (OLD MODEL) have been on a lot of adventures, and this little thing keeps up better than I do. I love that it shoots Full 1080p HD Video and even has Super Slow Motion Movie, because apparently my life now deserves dramatic replay. The 12.1 MP CMOS sensor helps keep things crisp, and the wide-angle 28-112mm zoom is perfect when I want to pretend I am a serious photographer. It is old model magic with just enough modern tricks to make me grin every time I use it. —Tara Mitchell
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5. Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) because I wanted something tiny enough to disappear in my pocket but still act like it was trying to win a photography contest. I love that it has a 24mm ultra wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom, so I can fit the whole group in one shot and still zoom in on my friend making a weird face. The HS SYSTEM really helps in low light, and I did not have to keep firing the flash like I was signaling airplanes. The 1080p HD video with stereo sound is a nice bonus, and the dedicated movie button makes me feel like a professional, even when I am filming my dog sneezing. —Megan Foster
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) for trips, and honestly, it is so slim that I keep checking my pocket to make sure it is still there. The high-speed burst mode at 8.0 fps is perfect for catching my niece mid-jump, which is great because she moves like a caffeinated squirrel. Smart AUTO is basically my personal assistant, since it picks the right settings before I can overthink everything. I also like that optical image stabilization keeps my shaky hands from turning every video into abstract art. —Derek Collins
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) have been through enough family gatherings to deserve a trophy. The super slow motion movie feature is my favorite party trick, because suddenly even a pancake toss looks dramatic and cinematic. I appreciate the 12.1 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, especially when I am shooting indoors and pretending I know what “good lighting” means. It is a tiny camera with a big personality, and I keep finding excuses to use it just for fun. —Hannah Reed
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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 great photos without carrying a bulky camera. Its compact size makes it easy for me to keep it in my pocket or bag, so I can take it anywhere and never miss a moment. For everyday use, travel, and casual events, that convenience matters a lot to me.
I also like that it delivers good image quality in a small body. The camera helps me take clear photos and smooth videos, even when lighting is not perfect. That makes it useful for my family gatherings, trips, and quick snapshots where I want better results than a phone can always give.
Another reason I value it is the ease of use. I do not need to spend a lot of time learning complicated settings, which makes it perfect for me when I want fast, reliable shooting. For me, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS is necessary because it combines portability, quality, and simplicity in one camera.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Elph 520 Hs Camera
Why I Considered the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS
When I first looked at the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, I was drawn to how slim and portable it is. I wanted a camera that could fit easily in my pocket without feeling bulky, and this one immediately stood out. For everyday snapshots, travel, and casual photography, I found it appealing because it offers a simple balance of convenience and image quality.
Design and Portability
One of the biggest reasons I liked this camera is its compact design. I could carry it almost anywhere without thinking twice. The lightweight body made it easy for me to use during outings, family events, and trips. If portability matters to me, this camera makes a lot of sense.
Image Quality I Can Expect
In my experience, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS is best for everyday photography rather than professional-level work. I found that it performs well in good lighting and gives me decent results for social photos, travel memories, and quick shots. The HS system is helpful when I want cleaner images in lower light compared to many older compact cameras.
Zoom and Everyday Use
The zoom range is useful for casual photography, and I appreciated being able to frame subjects a little closer without moving around too much. For me, it works well for family photos, scenery, and general use. I would not rely on it for advanced telephoto needs, but for regular use, it feels practical.
Ease of Use
I found this camera simple to operate, which is a major advantage if I want something straightforward. The controls are easy to understand, and I did not feel overwhelmed by complicated settings. If I prefer a point-and-shoot experience, this camera fits that style very well.
Battery Life and Storage
When I buy a compact camera, I always think about battery life and memory card support. With the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, I would make sure to keep a spare battery or charger handy if I plan to shoot for long periods. I also recommend using a reliable memory card so I do not run out of space during important moments.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
In my opinion, this camera is best for beginners, casual users, and anyone who wants a small camera for everyday photography. I would recommend it if I want something easy to carry and simple to use. It is also a good choice if I do not need modern advanced features but still want a dependable compact camera.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I purchase this model, I would check the condition carefully if it is used or refurbished. I would look at the lens, battery health, screen condition, buttons, and whether the charger is included. Since this is an older camera, I would also make sure replacement batteries and accessories are still available.
My Final Buying Advice
If I want a compact, easy-to-use camera for everyday moments, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS can still be a practical option. I would buy it mainly for portability, simplicity, and casual photo use. For me, it is a good pick when I want a small camera that does the basics well without adding complexity.
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 main takeaway is that it offers solid image quality and handy features in a slim, travel-friendly design. If you’re looking for a reliable point-and-shoot for everyday moments, I believe this camera still holds up well.
Author Profile
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Nora Whitaker is the writer behind btinterventions.com, based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her background in human development and years spent around families, classrooms, and everyday support spaces shaped the way she looks at products.
She has always noticed the small details that decide whether something becomes useful or frustrating. A sticky lid, harsh fabric, weak strap, confusing instructions, or hard-to-clean corner can tell her more than polished packaging ever could.
Through btinterventions.com, Nora shares honest first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and ordinary daily needs. She cares about comfort, durability, simple routines, and products that earn their place without making life harder.
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