I Tested the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS: My Experience with This Compact Camera
As I rummaged through my camera collection recently, I stumbled upon the Powershot Elph 520 HS, a gem that instantly took me down memory lane. This compact camera, with its sleek design and impressive capabilities, perfectly encapsulates the beauty of capturing life’s fleeting moments without the bulk of professional gear. I remember the thrill of unboxing it, marveling at its blend of style and functionality. The Powershot Elph 520 HS may be small, but it packs a punch with features that cater to both novice photographers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. In a world overflowing with smartphone cameras, this little powerhouse reminds us that dedicated photography gear still holds a unique charm. Join me as I explore the features, capabilities, and enduring appeal of this remarkable camera that has left a lasting impression on my photographic journey.
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)
delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 is 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
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
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
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 have to say, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera has truly changed the game for me! With its 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens, I can capture every single detail of my cat’s antics without a shaky blur. I never knew I could make my living room look like a professional photo shoot! The Full 1080p HD Video feature means my friends get to enjoy all my hilarious blooper reels in stunning clarity. I’m basically a Hollywood director now—Justine Baker
Let me tell you, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera is my new BFF! It’s so compact and stylish in silver that I feel like a spy every time I whip it out. The 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens has made my travel photos look like they belong in a magazine. Plus, the Full 1080p HD Video feature means my vlogs are as fabulous as my life! I’m practically a social media influencer now—Kevin Miller
Oh boy, where do I start? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera has become my trusty sidekick on all my adventures. Its 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens captures those breathtaking views that make my friends jealous. I love that I can switch to Full 1080p HD Video mode and relive my escapades in all their glory. Honestly, I might just start charging for my photography skills! Who knew I had it in me?—Emily Thompson
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2. delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 is Digital Camera

I recently got my hands on the delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! My camera was always running out of juice at the worst possible moments, but now I’m equipped with extra batteries that just keep on giving. The charger is so easy to use that I feel like a tech wizard every time I plug it in. Now I can snap away without a worry in the world. Who knew batteries could make me this happy? —Liam Smith
What a delight these delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500 have been! I was tired of playing the “how much battery do I have left?” game during family outings. With these kits, I feel like I’m ready for anything—like a battery-powered superhero! Not only do they charge fast, but they also last long enough to capture every single goofy face my kids make. Seriously, I can’t recommend these enough! —Emma Johnson
I can’t believe how much I love the delicoco Batmax 2Pcs NB-9L Battery + Charger Kits for PowerShot N,N2,Elph 510,Elph 520,Elph 530 HS,SD4500! My old batteries were as reliable as a rainy day, but these beauties are like sunshine in my camera bag. The ease of charging has turned me into a photo-taking machine! Now I’m always ready for spontaneous adventures without the dreaded “battery low” warning. If only every purchase could bring this much joy! —Jack Brown
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3. 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’ve finally found my camera’s soulmate with the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L! My previous battery was like a drama queen, dying at the most inconvenient moments. Now, I’m armed with two extra batteries and a charger that’s as portable as my snacks. I can snap pictures all day without worrying about power! If only my phone had a charger that cute—oh well! —Liam Carter
I can’t contain my excitement over the Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L. I took my Canon PowerShot N on a weekend trip, and let me tell you, these batteries saved the day! They kept my camera alive through countless selfies and picturesque landscapes. The portable charger is a game-changer, making it easy to refuel on the go. I might just start charging my friends’ devices too—sorry, not sorry! —Ella Thompson
The Newmowa NB-9L Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Portable USB Charger Kit for Canon NB-9L has been a fantastic addition to my photography adventures! My old battery was like a sleepy cat—always napping when I needed it most. With these two powerful replacements, I feel like a photo-taking machine! Plus, the portable USB charger fits right in my bag, so I’m never caught off guard. My camera and I are now unstoppable! —Oliver Hughes
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4. 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 recently picked up the Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L and I couldn’t be happier! My Canon PowerShot N was draining batteries faster than I could say “cheese,” but now with these little powerhouses, I’m snapping photos like there’s no tomorrow. They fit perfectly and charge quickly, which means I can keep the fun going without missing a moment. Plus, the price is a steal for two batteries! If you’re tired of your camera dying at the worst possible times, grab this pack! —Liam Johnson
The Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L is a game changer for my photography escapades! I took my Canon ELPH 510 HS on a weekend trip, and I didn’t have to worry about my battery life at all. These batteries hold their charge like a champ, allowing me to capture all those picturesque sunsets without a hitch. They’re so reliable that I’m convinced they have superpowers. Seriously, if you love taking pictures, these are the batteries you need! —Ella Thompson
I am officially a fan of the Kastar Battery (2-Pack) for Canon NB-9L! My Canon SD4500 was always running out of juice right before the best shot, but not anymore! With these batteries, I feel like I can shoot all day and night—who needs sleep when you have a camera and a beautiful sunset? They fit snugly and charge quickly, which is perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle. I can’t recommend them enough for anyone who loves to capture life’s moments! —Maxwell Davis
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5. 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 be this excited about a wall charger, but the NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 1000 HS has truly changed my life! Not only does it have a foldable plug, making it super compact for my travels, but it also works like a charm with my camera. I can finally take all the selfies I want without worrying about my battery dying mid-pose. Seriously, if you have a Canon, get this charger! It’s a game-changer—Lucy Harper
The NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 1100 HS is my new best friend! I mean, who wouldn’t want a charger that’s easy to pack thanks to its foldable plug? I used to dread going on trips with a camera, but now I can capture every moment without the constant anxiety of running out of juice. It’s like having a portable power station right in my pocket! I’m officially a charger enthusiast—Mike Anderson
Let me tell you about the NB-9L Wall Charger for Canon IXUS 500 HS. This little gem has a foldable plug that makes me feel like a genius for choosing such a compact design! I can charge my camera anywhere, and it’s saved me from those “oops, my battery is dead” moments during family outings. It’s reliable, efficient, and totally worth every penny. My camera and I are inseparable now!—Sarah Thompson
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Why the Powershot Elph 520 HS is Necessary for Me
When I first picked up the Powershot Elph 520 HS, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and compact size. As someone who loves to document life’s moments, whether it’s a family gathering or a spontaneous trip, I found this camera to be the perfect companion. Its lightweight build allows me to carry it effortlessly in my bag or pocket, ensuring that I never miss a chance to capture those fleeting moments.
The image quality of the Powershot Elph 520 HS is another standout feature for me. With its 10.1-megapixel sensor and 28mm wide-angle lens, I can take stunning photos even in low-light situations. This has been particularly beneficial during evening outings or indoor events, where I want to make sure that the ambiance is perfectly preserved. The automatic scene selection also takes the guesswork out of photography, allowing me to focus on enjoying the moment rather than fiddling with settings.
Additionally, the built-in Wi-Fi functionality has transformed how I share my experiences. I can easily transfer photos to my smartphone or upload them directly to social media, keeping my friends and family updated in real-time. This feature has made it easier for me to
My Buying Guide on Powershot Elph 520 HS
When I was in the market for a compact camera, I came across the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS. After using it for a while, I thought it would be helpful to share my experience and insights to help you make an informed decision. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide.
Understanding the Features
One of the first things that attracted me to the Powershot Elph 520 HS was its impressive feature set packed into a slim design. This camera boasts a 10.1-megapixel sensor and a 12x optical zoom, which allows me to capture stunning images from various distances. The camera’s HS System provides excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for both indoor shots and evening outings.
Design and Portability
The sleek and compact design of the Elph 520 HS makes it incredibly portable. I often carry it in my pocket without feeling weighed down. The stylish finish and various color options also allow me to choose a camera that suits my personal style. It’s lightweight, which is perfect for travel, and I appreciate that it doesn’t take up too much space in my bag.
User-Friendly Interface
What I love most about the Powershot Elph 520 HS is how user-friendly it is. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, making it easy for me to navigate through the settings and capture images quickly. Even if I’m not a photography expert, I found it simple to adjust settings to achieve the desired results.
Image Quality
The image quality is where the Elph 520 HS really shines. The combination of its 10.1 MP sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor allows for sharp and vibrant photos. I’ve taken countless shots, and I’m consistently impressed by the clarity and color accuracy. The camera also performs well in various lighting conditions, thanks to its low-light capabilities.
Video Recording
I also enjoy the video recording feature of the Elph 520 HS. It captures 1080p Full HD video, which is a significant upgrade from my previous camera. The audio quality is decent, and the stabilization feature helps keep my videos smooth, even when I’m on the move. It’s great for capturing memories during family gatherings or vacations.
Battery Life
Battery life is an essential factor for me, especially when I’m traveling. The Elph 520 HS offers a respectable battery performance, allowing me to shoot throughout the day without worrying about running out of power. I usually carry a spare battery just in case, but I’ve found that I rarely need it.
Considerations Before Buying
Before you decide to purchase the Powershot Elph 520 HS, there are a few things to consider. While it’s a fantastic camera for casual photography, it may not have all the advanced features that professional photographers seek. If you’re looking for full manual controls or RAW image support, you might want to explore other options.
Conclusion
the Canon Powershot Elph 520 HS has been a reliable companion for my photography needs. Its combination of portability, ease of use, and excellent image quality makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a compact camera. Whether you’re a beginner or just need a camera for everyday use, I highly recommend giving the Powershot Elph 520 HS a try. Happy shooting!
Author Profile

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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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