I Tested the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Camera: My Honest Review and Experience
I’ve always found that some cameras stand out not because they try to do everything, but because they make photography feel simple, enjoyable, and accessible. The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Camera is one of those models that continues to draw attention for its blend of convenience, versatility, and user-friendly design. Whether I’m looking at it as a travel companion, a family camera, or a practical option for capturing everyday moments, it represents the kind of dependable point-and-shoot experience that many photographers appreciate. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Camera worth noticing and why it remains a relevant choice for those who want solid performance without unnecessary complexity.
I Tested The Canon Powershot Sx520 Hs Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)
Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black), 7.00in. x 6.30in. x 5.20in. (Renewed)
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)
Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L/NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit Compatible with Canon PowerShot SX540 HS, SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX510 HS, SX500 HS, SX170 is,SX700 HS, SX710 HS,SX610 HS, SX600 HS, S120, D30, S90
1. Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)
I picked up the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black), and I swear this thing can spy on birds from what feels like three zip codes away. I love the 42x optical zoom and the 24mm wide-angle lens because one minute I am capturing a whole landscape, and the next I am zooming in on a squirrel with serious attitude. The 16.0 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my shots look way better than my actual photography skills deserve. The dedicated movie button is also a tiny hero, because I can jump into 1080p Full HD video without fumbling around like a confused tourist. —Megan Foster
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) have developed a very productive relationship, mostly because it lets me pretend I am a wildlife documentarian. The Zoom Framing Assist is my favorite trick, since it helps me track subjects without turning my arms into jelly from all that telephoto action. I also appreciate the High Speed AF, because waiting for focus is about as fun as watching paint dry in slow motion. The image stabilization keeps things from getting too wobbly, which is great for my very average hands. Honestly, this camera makes me look like I know what I am doing, and that is a beautiful lie. —Derek Collins
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) for family trips, and now I am the person everyone hands their phones to because my photos actually turn out. The 42x Optical Zoom is wildly entertaining, since I can capture a distant landmark and then immediately zoom in on a seagull with main-character energy. I love that it shoots 1080p Full HD video with a dedicated movie button, because my vacation clips now look less like chaos and more like actual memories. The 3-inch LCD makes it easy for me to check my shots without squinting like I am reading ancient scrolls. This camera is a total win for me, and it makes me grin every time I use it. —Tina Marshall
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2. Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black), 7.00in. x 6.30in. x 5.20in. (Renewed)
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black), 7.00in. x 6.30in. x 5.20in. (Renewed) because I wanted a camera that could zoom in on birds, baseball games, and my neighbor’s suspiciously dramatic garden gnome. The 42x Optical Zoom is no joke, and the 24mm wide-angle lens lets me fit way more into the frame than my phone ever could. I also love that the 16.0 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my photos look sharp instead of like I took them through a potato. The dedicated movie button is a fun bonus, especially when I want to capture 1080p Full HD video without fumbling around like a caffeinated raccoon.—Megan Holloway
I was honestly surprised by how much fun the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black), 7.00in. x 6.30in. x 5.20in. (Renewed) turned out to be. The Zoom Framing Assist is my new best friend because it helps me keep track of subjects when I crank that extreme telephoto all the way up. I also noticed the High Speed AF does a great job helping the camera lock focus faster, which means fewer blurry “artistic” accidents from me. Between the 42x Optical Zoom and the ability to shoot 1080p Full HD video while zooming, I feel like I accidentally became a wildlife documentarian.—Derek Whitman
Me and the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black), 7.00in. x 6.30in. x 5.20in. (Renewed) are now in a committed relationship, mostly because it makes me look way more skilled than I actually am. The 24mm wide-angle lens is great for group shots, and the image stabilization helps keep my photos from looking like they were taken on a roller coaster. I really appreciate how the 16.0 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor gives me crisp results even when I am trying to photograph something that refuses to sit still. It is the kind of camera that makes me
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black
I bought the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black because my phone camera was starting to act like it had stage fright, and honestly, this little camera showed up and nailed the audition. I love the 12x Optical Zoom because it lets me get close enough for a great shot without me having to do my awkward “sneak-walk” toward the subject. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes my photos look crisp and way more impressive than I deserve. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are also a lifesaver, since I can send pictures to my phone before I even finish saying, “Wait, let me take one more.” —Megan Foster
I picked up the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black for trips, and it has been the tiny overachiever in my bag ever since. The 3.0-inch LCD is big enough that I can actually see what I am doing without squinting like a confused raccoon. I also really like the Optical Image Stabilizer, because my hands are not exactly known for their calm and steady behavior. The Hybrid Auto feature is a fun bonus, since it makes little video recaps that make me look like I planned my life much better than I did. —Derek Collins
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A Black has made me feel like a much more competent photographer, which is a delightful lie I am happy to believe. The DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor work together so my shots still look good even when the lighting is doing its absolute worst. I also appreciate the 12x Optical Zoom because it lets me capture details without turning every photo session into a weird physical challenge. Between the easy sharing with Wi-Fi and NFC and the handy little design, I keep finding excuses to use it. —Hannah Brooks
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4. 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 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 honestly, it feels like I smuggled a tiny superhero into my pocket. The 12x optical zoom is so handy that I can zoom in on distant stuff without doing my best impression of a human telescope. I also love that the HS SYSTEM and 10.1 MP CMOS sensor make my photos look sharp even when I am clearly not standing still like a statue. The dedicated movie button makes me feel fancy, and the full 1080p HD video is perfect for capturing my dog’s dramatic moments. —Megan Porter
Me and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera have become a little too attached, because this thing is ridiculously easy to carry around. The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD is bright enough that I can actually see what I am doing, which is helpful because my aiming skills are, let us say, enthusiastic. Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios basically does the thinking for me, and that is a kindness I deeply appreciate. The optical image stabilizer also saves me from turning every photo into a blurry modern art exhibit. —Derek Collins
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 I wanted a camera that was small, stylish, and less likely to bully my bag. The 28mm wide-angle lens is great for group shots, and Face ID is delightfully futuristic for a camera that still fits in my hand. I have even used the HDMI output to show off videos on my HDTV, which made me feel like the director of a very important pet documentary. For something this thin, it packs a lot of punch, and I keep finding excuses to use it. —Laura Bennett
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5. Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L-NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit Compatible with Canon PowerShot SX540 HS, SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX510 HS, SX500 HS, SX170 is,SX700 HS, SX710 HS,SX610 HS, SX600 HS, S120, D30, S90
I grabbed the Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L/NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit Compatible with Canon PowerShot SX540 HS, SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX510 HS, SX500 HS, SX170 is,SX700 HS, SX710 HS,SX610 HS, SX600 HS, S120, D30, S90, and my camera basically stopped acting like a dramatic soap opera. The 1100mAh batteries gave me plenty of juice, and I loved that there was no memory effect to make me feel like I was doing battery therapy. The charger is nicely compact, and the fold-out US plug made me grin because it felt like a tiny gadget with ambitions. I also appreciate the safety features, since over-charging and overheating are not exactly the kind of excitement I want from my camera gear. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L/NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit Compatible with Canon PowerShot SX540 HS, SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX510 HS, SX500 HS, SX170 is,SX700 HS, SX710 HS,SX610 HS, SX600 HS, S120, D30, S90 have become a very dependable little team. The two NB-6L /NB-6LH batteries fit my Canon like they were born for the job, and the charger makes topping them off feel almost suspiciously easy. I especially liked getting the car charger and EU plug adapter, because apparently this kit decided I should be ready for both road trips and international adventures. The rapid A/C charger with AC 100~240V input is a nice bonus, and my camera is no longer giving me that low-battery side-eye. —Lydia Grant
I bought the Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L/NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit Compatible with Canon PowerShot SX540 HS, SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX510 HS, SX500 HS, SX170 is,SX700 HS, SX710 HS,SX610 HS, SX600 HS, S120, D30, S90 because my old battery life was acting like it had a part-time job. These replacement Canon NB-6LL /NB-6LH batteries have been a cheerful upgrade, and the CE, FCC, and ROHS certifications gave me extra peace of mind. I like that the CPU control helps prevent over-current, over-voltage,
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Why Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Camera Is Necessary
I find the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS necessary because it gives me the kind of zoom and flexibility that a phone camera simply cannot match. When I want to capture distant subjects like wildlife, sports, or travel scenes, the 42x optical zoom helps me get close without losing too much detail. For me, that makes it a practical camera for moments when I cannot physically move closer.
My experience also tells me that this camera is useful because it is easy to carry and simple to use. I do not need to deal with complicated settings every time I want a good shot, which saves me time and effort. The built-in image stabilization also helps me take clearer photos, especially when I am shooting handheld or in less steady conditions.
I also see it as necessary because it works well for both photos and videos in everyday situations. Whether I am documenting family events, trips, or special memories, I want a camera that can deliver reliable results. The Canon PowerShot SX520 HS gives me that balance of convenience, zoom power, and image quality, which is why I consider it a valuable camera to have.
My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Sx520 Hs Camera
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Canon Powershot SX520 HS, what stood out to me was the impressive zoom range in a compact body. I found it appealing because it feels like a bridge camera that gives me more reach than a typical point-and-shoot without the complexity of a DSLR. For me, this camera is all about convenience, versatility, and travel-friendly shooting.
Why I Considered This Camera
I looked at the Canon Powershot SX520 HS because I wanted a camera that could handle distant subjects, casual family photos, and travel moments without needing extra lenses. The powerful zoom was the biggest reason it caught my attention. I also liked that it seemed easy to use, which made it a practical choice for someone who wants good results without a steep learning curve.
Key Features I Paid Attention To
When I evaluated this camera, I focused on a few important features:
- High Zoom Range: I found the long zoom useful for capturing faraway subjects like wildlife, sports, or landmarks.
- Image Stabilization: This mattered to me because zoomed shots can easily get shaky.
- 20.3MP Sensor: I liked having enough resolution for decent detail in everyday photos.
- 1080p Video: I appreciated that I could record full HD videos for family events and trips.
- Easy Controls: I preferred a camera that I could pick up and use quickly without much setup.
What I Liked About It
In my view, the Canon Powershot SX520 HS offers a lot of value for casual photographers. I liked the strong zoom performance most because it lets me frame shots that would otherwise be impossible with a standard compact camera. I also found it comfortable enough for everyday use, and I appreciated that it feels straightforward rather than overly technical.
What I Think Could Be Better
From my perspective, there are a few limitations I would keep in mind. I noticed that smaller-sensor cameras like this one may not perform as well in low light compared to larger cameras. I also felt that while the zoom is excellent, image quality can vary when shooting at the far end of the zoom range. For me, this means it is best suited for daylight and general use rather than demanding professional work.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
I would recommend the Canon Powershot SX520 HS to:
- Beginners who want a simple camera with strong zoom
- Travelers who want one camera for many situations
- Families looking for an easy-to-use everyday camera
- Casual users who want better reach than a smartphone or basic compact camera
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I considered buying it, I asked myself a few questions:
- Do I need zoom more than advanced manual controls?
- Will I use this mostly in good lighting?
- Do I want a lightweight, simple camera instead of interchangeable lenses?
- Am I okay with a camera that is more for convenience than professional quality?
My Buying Tip
My advice is to buy the Canon Powershot SX520 HS if you want a dependable zoom camera for everyday photography and travel. I think it makes the most sense when I need reach, simplicity, and portability in one package. If I wanted more advanced image quality or low-light performance, I would look at higher-end options.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the Canon Powershot SX520 HS as a practical and user-friendly camera with a standout zoom feature. For me, it is a solid choice if I want a camera that is easy to carry, easy to use, and capable of capturing subjects from a distance. It may not be the best option for advanced photography, but I think it does a very good job for everyday use and travel.
Final Thoughts
I think the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS is a solid choice if you want a simple, easy-to-use camera with impressive zoom power. My takeaway is that it offers good value for casual photographers who want better reach without dealing with a bulky setup. While it may not match newer cameras in image quality or advanced features, I still see it as a dependable option for everyday shooting and travel.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.
Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.
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