The 520 HS sports an impressive 12x zoom in a very small package, yet we think they cut too many corners to get there. The 520 HS's 10 megapixel sensor is tiny, about the same size as the little chips put into cellphones. The zoom range is also slower than its predecessor and the battery is completely inadequate, lasting under 200 photos. Canon has already announced a replacement to the 520, the 530 with a touchscreen and normal 1/2.3" sensor, so jump on that or the 510 HS before this one.
Store Ratings and Offer Details for the
Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS
There are a few cameras we ranked higher for around the $160 price tag, like the new Canon PowerShot SX160 IS, which is a newer model and available for the same price.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS
Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
Top quality optics, reliability, and ease of use are just some of the reasons that customers choose Canon digital cameras. Canon has become widely recognized for manufacturing some of the best digital cameras and digital SLRs that you can buy, and is one of the leading digital camera manufacturers in today's world. Consumers looking for top quality cameras often have at least a few Canon cameras on their wish list. So when one looks at the winners of PC Magazine's Reader's Choice Award for Service and Reliability, it should be no surprise that Canon takes the top spot repeatedly. It also should be no surprise then that their cameras are consistently given top marks in reviews.
While Canon is not generally considered to be a cheap brand, Canon digital cameras have earned the status of best buy. This is an indication that you receive great value for the extra money. Recently, Canon has introduced a few models that sell for less, without sacrificing quality. One such camera is the Canon PowerShot A1200. Unlike many other models at this low price point, the A1200 has a small optical viewfinder that makes shooting outdoors easy as well as AA batteries.
Other Canon digital cameras have also earned high marks across the board, including the cheapest Powershot A series, the SD or ELPH series compact point-and-shoots, and the Rebel consumer dSLRs such as the T4i. Durability, ease of use, and high picture quality are things you can expect if you buy a Canon camera. Some of the best Canon digital cameras include the Canon enthusiast compacts you will find in the G and S series cameras. These cameras have taken over the advanced digital camera market for a few years now, being great for anyone who is in need of something pocketable, regardless of their level of experience. For instance, the Canon PowerShot G15 boasts a swiveling LCD screen, and a 12 megapixel sensor. It's also ideal for low light photography because of its very fast lens.
GPS and WiFi are features that Canon has been adding to its mid and high-end models recently to keep their cameras specifications right on the cutting edge. These better specifications differentiate the upper models from lower-end cameras, but mean that they also have a higher price tag. When buying a Canon digital camera, experts recommend that you thoroughly read Canon digital camera reviews and ratings and consult other users in order to pick the right model.
We here at Digital Camera HQ offer unbiased, informative reviews and recommendations to guide you to the right camera. We're not an actual store, we're just here to help you find the perfect camera at the best price price possible by using our camera grades. We're always happy to help if you have any questions or issues.