Canon

Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS Red Digital Camera 12x Zoom

3.7 (433 reviews)
1080p1 MP

Capture Life's Moments in Style and DetailThe Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS combines stylish design with advanced features to capture stunning photos and videos. Featuring a 12x ultra-wide optical zoom lens, Canon's HS SYSTEM, and Full 1080p HD video recording, this camera is perfect for capturing ...

$295.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

Capture Life's Moments in Style and Detail

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS combines stylish design with advanced features to capture stunning photos and videos. Featuring a 12x ultra-wide optical zoom lens, Canon's HS SYSTEM, and Full 1080p HD video recording, this camera is perfect for capturing memories on the go.

  • Sensor: 10.1 MP CMOS
  • Processor: DIGIC 5 Image Processor
  • Optical Zoom: 12x
  • Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm
  • Image Stabilization: Optical Image Stabilizer
  • LCD: 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD
  • Video Recording: Full 1080p HD

Key Features

World's thinnest camera with a 12x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabilizer

Canon's HS SYSTEM with a 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor with DIGIC 5 Image Processor (up to 3200 ISO)

3.0-inch PureColor System LCD

Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios and the new Face ID function

Full 1080p HD Video in Stereo Sound with a dedicated Movie Button and HDMI Output for HDTV viewing

Specifications

Optical Zoom
12x
Wide-Angle Lens
28mm
Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilizer
Sensor
10.1 MP CMOS
Image Processor
DIGIC 5
ISO Sensitivity
Up to 3200
LCD Screen Size
3.0-inch
LCD Type
PureColor System
Auto Mode
Smart AUTO with 58 scenarios
Video Resolution
Full 1080p HD
Audio Recording
Stereo Sound
Video Button
Dedicated Movie Button
Output
HDMI

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Features a 12x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle lens, providing versatility from wide shots to detailed close-ups.
  • Equipped with Optical Image Stabilizer to help reduce blur from camera shake, especially at longer zoom settings.
  • Incorporates Canon's HS SYSTEM with a 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor for enhanced low-light performance.
  • Offers a 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD for clear viewing and playback of images and videos.
  • Includes Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios, simplifying optimal camera settings for various situations.
  • Features Face ID function for improved recognition and optimization of portraits.
  • Records Full 1080p HD Video in Stereo Sound with a dedicated Movie Button for easy access.
  • Provides an HDMI Output for direct viewing of photos and videos on an HDTV.

👎 Cons

  • The 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor might be considered lower resolution compared to more modern digital cameras, potentially limiting large print sizes or cropping flexibility.
  • Maximum ISO of 3200, while enhanced by the HS SYSTEM, may still produce noticeable noise in extremely low-light conditions.
  • As a point-and-shoot camera, it typically offers less manual control over settings compared to DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
  • The 3.0-inch LCD is fixed and does not offer articulation or touch functionality.
  • Lacks Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, meaning photos and videos must be transferred via cable or memory card.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS features a 12x Optical Zoom lens, allowing for significant magnification of distant subjects.
Yes, it includes an Optical Image Stabilizer to help reduce blur caused by camera shake, especially when using the zoom.
This camera is equipped with a 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor, which works with the DIGIC 5 Image Processor for image capture.
Yes, it can record Full 1080p HD Video with stereo sound, and features a dedicated Movie Button for easy video capture.
Yes, it has Smart AUTO with 58 predefined shooting scenarios to automatically select the best settings for various photographic situations.
The camera features a 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD, providing a clear display for framing shots and reviewing content.
Yes, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS includes an HDMI Output for direct connection to an HDTV for viewing your photos and videos.