Canon ELPH 520 HS

    59
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 10.1 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
    • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 461k dot Fixed Screen
    • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Canon ELPH 520 HS was announced in 2012 and is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Ultra Compact camera with 10.1 Megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 3,200. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 461k dot resolution. It has an image stabilization.

    Canon ELPH 520 HS can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Screen
    4. Sensor
    5. Photography Features
    6. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    7. Other Features
    8. Physical Parameters
    9. For Different Types of Photography
    10. Evaluation
    11. Specifications  

    Here is the Canon ELPH series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Canon ELPH series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 180
    Compare
    		January
    2016    		 20 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 190 IS
    Compare
    		January
    2016    		 20 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 360 HS
    Compare
    		January
    2016    		 20.3 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 350 HS
    Compare
    		February
    2015    		 20.2 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 160
    Compare
    		January
    2015    		 20 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon 170 IS
    Compare
    		January
    2015    		 20 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 150 IS
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 20.0 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 135
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 16 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 140 IS
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 16.0 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Compare
    		January
    2014    		 16 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 115 IS
    Compare
    		January
    2013    		 16.0 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 330 HS
    Compare
    		January
    2013    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 80 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 130 IS
    Compare
    		January
    2013    		 16 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    460k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 510 HS
    Compare
    		March
    2012    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.20"
    461k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 530 HS
    Compare
    		February
    2012    		 10.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.20"
    461k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 520 HS January
    2012    		 10.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 310 HS
    Compare
    		August
    2011    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 100 HS
    Compare
    		February
    2011    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 300 HS
    Compare
    		February
    2011    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 2.70"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon ELPH 500 HS
    Compare
    		February
    2011    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.20"
    461k dot
    Touchscreen

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 vs PowerShot ELPH 190 IS vs PowerShot ELPH 360 HS vs PowerShot ELPH 350 HS vs PowerShot ELPH 160 vs PowerShot ELPH 170 IS.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Canon ELPH 520 HS.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Light - 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz)
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 190 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec

    Screen

    Fixed screen

    Canon ELPH 520 HS has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 461k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards.

    Sensor

    BSI-CMOS Sensor

    Canon ELPH 520 HS features a 10.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.

    The camera has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with DIGIC 5 processor and can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432, 3648 x 2048, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2736 x 2736, 2192 x 2736, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1064, 1696 x 2112, 1200 x 1200, 960 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480, 384 x 480, 320 x 240 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Image Stabilization

    The camera has an image stabilization.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Canon ELPH 520 HS.

    Canon 360 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    20.3 MP

    Canon ELPH 530 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    10.1 MP

    Canon ELPH 330 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.1 MP

    Canon ELPH 115 IS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16.0 MP

    Canon ELPH 160
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    20 MP

    Canon ELPH 130 IS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16 MP

    Canon 190 IS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    20 MP

    Canon ELPH 180
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    20 MP

    Canon ELPH 310 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.1 MP

    Canon ELPH 510 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.1 MP

    Canon ELPH 500 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.1 MP

    Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Canon ELPH 520 HS has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Canon ELPH 520 HS comes with NB-9L battery pack with battery life of 190 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Canon ELPH 520 HS's shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


    Flash

    Canon ELPH 520 HS has a built-in flash with maximum range of 2.50 m.

    Physical Parameters

    Canon ELPH 520 HS has dimensions of 87 x 54 x 19 mm (3.43 x 2.13 x 0.75"). It weighs 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    87 mm (3.43")

    54 mm (2.13")

    Image cannot be displayed


    54 mm (2.13")

    Image cannot be displayed

    Canon ELPH 520 HS dimensions

    Canon ELPH 520 HS for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Canon ELPH 520 HS is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    POOR
    47

    Canon ELPH 520 HS gets a score of 47 and is POOR choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Canon ELPH 520 HS gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 190 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    65

    Canon ELPH 520 HS gets a score of 65 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 190 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Canon ELPH 520 HS gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    82

    Canon ELPH 520 HS gets a score of 82 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz)

    Travel Photography

    EXCELLENT
    86

    Canon ELPH 520 HS gets a score of 86 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 190 shots

    Canon ELPH 520 HS Evaluation

    We evaluate Canon ELPH 520 HS and give score of 59 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    59

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Canon ELPH 520 HS a score of 64 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    60

    We give Canon ELPH 520 HS a score of 60 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Video

    POOR
    46

    We give Canon ELPH 520 HS a score of 46 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

    Focusing

    AVERAGE
    66

    We give Canon ELPH 520 HS a score of 66 for Focusing parameters.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    POOR
    53

    We give Canon ELPH 520 HS a score of 53 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Viewfinder

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    60

    We give Canon ELPH 520 HS a score of 60 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    45

    We give Canon ELPH 520 HS a score of 45 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 155 g (0.34 lb / 5.47 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 190 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

    Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
    ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.