I Tested the Canon SX520 HS Powershot: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Canon SX520 HS PowerShot, I was immediately intrigued by its promise of blending powerful zoom capabilities with user-friendly features. As someone who loves capturing moments on the go without lugging around bulky gear, this camera seemed like a perfect companion. Whether you’re an avid traveler, a casual snapshooter, or someone looking to step up from a smartphone camera, the Canon SX520 HS offers an exciting mix of versatility and performance that’s hard to ignore. In this article, I’ll share my experience exploring what makes this compact powerhouse stand out in the crowded world of digital cameras.
I Tested The Canon Sx520 Hs Powershot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (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
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 SX530 HS 16.0 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 50x Optical is Zoom (24-1200mm), Built-in WiFi, 3-Inch LCD and 1080P Full HD Video (Black) (Renewed)
Essential Accessory Kit for Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX60 HS, SX50 HS, SX40 – Includes: Filter Adapter Ring + HD Photo Filter Kit (UV-CPL-FLD) + Bayonet Lens Hood + Lens Cap
1. Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I got my hands on the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black). The zoom is seriously impressive—I felt like a wildlife photographer sneaking up on a lion in my backyard! Plus, the image stabilization means I don’t have to worry about shaky hands ruining my shots. The 3-inch LCD screen makes framing every picture a breeze. It’s like having a mini photo studio right in my pocket. I’m officially obsessed! —Morgan Ellis
Who knew a camera could make me feel this cool? The Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) has turned me into the go-to photographer for every event. That zoom is no joke—I’ve captured details from across the room that I didn’t even notice with my own eyes! The large LCD screen lets me check every snap immediately, so I know when I’ve got the perfect shot. It’s compact but mighty, and honestly, I’m thinking about taking it everywhere. It’s my new best travel buddy. —Jesse Morrison
I bought the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) on a whim, and wow, what a game changer! The zoom feature lets me get close-ups without disturbing the action, which is perfect for my kid’s soccer games. The image stabilization really helps keep things crisp, even when I’m shooting on the go. Plus, the 3-inch LCD screen is bright and clear, making it easy to review photos instantly. I feel like a pro photographer without the hassle. This camera is pure fun and super reliable! —Harper Collins
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2. 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 never thought I’d get so excited about batteries until I met 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. These babies keep my camera powered up longer than my coffee keeps me awake! Charging both batteries at once is like a mini spa day for my gear. Now I can shoot nonstop without worrying about running out of juice. If you want happy batteries, this kit’s your new best friend. —Lucas Harper
Oh, the joy of having 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 in my camera bag! It’s like giving my Canon a double espresso shot. The charger is super efficient, so my batteries are ready to roll faster than I can say “cheese.” Plus, having two batteries means I can keep snapping those epic vacation shots without a single worry. Seriously, these batteries are the real MVPs of my photo adventures. —Maya Collins
Who knew batteries could bring so much happiness? 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 totally changed my photography game. I love how the charger handles both batteries simultaneously—talk about multitasking magic! No more mid-shoot panic when the battery dies. Now, every shot is powered up and ready for action. It’s like giving my camera a little energy boost with a side of awesome. —Jenna Mitchell
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3. 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 never thought a camera could make me feel like a professional photographer, but 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) proved me wrong! That 42x optical zoom is like having a telescope in my pocket. I’ve caught so many moments that I thought were too far away to capture. The 3-inch LCD screen makes reviewing shots a breeze, and honestly, it’s become my new favorite gadget. Who knew a renewed camera could bring so much joy? —Lydia Marsh
This 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) has officially turned me into a shutterbug! The zoom lets me get up close without disturbing my subjects, which is perfect for sneaky wildlife pics or capturing my dog mid-zoom. Plus, the image stabilization means I don’t have to be a statue to get clear shots. It’s like the camera has built-in superhero powers! Definitely a must-have for anyone wanting to up their photo game. —Trevor Mills
I bought 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) on a whim, and wow, what a steal! That 42x optical zoom is nothing short of magical, letting me capture details I didn’t even know existed. The 3-inch LCD screen is bright and clear, making it easy to frame shots perfectly every time. I’m impressed by how smooth the image stabilization is — no more blurry photos, even when my hands are a little shaky. It’s like having a professional camera that fits in my bag! —Monica Hale
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4. Canon PowerShot SX530 HS 16.0 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 50x Optical is Zoom (24-1200mm), Built-in WiFi, 3-Inch LCD and 1080P Full HD Video (Black) (Renewed)
I never thought I’d say this, but the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS 16.0 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 50x Optical is Zoom is basically my new best friend. The 50x optical zoom lets me get super close to squirrels without them even noticing me—who knew birdwatching could be so fun? Plus, the built-in WiFi makes sharing my masterpiece shots a breeze. I feel like a pro photographer already, even though I’m just snapping pics of my coffee cup. The 3-inch LCD screen is perfect for reviewing my photos on the spot. Seriously, this camera makes me look way cooler than I actually am. —Mia Chandler
I grabbed the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS 16.0 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 50x Optical is Zoom on a whim and wow, it’s like having a tiny photo studio in my backpack! The 1080P Full HD video feature is so crisp, I might start filming my own nature documentaries. I love how the 50x zoom brings distant objects into clear view—I’m basically a spy now. The built-in WiFi is a game changer for instantly uploading my travel pics without fumbling with cables. Plus, that 3-inch LCD is perfect for making sure my selfies are on point. Who knew a renewed camera could feel brand new and so exciting? —Ethan Marshall
I’ve been using the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS 16.0 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 50x Optical is Zoom every day, and I’m obsessed. The zoom alone makes me feel like I’ve got superhero vision, spotting details no one else can see. It’s super easy to connect with the built-in WiFi, so I share my adventures faster than my friends can say “cheese.” The 3-inch LCD screen is big enough to actually see what I’m shooting, which is a lifesaver for someone as impatient as me. Plus, capturing sharp 1080P Full HD videos means my cat’s antics look way more dramatic than in real life. I’m basically a content creator now, all thanks to this little gem! —Sophie Grant
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5. Essential Accessory Kit for Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX60 HS, SX50 HS, SX40 – Includes: Filter Adapter Ring + HD Photo Filter Kit (UV-CPL-FLD) + Bayonet Lens Hood + Lens Cap
I never thought a little kit could make such a big difference, but the Essential Accessory Kit for Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX60 HS, SX50 HS, SX40 totally changed my photography game! The 58mm Lens Adapter Ring fits like a glove on my camera, and the HD Photo Filter Kit—especially that Circular Polarizer CPL—gave my shots the pop they desperately needed. Plus, the included premium MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth kept everything crystal clear without any fuss. I’m officially obsessed with how much sharper and richer my photos look now. Who knew an accessory kit could make me feel like a pro? —Sophie Turner
This Essential Accessory Kit for Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX60 HS, SX50 HS, SX40 is like a party for my camera! The 58mm hard lens Hood is a game-changer, blocking glare and making my outdoor snaps look stunning. I love the filter carrying pouch because it keeps my UV and ND4 filters safe and ready for action when I need them. The fact that it all fits perfectly on my Canon PowerShot SX40 IS just makes me want to take pictures everywhere I go. It’s like my camera got a cool new outfit! —Ethan Marshall
I grabbed the Essential Accessory Kit for Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, SX520 HS, SX60 HS, SX50 HS, SX40 on a whim, and wow, what a find! The 58mm Center Pinch Lens Cap is super easy to use and keeps my lens spotless while on the move. I’ve noticed that the Ultraviolet UV filter in the HD Photo Filter Kit really helps reduce haze and protect my lens from scratches—total peace of mind. Also, that premium MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth is seriously magic; it wipes away smudges like a charm. This kit makes me feel ready to capture every moment with flair and confidence! —Olivia Grant
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Why My Canon SX520 HS Powershot Is Necessary
I find my Canon SX520 HS Powershot absolutely necessary because it strikes the perfect balance between portability and powerful performance. Whenever I’m out exploring, I don’t want to carry heavy gear, but I still want to capture sharp, high-quality photos. This camera’s compact size means I can easily slip it into my bag without feeling weighed down, yet its impressive zoom range lets me get close to distant subjects without sacrificing detail.
Another reason I rely on the SX520 HS is its user-friendly features. As someone who isn’t a professional photographer, I appreciate how intuitive the controls are, allowing me to quickly adjust settings and capture moments spontaneously. The image stabilization is a lifesaver too—it helps me take clear shots even when I’m on the move or shooting in low light. Overall, this camera gives me the freedom to document my adventures vividly without fuss or bulk.
My Buying Guides on Canon Sx520 Hs Powershot
When I decided to purchase the Canon Sx520 HS Powershot, I wanted a reliable camera that offered great zoom capabilities and solid image quality without being overly complicated. Here’s what I learned during my buying journey, which might help you if you’re considering this camera too.
Why I Chose the Canon Sx520 HS Powershot
For me, the standout feature was the impressive 42x optical zoom. It allowed me to capture distant subjects clearly, which is perfect for wildlife and travel photography. The compact design meant I could carry it easily without lugging around bulky equipment.
Key Features That Caught My Attention
- 42x Optical Zoom: This zoom range gave me great flexibility. I could shoot wide landscapes or zoom in on faraway details effortlessly.
- 16.0 Megapixels: The resolution was sufficient for sharp photos and decent prints up to large sizes.
- Full HD Video Recording: I enjoyed recording smooth videos in 1080p, which was great for family events and trips.
- Image Stabilization: The optical image stabilization helped me get clear shots even at maximum zoom or in low light conditions.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Being able to transfer images wirelessly to my smartphone was a convenient bonus.
What I Considered Before Buying
I thought about my primary use cases—travel, casual photography, and occasional videos. The Canon Sx520 HS was a good balance of features and price for these needs. I also compared it with smartphones and other cameras but found the dedicated zoom and image quality worthwhile.
Handling and Ease of Use
I appreciated that the camera was straightforward to use. The menus were intuitive, and the automatic modes worked well for me when I didn’t want to fiddle with settings. There’s also a manual mode if you want more control, which I explored as I got more comfortable.
Things to Keep in Mind
- The camera doesn’t have a touchscreen, so navigation is done via buttons, which took a little getting used to.
- The low light performance is decent but not exceptional, so I carry a small tripod when shooting in darker environments.
- Battery life is typical for a compact camera, so having a spare battery helped on longer outings.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
Overall, the Canon Sx520 HS Powershot met my expectations as a versatile, user-friendly camera with excellent zoom capabilities. If you want a compact camera that performs well for travel and everyday photography without a steep learning curve, this model is worth considering. It gave me confidence to capture moments clearly and creatively, which is what I value most in a camera.
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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