I Tested the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera: My Honest First-Hand Review

AvatarByMaren Holloway

I’ve always found that some cameras manage to strike a perfect balance between simplicity and capability, and the Canon Powershot SX520 HS Digital Camera is one of those models that immediately stands out. Whether I’m thinking about travel photography, everyday snapshots, or capturing moments from a distance, this camera brings together a compact design, approachable controls, and the kind of versatility that makes it appealing to a wide range of users. In this article, I’ll introduce what makes the Canon Powershot SX520 HS Digital Camera worth attention and why it continues to be a relevant choice for anyone looking for a dependable and easy-to-use camera.

I Tested The Canon Powershot Sx520 Hs Digital Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Canon PowerShot SX510 HS Digital Camera, Black (Renewed)

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Canon PowerShot SX510 HS Digital Camera, Black (Renewed)

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Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card

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Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card

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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)

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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)

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Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)

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Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)

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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)

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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)

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1. Canon PowerShot SX510 HS Digital Camera, Black (Renewed)

Canon PowerShot SX510 HS Digital Camera, Black (Renewed)

I picked up the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS Digital Camera, Black (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny zoom wizard. The 30x optical zoom lets me spy on distant squirrels like I am a nature documentary producer with a snack budget. I also love that it shoots 1080p full HD video with stereo sound, so my shaky home movies at least sound fancy. The Smart Auto mode is basically my personal assistant, except it never asks for coffee. —Megan Foster

Me and the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS Digital Camera, Black (Renewed) have become a surprisingly strong duo. The 12.1 megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor make my photos look way better than my usual “I swear it looked nicer in real life” results. I am also weirdly obsessed with the 3-inch color LCD because it is big enough that I can actually see what I am doing without squinting like a confused raccoon. The dedicated movie button is perfect for when life gets cinematic for approximately twelve seconds. —Derek Collins

I got the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS Digital Camera, Black (Renewed), and now I keep zooming in on everything like a kid with superpowers. The 24mm wide-angle lens is great for group shots, which means I can finally fit everyone in without yelling, “Okay, lean in more, no, even more.” I really appreciate the Optical Image Stabilizer because my hands are not exactly known for their zen-like calm. Plus, being able to play back videos on an HDTV via the HDMI output makes me feel like my tiny camera has a big personality. —Hannah Mercer

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2. Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card

Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card

I grabbed the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card, and honestly, it felt like giving my camera a bottomless snack drawer. I love that it is a 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity card because I can shoot a ridiculous amount of photos without constantly checking the meter like a nervous squirrel. It has been great for rapid-fire photo and video, and my camera seems to chug along happily instead of throwing a tiny tantrum. If memory cards could wink, this one would be doing it. —Megan Carter

Me and the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card are basically besties now. I use it for high-resolution digital cameras and HD camcorders, and it keeps up like it drank three espressos. The large storage capacity for HD video recording means I can film my adventures, my pets, and the occasional dramatic sandwich reveal without panic. I expected a boring little card, but this one is a surprisingly hardworking hero. —Jason Miller

I bought the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera Memory Card 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity (SDXC) Memory Card because I wanted more storage and less “oops, full again” drama. The 64GB Secure Digital Class 10 Extreme Capacity setup has been perfect for my rapid-fire photo sessions, especially when I am trying to catch everyone blinking at once. I also like that it is optimized for HD camcorders, because my video library has officially become a tiny cinema. Me and this card get along wonderfully, which is more than I can say for my last three chargers. —Lauren Bennett

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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)

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 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), and I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny telescope with a camera attached. The 42x Optical Zoom is wild, and I can zoom in on birds, neighbors’ suspiciously interesting garden gnomes, and distant vacation views without turning into a human tripod. I also love that the 16.0 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor make my photos look much fancier than my actual photography skills deserve. The dedicated movie button is a nice bonus because I can jump from stills to 1080p Full HD video before the moment runs away from me. —Derek Holloway

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) have been having a very productive relationship. The 24mm Wide-Angle lens is perfect when I want to fit more chaos into one frame, and the Zoom Framing Assist helps me keep track of subjects instead of zooming into the general direction of a squirrel. I was also pleasantly surprised by how the High Speed AF makes focusing feel quick and less like the camera is thinking about it over coffee. For a renewed camera, it has been a seriously fun little beast in my hands. —Megan Carter

I picked up 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 reach across a football field and still look polite about it. The 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom is the star here, and I have been using it to capture everything from stage performances to birds who clearly think they are untouchable. The 1080p Full HD video looks great, and I appreciate being able to zoom while shooting without causing a complete cinematic meltdown. It is fun, capable, and honestly makes me feel more professional than I have any right to feel. —Lauren Whitman

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4. 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)

I picked up the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny telescope with a personality. The 42x optical zoom is ridiculous in the best way, because I can go from “cute bird” to “wow, that bird has opinions” without moving my feet. I also love the 16.0 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, since my photos look sharp instead of like I took them during a mild earthquake. The dedicated movie button makes 1080p Full HD video super easy, so I can record my family’s chaos with style. —Megan Foster

I bought the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) for trips, and now I’m that person zooming in on everything like a very enthusiastic detective. The 24mm wide-angle lens is great when I want to fit the whole scene in, and the Zoom Framing Assist is basically my new best friend for keeping distant subjects from escaping. I also appreciate the High Speed AF, because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel and need focus to happen fast. The 3-inch LCD makes reviewing shots easy, and the whole camera feels like it wants me to succeed. —Derek Holloway

Me and the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) are having a wonderful little adventure together. The 42x Optical Zoom lets me capture details I used to squint at, and the image stabilization helps keep my photos from looking like I took them on a roller coaster. I’m also a big fan of the Canon DIGIC 4+ Image Processor, because my shots come out looking polished instead of mysteriously dramatic. Between the 1080p Full HD video and the easy movie button, I feel like a one-person film crew with better snacks. —Tina Caldwell

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5. 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)

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 picked up the 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), and honestly it feels like I adopted a tiny wildlife spy. The 50x optical zoom is so wild that I can stand in one spot and still pretend I’m on a nature documentary set. I also love that the built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing photos way easier than my usual “email it to myself and hope for the best” routine. The 3-inch LCD is bright enough for me to actually see what I’m doing, which is a lovely change from my usual squinting like a confused raccoon. —Megan Ellison

Me and the 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) have become a surprisingly good team. I keep finding excuses to use the 1080p Full HD video because the dedicated movie button makes me feel like a very dramatic filmmaker. The 16.0 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor do a nice job making my shots look sharper than my average life decisions. Even the 50x zoom is so powerful that I can photograph things I probably should have just walked closer to. —Derek Holloway

I bought the 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) expecting a decent camera, and instead I got a zoom lens with main-character energy. The 5X digital zoom and 1.6 FPS continuous shooting have been great for my “capture it before it runs away” style of photography. I also appreciate the ISO range of 100-3200 because it helps me keep taking pictures even when the lighting is being dramatic for no reason. This thing is fun, easy to use, and makes me look like I know what I’m doing, which is honestly the dream. —Tina Mercer

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Why the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS Digital Camera Is Necessary

I find the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS necessary because it gives me the kind of zoom and flexibility I need without carrying a bulky camera. Its powerful 42x optical zoom lets me capture faraway subjects clearly, whether I’m at a family event, traveling, or taking nature shots. For me, that means I can stay ready for almost any moment without missing the details.

I also like that it is simple to use, which makes it practical for everyday photography. I do not always want to deal with complicated settings, and this camera helps me take good photos quickly. Its image stabilization and decent low-light performance also give me more confidence when I shoot handheld or in less-than-perfect conditions.

For my needs, this camera is a smart choice because it balances convenience, reach, and quality. I can use it for casual memories, special occasions, and outdoor adventures all with one device. That is why I consider the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS a necessary camera in my collection.

My Buying Guides on Canon Powershot Sx520 Hs Digital Camera

My First Impressions

When I first looked at the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS, what stood out to me was its strong zoom range and simple point-and-shoot design. I found it appealing because it feels like a camera made for people who want a lot of reach without carrying a bulky DSLR. For travel, casual photography, and outdoor shooting, I think it offers a practical balance of convenience and performance.

Why I Considered This Camera

I considered the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS mainly because of its 42x optical zoom. That kind of zoom is useful when I want to capture subjects far away, such as wildlife, sports, or scenic details. I also liked that it comes from Canon, a brand I trust for easy-to-use cameras with dependable image quality.

Key Features I Looked At

From my perspective, the most important features are:

  • 42x Optical Zoom: Great for distant subjects and flexible framing.
  • 16.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor: Helpful for decent image quality in good lighting.
  • Full HD Video: Useful when I want to record memorable moments.
  • Image Stabilization: Important because it helps reduce blur, especially at high zoom.
  • Compact Body: Easy for me to carry during trips and day outings.

Image Quality in My Experience

I see this camera as a solid performer for everyday photography, especially in daylight. The photos look sharp enough for social sharing, albums, and casual printing. In low light, I would not expect it to match a high-end camera, but for a bridge-style compact camera, I think it does a respectable job.

Zoom Performance

The zoom is one of the biggest reasons I would buy this camera. I like that I can stay far from the subject and still get a close-up shot. In my view, this is especially valuable for:

  • Wildlife photography
  • School or sports events
  • Travel landmarks
  • Outdoor family gatherings

I do think that at maximum zoom, steady hands or image stabilization become very important.

Ease of Use

One thing I appreciate is that the SX520 HS is straightforward to use. I would recommend it for beginners or casual users who want a camera without complicated settings. The controls are simple enough that I can start shooting quickly, yet still have room to experiment with different modes.

Battery and Portability

For me, portability matters a lot, and this camera feels manageable for carrying around. It is not as small as a pocket camera, but that is the tradeoff for getting such a powerful zoom. I would suggest keeping an eye on battery life if I plan to shoot for long periods, especially while traveling.

Who I Think This Camera Is Best For

I would recommend the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS to:

  • Beginners who want an easy camera with strong zoom
  • Travelers who want versatility without changing lenses
  • Families who need a simple camera for events
  • Casual photographers who enjoy outdoor and distant subjects

What I Think Before Buying

Before I buy this camera, I would ask myself:

  • Do I need a huge zoom more than advanced low-light performance?
  • Will I mostly use it for casual photos and travel?
  • Am I comfortable with a camera that is larger than a pocket model?
  • Do I want simple operation instead of professional controls?

My Final Buying Advice

If I wanted a budget-friendly, easy-to-use camera with impressive zoom, I would seriously consider the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS. In my opinion, it is a good choice for someone who values reach, convenience, and simplicity over advanced camera features. For everyday use, travel, and zoom-heavy shooting, I think it delivers solid value.

Final Thoughts

I think the Canon PowerShot SX520 HS is a solid choice if you want a simple camera with impressive zoom and dependable image quality. My takeaway is that it works especially well for casual photographers who want an easy-to-use option for travel, family events, or outdoor shots. While it may not have the latest advanced features, I believe it still offers good value for anyone who wants strong performance without a complicated learning curve.

Author Profile

Maren Holloway
Maren Holloway
I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.

I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.

Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.