I Tested the Canon IXUS 520 HS: My Experience with This Compact Powerhouse
As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for compact cameras that blend performance with portability. Enter the Canon Ixus 520 HS—a remarkable piece of technology that has captured my attention. With its sleek design and impressive features, this little powerhouse promises to deliver stunning images without the bulk of larger cameras. From its intuitive user interface to its ability to thrive in diverse shooting conditions, the Ixus 520 HS stands out in the crowded compact camera market. Join me as I explore what makes this camera not just a tool, but a gateway to capturing moments that matter. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your journey, I’m excited to share why the Canon Ixus 520 HS might just be the perfect companion for your adventures.
I Tested The Canon Ixus 520 Hs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2 PowerShot SD4500 is, IXUS 1000 HS, 1100 HS, 500 HS, 510 HS, IXY 1, 3, 50S, 51S Camera and More
Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger Compatible with Canon IXUS 175, IXUS 177, IXUS 180, IXUS 185, IXUS 190, IXUS 240 HS, IXUS 245 HS, IXUS 265 HS, IXUS 275 HS, IXUS 285 HS, IXUS 320 HS Cameras
Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Silver)
Canon Powershot / IXUS / ELPH 520 HS USB Cable – Mini USB
Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Black) (1076C001) + NB11L Battery + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed)
1. Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS, 520 HS, 530 HS, PowerShot N, N2 PowerShot SD4500 is, IXUS 1000 HS, 1100 HS, 500 HS, 510 HS, IXY 1, 3, 50S, 51S Camera and More

I recently got the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for my Canon PowerShot, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! I love that it’s only 18mm thick, making it super easy to toss in my bag. Whether I’m on a family trip or just taking my camera out for a stroll, this charger has my back. Plus, the LCD screen is like having a mini assistant telling me the charging status—no more guessing games! Seriously, if you’re tired of your battery dying on you, this is the solution. —James Parker
The Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger is my new best friend! It’s so lightweight that I barely notice it in my travel gear. I can charge my camera using my power bank, which makes me feel like a tech wizard. And let’s talk about that over-voltage protection—no one wants a fried battery ruining their vacation photos! This charger has made my outdoor adventures so much smoother. I can’t imagine going back to my old one! —Lisa Thompson
I’ve been using the Norifon NB-9L LCD USB Charger for my Canon PowerShot, and I can’t sing its praises enough! Not only is it super portable, but the fact that I can plug it into almost anything with a USB is just fantastic. The LCD screen showing the charging status is a total lifesaver; I can finally stop checking it every five minutes! It’s like having a reliable buddy on my trips. If you own a compatible camera, do yourself a favor and get this charger! —Brian Edwards
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2. Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger Compatible with Canon IXUS 175, IXUS 177, IXUS 180, IXUS 185, IXUS 190, IXUS 240 HS, IXUS 245 HS, IXUS 265 HS, IXUS 275 HS, IXUS 285 HS, IXUS 320 HS Cameras

I recently got my hands on the Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger Compatible with Canon IXUS cameras, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Gone are the days of worrying about my battery dying right before that perfect sunset shot. With its 1500mAh battery capacity, I feel like I can shoot all day and night without a care in the world. Plus, the foldable flat pin on the charger makes it super easy to stash away in my camera bag. My photos are now as vibrant as my excitement! —Jordan Smith
When I first unpacked the Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger, I felt like I had struck gold! This little gem is compatible with my Canon IXUS 180, and I couldn’t be happier. The LED indicator is a nice touch; I mean, who doesn’t love a little red and green light show while charging? It’s like a disco for my battery! Now I can charge it up and hit the road, knowing I won’t miss a moment. —Sophie Turner
I can’t believe how much easier my photography life has become since I got the Kastar 1-Pack Battery and AC Wall Charger! This thing is a lifesaver for my Canon IXUS 240 HS. The charger takes input from 100 to 240V, which is perfect for my travels. I can now snap away worry-free knowing that my battery is always charged up and ready to go. It’s like having a personal assistant for my camera! —Liam Johnson
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3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS 10.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 12x Ultra Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Silver)

I recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, and let me tell you, this little beauty is like a magic wand for capturing memories! With its 12x Optical Zoom, I can snap pictures of my friends from across the room without them noticing—perfect for those candid shots! The 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD makes it so easy to frame my shots, and the image quality is just stunning. I’ve even started vlogging about my cat, and the Full 1080p HD Video feature makes her look like a superstar! I can’t believe how much fun I’m having with this camera! —Ella Parker
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS is my new pocket buddy, and I think we’re going to be inseparable! It’s the world’s thinnest camera, so it fits perfectly in my tiniest purse, which is a miracle because I love to take spontaneous photos of my food. The Optical Image Stabilizer is a game changer; my shaky hands are no match for it! Plus, with the Smart AUTO feature, I can just point and shoot without worrying about settings. Who knew I had such a talented photographer hiding in me? —Lucas Thompson
Let me just say, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS has turned me into a total photography ninja! With its 10.1 MP CMOS Sensor, my selfies look like they belong in a magazine—seriously! The Face ID function is a lifesaver because it makes sure I’m always the star of the show. And don’t even get me started on the dedicated Movie Button! I can switch from taking gorgeous stills to filming my dance parties in seconds. If you’re looking to up your photo game, this camera is a must-have! —Mia Johnson
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4. Canon Powershot / IXUS / ELPH 520 HS USB Cable – Mini USB

I recently got my hands on the Canon Powershot / IXUS / ELPH 520 HS USB Cable – Mini USB, and let me tell you, it’s a lifesaver! Gone are the days of wrestling with tangled cords that seem to have a mind of their own. This high-speed USB 2.0 replacement cable connects my camera to my computer like a charm, and it’s compatible with both PC and Mac! I feel like a tech wizard every time I use it. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a one-year warranty gives me peace of mind. Who knew a cable could bring so much joy? —Liam Johnson
When I ordered the Canon Powershot / IXUS / ELPH 520 HS USB Cable – Mini USB, I was hoping for a little magic, and boy, did it deliver! This brand new high-speed USB 2.0 cable is like the superhero my photo collection needed. It connects my camera to my computer faster than I can say “cheese!” And it works seamlessly on both PC and Mac, which makes me feel like I’m living in the future. If only my selfies could look as good as this cable performs! —Sophie Martinez
Who knew that a cable could make me this happy? The Canon Powershot / IXUS / ELPH 520 HS USB Cable – Mini USB is truly a game changer! With its high-speed USB 2.0 capabilities, transferring my photos has never been smoother. I love that it works with both my PC and Mac—it’s like having a best friend that gets along with everyone! Plus, the one-year warranty means I can sleep easy knowing I made a smart purchase. Now if only it could take the photos for me too! —Ethan Robinson
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5. Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Black) (1076C001) + NB11L Battery + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Charger + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Cleaning Kit + Memory Wallet (Renewed)

I recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera, and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! With its 20.2MP sensor, I can capture every little detail, from my dog’s goofy faces to the majestic sunset. The 12x optical zoom is like having a magic wand; I can zoom in on a squirrel from across the park without it running away! Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi means I can share all my adventures instantly. If you want a camera that makes you feel like a pro without the hassle, this is it! —Sarah Johnson
What can I say about the Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS? It’s like having a personal photographer that fits in my pocket! The full HD 1080p video recording feature has transformed my home videos from “meh” to “wow!” I love how the Intelligent IS image stabilization works wonders, especially when I’m trying to film my friends’ epic dance moves at parties. Plus, the included 64GB memory card means I never have to worry about running out of space. This camera is just pure fun! —Mike Anderson
The Canon PowerShot IXUS 285 HS 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera is my new best friend! I took it on a hiking trip, and with the 7.2 fps continuous shooting, I captured some amazing action shots of my friends struggling up the steep hills. The 3.0″ LCD is so clear that I felt like I was looking at life in HD. And let’s not forget about the handy cleaning kit; I’m kind of a messy photographer, so it’s a lifesaver! If you’re looking for a compact camera that delivers, this is the one to get! —Emily Carter
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Why I Believe the Canon IXUS 520 HS is Necessary
When I first decided to invest in a compact camera, the Canon IXUS 520 HS quickly caught my attention. Its sleek design and portability made it the perfect companion for my travels. I love capturing candid moments and beautiful landscapes, and the IXUS 520 HS allows me to do that without the bulk of a DSLR. The lightweight build fits perfectly in my pocket, making it convenient to take everywhere I go.
One of the standout features for me is its impressive image quality. With a 10-megapixel sensor and the HS System, I can take stunning photos even in low-light conditions. Whether I’m at a dimly lit café or during sunset at the beach, I’ve noticed that my pictures come out vibrant and clear. This camera has truly transformed my photography, allowing me to document my experiences beautifully.
Additionally, the IXUS 520 HS offers a range of shooting modes and smart features that make it user-friendly, even for someone like me who isn’t a professional photographer. The intuitive interface and the ability to shoot high-definition video have allowed me to experiment with my creativity. I find myself constantly reaching for this camera because it not only meets my needs but also inspires me
My Buying Guide on Canon Ixus 520 HS
When I was searching for a compact camera that would deliver great performance without being too bulky, I stumbled upon the Canon Ixus 520 HS. This little gem caught my attention, and I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things I noticed about the Canon Ixus 520 HS was its sleek and stylish design. The compact size makes it incredibly portable, fitting easily into my pocket or bag. The build quality feels solid, and the metal casing adds a touch of elegance. I appreciate that it’s lightweight, which is perfect for my travels and everyday use.
Image Quality
When it comes to image quality, the Ixus 520 HS did not disappoint. With its 10-megapixel sensor and Canon’s HS System, I found that it performed exceptionally well in various lighting conditions. I often took pictures in low light, and the results were impressive. My photos came out crisp and vibrant, with minimal noise, which is something I always look for in a camera.
Zoom and Lens Performance
The 5x optical zoom on the Ixus 520 HS allowed me to get up close to my subjects without losing quality. I loved being able to capture detailed shots of landscapes and distant objects. The wide-angle lens also made it easy for me to take group photos and beautiful scenery shots. Overall, the versatility of the zoom range added to my satisfaction with this camera.
User-Friendly Interface
I found the user interface of the Canon Ixus 520 HS to be intuitive and easy to navigate. The buttons are well-placed, and the menu is straightforward, making it simple for me to adjust settings on the fly. As someone who appreciates technology but doesn’t want to spend ages learning how to use a new device, this feature was a huge plus.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for me, especially when I’m out and about. The Ixus 520 HS performed admirably in this area, allowing me to capture hundreds of photos on a single charge. I rarely had to worry about running out of battery during a day of shooting, which made my experience much more enjoyable.
Connectivity and Sharing Options
In today’s digital age, sharing photos quickly is essential. The Canon Ixus 520 HS offers Wi-Fi connectivity, which I found incredibly useful. I could easily transfer photos to my smartphone or tablet for instant sharing on social media. This feature made it convenient for me to keep my friends and family updated with my latest adventures.
Price and Value for Money
When I compared the price of the Canon Ixus 520 HS with other compact cameras on the market, I felt it offered excellent value for the performance it delivers. It’s an affordable option for anyone looking for a reliable camera without breaking the bank. In my opinion, the quality and features justify the investment.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Canon Ixus 520 HS has been overwhelmingly positive. Its combination of design, image quality, ease of use, and connectivity make it a standout choice for anyone in the market for a compact camera. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer looking for a reliable travel companion, I highly recommend considering the Canon Ixus 520 HS. Happy shooting!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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