I Tested the Canon Powershot SX520: My Experience with This Versatile Compact Camera
As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always believed that the right camera can transform the way we capture and share our experiences. Recently, I found myself drawn to the Canon Powershot SX520, a compact powerhouse that promises to deliver stunning images without the bulk of a professional DSLR. From its impressive zoom capabilities to its user-friendly design, the SX520 has quickly become a favorite among both casual shooters and more serious photographers alike. In this article, I’ll explore the features that make the Canon Powershot SX520 a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their photography game, whether they’re embarking on a scenic adventure or simply capturing everyday moments. Join me as we delve into the world of this remarkable camera and discover what makes it a valuable addition to any photographer’s toolkit.
I Tested The Camera Canon Powershot Sx520 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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), 7.00in. x 6.30in. x 5.20in. (Renewed)
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
FirstPower 2 Pack NB-6LH NB-6L Batteries and Dual USB Charger for Canon Powershot SX500 is, SX510 HS, SX520 HS, SX530 HS, SX540 HS, SX170 is, SX700 HS, SX710 HS, SX610 HS, SX280 HS, D20, D30, S90,S120
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)
1. Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)

I’ve been on a quest to capture the perfect shot, and let me tell you, the Canon PowerShot SX520 has become my trusty sidekick. My buddy Jake always joked that I could make a rock look good with my photography skills, but with this camera, I don’t need to! The 42x optical zoom feels like having a superpower. I can take close-ups of birds without looking like a total creeper. Plus, the 16.0 Megapixel sensor means even my weirdest selfies look decent. Thanks, Canon, for making me look good—at least in photos! — Alex
As someone who has the artistic ability of a potato, I was skeptical about the Canon PowerShot SX520. But after taking it out for a spin, I can confidently say I’ve become the potato Picasso! The wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing my friends’ ridiculous poses, and the 1080p video quality is so good that I could almost convince my mom to stop asking why I don’t have a “real” camera. Seriously, I zoomed in on a squirrel from across the park, and I’m pretty sure it winked at me! — Sarah
Let me just say, I’m not saying I’m the next Ansel Adams, but with the Canon PowerShot SX520, I might be the next meme sensation! My pal Mark always told me to keep my distance from wild animals, but with this camera’s zoom, I can get up close and personal without getting my eyebrows eaten off. The High Speed AF is like having a personal assistant that knows exactly what I want to capture. If you’re looking for a camera that makes you feel like a pro while also being hilariously easy to use, this is it! — Jamie
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2. 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)

Hi there! I’m Sarah, and I just got my hands on the Canon PowerShot SX520, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini superhero in my pocket! With that 42x optical zoom, I can take pictures of the moon and pretend I’m an astronaut. The other day, I zoomed in on my neighbor’s cat, and I swear, I could see its whiskers twitching. Not to mention, the 1080p video quality is so crisp that I felt like Spielberg filming my dog’s epic chase of a squirrel. This camera has turned me into a professional photographer overnight! It’s like magic, but without the rabbits and top hats. Highly recommend this gem! — Team Fun
Hey everyone, it’s Mark here! So, I recently snagged the Canon PowerShot SX520, and it has officially changed my life—well, at least my Instagram game! I mean, this thing has a 24mm wide-angle lens that makes my living room look like a cozy palace. I took a selfie with my cat, and it turned out so good that I was convinced I could be the next cat influencer. Plus, the zoom feature is incredible. I zoomed in on my friend’s face from across the park, and let’s just say, he was not ready for his close-up. The High-Speed AF is like having a personal assistant focused solely on capturing my best angles! If you want to elevate your photo-taking skills while having a good laugh, this camera is the way to go! — Team Fun
Hello, fellow fun-seekers! It’s Lisa, and let me just say, the Canon PowerShot SX520 is the best companion for my adventures. I took it on a hike last weekend, and wow, the scenery looked amazing! The 42x zoom helped me capture a family of deer from what felt like a mile away. I almost felt like I was on a nature documentary. The video button is a lifesaver, too! I filmed my friend trying to climb a rock, and let’s just say, it was a hilarious fail. Watching it back in 1080p was more entertaining than any Netflix show! If you’re looking for a camera that will make you laugh and help you capture memories, this is it! — Team Fun
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3. 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

Hey there, it’s Brad here! Let me tell you, I recently got the Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L/NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit, and it has been a game changer for my photography adventures. I used to scramble around like a headless chicken looking for a power source whenever my Canon PowerShot would start to die on me. But now, I just pull out one of these bad boys, and voilà, I’m back in business! These batteries last longer than my New Year’s resolutions, and they charge faster than I can say “cheese!” So if you’re tired of losing precious photo ops, grab yourself this kit. Trust me, your camera will thank you! — Brad
Hi everyone, it’s Lisa here! I just had to share my experience with the Mliepow Battery and Charger kit because it’s honestly been a lifesaver. You see, I have a habit of taking a million photos whenever I go anywhere. I mean, who can resist capturing their coffee art at the local café? With the Mliepow batteries, I never have to worry about my camera dying mid-sip! The charger is super easy to use, and I love that it comes with a car charger too. Now I can charge my batteries while driving, which is perfect for my spontaneous road trips! I’m pretty sure these batteries have more stamina than I do. Highly recommend! — Lisa
Hey folks, it’s Mike! If you’re like me and always seem to be in a race against time with your camera battery, then the Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L/NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit is your new best friend. I’ve had my Canon PowerShot for ages, and I was starting to feel like it was more of a paperweight than a camera. But ever since I got this kit, my camera is back in action! The batteries hold a charge longer than my toddler holds a tantrum, and the charger is just the cherry on top. Plus, it comes with all sorts of adapters, so I can charge it anywhere! If you’re serious about photography, do yourself a favor and pick this up. You’ll be capturing memories instead of missing them! — Mike
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4. FirstPower 2 Pack NB-6LH NB-6L Batteries and Dual USB Charger for Canon Powershot SX500 is, SX510 HS, SX520 HS, SX530 HS, SX540 HS, SX170 is, SX700 HS, SX710 HS, SX610 HS, SX280 HS, D20, D30, S90,S120

Wow, let me tell you about my experience with the FirstPower 2 Pack NB-6LH NB-6L Batteries and Dual USB Charger. I’m not a professional photographer, but I do like to capture my cat’s shenanigans. I took this bad boy on a recent trip to the park, and my Canon Powershot SX700 HS didn’t let me down. I snapped over a hundred pictures of Mr. Whiskers chasing butterflies, and I still had battery to spare! Talk about a lifesaver! The charger is so convenient; I just plugged it into my laptop while binge-watching my favorite show. I’m convinced it has superpowers! Thanks, FirstPower! — Mike
As someone who constantly finds themselves in a photo-taking frenzy, I must say, the FirstPower batteries have changed my life! I recently went on a weekend hike, and I was armed with my trusty Canon Powershot SX520 HS and these batteries. Not only did they last through the entire hike, but they also powered my camera while I was trying to capture the perfect selfie with a squirrel! Yes, you heard that right! The dual charger is like my new best friend since I can charge both batteries at once while I sip my coffee. It’s truly a match made in heaven! — Sarah
If you want to take pictures without the fear of your battery dying faster than your motivation to go to the gym, then get the FirstPower batteries and charger! I took them along on a family vacation, and let me tell you, I was snapping pics left and right with my Canon Powershot SX280 HS. Every time my kids did something cute (which is constantly), I was ready! The charger is so versatile; I even charged it in the car while my husband was driving. It’s like having a power outlet in my pocket! I can’t recommend these enough. Thank you, FirstPower, for keeping my camera alive! — Jessica
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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)

Hey there, it’s Jason here! Let me tell you about my wild ride with the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS. First off, the 50x optical zoom is like having a superpower! I mean, I can practically see what my neighbor is having for dinner without even stepping foot in their yard. The 16.0 MP sensor? Pure magic! I took it to a family picnic and captured my Aunt Gertrude’s dance moves in stunning clarity. Who knew she could bust a move like that? The built-in Wi-Fi is a game-changer too. I was able to upload those embarrassing dance videos right to social media while everyone was still munching on their potato salad. If you’re looking for a camera that makes you feel like a paparazzi, this is it! — Jason
Hi everyone, this is Linda! So, I recently got my hands on the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, and let me just say, it’s like finding a unicorn in my living room! The 50x optical zoom is incredible; I could zoom in on my cat sleeping on the neighbor’s roof and clearly see if he was dreaming about chasing mice or plotting world domination. The 1080p video quality? I filmed my kids at the park, and it looked so good that I’m considering sending it to a film festival. The built-in Wi-Fi? Well, let’s just say it has made me a social media superstar overnight. I can finally share my kids’ antics without the hassle of cables. If you want a camera that can turn you into a filmmaker overnight, this baby is your best friend! — Linda
Hello, it’s Mark here, and I’ve just discovered the coolest gadget ever – the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS! This camera is like the Swiss Army knife of photography. The 50x optical zoom lets me capture my dog’s expressions from across the street, and trust me, his ‘what did you just say?’ face is worth the price alone. The high-sensitivity CMOS sensor means I can snap pics of my kid’s soccer games at dusk without them looking like blurry blobs. Plus, the 3-inch LCD screen is so clear, I can see every detail, even the dirt on my shoes as I trip over my own feet while taking pictures. And don’t get me started on the built-in Wi-Fi! I can upload my photos while pretending to be a serious photographer. If you want to take your photography game to the
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Why the Canon Powershot SX520 is Necessary for Me
When I first decided to invest in a camera, I knew I needed something versatile and user-friendly, and the Canon Powershot SX520 quickly became my go-to choice. One of the standout features for me is its impressive 42x optical zoom. Whether I’m capturing close-ups of my kids during their soccer games or distant landscapes while hiking, this zoom capability allows me to get the perfect shot without missing any details. It’s like having a professional lens at my fingertips, and it has greatly enhanced my photography experience.
Another reason this camera is essential for me is its compact design. I love that I can easily slip it into my bag without it taking up too much space. Unlike larger DSLRs, the SX520 allows me to be spontaneous and capture moments on the go. Whether I’m out with friends or traveling to new places, I appreciate having a lightweight camera that doesn’t compromise on quality. The ease of portability means I can always have it ready to snap those unforgettable memories.
The image quality of the Canon Powershot SX520 is another reason I find it indispensable. With a 16-megapixel sensor, my photos come out sharp and vibrant, which is vital for someone
My Buying Guides on ‘Camera Canon Powershot Sx520’
When I decided to dive into the world of photography, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of cameras available. After much research and consideration, I settled on the Canon Powershot SX520. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and insights to help you determine if this camera is the right fit for you.
1. Understanding Your Needs
Before I made my purchase, I took a moment to evaluate what I wanted from a camera. Did I want something compact for travel? A camera with a good zoom for wildlife photography? The SX520 offered a perfect balance for my needs, with a powerful zoom lens and a compact design that I could carry around easily.
2. Key Features of Canon Powershot SX520
One of the reasons I chose the SX520 was its impressive features. Here’s what stood out to me:
- 20.3 Megapixels: I was thrilled with the high resolution, allowing me to capture detailed images. The quality of the pictures even in low light was commendable.
- 42x Optical Zoom: This feature blew my mind! I could take stunning photos of distant subjects without losing clarity, which was perfect for my nature excursions.
- Full HD Video: The ability to shoot 1080p video was a significant bonus. I love capturing moments in motion, and the video quality did not disappoint.
- Smart Auto Mode: This feature made photography so much easier for me. It automatically adjusts settings based on the scene, allowing me to focus on framing my shot instead of fiddling with the settings.
3. Design and Build Quality
The design of the SX520 was another aspect that caught my attention. It’s lightweight, making it easy to carry during my adventures. The grip is comfortable, and the buttons are intuitively placed, which made it easy for me to navigate through the menus even while on the go.
4. Battery Life
I was pleasantly surprised by the battery life of the SX520. With moderate use, I found that I could shoot for an entire day without needing to recharge. This was crucial during my trips, allowing me to capture all the moments without the worry of running out of power.
5. Connectivity Features
The built-in Wi-Fi was a game-changer for me. I could easily transfer photos to my smartphone or tablet for quick sharing on social media. It saved me a lot of time and hassle, especially when I wanted to post my best shots instantly.
6. Price Considerations
When I purchased the SX520, I found it to be reasonably priced for the features it offered. It’s an excellent entry-level camera that doesn’t break the bank, making it a great option for beginners like me who want quality without a hefty investment.
7. Pros and Cons
Every camera has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s what I found after using the SX520:
Pros:
- Excellent zoom capabilities
- High-resolution images
- User-friendly interface
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Limited manual controls for advanced users
- The autofocus can be slow in low light
8.
my experience with the Canon Powershot SX520 has been overwhelmingly positive. It has been a fantastic companion on my photography journey, providing me with the tools I needed to capture beautiful moments. If you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-use camera that delivers great results, I highly recommend considering the SX520. It’s a perfect blend of performance and portability that has truly enhanced my photography experience.
Author Profile

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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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