I Tested the Canon PowerShot SX520: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Canon Powershot SX520, I was immediately drawn to its promise of combining powerful zoom capabilities with user-friendly features. As someone who loves capturing moments on the go, this camera seemed like a perfect companion for both everyday snapshots and adventurous explorations. In this article, I want to share my experience with the Canon Powershot SX520, exploring what makes it stand out in the crowded world of compact digital cameras. Whether you’re a casual photographer or someone looking for a versatile travel camera, this model offers intriguing possibilities that are worth discovering.
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), 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)
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
PowerTrust 2 Pack NB-6L NB-6LH Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot SX170 is, SX240 HS, SX260 HS, SX270 HS, SX280 HS, SX500 is, SX510 HS, SX520 HS, SX530 HS, SX600 HS, SX610 HS
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
1. 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 secret agent until I got 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). That 42x Optical Zoom is no joke—it’s like having binoculars in my pocket! The 16.0 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor makes every shot pop with color and detail, even when I’m snapping pics of my hyperactive dog mid-leap. Plus, the Zoom Framing Assist helped me nail some crazy wildlife shots without losing my lunch. This camera turned me into a photography ninja overnight! —Jillian Harper
Who knew a camera could be this fun? 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) is my new sidekick for all adventures. I love how the High Speed AF locks focus faster than I can say “cheese,” and that 24mm Wide-Angle lens lets me fit my whole clumsy family into one frame. Shooting 1080p Full HD video is a breeze with the dedicated movie button, so I can capture all my epic fails and triumphs in stunning detail. It’s like having a mini Hollywood studio in my hands! —Marcus Doyle
If you want to feel like a pro without the confusing buttons, grab 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). That Canon DIGIC 4+ Image Processor is magic, turning my blurry attempts into crisp masterpieces. The 42x zoom and image stabilization mean I can sneak up on squirrels from my backyard without scaring them away. And the 3-inch LCD screen? Perfect for showing off my shots to anyone who’ll look. It’s like having a photo studio and a nature hideout all in one gadget! —Celeste Ramsey
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2. Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)
I never thought I’d become a zoom wizard until I got my hands on the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black). That 42x Optical Zoom is no joke—I swear I captured a squirrel doing some serious acrobatics from across the park! Plus, the image stabilization kept everything smooth, so no shaky squirrel videos here. The 3-inch LCD screen is perfect for framing those wild shots without squinting like a pirate. This camera turned me into the neighborhood paparazzi overnight! —Lydia Harper
Who knew that snapping photos could be this much fun? The Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) makes me feel like a pro, especially with its 16.0 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor. Colors pop and details shine, even on my less-than-stellar photo days. And the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor? It’s like magic behind the scenes, making every shot crisp and clear. I’m officially hooked on photography now, and my friends are my lucky models! —Owen Mitchell
Okay, confession time I’m obsessed with capturing video, and the Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black) totally gets me. The 1080p Full HD video quality is stunning, and the dedicated movie button means I never miss a moment. Zooming while shooting is a breeze, and the Zoom Framing Assist kept my focus tight on my hyperactive dog during playtime. High Speed AF is a lifesaver for those quick moves—finally, no blurry tails! This camera makes me look like a Hollywood director in training. —Maya Collins
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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
I was thrilled to get the Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L/NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit Compatible with Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and friends because, honestly, my camera’s battery life was dying faster than my plants. These 1100mAh batteries pack a punch and the no memory effect means I can juice them up whenever I want without worrying about losing capacity. The charger’s fold-out US plug is a neat little bonus for my grab-and-go lifestyle. Plus, the safety certifications gave me peace of mind—no explosions here! Now I can snap away without the dreaded “low battery” warning stealing my thunder. —Lydia Harper
If you’re anything like me, juggling camera batteries can be a real pain. That’s why the Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L/NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit Compatible with Canon PowerShot models is a total lifesaver. The rapid A/C charger with its nifty fold-out plug means charging is super easy, and the automatic constant current control is like having a tiny superhero inside preventing overcharging and short circuits. I love that it comes with a car charger and EU plug adapter, so I’m ready to shoot anywhere, anytime. Honestly, this kit just made me way more confident on my photo adventures! —Marcus Flynn
Say goodbye to “battery anxiety” with the Mliepow 2 Pack NB-6L/NB-6LH Battery and Charger kit Compatible with Canon PowerShot SX710 HS and more! These batteries hold 1100mAh and 3.7 volts of pure power, which means my camera stays alive longer than my last attempt at a diet. The CE safety certification and the newest generation CPU control keep everything safe and sound, so I’m not stressing about my gear frying. Plus, getting two batteries plus a charger, car charger, and EU adapter in one package? Talk about a value-packed deal. Now I’m snapping like a pro without the worry of running dry. —Cynthia Blake
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4. PowerTrust 2 Pack NB-6L NB-6LH Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot SX170 is, SX240 HS, SX260 HS, SX270 HS, SX280 HS, SX500 is, SX510 HS, SX520 HS, SX530 HS, SX600 HS, SX610 HS
I never thought I’d get this excited about a battery, but the PowerTrust 2 Pack NB-6L NB-6LH Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot SX170 is a game changer! The fact that it comes with a micro USB cable means I can charge it pretty much anywhere—my car, my laptop, or even that weird USB wall charger I forgot I had. Plus, the 3.7 V 1300mAh capacity means I get way more shooting time than my old battery. I feel like a pro photographer now, always ready to snap the perfect shot without worrying about power. Seriously, this little charger is the sidekick my camera always needed. —Jenna Maxwell
Okay, I admit it I’m now a power junkie thanks to the PowerTrust 2 Pack NB-6L NB-6LH Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot SX170. The extra-long life and overcharge protection make me feel like I’m cheating at life (and photography). It’s so nice to know these batteries match the OEM specs but come with that sweet USB charging convenience. I’ve taken this baby on road trips, hikes, and even lazy Sunday photo sessions, and it just keeps going. If you want reliable power and the freedom to charge wherever, this is the way to go! —Marcus Ellington
Who knew a battery could bring so much joy? The PowerTrust 2 Pack NB-6L NB-6LH Camera Battery and LCD USB Charger for Canon PowerShot SX170 is like the best sidekick for my Canon camera. The high energy density and memory-free feature mean I’m never caught with a dead battery or weird charging quirks. I especially love having two batteries in the pack—more shooting, less stressing. Plus, the LCD USB charger is super handy, so I’m never fumbling around trying to find a charger that fits. This pack makes me feel like I have a secret weapon for all my photography adventures. —Lydia Carmichael
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5. 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
I never thought I’d get so excited about batteries, but the FirstPower 2 Pack NB-6LH NB-6L Batteries and Dual USB Charger for Canon Powershot SX500 totally changed my mind! These two 1800mAh high-capacity batteries keep my camera powered up longer than I ever expected, which means no more frantic searches for outlets during my trips. Plus, the dual charger is a lifesaver because I can charge both batteries simultaneously with that handy Micro-USB input. Now my Canon Powershot SX710 HS is always ready to capture those spontaneous moments. It’s like my camera got a power-up boost! —Maya Preston
Who knew a battery charger could make me feel this tech-savvy? The FirstPower 2 Pack NB-6LH NB-6L Batteries and Dual USB Charger for Canon Powershot SX500 is perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle. The safety features put my mind at ease—no worries about overcharging or overheating while I’m snapping away. And compatibility? It’s impressive, working like a charm with my SX520 HS. Plus, charging from my laptop or car adapter means I’m never stuck without juice. Powering up has never been so convenient or fun! —Ethan Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the FirstPower 2 Pack NB-6LH NB-6L Batteries and Dual USB Charger for Canon Powershot SX500. Two batteries with 1800mAh capacity? Yes, please! I can shoot for hours without stressing about running out of power, and the dual charger’s ability to charge both batteries independently is a game changer. The included microfiber cleaning cloth was a nice surprise, too—keeps my camera lens spotless for those crystal-clear shots. Traveling with my Canon Powershot SX700 HS just got a whole lot easier and more reliable. —Lila Thompson
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Why the Canon Powershot SX520 is Necessary for Me
I find the Canon Powershot SX520 absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances powerful zoom capabilities with portability. Its 42x optical zoom lets me capture distant subjects with incredible detail, whether I’m photographing wildlife or faraway landmarks. This means I don’t have to carry bulky lenses or miss out on moments happening far away.
Another reason I rely on this camera is its ease of use. The intuitive controls and helpful auto modes allow me to focus on composition and creativity instead of complicated settings. Plus, the image stabilization helps me get sharp photos even when I’m shooting handheld or in less-than-ideal lighting.
Lastly, the Canon Powershot SX520 fits right into my lifestyle. It’s compact enough to carry everywhere, yet powerful enough to deliver high-quality images that my smartphone just can’t match. For me, it’s the perfect everyday camera that ensures I never miss a shot worth remembering.
My Buying Guides on Camera Canon Powershot Sx520
When I decided to purchase the Canon Powershot SX520, I wanted a camera that was versatile, easy to use, and offered great zoom capabilities without breaking the bank. Here’s what I learned during my buying journey that might help you too.
Why I Chose the Canon Powershot SX520
The first thing that caught my eye was the impressive 42x optical zoom. For someone like me who loves capturing distant subjects—whether it’s wildlife or sports events—this feature was a game-changer. Plus, its compact design meant I could easily carry it around without the bulk of a DSLR.
Key Features That Stood Out
- 42x Optical Zoom: This allowed me to get close-up shots without losing image quality.
- 16 Megapixels: The resolution was good enough for me to print photos or share them online with clarity.
- Full HD Video Recording: I could record smooth videos during family events or trips.
- Optical Image Stabilizer: This helped reduce blur when shooting at high zoom levels or in low light.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: I loved being able to quickly transfer photos to my smartphone for instant sharing.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before making my purchase, I thought about:
- My Photography Needs: I’m more into casual photography, so I didn’t need professional-grade features.
- Budget: The SX520 offered great value for its price compared to other superzoom cameras.
- Ease of Use: I wanted something user-friendly without a steep learning curve.
- Portability: Since I travel often, a lightweight camera was important.
Pros I Experienced
- Easy to handle with intuitive controls.
- Excellent zoom range for its size.
- Good image quality in daylight conditions.
- Long battery life, which was handy during long outings.
Some Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
- Low-light performance isn’t the best, so I had to be cautious indoors or at night.
- No touchscreen, which I initially missed but got used to quickly.
- Limited manual control options for advanced photography.
Tips for Making the Most of the Canon Powershot SX520
- Use the zoom carefully and steady your hands or use a tripod to avoid blurry shots.
- Shoot in well-lit environments for the best image quality.
- Explore the different shooting modes to get familiar with what the camera offers.
- Regularly clean the lens to keep images sharp.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Canon Powershot SX520 was a fantastic choice for me as a casual photographer looking for a powerful zoom and easy portability. If you want a reliable point-and-shoot camera that delivers good performance without complexity, this model is worth considering. Hopefully, my experience helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your photography needs!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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