Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS

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85%
88%
Image Quality
91%
Ease of Use
85%
Zoom Performance
84%
Video Quality
93%
Portability/Size
68%
Touchscreen Responsiveness
76%
Battery Life
80%
Connectivity (HDMI/USB)
84%
Build Quality
89%
Stabilization Performance
92%
Value for Money
87%
Auto Mode Performance
More

Overview

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS is a compact and lightweight digital camera designed for everyday use. Ideal for casual photographers, this point-and-shoot camera combines ease of use with solid performance. With its 12.1 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, it delivers clear, detailed photos and smooth video. The camera features a 12x optical zoom lens that enables versatile framing for various scenes, making it perfect for travel or everyday snapshots. Additionally, it offers Full HD 1080p video recording, ensuring that both photos and videos maintain excellent quality.

Features & Benefits

This Canon camera boasts a 3.2-inch touch panel LCD that provides easy control for both novice and experienced users. The Smart AUTO function adjusts the settings automatically based on 32 predefined scenes, ensuring optimal results with minimal effort. For users who enjoy smooth video and steady photos, the Optical Image Stabilizer compensates for camera shake. The camera also includes built-in HDMI and USB connectivity, making it simple to transfer your media to other devices or share with friends and family.

Best For

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS is best suited for casual photographers who value portability without sacrificing quality. It’s a solid choice for those looking to capture high-quality photos and videos with minimal hassle, especially beginners who prefer a camera with automatic settings. Whether you’re a traveler documenting your trips or a vlogger on the go, this compact digital camera offers a blend of performance and ease. Its slim design and versatile zoom lens also make it ideal for those who need a reliable, user-friendly camera for everyday use.

User Feedback

Many users appreciate the Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS for its ease of use and consistent image quality, making it a great option for beginners. The 12x zoom is often praised for being versatile, allowing for clear close-ups and wide shots. However, some users have noted that the touch screen could be more responsive, which might impact ease of use during quick adjustments. While most reviews mention the camera’s portability and slim design as major advantages, a few users feel that the battery life could be better when using the camera extensively for video recording.

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Pros

  • This compact digital camera is highly portable, making it a convenient choice for travel and casual use.
  • The 12x optical zoom offers great versatility, allowing users to capture everything from wide landscapes to close-up details.
  • Full HD video recording at 1080p provides high-quality video for users who want to document their experiences.
  • The 3.2-inch touch panel LCD makes it easy to control settings and view images, especially for beginners.
  • Image stabilization ensures steady shots even in less-than-ideal conditions, helping users avoid blurry photos.
  • Many users appreciate the Smart AUTO function that adjusts settings for 32 predefined scenarios, making it simple for new photographers to use.

Cons

  • The touchscreen responsiveness could be improved, with some users mentioning lag when adjusting settings or focusing.
  • Low-light performance is somewhat limited, with users noting that the camera struggles in darker environments.
  • The camera lacks Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, which could be a dealbreaker for users who prioritize fast media sharing.
  • Battery life is relatively short, especially when recording videos, which may be inconvenient for extended shoots.
  • Some users find the autofocus slower than expected, particularly when shooting moving subjects.
  • While it's great for casual use, advanced photographers may find the lack of manual controls limiting.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from diverse sources across multiple languages, RR-AI generated this detailed score summary for the Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS. Authentic, high-quality feedback was considered while filtering out spam, duplicate, and off-topic content. The ratings reflect both the camera's strengths and areas of improvement, offering a balanced view based on real-world user experiences worldwide.

Image Quality
88%
Users generally appreciate the sharpness and clarity of images taken with this compact digital camera, especially in well-lit environments. The 12.1 MP sensor coupled with DIGIC 4 processor ensures that photos come out vibrant and detailed, even with the 12x optical zoom. Many users noted that it performs well in casual photography settings, like family gatherings and vacations.
A few users mentioned that image quality tends to degrade in low-light conditions, with noticeable noise in photos. Some also pointed out that the camera struggles with autofocus in certain scenarios, particularly when capturing fast-moving subjects or in dimly lit environments.
Ease of Use
91%
This point-and-shoot camera is widely praised for its simplicity, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer a hassle-free shooting experience. The Smart AUTO mode automatically adjusts settings based on the scene, ensuring the best results without manual adjustments. Additionally, the 3.2-inch touch panel LCD makes navigation intuitive, which is a favorite feature among first-time users.
Some reviewers mentioned that while the camera is easy to use, the touch screen could be more responsive. A few noted that the interface sometimes lags or requires multiple taps to register commands, which can be frustrating during quick snapshots.
Zoom Performance
85%
The 12x optical zoom lens is a standout feature for those looking to capture distant subjects without compromising on image quality. Users appreciate its versatility, whether they are shooting scenic landscapes or zooming in on wildlife. Many found the zoom to be smooth and effective, providing great flexibility in a variety of situations.
Some users found the zoom to be a bit slow, particularly when zooming in on fast-moving objects. A few also reported slight image blurring at maximum zoom, particularly when shooting handheld, though the camera's optical image stabilization helps to mitigate this issue somewhat.
Video Quality
84%
The ability to record in Full HD 1080p offers excellent video quality for casual videographers. Users appreciate the clear and sharp footage, especially when capturing family events, travel, or vlogs. The inclusion of optical image stabilization also makes for smoother videos, which is beneficial for handheld shooting.
While the video quality is generally well-received, a few users felt that the sound quality could be improved. Additionally, some experienced difficulties with focusing during video recording, particularly when transitioning between objects or subjects at different distances.
Portability/Size
93%
The camera's compact and lightweight design is one of its most praised aspects. Users love how easy it is to slip this device into a pocket or small bag, making it perfect for travel, daily use, and spontaneous photography. Its portability doesn’t compromise the quality of the photos, making it an excellent option for users on the go.
A small group of users noted that while the compact design is convenient, the camera can feel slightly cramped for those with larger hands. The small controls may take some getting used to for those accustomed to larger, more feature-packed cameras.
Touchscreen Responsiveness
68%
32%
The 3.2-inch touch panel is convenient for navigation and provides a modern, user-friendly interface. Many users like the ability to swipe, tap, and pinch to zoom, especially when previewing images or setting up shots.
Unfortunately, the touchscreen's responsiveness can be inconsistent, with some users reporting delays or unregistered taps. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to quickly adjust settings or when shooting in challenging conditions.
Battery Life
76%
24%
For most users, the battery life is sufficient for a full day of casual shooting. The camera handles multiple picture sessions and video recordings without requiring frequent recharges. It’s ideal for day trips or quick outings without worrying about running out of power.
A few users expressed disappointment with the battery life, noting that heavy usage, especially when recording video or using the LCD screen frequently, drains the battery faster than expected. Some recommended carrying a spare battery for longer trips or more intense use.
Connectivity (HDMI/USB)
80%
20%
The inclusion of HDMI and USB ports makes it easy to transfer media to other devices for quick sharing. Users appreciate the convenience of directly connecting the camera to TVs, computers, or other gadgets without the need for extra accessories or adapters.
Some users noted that while connectivity is available, the process of transferring files could be a bit slow at times. Additionally, the lack of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities made sharing photos and videos with mobile devices more cumbersome than expected.
Build Quality
84%
The camera is praised for its durable construction, with a sturdy yet lightweight feel. Many users found it comfortable to hold during extended use, with the buttons and controls positioned well for one-handed operation. The overall build offers a good balance between portability and ruggedness.
A few users mentioned that while the build is solid, the camera’s exterior feels a bit plasticky. This might not be ideal for users who prefer a more premium feel or those who anticipate frequent handling in harsh environments.
Stabilization Performance
89%
The camera's optical image stabilization is highly valued by users, especially for shooting in dynamic or handheld situations. Many users found that the stabilization effectively reduces blurring and helps to produce clearer shots, particularly in low light or when using the zoom.
Despite the strong stabilization, some users still noticed slight blurring at maximum zoom or when shooting at slower shutter speeds. In certain cases, more active stabilization or a tripod was needed for the best results.
Value for Money
92%
For its affordable price, this compact digital camera offers great value with solid performance in most categories. Users appreciate the combination of ease of use, portability, and high-quality images and video, making it an excellent choice for casual photographers who want a reliable all-in-one device.
While many find it an excellent deal, a few users feel that the camera could offer more advanced features for the price, such as better low-light performance or faster zoom. However, for the target audience, the camera’s performance and price point generally hit the mark.
Auto Mode Performance
87%
The Smart AUTO mode is highly regarded for adjusting the camera’s settings based on 32 predefined scenarios. It simplifies the shooting experience, allowing users to capture great photos without needing to manually tweak the settings. This is especially useful for those new to photography or looking for quick, hassle-free shots.
Some users felt that while the auto mode performs well in most scenarios, it occasionally struggles with more challenging lighting conditions, leading to underexposed or overexposed images. A few preferred more manual control over specific settings for greater customization.

Suitable for:

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS is a great choice for casual photographers and beginners who prioritize simplicity and portability. With its 12x optical zoom and full HD video recording capabilities, this compact digital camera is ideal for travelers, vloggers, or anyone who needs a lightweight, versatile camera for daily use or vacations. It’s especially well-suited for users who want a hassle-free experience with its Smart AUTO mode that adjusts settings automatically based on the scene. If you're a first-time camera buyer or someone who values ease of use, this device will meet your needs without overwhelming you with complex features.

Not suitable for:

While the Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS works well for casual users, it may not be the best option for more advanced photographers. Users looking for better low-light performance or more control over manual settings might find it limiting, as the camera can struggle with image quality in darker environments. Additionally, those who need faster autofocus or more robust video recording features may be disappointed. The lack of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy photo sharing is also a downside for users who prioritize connectivity. If you require a more professional-grade camera or need high-performance specs for specialized shooting, this compact camera may not meet your expectations.

Specifications

  • Sensor: 12.1 MP CMOS sensor for high-quality image capture with accurate color reproduction.
  • Processor: DIGIC 4 image processor for fast performance and efficient processing of images and videos.
  • Zoom: 12x optical zoom lens for capturing distant subjects without compromising image quality.
  • Display: 3.2-inch touch panel LCD for easy menu navigation and image preview.
  • Video Recording: Full HD 1080p video recording for high-definition video capture with crisp details.
  • Image Stabilization: Optical Image Stabilization to reduce blur from camera shake in low-light and zoom shots.
  • Auto Modes: Smart AUTO mode with 32 predefined scenarios for automatic scene adjustments.
  • ISO Range: ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 3200 for better low-light performance and noise control.
  • Connectivity: Built-in HDMI and USB ports for easy media transfer to external devices.
  • Battery: Uses a Lithium-Ion NB-9L battery for reliable power and portability.
  • Flash: Built-in flash for capturing images in low-light environments.
  • Dimensions: Compact size of 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.9 inches (94.5 x 56.7 x 22.6 mm) for easy portability.
  • Weight: Weighs approximately 0.22 lb (101 g) for a lightweight, travel-friendly design.
  • Storage: Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards for expandable storage options.
  • Image Formats: Supports JPEG image format for compatibility with most photo software and printers.
  • Flash Modes: Multiple flash modes including auto, red-eye reduction, and manual settings for various lighting conditions.
  • Language Support: Supports multiple languages for easier use in different regions.
  • Smartphone Integration: No direct Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for wireless media transfer, requires physical connection.

FAQ

This compact digital camera is ideal for casual photographers, travelers, and vloggers. It offers easy-to-use features like Smart AUTO and a 12x optical zoom, making it a great choice for capturing high-quality photos and Full HD videos on the go.

To use Smart AUTO, simply turn on the camera and set it to the 'AUTO' mode. The camera will automatically adjust settings based on the scene you're capturing, selecting from 32 predefined scenarios. It's a hassle-free option for beginners who want great shots without adjusting settings manually.

Yes, this camera includes Optical Image Stabilization (IS). It helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, making it easier to take sharp photos in low-light conditions or while zooming in on distant subjects.

The battery life is fairly typical for a compact digital camera. It lasts for about 200-300 shots on a full charge, depending on usage, such as video recording or using the LCD display frequently. It's recommended to carry an extra battery if you're planning on a full day of shooting.

Yes, this camera has built-in HDMI and USB connectivity. You can easily transfer photos and videos to your computer or TV. Just connect the camera using the USB cable or HDMI port, depending on the device you are using.

While the Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS performs well in moderate lighting, its low-light performance may not be as strong as higher-end models. It does have an ISO range of 100–3200, which helps, but results may vary in very dim settings.

Yes, this camera supports Full HD 1080p video recording. It captures high-quality videos that are great for travel or casual vlogging. Just switch to video mode and press the record button to start shooting.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS features a 3.2-inch touch panel LCD. The large screen allows for easy navigation of settings and review of photos, making it a user-friendly option for both beginners and more experienced users.

No, this camera does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You'll need to connect it to your computer or TV using the included USB or HDMI ports to transfer media. If wireless sharing is a priority, you may want to consider other models with this feature.

Some users have reported that the touchscreen can be slow to respond, especially when adjusting settings. Additionally, while it's great for casual use, more advanced photographers may find the camera's lack of manual controls a bit limiting for creative shooting.