Canon Auto Zoom 518 SV is a very versatile camera designed for simple use. It uses Super 8 film cartridges, which have a picture area 50% larger than regular 8mm film. The film speed is set automatically when you insert the cartridge, and the camera has a built-in CdS photocell with servo EE meter for automatic through-the-lens exposure control. The single-lens reflex viewing and microprism screen rangefinder allow for accurate focusing.

The Canon Auto Zoom 518 SV has a sharp and fast F1.8 5-times zoom lens with a zooming range of 9.5-47.5mm. This range can be extended from 6.2-31mm with a Wide-Converter or from 15.6-78mm with a Tele-Converter. The camera also has a manually operable aperture, which can be used for fade-ins and fade-outs.