Digital cameras continue to advance as time goes by. Manufacturers compete against each other the reason why they make it a point to add more features to their new models. The upgrade takes place in just a short time so it’s worth educating yourself about the brands and the features you want in a camera.

For 2012, the survey results are out as to which brand is on the Top 5. Canon is the winner according to Sortable, an online buying guide site. The results showed that a third of customers prefer to buy Canon digital cameras. Canon’s share is seven percent more than Nikon which is gained a 26 percent share.

In terms of the type of camera, the Sortable survey showed that consumers differ in their choices. Of those surveyed, 36 percent wanted DSLRs, 36 percent chose point and shoot cameras while 22 percent preferred the mirrorless cameras. With the increase in preference for the mirrorless units, however, Sortable said that other manufacturers can climb up the top spot. Meanwhile, the top 5 list of Digital Camera Review.com confirmed the high rank of Canon cameras. The site’s February 2012 most popular digital cameras list showed Canon’s PowerShot units occupying the top three spots.

At number one is PowerShot ELPH 300 HS which features a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. This new sensor aims to give the unit faster speed and improve its low light image quality. It captures quality images and videos. Another great feature is the super slow motion video mode.

On second place is the PowerShot S100, considered to be an advanced compact digital camera. Some great features of this pocket size unit include manual exposure modes, fast lens and full HD video recording. In addition to those are its smart face, blink and subject detection feature. Images can be stored in both RAW and JPEG formats.

The PowerShot SX40 HS is on the third spot. It has a 35x optical ultra zoom lens, a 2.7-inch adjustable display and high definition video. In terms of size, it is similar to an entry level DSLR but cheaper in price. Some of its best features are its image stabilization system and high speed shooting modes great for capturing fast and slow actions. This is courtesy of the DIGIC 5 chip.

Nikon’s 1 J1 is in the fourth place. This small compact camera has a 10.1 megapixel sensor and has the ability to capture high definition video. It features an EXPEED 3 image processing engine that ensures a high-speed performance with a shooting rate of five frames per second. According to Nikon, this new system is the fastest autofocus by far in the world.

PowerShot SX130 IS completes the top 5 list. Some features you might like are its zoom lens, HD video, face and motion detection, smart auto and intelligent contrast correction. Added to these are the blink technology, miniature and fisheye shooting modes and stereo recording of videos.

If you’d like to change your digital camera or still contemplating about buying your first unit, this list of five units can surely guide you.