Out of the four main budget/entry DSLRs on the market - also including the Sony Alpha 390 , Pentax K-x and Nikon D3100 - the Canon 1100D comes good right across the board. And that's something that each of its competitors lacks to quite the same degree.

Image quality; autofocus performance (at this entry level

Softness and quality issues from kit lens; plasticy build; sluggish live view

How does Canon's 12.2MP entry-level DSLR model stack up against the competition?

Image quality; Relatively user-friendly; Cheapest entry-point to Canon DSLR system

Plastic finish feels a bit cheap; No rubberisation on grip; Contrast-detect live view AF is slow

The EOS 1100D follows on from the 1000D as Canon's budget digital SLR aimed, like the Nikon D3100 , at those trading up from a compact camera for the first time.

The Canon EOS 1100D / Rebel T3 is a small and light DSLR camera with an all-plastic shell, weighing in at just under 500g with the battery and memory card fitted and measuring 129.9 x 99.7 x 77.9 mm.

Canon EOS 1100D: Overview

Affordable price; Good image quality; Easy to use

Build quality same as EOS 1000D; You might quickly outgrow it

A predictable update to a fine entry-level SLR – it might be short on exciting extras but its ability to take gorgeous photos is hard to fault.

The Canon EOS 1100D is a DSLR camera who's core functionality is very similar to its predecessor although the updated model is even more user-friendly.

"...last year, opting for the Canon 1100D, which I picked up as part of a deal in Curry's where I got the camera body, an 18-55mm lens, a 75-300mm lens, a carry case for the camera and lenses and an 8GB SD card all for £485.00. ~ What is an SLR camera? ~ SLR stands for single lens reflex.

captures sharp; impressive images; low price; great for beginners; light for an SLR

quite difficult to find your way around at first; a lot heavier than a compact

This is a great camera that delivers professional results when used by a novice.

Easy to use; lightweight and a joy to use

Additional lenses can be expensive

Stepping into the world of DSLR. This camera is amazing. So glad to take the step into this technology. This camera is easy to use as a first timer. Its take awesome pics. Am really enjoying taking pics with this.

Nice Features and Settings; Good Battery Life; Good Sized Screen; Great Resolution; Easy To Use; Fast Shutter Speed

Slightly bulky