(1 items) Canon's entry-level EOS Rebel T3 is a step up from Canon's popular XS DSLR, adding a bump up to a 12 megapixel sensor, a DIGIC 4 processor, longer battery life, higher ISO capabilities, improved autofocus and metering systems and the now ubiquitous video capture-a feature missing from the

Beginner friendly Feature Guide; Superior image quality; Superior low light/high ISO performance; Solid but basic feature set

Video limited to 720p (no 1080; no VGA; Video mode must be set via mode dial; No spot metering; No dust removal system

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 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.

Canon's EOS 1100D enters the market as a stripped down version of its more expensive siblings, the 550D and 600D. Banking on its genetic lineage, it hopes to stand on its own with less perks and a matching lower price tag.

: 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

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

As it stands, the 1100D is a good camera to buy for upgraders from a 1000D, or even Nikon shooters with a D60 who want to change over. If you are using a compact camera and looking to upgrade to a dSLR, the 1100D will expand your shooting possibilities, but remember that investing in lenses is a...

Crisp & clear sensor; Decent kit lens

Only 720p HD video recording; Smallish viewfinder

For a long time, Canon has been focusing on DSLR cameras aimed at the prosumer target audience. However, the trend has slowly changed with Canon launching competitive DSLR cameras for the lower price segment. The EOS 400D and then, the EOS 1000D were all designed for this market.

The 1100D can also shoot at a handy 3fps useful for capturing everyone looking and smiling in a big group of family members or for capturing a fast moment without  the possibility of potentially missing the shot.

Announced in February 2011 along with the more fully featured Rebel T3i , the EOS Rebel T3 slots into the middle of Canon's entry-level DSLR lineup based on MSRP. The T3 features a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and improved DIGIC 4 processor, a nine point auto focus (AF) system with a single center...

Good still and video image quality; Good burst shooting performance with JPEG files; Good high ISO noise performance; Good portability

2.7-inch monitor size becoming dated, AF acquisition times are not bad, but among slowest in class, Video capture process involves multiple steps; no continuous AF capability

Canon has long catered well for the entry-level digital SLR market. Canon's EOS 300D was the first digital SLR available for under £1000 and as technology has advanced, its cameras aimed at this market have been made cheaper and more compact, whilst still sporting a decent array of features.

Verdict: Although the EOS 1100D looks and feels its budget price tag, it is a capable SLR that offers great photographic results.