The Canon T3/1100D entered life as an entry-level DSLR with basic features including an entry-level basic feature that everyone can love - a low price . That feature, low price, is indeed the primary reason to buy this DSLR over the rest of the Canon EOS DSLRs - including the announced at the same...

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.

February 7th. Canon Inc. has today introduced the Canon Rebel T3 (EOS 1000D in some countries) entry level family oriented digital SLR. As an updated version of the Canon Rebel XS (EOS 1000D) announced in the summer of 2008, the Canon Rebel T3 incorporates a similar 12.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS...

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

The EOS 1100D is Canon's budget model and it shows in the comparatively simple specification and cheapish look and feel of the camera body. However, the camera gets all the important stuff, such as metering and focus, right most of the time, and the targeted user group should be perfectly happy with...

Decent resolution and detail at base ISO; Consistently reliable metering and good AF accuracy; Useful highlight tone priority mode; Intuitive user interface; Beginner-friendly 'Basic+' control Screens; On-screen Q-Menu offers good access to shooting settings; Good battery life; Comprehensive

Plastic body has a cheap feel to it; no rubberized grips; Very simple video mode (no manual controls; only one resolution setting; no external mic; Very slow contrast detect AF in live view and movie mode; Comparatively small viewfinder; Combined battery/card compartment can make tripod use a little

The EOS 1100D steps into Canon's DSLR line-up between the EOS 1000D and EOS 550D and features a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor. Offered for the first time in three colours - Black, Metallic Grey and a limited edition Red - the EOS 1100D supports 720p HD video recording and introduces a new Feature Guide...

You're looking for a keenly-priced entry-level DSLR camera with most of the sophisticated functions provided by pro-sumer level models; You want excellent performance in all kinds of lighting; including high resolution and low noise levels at high ISO settings; You'd like the ability to shoot 720p

You require high burst speeds and buffer capacity; You require a more robustly built camera

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

There are very few things that let the Canon EOS 1100D (Rebel T3) down. Although we're not overly keen on some design elements, the body's smooth plastic finish or the live view mode's sluggish focusing, that's pretty much where the moaning stops.

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.

While most manufacturers update their consumer SLRs more often that their higher-end models, Canon has waited almost three years to upgrade the EOS 1000D.

Picture quality up to 3200 ISO; Responsive for day-to-day use; Pleasant to handle and use; Simplified modes for beginners (Custom Auto mode

Low-def screen; Less responsive in Raw mode; Room for improvement in the camera's build (slippery; Kit lens isn't stabilised (unless there's a 18-55 mm IS kit; Awful sound in video mode