The DSLR models provided by Pentax or Sony are way better looking than the Canon models and it has always been a traditional matter regarding the Canon entry level cameras that even though it manages to remain in the list of high end models yet they lack style.

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

Although the 1100D sits firmly at the bottom of Canon DSLR range, it's still capable of knocking out well exposed, nicely saturated pics with no bother. The body feels small and light with a solid grip, but it's very plasticky and certainly not a rugged piece of kit – a lack of weather sealing means...

Quality shines through in stills; Light and portable

Compacts do more with less; Slow; noisy autofocus in video

I shot with the EOS 1100d for a week so I will convey my thoughts about this camera. I use multiple brands so have no specific loyalty to any mount or maker. Coming up for 2 years old the 1100d is the cheapest entry point into Canon's DSLR range.

Its very good, especially for a starter DSLR, the photos are very high quality. The camera could look a bit better though, it looks very plastic, the lens and body aren't balanced so it doesn't lie flat. As i use it more for videos than photos a flip screen would be helpful.

HD movie footage

No flip screen

If you are new to photography or are looking to enter the DSLR market for the first time then the 1100D is ideal.

simple; in-built flash; lightweight

not very durable; cheap feeling plastic; iso/shutter speed limited

This 12.2-megapixel DSLR upgrades the 1000D and slots in at the start of the EOS range, where it does battle with Nikon's equally beginner-friendly D3100. As this is supposed to be Canon's most affordable DSLR, it unsurprisingly features a plastic, grey outer shell which makes it appear a little toy...

Affordable; simple to use; long 700-shot battery life; crammed with auto and manual shooting options; one-touch HD video recording and HDMI output

Plasticky and a tad bulky; manual focusing required when shooting video Price: £419 body only or £499 with 18-55mm zoom lens

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

With Micro Four Thirds models and other mirrorless digital cameras growing in popularity, the digital SLR market has gotten some stiff competition. The category continues to push forward, though, and Canon, which has not yet manufactured a compact interchangeable lens camera, offers up the EOS Rebel...

Very fast; Good low-light performance

Body feels underbuilt; Similarly priced Micro Four Thirds cameras offer better performance in smaller bodies; Live View LCD suffers from painfully slow focus.

We almost felt like Sookie Stackhouse in HBO's True Blood . We closed our eyes and the next thing we knew, a year was gone. In this case we didn't travel in "fairy space time," but blinked and Canon sent out a replacement for the XS and XSi DSLRs.

Responsive; good quality 12.2-megapixel DSLR; 720p HD Videos at 30 fps; 3fps burst mode

No front AF Assist lamp (uses built-in flash; Images not super sharp; Awkward control placement