Canon EOS 1100D

The basics

The Canon EOS 1100D is the latest entry-level DSLR from Canon, and takes over from the old EOS 1000D model. With a 12-megapixel sensor, 9-point autofocus and an affordable price tag, it's a relatively cheap way to get more involved in serious photography.

The good

The design of the Canon EOS 1100D is firmly evolution rather than revolution, and it looks very similar to the EOS 1000D, EOS 550D and EOS 500D that came before it. This is actually a good thing, as it's one of the neater looking DSLRs on the market.

The Canon EOS 1100D is available with the now standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens. It's actually a very good lens, and it suits this budget model perfectly, with Image Stabilisation technology helping to keep your shots crisp and blur free.

Along with 9-point autofocus, features include the ability to shoot at 3 frames per second for an impressive 830 shots. A Live View function is built-in to let you take advantage of the 720p video recording.

It's image quality where this affordable DSLR really shines though, offering outstandingly crisp and vibrant images. Photographs remain free from digital noise right up to the 1600 ISO mark, highlighting the difference between even an entry-level DSLR and a compact camera, and letting you shoot decent snaps in low light conditions.

The bad

The biggest disappointment with the Canon EOS 1100D is the small 2.7-inch screen on the back. It looks slightly cheap in comparison with its more expensive siblings – all of which offer larger screens – although it does help to keep the price down.

Although the styling is similar to more expensive Canon models, we prefer the textured and soft-touch plastics used on the EOS 1100D's siblings – to keep costs down this model features a smooth almost gloss finish.

The bottom line

The Canon EOS 1100D is well worth a look for users wanting to step up to the digital SLR market. It's affordable, offers a good range of features and is easily capable of shooting amazing photographs. As always, however, it'll be haunted by slightly older Canon models – it's still possible to buy the now defunct EOS 550D, for instance, which offers a bigger screen and nicer build quality for similar money.