The EOS 1100D is Canon's budget model and it shows in the comparatively simple specification and cheapish look ... 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 the out-of-camera JPEGs.

Although the 1100D may be slightly less accessible than the Nikon D3100 for the brand brand new photographer, it also happens to be the more advanced model. And with that said, it would be fair to say that the 1100D certainly raises the bar for the entry-level DSLR market.

The Canon 1100D offers a good shooting experience for a great price, with enough features and functions to satisfy SLR beginners.

The 1100D is a no-frills budget dSLR offering a useful feature set at an affordable price without compromising image quality.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a solid albeit unexciting, entry-level DSLR that is—for the most part—easy to use.

The 1100D is a decent first rung on the EOS ladder, though a compact system camera like Panasonic’s G3 might be a better bet for anyone who prefers DSLR-like control but a smaller form factor.

Ultimately while some of the EOS Rebel T3 / 1100D's specifications are fairly basic, it does offer good image quality, Live View and 720p HD movies from a big-name at an affordable price. As such it represents a good choice for entry-level DSLR buyers.

With the features added to improve ease of use taken into account, this camera should find a home in many a beginner's kit bag, and even maybe in the camera kits of some more advanced photographers.

Fairly easy to use and able to produce consistently good image quality there isn't much that's inherently wrong with the 1100D ... the 1000D remains a decent enough camera to learn the ropes with.

The T3 is as an entry-level DSLR with basic features and very good image quality (especially at high ISO settings). The big news is the low price.

The EOS 1100D / T3 is a great entry-level DSLR camera that's well-suited to its beginner target audience. The combination of proven metering, auto-focus and processing systems with a sensible 12 megapixel sensor and simplified control layout is a winning one.