The Canon EOS 1100D has good image quality, video quality, fast focus, but the display is not optimized for new users.
The Canon EOS 1100D is only Canon’s second-generation DSLR camera lineup of the 4-digit (xxxxD) series after the Canon EOS 1000D launched in 2008. The arrival of this series is Canon’s move to increase competition in the segment of lenses. Cheap, especially with the generation of mirrorless machines from Panasonic, Sony or Olympus. Many of the features expected of DSLRs such as rear-wheel steering wheel, joystick, directional sensor, and focus motor are also omitted to reduce costs.
The appearance of the Canon EOS 1000D is not considered a success, but when the battle is long, Canon obviously must continue to show themselves on this segment if not want to be left behind. This is probably the reason for the arrival of the 1100D with some significant improvements. By targeting young users, the machine comes in a variety of colors to choose from, as seen on Pentax’s brightly-colored cameras.
Some key technical information of the Canon EOS 1100D.
12-megapixel CMOS sensor (similar to EOS 450D model).
9 point autofocus system (up from 7 at 1000D).
Multi-layer iFCL 63 area light sensor (similar to EOS 7D model).
Record HD 720 video at 30 or 25 frames per second (H.264 compression).
2.7 inch LCD screen resolution of 230,000 pixels.
ISO range from 100 to 6400.
Basic + creative shooting modes like pointers for shooting.
Compatible Eye-Fi card plays wirelessly.
Canon EOS 1100D (Grey) Digital SLR Camera w/ EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens: Buy it now
Canon EOS 1100D DSLR Camera and 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit (Black): Buy it now
Key Features
12.2MP APS-C sensor. Larger than what you’d find in compact cameras, which translates to better dynamic range and low-light handling. 12.2MP is plenty for large prints or cropping without falling apart.
DIGIC 4 processor. Handles noise reduction and processing speed, and helps keep color accurate.
9-point autofocus. Includes a central cross-type point for better accuracy. Works well in most conditions but can slow down in low light or with fast-moving subjects.
2.7-inch LCD. Modest resolution by current standards, and no live view — you’re relying on the optical viewfinder to compose shots.
Full HD video. 1080p at 30fps, though the video features here are basic — don’t expect much manual control over exposure or focus while recording.
Scene Intelligent Auto. Reads the scene and adjusts settings automatically, good for beginners. Scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports) are also available for more specific situations.
A built-in flash works alongside a hot shoe. The pop-up flash is enough for many dim scenes. When you want more control, you can mount a separate external flash to the hot shoe.
Creative filters and Picture Styles. Picture Styles (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful) adjust color and contrast; filters like Monochrome and Vivid add stylistic options without editing afterward.
Performance
The 9-point AF system is reliable for general shooting, with the cross-type center point handling most of the accuracy. It can lag a bit in low light or when tracking something moving fast.
Continuous shooting tops out at 3fps — not fast, but enough for casual action shots.
Image quality is genuinely good here — sharp detail, accurate color, solid dynamic range from the sensor/processor combo. Some noise shows up at higher ISOs, which isn’t surprising given the 100-6400 range, but lower ISOs stay clean.
Color reproduction is accurate and natural-looking, and the Picture Styles/filters give some room to adjust that to taste.
It gets the job done. The 1080p video looks crisp and the colors stay true. But you do not get much control on your end. For quick, everyday use it is fine. If you plan to do real video work, it will feel limiting.
User Experience
The menu is well-organized and the physical controls are intuitively placed, though there’s no touchscreen — everything goes through buttons and dials.
The battery is rated at about 700 photos per charge. That is a solid result for a beginner DSLR. The LP-E10 battery is not pricey, and you can buy it without much trouble.
For ports, you get USB 2.0 and HDMI. There is also a slot for SD or SDHC cards. There is no Wi-Fi and no Bluetooth, so you cannot share images wirelessly.
Pros
The sensor gives clear image quality for the money. Scene Intelligent Auto helps new users get started fast. The controls are easy to grasp. It also works with Canon EF and EF-S lenses, so you can add lenses as you learn. Battery performance is one of the best points here.
Cons
Autofocus can miss focus in dim light, and it is not great with quick-moving subjects. Video support is limited. Wireless features are missing. The LCD looks old compared with newer camera screens, and the detail is not as high.
Conclusion
The 1100D will not compete with the top DSLRs on specs. That is fine. If you are new to DSLR photography, it can still deliver solid image quality. It is also fairly easy to learn on. On top of that, the battery tends to run longer than many other models you see in this same price range. You give up a newer-looking screen and basic video, but those parts do not change what the camera is meant to do. It is a straightforward start in DSLR photography.
Related Posts
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.