Canon EOS Rebel T3 Pro Reviews

I don’t blame you for being confused. I just tested the EOS Rebel T3i, which I really, really liked, and along comes this review of the EOS Rebel T3. What’s the difference? In practical terms the Rebel T3 is somewhat smaller in size, lower in resolution (12.2 vs. 18 megapixel), and lacks the T3i’s swiveling LCD screen. Oh yeah, and it’s cheaper, too. But is it any good?

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. The 1100D (T3) has a whole lot of shooting options under its belt, image quality is up there with the best the entry-level market has to offer throughout the ISO 100-6400 range and the autofocus system is of a similar calibre. The combination of the two is a great mix and this essentially makes the 1100D the best current entry-level DSLR that money can buy. A better kit lens would sort out some of the imaging qualms that we do have, but the Canon EF-S fit has a huge variety on offer to get yet more out of your camera in the future. Those looking for a slightly more ‘friendly', easy-to-use experience may want to opt for the Nikon D3100's Guide Mode, but those seeking an overall more advanced model will be pleased with what the EOS 1100D (Rebel T3) has to offer.

With the introduction of the T3, Canon lists no fewer than six Rebel cameras in their total DSLR pool of thirteen models. The T3 fits into this hierarchy near the bottom of the pile with an MSRP of only $50 more than the cheapest model, the Rebel XS. Canon's entry-level model fleet spans an MSRP range from $550-$900 and includes offerings with sensor resolutions of 10, 12, 15, and 18 megapixels. The T3's relatively bargain price buys you very good entry-level DSLR still image quality and very good 720 HD video quality. The camera is relatively compact and light and with the kit lens is easily portable on day-long shooting sessions. Battery life for those daylong sessions is adequate assuming you use the viewfinder and not the monitor for image composition and capture. The camera starts reasonably quickly and shutter lag is average for the group as a whole. Auto focus acquisition times are fairly quick but at the slow end of the spectrum with regard to direct competitors. The short close-focus distance of the kit lens gives the T3 a decent macro shooting performance. High ISO noise performance is competitive with the best of the current generation cropped-sensor cameras. In short, there's a lot to like with the T3 performance and not much to dislike. Image files are output at 72 dots per inch, which means you'll be resizing to send e-mails or make prints, and providing a printed user's manual that covers all camera functions rather than just the basic ones shouldn't be too much to ask, even for a camera in the lower echelon of the product line.

Overall, the Canon Rebel T3 offers a fairly compelling package for amateur photographers looking to step up to their first SLR, and some existing Rebel owners may also find the T3 to be a worthy upgrade. More experienced shooters, however--especially those who tend to shoot exclusively in raw format--will want to look at alternatives with greater burst-shooting performance. To be fair to Canon, though, they're not really the target market for this camera. For the entry-level buyer wanting to step up to an SLR for the first time, the Canon T3 offers a pretty compelling package that earns it a Dave's Pick.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a solid albeit unexciting, entry-level DSLR that is—for the most part—easy to use. Beginner photographers or those who want a little help along the way will appreciate the camera's on-board Feature Guide; enthusiasts who are comfortable with DSLR features can easily disable the guide if it becomes a nuisance. The competition is pretty stiff in this category, though, so it's a good idea to shop around. If you can find a T3i for a reasonable price, you might want to spend the extra money for faster performance, a better LCD, advanced video options and more.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a solid albeit unexciting, entry-level DSLR that is—for the most part—easy to use. Beginner photographers or those who want a little help along the way will appreciate the camera’s on-board Feature Guide; enthusiasts who are comfortable with DSLR features can easily disable the guide if it becomes a nuisance. The competition is pretty stiff in this category, though, so it’s a good idea to shop around. If you can find a T3i for a reasonable price, you might want to spend the extra money for faster performance, a better LCD, advanced video options and more.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a decent entry-level D-SLR, but spending just a little more can get you a better-performing compact interchangeable lens camera with a smaller build.

The EOS 1100D is a competent entry-level DSLR that currently offers the cheapest way into the Canon DSLR system. Fairly easy to use and able to produce consistently good image quality there isn't much that's inherently wrong with the 1100D. Yes, the shiny plastic finish doesn't score highly in the style stakes and the small, low-resolution LCD monitor isn't much of a selling point either, however the camera itself remains solid enough. If you're a first-time DSLR buyer and really want to get on board with Canon then it may well be worth saving up a bit more and lavishing it on the 550D - it might be a year older, but for the extra £100 or so, it's also quite a bit more camera. If your budget can't stretch that far then the 1000D remains a decent enough camera to learn the ropes with.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a mixed bag. We have some difficulty recommending it wholeheartedly — newbies should closely look at the $650, 14-megapixel Nikon D3100 instead if they’re moving up to an entry-level DSLR even though it costs more. It’s a better camera. As an end note to the weekend, we took a bunch of shots with an older 16-megapixel, 10fps AVCHD Sony SLT-A55, a $799 DSLR with an 18-55mm lens. That one was so much superior, it was comical. You’re better off waiting for the new Sony A35 or picking up the older A33 for $699 with a lens. In cameras, you really do get what you pay for. The T3 doesn’t deliver what it should, even for $549.

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.

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, but if you want anti-shake, make sure you go for the kit with the IS lens.

It's pretty hard to complain, however, when less than £500 / $600 buys you a DSLR camera with a standard zoom lens, which is easy and quick to operate, has most of the features that you'll actually use everyday, and delivers excellent image quality even in low light. The Canon EOS 1100D / T3 is in many ways a bigger leap forward than the 600D model that was announced at the same time, bringing a compelling DSLR experience to a much wider audience. Highly Recommended!

The Canon EOS 1100D is a solid entry-level performer but doesn't offer anything out of the ordinary. The image quality is decent, it's easy to use and beginners will find their way around the user interface pretty quickly. However, competition in the entry-level market is fierce and it is worth having a closer look at other options as well.

The Canon EOS 1100D delivers great image quality, with excellent noise levels, right upto ISO3200. It's not until ISO6400 that you start seeing noise artefacts, or hot black and white pixels. The colour produced in images is excellent with very rich colours, high levels of saturation and good contrast, sharpness, and tone. The options can be altered, although the default settings are good enough that you shouldn't need to alter this.

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.

The improvements Canon has made internally on the EOS 1100D, particularly with its high ISO performance, blow its predecessor out of the water and bring the Canon 1100D's image quality in-line with other contemporary models from higher up the pecking order.

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. It’s not totally perfect, but, all things considered, it’s a great option for first time buyers that we like a whole lot.