 |
| "canon 1100D" |
Canon’s entry-level model is the
most up to date of the three on test. A 12.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor takes large
image and, despite the apparent ‘low’ resolution by a lot of today’s higher
megapixel bodies, this isn’t a concern when considering the sensor size. Indeed
the 12MP resolution is around that ‘sweet spot’ for balancing image sixe
against quality.
A built-in optical viewfinder
offer a 95% field of view – meaning that some5% of your composition (around the
edges) won’t be seen but is captured into the final file. It’s a common
condition of budget DSLRs (all models, not just Canon).
Focus-wise there’s a nine point
autofocus system with one cross-type sensor in the middle that provides
improved sensitivity when using the camera in a portrait format. Live view and
a 720p HD movie mode are also available.
DESIGN
The 1100D has a smoth plastic
finish that exudes a ‘plastic feel’ more than the other. It’s not that the
materials are worse, but overall look and feel isn’t as high-end as the other
two models.
The rear LCVD screen is 2.7in in
size, making it slightly smaller than its rivals. The 230k-dot resolution is a
fine standard, though when not at eye-level the screen can reflect and be
harder to read.
The camera’s layout may not be instant
for first-timers, but all the relevant buttons for quick access to the main
setting such as ISO, AF, and burst shooting are easy to access. Modes such as
Creative Auto do provide simplified shooting or Auto puts the camera in charge
of controls.
A single thumbwheel is arranged
towards the camera’s front-side and is the main control to cycle through
settings such as aperture and shutter speed.
PERFORMANCE
On paper the 1100D may not have
as many of those ‘big numbers’, but it’s how things work in practice that
counts. The nine-point autofocus system is the fastest of the three on test,
easily nipping in and out of focus as required. Adjusting between focus points
is no problem either and, despite the fewest number of focus points against its
test rivals, the overall reach is similar (though doesn’t span as wide as we’d
like).
However, flick the live view
button and autofocus is rather slow, far more so than the other two models. The
camera’s video mode uses the same autofocus
as the live view AF, so focusing during movie capture isn’t recommended.
However, saying that, the720p quality does comes up trumps. There’s lots of
data packed into the files and although not as high resolution as the Nikon
D3100’s, were the most fluid and detailed of the bunch.
The 3fps burst mode is on par
with the Nikon D3100’s in terms of speed. However, shooting Raw files 1100D was
able to capture four shots before pausing.
Specification:
·
18-55mm kit lens
·
12.2MP CMOS (1.6x mag)
·
9 point AF (1 cross type)
·
ISO 100-6400
·
3fps burst mode
·
720p HD movie mode
|