The EOS 1100D seems like a solid replacement for the now three year old 1000D, with certainly the biggest addition the ability to capture 720p HD-ready video (just like the Canon G12). It does however fall short behind its bigger brother, the 600D, which can capture full HD 1080p video. 

 

The 1100D does however seem like a very apt camera for beginners, with Canon incorporating a Feature Guide in the menu system that offers a brief description of each key camera setting and its effect. There is also Basic+ and Creative Auto that remove any confusing technical terms, using plain language to describe settings and their effect on the final image.

 

 

At the back of the camera you’ll find a 2.7” LCD screen featuring a 230k-dot resolution, a lot less than the 600D’s 1040k dots vari-angle 3” display. There’s also a newly-designed, bright optical viewfinder, offering 95% coverage of the scene. Alternatively, Live View can be used to see how different shooting modes will affect the final image on the large rear screen.

 

Canon is also taking into account the role of HD displays, with the EOS 1100D being able to connect directly to an HDTV via HDMI, using the TV remote control to scroll through images and videos. (More below)

 

 

On the business side of things a 12.2 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor does duty, while Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor crunches all the data, allowing  high-speed shooting at three frames per second.

 

The EOS 1100D also uses the same iFCL metering system developed for the semi-professional EOS 7D, ensuring all subjects are well-exposed, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. It will be available with a new addition to Canon’s range of EF lenses, including the new EF-S 18-55MM f/3.5-5.6 IS II kit lens .

 

Pricing is expected closer to the end of the month, while the EOS 1100D should hit SA’s shelves in March 2011.

 

·         Superior 12-megapixel image quality

·         On-screen Feature Guide

·         Creative Auto and Basic+

·         HD video capture

·         ISO 100-6400 sensitivity

·         Wide-area 9-point AF system

·         63-zone iFCL exposure metering

·        2.7”, 230k-dot screen

·         Use with all EF and EF-S lenses