The DSLR models provided by Pentax or Sony are way better looking than the Canon models and it has always been a traditional matter regarding the Canon entry level cameras that even though it manages to remain in the list of high end models yet they lack style.

This 12.2-megapixel DSLR upgrades the 1000D and slots in at the start of the EOS range, where it does battle with Nikon's equally beginner-friendly D3100. As this is supposed to be Canon's most affordable DSLR, it unsurprisingly features a plastic, grey outer shell which makes it appear a little toy...

Affordable; simple to use; long 700-shot battery life; crammed with auto and manual shooting options; one-touch HD video recording and HDMI output

Plasticky and a tad bulky; manual focusing required when shooting video Price: £419 body only or £499 with 18-55mm zoom lens

While most manufacturers update their consumer SLRs more often that their higher-end models, Canon has waited almost three years to upgrade the EOS 1000D.

Picture quality up to 3200 ISO; Responsive for day-to-day use; Pleasant to handle and use; Simplified modes for beginners (Custom Auto mode

Low-def screen; Less responsive in Raw mode; Room for improvement in the camera's build (slippery; Kit lens isn't stabilised (unless there's a 18-55 mm IS kit; Awful sound in video mode

For a discontinued camera, it does the job perfectly. It is my first camera (as recommended by a friend) and I couldn't be happier. Amazing little camera!

A cheap and cheerful entry-level snapper but its competitors could serve you better

Quality shines through in stills; Light and portable

Compacts do more with less; Slow; noisy autofocus in video

A cheap and cheerful entry-level snapper but its competitors could serve you better

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

Decent resolution and detail at base ISO; Consistently reliable metering and good AF accuracy; Useful highlight tone priority mode; Intuitive user interface; Beginner-friendly 'Basic+' control Screens; On-screen Q-Menu offers good access to shooting settings; Good battery life; Comprehensive...

Plastic body has a cheap feel to it; no rubberized grips; Very simple video mode (no manual controls; only one resolution setting; no external mic; Very slow contrast detect AF in live view and movie mode; Comparatively small viewfinder; Combined battery/card compartment can make tripod use a little...

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a mixed bag. In cameras, you really do get what you pay for. The T3 doesn't deliver what it should, even for the low price.

Responsive; good quality 12.2-megapixel DSLR; 720p HD Videos at 30 fps; 3fps burst mode

No front AF Assist lamp (uses built-in flash; Images not super sharp; Awkward control placement

As the entry point to Canon's DSLR range, the 1100D sits below the older yet still available 550D and the more recent 600D as a sort of bare-bones version of these more advanced entry-level models.

Image quality; Relatively user-friendly; Cheapest entry-point to Canon DSLR system

Plastic finish feels a bit cheap; No rubberisation on grip; Contrast-detect live view AF is slow

Canon's EOS 1100D enters the market as a stripped down version of its more expensive siblings, the 550D and 600D. Banking on its genetic lineage, it hopes to stand on its own with less perks and a matching lower price tag.

: Image quality; Relatively user-friendly; Cheapest entry-point to Canon DSLR system : Plastic finish feels a bit cheap; No rubberisation on grip; Contrast-detect live view AF is slow

: Plastic finish feels a bit cheap; No rubberisation on grip; Contrast-detect live view AF is slow