Unleashing the Power of Canon EOS 1100D vs Canon EOS 700D: Which Camera Reigns Supreme for Your Photography Needs?

Choosing your first DSLR camera can be daunting, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices for beginners are the Canon EOS 1100D and the Canon EOS 700D, both often bundled with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens. While both cameras offer a great starting point for your photographic journey, understanding their differences can help you make the right decision.
This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Canon EOS 1100D Canon EF-S 18-55mm and the Canon EOS 700D Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, highlighting their key features, performance, and pros and cons. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which camera best suits your needs and budget.

The Canon EOS 1100D: A Solid Entry-Level DSLR

The Canon EOS 1100D, released in 2011, was a popular choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and affordable price. It boasts a 12.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, capable of capturing decent image quality for everyday photography. The 1100D is equipped with a 3-inch LCD screen, a nine-point autofocus system, and a continuous shooting rate of 3 frames per second.
Pros of the Canon EOS 1100D:

• Affordable: The Canon EOS 1100D is a budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget.
• User-friendly: The camera’s simple interface and dedicated buttons make it easy to navigate for beginners.
• Good image quality: The 12.2-megapixel sensor delivers acceptable image quality in various lighting conditions.

Cons of the Canon EOS 1100D:

• Limited features: Compared to newer models, the 1100D lacks advanced features like full HD video recording and Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Slower performance: The nine-point autofocus system and 3fps shooting rate can be limiting for fast-paced subjects or action photography.
• No touchscreen: The lack of a touchscreen interface can make navigating menus and reviewing images less intuitive.

The Canon EOS 700D: An Upgrade with Modern Features

The Canon EOS 700D, released in 2013, is a significant upgrade from the 1100D, offering a more advanced feature set and improved performance. It features an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 9-point cross-type autofocus system, and a continuous shooting rate of 4 frames per second.
Pros of the Canon EOS 700D:

• Improved image quality: The 18-megapixel sensor delivers sharper and more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions.
• Faster performance: The 9-point autofocus system and 4fps shooting rate provide better responsiveness for capturing fast-moving subjects.
• Modern features: The 700D includes full HD video recording at 30fps, a touchscreen interface, and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy image sharing.

Cons of the Canon EOS 700D:

• Higher price: The 700D is more expensive than the 1100D, which may not be suitable for budget-conscious buyers.
• Limited low-light performance: While improved compared to the 1100D, the 700D’s low-light performance still falls short of newer models.

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm Lens: A Versatile Starter Lens

Both the Canon EOS 1100D and the Canon EOS 700D are often bundled with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm lens. This lens is a popular choice for beginners due to its versatility, covering a wide range of focal lengths, from 18mm (wide-angle) to 55mm (portrait).
Pros of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm Lens:

• Versatile focal length: The 18-55mm range is ideal for capturing a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
• Affordable: This lens is relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious photographers.
• Good image quality: While not the sharpest lens available, the EF-S 18-55mm delivers acceptable image quality for everyday photography.

Cons of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm Lens:

• Limited aperture: The maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 limits the amount of light that can enter the lens, making it challenging to shoot in low-light conditions.
• Softness at wide apertures: The lens can produce slightly soft images at wider apertures, especially at the edges of the frame.
• Plastic construction: The lens is made of plastic, which may not feel as durable as metal lenses.

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens: A Significant Upgrade

The Canon EOS 700D is also often bundled with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. This lens is a significant upgrade over the standard EF-S 18-55mm, offering improved image quality, autofocus performance, and a built-in image stabilizer.
Pros of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens:

• Improved image quality: The STM lens delivers sharper images, especially at wider apertures, with better edge-to-edge sharpness.
• Faster and quieter autofocus: The STM motor provides faster and near-silent autofocus, making it ideal for video recording.
• Image stabilization: The built-in image stabilizer reduces camera shake, allowing for sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld.

Cons of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens:

• Higher price: The STM lens is more expensive than the standard EF-S 18-55mm lens.
• Limited aperture: The maximum aperture remains the same as the standard lens, limiting low-light performance.

Canon EOS 1100D vs Canon EOS 700D: A Detailed Comparison

Sensor and Image Quality:

• Canon EOS 1100D: 12.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, delivers decent image quality for everyday photography.
• Canon EOS 700D: 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, produces sharper and more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions.

Autofocus System:

• Canon EOS 1100D: Nine-point autofocus system, slower and less responsive.
• Canon EOS 700D: Nine-point cross-type autofocus system, faster and more accurate.

Continuous Shooting Rate:

• Canon EOS 1100D: 3 frames per second.
• Canon EOS 700D: 4 frames per second.

Video Recording:

• Canon EOS 1100D: Does not support full HD video recording.
• Canon EOS 700D: Full HD video recording at 30fps.

Touchscreen Interface:

• Canon EOS 1100D: No touchscreen interface.
• Canon EOS 700D: Touchscreen interface for intuitive menu navigation and image review.

Wi-Fi Connectivity:

• Canon EOS 1100D: No Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Canon EOS 700D: Wi-Fi connectivity for easy image sharing.

Other Features:

• Canon EOS 1100D: Built-in flash, scene modes, and a limited selection of creative filters.
• Canon EOS 700D: Built-in flash, scene modes, creative filters, and HDR shooting mode.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The choice between the Canon EOS 1100D and the Canon EOS 700D depends on your individual needs and budget.
Canon EOS 1100D is a good choice for:

• Beginners who prioritize affordability.
• Those who are primarily interested in everyday photography.
• Photographers who don’t require advanced features like video recording or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Canon EOS 700D is a better option for:

• Beginners who want a more advanced camera with modern features.
• Photographers who are interested in shooting video or sharing images wirelessly.
• Those who prioritize image quality and performance.

A Final Word: Beyond the Canon EOS 1100D Canon EF-S 18-55mm vs Canon EOS 700D Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

While the Canon EOS 1100D and Canon EOS 700D are both excellent entry-level DSLRs, the technological landscape has evolved significantly since their release. Newer cameras, like the Canon EOS Rebel T7i (800D) or the Canon EOS Rebel T8i (850D), offer even more advanced features, improved image quality, and faster performance.
It’s essential to consider your budget, your photography goals, and the features you value most before making a decision. Researching the latest models and comparing them to the Canon EOS 1100D and Canon EOS 700D will help you make an informed choice.

Questions You May Have

Q: Are the Canon EOS 1100D and Canon EOS 700D still good cameras in 2023?
A: While both cameras are older models, they can still be suitable for beginners or those on a tight budget. However, newer cameras offer significant advancements in terms of image quality, features, and performance.
Q: Is the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens worth the extra cost?
A: If you’re primarily interested in video recording or want improved image quality and autofocus performance, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the standard EF-S 18-55mm lens can still be a good option.
Q: Can I upgrade the lens on the Canon EOS 1100D or Canon EOS 700D?
A: Yes, both cameras are compatible with a wide range of Canon EF and EF-S lenses. Upgrading your lens can significantly improve image quality and performance, allowing you to explore different photographic styles.
Q: What are some alternative cameras to consider?
A: Some alternative cameras to consider in the same price range as the Canon EOS 1100D and Canon EOS 700D include the Nikon D3500, the Sony Alpha a6000, and the Fujifilm X-T200. These cameras offer similar features and performance but with different strengths and weaknesses.