A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon 1100D vs T1i

The Canon EOS 1100D (called Canon T3 in some regions) and the Canon EOS Rebel T1i (labelled Canon 500D in some countries) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2011 and March 2009. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The 1100D has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the T1i provides 15.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1100D
versus
Canon T1i
Canon 1100D   Canon T1i
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
12.2 MP – APS-C sensor 15.1 MP – APS-C sensor
720/30p Video 1080/20p Video
ISO 100-6,400 ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 12,800)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
2.7" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 3.4 shutter flaps per second
700 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
130 x 100 x 78 mm, 495 g 129 x 98 x 62 mm, 520 g
logo
Check 1100D offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check T1i offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 1100D and the Canon EOS Rebel T1i? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 1100D and the Canon T1i is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon 1100D vs Canon T1i
Compare 1100D versus T1i top
Comparison 1100D or T1i rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon T1i is somewhat smaller (3 percent) than the Canon 1100D. However, the T1i is markedly heavier (5 percent) than the 1100D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 1100D nor the T1i are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 1100D gets 700 shots out of its Canon LP-E10 battery, while the T1i can take 400 images on a single charge of its Canon LP-E5 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1100D 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 n Feb 2011 449ebay.com
2.
 
Canon T1i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 520 g 400 n Mar 2009 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 2000D 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 475 g 500 n Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 4000D 129 mm 102 mm 77 mm 436 g 500 n Feb 2018 399 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon T6 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 485 g 500 n Mar 2016 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T6i 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 n Feb 2015 749ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1200D 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 n Feb 2014 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 650D 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G1 X 117 mm 81 mm 65 mm 534 g 250 n Jan 2012 799ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 429ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T4i 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 600D 133 mm 100 mm 80 mm 570 g 440 n Feb 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Canon 550D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 530 g 440 n Feb 2010 699ebay.com
14.
 
Canon T2i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 530 g 440 n Feb 2010 699ebay.com
15.
 
Canon 450D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 799ebay.com
16.
 
Canon 1000D 126 mm 98 mm 65 mm 502 g 500 n Jun 2008 449ebay.com
17.
 
Canon XSi 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The 1100D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 44 percent) than the T1i, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the T1i is 3 percent bigger. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 1100D and Canon T1i sensor measures

With 15.1MP, the T1i offers a higher resolution than the 1100D (12.2MP), but the T1i has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.69μm versus 5.15μm for the 1100D). It is noteworthy in this context that the 1100D is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 10 months) than the T1i, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Canon T1i implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the T1i for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23.8 x 15.8 inches or 60.4 x 40.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19 x 12.7 inches or 48.3 x 32.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.8 x 10.6 inches or 40.2 x 26.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1100D are 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.3 x 36.2 cm for good quality, 17.1 x 11.4 inches or 43.4 x 28.9 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.5 inches or 36.2 x 24.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 1100D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS Rebel T1i are ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-12800.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

1100D versus T1i MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1100D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
2.
 
Canon T1i APS-C 15.1 4752 31681080/20p21.711.566363
3.
 
Canon 2000D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.611.9100971
4.
 
Canon 4000D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.469563
5.
 
Canon T6 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.778166
6.
 
Canon T6i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
7.
 
Canon 1200D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
8.
 
Canon 650D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
9.
 
Canon G1 X 1.5-inch 14.2 4352 32641080/24p21.710.864460
10.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
11.
 
Canon T4i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
12.
 
Canon 600D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.579365
13.
 
Canon 550D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.578466
14.
 
Canon T2i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.578466
15.
 
Canon 450D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
16.
 
Canon 1000D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.010.971962
17.
 
Canon XSi APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the T1i provides a better video resolution than the 1100D. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/20p, while the 1100D is limited to 720/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 1100D and the T1i are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (95%), but the viewfinder of the T1i has a higher magnification than the one of the 1100D (0.54x vs 0.50x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1100D, the Canon T1i, and comparable cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 1100Doptical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon T1ioptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.4/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 2000Doptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 4000Doptical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon T6optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon T6ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon 1200Doptical n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon 650Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon G1 Xoptical n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/4000s 1.9/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
11.
 
Canon T4ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Canon 600Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
13.
 
Canon 550Doptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
14.
 
Canon T2ioptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
15.
 
Canon 450Doptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
16.
 
Canon 1000Doptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
17.
 
Canon XSioptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

The 1100D writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the T1i uses SDHC cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 1100D and Canon EOS Rebel T1i and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 1100DYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon T1iYmono / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 2000DYmono / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon 4000DYmono / mono--mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon T6Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon T6iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon 1200DYmono / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 650DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon G1 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon T4iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Canon 600DYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Canon 550DYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
14.
 
Canon T2iYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
15.
 
Canon 450DY- / ---mini2.0---
16.
 
Canon 1000DY- / ----2.0---
17.
 
Canon XSiY- / ---mini2.0---
padding

Both the 1100D and the T1i have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The T1i was replaced by the Canon T2i, while the 1100D was followed by the Canon 1200D. Further information on the features and operation of the 1100D and T1i can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1100D Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon T1i Manual.

ad

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 1100D or the Canon T1i – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 1100D:

  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (700 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (44 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 10 months after the T1i).


Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS Rebel T1i:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (15.1 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 11%.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/20p vs 720/30p).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.54x vs 0.50x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 230k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3.4 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in March 2009).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the T1i is the clear winner of the contest (7 : 3 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

1100D 03:07 T1i

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1100D and the Canon T1i place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1100D or the T1i. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1100D..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 449ebay.com
2.
 
Canon T1i..+ +..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 2000D3/5o3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 4000D2.5/5o3/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 399 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon T64/5o4/573/1004/54/5 Mar 2016 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T6i5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1200D3/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 650D4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G1 X5/5+..76/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2012 799ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 429ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T4i4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 600D3/5o..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Canon 550D..+ +..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 699ebay.com
14.
 
Canon T2i..+ +..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 699ebay.com
15.
 
Canon 450D..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 799ebay.com
16.
 
Canon 1000D..82/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Jun 2008 449ebay.com
17.
 
Canon XSi..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check 1100D offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check T1i offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Canon 1100D vs Canon T1i

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 1100D Canon T1i
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2011 March 2009
    Launch Price USD 449 USD 799
    Sensor Specs Canon 1100D Canon T1i
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.0 x 14.7 mm 22.3 x 14.9 mm
    Sensor Area 323.4 mm2 332.27 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 26.5 mm 26.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 15.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4272 x 2848 pixels 4752 x 3168 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.15 μm 4.69 μm
    Pixel Density 3.76 MP/cm2 4.53 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/30p Video 1080/20p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 12,800 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 4 DIGIC 4
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 62 63
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.9 21.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.0 11.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 755 663
    Screen Specs Canon 1100D Canon T1i
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.50x 0.54x
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.7inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1100D Canon T1i
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 3.4 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1100D Canon T1i
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon 1100D Canon T1i
    Battery Type Canon LP-E10 Canon LP-E5
    Battery Life (CIPA)700 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 130 x 100 x 78 mm
    (5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in)
    129 x 98 x 62 mm
    (5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in)
    Camera Weight 495 g (17.5 oz) 520 g (18.3 oz)
    logo
    Check 1100D offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check T1i offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon 1100D vs Canon T1i