Canon 1100D vs Fujifilm X100

The Canon EOS 1100D (called Canon T3 in some regions) and the Fujifilm FinePix X100 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2011 and September 2010. The 1100D is a DSLR, while the X100 is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 12.2 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications

Canon 1100D		Fujifilm X100
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		35mm f/2.0
12.2 MP, APS-C Sensor		12.2 MP, APS-C Sensor
720/30p Video		720/30p Video
ISO 100-6400		ISO 200-6400 (100-12800)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
2.7" LCD, 230k dots		2.8" LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
700 shots per battery charge		300 shots per battery charge
130 x 100 x 78 mm, 495 g		126 x 75 x 54 mm, 445 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 1100D and the Fujifilm FinePix X100? 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.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1100D and the Fujifilm X100. 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.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X100 is notably smaller (27 percent) than the Canon 1100D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 1100D nor the X100 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X100 has a lens built in, whereas the 1100D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 1100D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 1100D gets 700 shots out of its LP-E10 battery, while the X100 can take 300 images on a single charge of its NP-95 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1100D»	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	17.5 oz	700	n	Feb 2011	449	-		Canon 1100D
	Fujifilm X100«	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.1 in	15.7 oz	300	n	Sep 2010	1,199	-		Fujifilm X100
	Canon 2000D« »	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	16.8 oz	500	n	Feb 2018	449			Canon 2000D
	Canon 4000D« »	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.0 in	15.4 oz	500	n	Feb 2018	399			Canon 4000D
	Canon 1200D« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	16.9 oz	500	n	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon 1200D
	Canon 650D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.3 oz	440	n	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon 650D
	Canon G1 X« »	4.6 in	3.2 in	2.6 in	18.8 oz	250	n	Jan 2012	799	-		Canon G1 X
	Canon SX50« »	4.8 in	3.4 in	4.2 in	21.0 oz	315	n	Sep 2012	429	-		Canon SX50
	Canon 600D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.1 oz	440	n	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon 600D
	Canon 550D« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.7 oz	440	n	Feb 2010	699	-		Canon 550D
	Canon 450D« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.5 oz	500	n	Jan 2008	799	-		Canon 450D
	Canon 1000D« »	5.0 in	3.9 in	2.6 in	17.7 oz	500	n	Jun 2008	449	-		Canon 1000D
	Fujifilm X100F« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.0 in	16.5 oz	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X100S« »	5.0 in	2.9 in	2.1 in	15.7 oz	330	n	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Nikon D3100« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	3.0 in	17.8 oz	550	n	Aug 2010	599	-		Nikon D3100
	Nikon D3000« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.5 in	18.9 oz	500	n	Jul 2009	599	-		Nikon D3000
	Sony NEX-7« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	1.7 in	14.1 oz	430	n	Aug 2011	1,349	-		Sony NEX-7
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and 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 X100 is 15 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (1100D) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

In terms of underlying technology, both cameras are build around CMOS sensors.

Even though the X100 has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 12.2 megapixels. This implies that the X100 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 5.53μm versus 5.15μm for the 1100D), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. It should, however, be noted that the 1100D is a somewhat more recent model (by 4 months) than the X100, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that at least partly compensate for the smaller pixel size.

The Canon EOS 1100D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm FinePix X100 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-12800.

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"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the X100 offers substantially better image quality than the 1100D (overall score 11 points higher). The advantage is based on 1 bits higher color depth, 1.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (720/30p).

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X100 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the 1100D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same magnification (0.50x), but the one in the X100 has a wider field of view (100%) than the finder in the 1100D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 1100D and Fujifilm X100 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 1100D and the X100 write their files to SDXC cards.

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 Fujifilm FinePix X100 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the 1100D and the X100 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The X100 was replaced by the Fujifilm X100S, while the 1100D was followed by the Canon 1200D. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Fujifilm websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon 1100D better than the Fujifilm X100 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 1100D:

• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (700 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 4 months after the X100).

Advantages of the Fujifilm FinePix X100:

• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (11 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.4 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.4 stops ISO advantage).
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (2.8" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (460k vs 230k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 1100D requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (126x75mm vs 130x100mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the 1100D).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2010).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X100 is the clear winner of the contest (13 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1100D and the Fujifilm X100 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 1100D and the X100 in practical situations. 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 why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1100D»	80/100	69/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	449	-		Canon 1100D
	Fujifilm X100«	-	75/100	4/5	4/5	5/5	Sep 2010	1,199	-		Fujifilm X100
	Canon 2000D« »	o	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Feb 2018	449			Canon 2000D
	Canon 4000D« »	o	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Feb 2018	399			Canon 4000D
	Canon 1200D« »	+	-	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon 1200D
	Canon 650D« »	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon 650D
	Canon G1 X« »	+	76/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	799	-		Canon G1 X
	Canon SX50« »	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Sep 2012	429	-		Canon SX50
	Canon 600D« »	o	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon 600D
	Canon 550D« »	+ +	77/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2010	699	-		Canon 550D
	Canon 450D« »	+ +	+ +	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	799	-		Canon 450D
	Canon 1000D« »	82/100	+ +	3.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2008	449	-		Canon 1000D
	Fujifilm X100F« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X100S« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Nikon D3100« »	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2010	599	-		Nikon D3100
	Nikon D3000« »	+	72/100	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2009	599	-		Nikon D3000
	Sony NEX-7« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Aug 2011	1,349	-		Sony NEX-7
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Canon 1100D vs Fujifilm X100

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.

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