Canon T3 Comparison Review
The Canon EOS Rebel T3 (called Canon 1100D in some regions) is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was revealed to the public in February 2011 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 12.2 megapixel.
Is the Canon T3 a good camera? The T3 has a Camera Elo of 1333. This rating puts the T3 below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the T3 also ranks below average. – Well, the Canon T3 is more than 9 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2011.
| Canon T3 |
|---|
| Digital single lens reflex |
| Canon EF mount lenses |
| 12.2 MP, APS-C Sensor |
| 720/30p Video |
| ISO 100 - 6 400 |
| Optical viewfinder |
| 2.7 LCD, 230k dots |
| Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
| 3 shutter flaps per second |
| 700 shots per battery charge |
| 130 x 100 x 78 mm, 495 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Canon T3 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. 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.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon T3 alongside a set of comparators. If you want to review a camera pair side-by-side, just select a right-side 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 comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life 1 |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch 2 |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon T3 | 5.1 in | 3.9 in | 3.1 in | 17.5 oz | 700 | n | Feb 2011 | 449 | | |
| Canon T100 | 5.1 in | 4.0 in | 3.0 in | 15.4 oz | 500 | n | Feb 2018 | 399 | | |
| Canon T5 | 5.1 in | 3.9 in | 3.1 in | 16.9 oz | 500 | n | Feb 2014 | 449 | | |
| Canon G1 X | 4.6 in | 3.2 in | 2.6 in | 18.8 oz | 250 | n | Jan 2012 | 799 | | |
| Canon SX50 | 4.8 in | 3.4 in | 4.2 in | 21.0 oz | 315 | n | Sep 2012 | 429 | | |
| Canon T4i | 5.2 in | 3.9 in | 3.1 in | 20.3 oz | 440 | n | Jun 2012 | 849 | | |
| Canon T3i | 5.2 in | 3.9 in | 3.1 in | 20.1 oz | 440 | n | Feb 2011 | 599 | | |
| Canon T2i | 5.1 in | 3.9 in | 2.4 in | 18.7 oz | 440 | n | Feb 2010 | 699 | | |
| Canon XS | 5.0 in | 3.9 in | 2.6 in | 17.7 oz | 500 | n | Jun 2008 | 449 | | |
| Canon XSi | 5.1 in | 3.9 in | 2.4 in | 18.5 oz | 500 | n | Jan 2008 | 799 | | |
| Canon XTi | 5.0 in | 3.3 in | 2.6 in | 19.6 oz | 370 | n | Aug 2006 | 799 | | |
|
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. (1) Number of images that can be taken on a full battery charge according to the CIPA-standard; (2) Official announcement. |
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon T3 was launched in the US market at a price of $449. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Check Ebay offers
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
The Canon T3 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon T3 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon T3 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4272 | 2848 | 720/30p | 21.9 | 11.0 | 755 | 62 | |
| Canon T100 | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 21.9 | 11.4 | 695 | 63 | |
| Canon T5 | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 21.9 | 11.3 | 724 | 63 | |
| Canon G1 X | 1.5-inch | 14.2 | 4352 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 21.7 | 10.8 | 644 | 60 | |
| Canon SX50 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 20.3 | 11.2 | 179 | 47 | |
| Canon T4i | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 21.7 | 11.2 | 722 | 62 | |
| Canon T3i | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.1 | 11.5 | 793 | 65 | |
| Canon T2i | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.1 | 11.5 | 784 | 66 | |
| Canon XS | APS-C | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | none | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| Canon XSi | APS-C | 12.2 | 4272 | 2848 | none | 21.9 | 10.8 | 692 | 61 | |
| Canon XTi | APS-C | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.0 | 664 | 62 |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The T3 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the T3 can use is 720/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the T3 has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 95% and a magnification of 0.50x. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Canon T3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution (000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Mech Shutter Speed |
Shutter Flaps (1/sec) | Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon T3 | optical | n | 2.7 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon T100 | optical | n | 2.7 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon T5 | optical | n | 3.0 | 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon G1 X | optical | n | 3.0 | 922 | Swivel | n | 1/4000s | 1.9 | Y | Y | |
| Canon SX50 | 202 | n | 3.0 | 461 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 2.2 | Y | Y | |
| Canon T4i | optical | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon T3i | optical | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.7 | Y | n | |
| Canon T2i | optical | n | 3.0 | 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.7 | Y | n | |
| Canon XS | optical | n | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Canon XSi | optical | n | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.5 | Y | n | |
| Canon XTi | optical | n | 2.5 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n |
One convenient feature of the T3 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection 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 Rebel T3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support | NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon T3 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon T100 | Y | mono | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
| Canon T5 | Y | mono | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon G1 X | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon SX50 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon T4i | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon T3i | Y | mono | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon T2i | Y | stereo | - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon XS | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon XSi | Y | - | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Canon XTi | Y | - | - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
Expert reviews
While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the T3. 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. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog).
| Camera Model |
camera labs |
dp review |
ephoto zine |
imaging resource |
photography blog |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon T3 | 80/100 | 69/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2011 | 449 | |
|
| Canon T100 | o | .. | 3.5/5 | .. | 3.5/5 | Feb 2018 | 399 | |
|
| Canon T5 | + | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 449 | |
|
| Canon G1 X | + | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 799 | |
|
| Canon SX50 | + + | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 429 | |
|
| Canon T4i | + + | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2012 | 849 | |
|
| Canon T3i | o | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2011 | 599 | |
|
| Canon T2i | + + | 77/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2010 | 699 | |
|
| Canon XS | 82/100 | + + | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2008 | 449 | |
|
| Canon XSi | + + | + + | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2008 | 799 | |
|
| Canon XTi | + + | + + | o | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2006 | 799 | |
|
| 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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Canon T3 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the T3.
What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the T3?
The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
Which image processing chip is used to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Canon equipped the T3 with the DIGIC 4 image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the T3?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Canon EOS Rebel T3?
Canon mentions a shutter rating of 100 000 actuations for the T3. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the T3 over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.
Does the Canon T3 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with flash?
The T3's flash sync speed is 1/200 sec.
Which battery does the T3 use?
The camera gets its power from the LP-E10 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Is there a vertical grip available for the T3?
Canon does not offer an optional battery grip, but third party suppliers do (see here on eBay).
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
| Camera Model | Canon T3 | |
| Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | |
| Camera Lens | Canon EF mount lenses | |
| Launch Date | February 2011 | |
| Launch Price | USD 449 | |
| Sensor Specs | ||
| Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
| Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | 22.0 x 14.7 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 323 mm2 | |
| Sensor Diagonal | 26.5 mm | |
| Crop Factor | 1.6x | |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.2 Megapixels | |
| Image Resolution | 4 272 x 2 848 pixels | |
| Pixel Pitch | 5.15 μm | |
| Pixel Density | 3.76 MP/cm2 | |
| Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
| Movie Capability | 720/30p Video | |
| ISO Setting | 100 - 6 400 ISO | |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 4 | |
| DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 62 | |
| DXO Color Depth (bits) | 21.9 | |
| DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.0 | |
| DXO Low Light (ISO) | 755 | |
| Screen Specs | ||
| Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder Field of View | 95% | |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.50x | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| LCD Size | 230k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Phase-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 shutter flaps/s | |
| Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
| Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
| Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | |
| Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
| Second Storage Option | Single card slot | |
| UHS card support | no | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
| HDMI Port | mini HDMI | |
| Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
| Body Specs | ||
| Battery Type | LP-E10 power pack | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 700 shots per charge | |
| Body Dimensions |
130 x 100 x 78 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in) |
|
| Camera Weight | 495 g (17.5 oz) |
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