www.drakescamerastelescopes.com The 1100D's curvy, moulded design looks similar to that of Canon's higher-end dSLRs, so it seems like you're getting a premium product even though you're paying a fraction of the cost -- or at least it seems that way if you're standing on the other side of the room. Get up close and you'll notice that the camera's build quality doesn't stand up terribly well to scrutiny. The body of the unit is admirably lightweight for a dSLR -- less than half a kilo before you've added a lens -- but it also feels disappointingly plasticky and mass-produced. This sensation is compounded if you opt for one of the non-black models. Our review unit was a dark brown, which made it seem tacky, especially since it didn't match the colour of the lens we attached to it. Red and grey models are also available. That aside, the 1100D is thoughtfully constructed. A large dial on the top, to the right, lets you select the camera's mode. It's accompanied by a navigation dial, flash and shutter button, all of which are within a finger's reach. Those unaccustomed to using dSLRs -- and Canon models in particular -- may find that it takes a while to get used to the position of the shutter-release button. It's located on the slanting top edge of the protruding grip, rather than on the main body. The rear panel isn't as busy as on some other dSLRs. A small selection of large, well laid-out buttons adorns the surface, including a five-way pad and buttons for features such as ...
