Canon EOS Digital Rebel T3 Review

Review posted 7/20/2011

Quick Take

Pros

Lightweight and compact body available in four colors; Black, Red, Metalic Gray, and Brown Loads of useful exposure options for Any user Image quality is excellent, both indoors and out Flash button in comfortable location Button customization for various controls; like the flash and Set buttons for instance Robust shooting performance Capable AF system, even in low-light to almost total darkness with flash as AF-assist lamp OVF is nice and comfortable Impressive high ISO performance Amazing low price of just $599 US with the EF-S 18-55mm IS II kit lens

Cons

No full HD video mode Exposure can be a bit strong at times when shooting in the automatic exposure modes in bright sunlight No rubberized grip like the T3i LCD is a bit small (2.7-inches), but usable Live View shooting performance is still quite sluggish Autofocus during Live View is very poor, hunting for focus both indoors and out

Bottom Line

Canon has hit a home run with their Canon EOS Rebel T3. The most affordable dSLR in their ranks, the T3 offers outstanding performance, ergonomics, and image quality for a price that is hard to beat by its competition. We here at Steve's give the T3 a huge "thumbs up"!  Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Paired with the announcement of the Canon EOS Digital Rebel T3i, Canon also announced details around the launch of the EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR, their secondary Rebel camera ideal for amateur photographers just getting their start with dSLR cameras.  The T3 sports a 12.2-Megapixel CMOS sensor with Canon's DIGIC 4 imaging processor.  It also shoots 1280x720 HD quality for both stills and movies.

The T3 uses a 9-point auto-focus system in addition to a 63-zone dual-layer metering system. It can also capture pictures up to 3 frames per second and has an ISO range of 100 to 6400. While the T3 comes with a pop-up flash, it's compatible with Canon's Sppedlites, like the 270 EX II ($169.99).  For both Rebel cameras, Canon has reworked the feature guide to help beginners better understand the technical capabilities of the camera. 

Canon EOS Rebel T3 key features include:  

• 12.2-Megapixel CMOS image sensor
• DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
• Canon EF-EF-S lens mount system
• 9-point Autofocus system
• 63-zone Dual-layer Metering system
• Captures images at up to 3 frames per second in burst mode
  
• 2.7-inch LCD screen
  
• 720p HD Video recording
• ISO sensitivity 100 - 6400
• Li-ion battery pack
• Compatible with SD/MMC, SDHC and SDXC memory
• HDMI output
• Body comes in four color choices
  

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 is available in four colors (Red, Black, Gray, and Brown), and is sold as a kit with the EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens for a suggested retail price of $599.99 US.

What's in the box?:

• EOS Rebel T3 Body
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Type II Lens
• Eyecup Ef
• Wide Strap EW-200DB
• Interface Cable IFC-130U
• Battery Pack LP-E10
• Battery Charger LC-E10
• EOS Digital Solution Disk and Instruction Manuals "Great Photography is Easy" Booklet and "Do More with Macro" Booklet (not shown)
  

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.