In an apparent attempt to hit every possible price point, the $899 (body only) Canon EOS 77D splits the difference between the entry-level Rebel T7i ($749) and the enthusiast-focused EOS 80D ($1,199). Looking at the spec sheet, it comes across as an awkward middle child, offering the same performance numbers as the T7i without the affordability or compactness. It’s in a unique position, however, as Canon’s main competitor Nikon doesn’t have a directly competing model. Still, it feels like a bit of a gamble.
To improve the odds, Canon has thrown its latest imaging tech into the 77D, including the 24-megapixel sensor and 45-point autofocus system used in both the 80D and T7i. It also gets the newer Digic 7 processor, which is actually an improvement over the Digic 6 in the 80D — but, again, this is also found in the lower-cost T7i.
Based on our experience and long-term testing with these cameras, we were confident this new midrange DSLR would at least be a capable machine, and that’s what we found in our Canon EOS 77D review. But does Canon really need this in its lineup?
A DRESSED-UP REBEL
The 77D certainly looks different from the Rebel T7i, and that’s really the whole point. It is a Rebel in a fancy suit, with all the same internal workings; it even uses the same battery. What it adds is a larger, more comfortable grip and more direct access control, particularly a second command dial on the back of the camera. The dial is much cheaper and flimsier feeling than the rear dials on higher-end Canons, but it gets the job done and allows users shooting in manual mode to set the aperture without needing a modifier key
4,000th-second maximum shutter speed. Video, too, is unchanged at 1080p/60.
The 77D offers the exact same performance numbers as the T7i without the affordability or compactness.
To be sure, this is not necessarily a bad thing. The Rebel T7i is one of, if not the best low-end DSLRs we’ve ever tested. In fact, we even called it “an 80D in disguise” in our review. So the 77D is a disguised 80D in a fancy suit. Or something. See, now even we’re confused.
And herein lies the problem: Using the same naming convention as the 80D makes the 77D sound like more than it actually is, and it’s confusing. Compare this to the previous generation, when Canon had both a Rebel T6i and Rebel T6s. Here, the latter was essentially what the 77D is, albeit in a compact Rebel body.
It’s not that Canon is trying to pull a fast one by giving the 77D a name it doesn’t deserve. We understand why it can’t be called a Rebel — it’s definitely not the same body style. That said, nor is it really an 80D-style camera. Once you realize that, however, it’s okay. Canon seems to have discovered that enthusiasts who liked the added control of the T6s would also appreciate a larger camera body, and we have to agree — the 77D certainly has superior ergonomics to a Rebel.
USER EXPERIENCE
While enthusiasts will definitely prefer the feel of the 77D over a Rebel, without a larger viewfinder, it fails to improve on one of the few complaints we had with the T7i. Given the availability of excellent mirrorless options at this price point, like the Fujifilm X-T20 and Sony A6300, the one thing we really want in a DSLR is a gorgeous optical viewfinder. The 77D simply does not deliver that.
Unedited sample shots taken on the Canon EOS 77D. Daven Mathies/Digital Trends
Any old optical viewfinder used to be better than an electronic one, but that no longer holds true, at least not in our opinion. DSLR manufacturers need to produce better viewfinders in their low and midrange cameras, particularly if they don’t plan to compete on specs with mirrorless models (the aforementioned X-T20 and A6300 both outclass the 77D in some areas, with 4K video and faster burst rates).
The 77D does, however, provide an enjoyable shooting experience in most other respects. The 45-point autofocus system is just as impressive here as it is in the 80D and T7i, and Dual Pixel Autofocus (DPAF) provides smooth and accurate focusing in live-view mode, including video. There’s a mic input for capturing higher-quality audio, but Canon cameras tend to have so-so preamps built-in, so get yourself an external mic with an adjustable preamp.
Dual Pixel Autofocus is the 77D’s one saving grace when it comes to video..
Video remains one area where Canon simply hasn’t impressed us now for a long time. The 1080p footage isn’t up to par with what other cameras are producing today. Even Nikon offers 4K on several of its DSLRs now, including the D7500 (which competes more with the 80D, but is closer to the 77D). Yes, 60 fps is nice, and the fully articulating monitor makes high- and low-angle shooting a breeze, but neither of these features are enough to draw serious video shooters to this camera.
However, DPAF is by far the best live-view AF system of any DSLR and easily stacks up against advanced mirrorless AF systems, as well. This is the 77D’s one saving grace when it comes to video.
As for still image quality, it is predictably good, with rich RAW files that offer plenty of latitude for editing in post. Pixel peepers will point out that dynamic range and noise performance are not best in class, but we wouldn’t worry. Pair this camera with a good lens, and you’ll get excellent results.
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