When Canon introduced the EOS Rebel T6i / EOS 750D DSLR a couple of years ago, the company also revealed the Rebel T6s / 760D at the same time.
The T6s was meant to cater to more experienced users who want greater control, therefore it had additional controls that were body-mounted as well as a smaller LCD display, despite the fact that it seemed almost exactly the same and had a feature set that was very much the same on the inside.
After a delay of two years, Canon has repeated the same strategy by releasing the EOS 77D with the EOS Rebel T7i and the EOS 800D.
However, things are not quite the same as they were before. Even though the EOS 77D and the T7i have many of the same capabilities, Canon decided to differentiate the two models by giving the 77D a more unique appearance and making it significantly bigger than the T7i.
Canon EOS 77D Body (Renewed)
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor.
- Built-in Wi-Fi*, NFC** and Bluetooth***.
- Hdr movie & time-lapse movie.
- Flash memory type: SDXC
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor.
- Built-in Wi-Fi*, NFC** and Bluetooth***.
- Hdr movie & time-lapse movie.
- Flash memory type: SDXC
Features
- APS-C CMOS Sensor with 24.2 Million Pixels
- 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
- 1080p video capture
If you go behind the surface of the EOS 77D, you’ll find that it’s almost exactly the same as the EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D. This means that it comes with Canon’s brand-new 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which utilizes the company’s most recent sensor technology.
This should mean that it uses the same on-chip analog-to-digital conversion technology that we’ve seen on other Canon cameras, such as the EOS 5D Mark IV. If this is indeed the case, it should produce cleaner images at higher ISOs in comparison to the older sensor that is found in the Rebel T6i and T6s.
In spite of this, Canon claims that the EOS 77D will be able to handle noise at higher sensitivities more effectively thanks to the arrival of a new DIGIC 7 image processor. The EOS 77D has a native ISO range of 100-25,600, but this can be increased by one stop to an ISO equivalent of 51,200 (you will need to go into the menu to access this Hi setting). In addition, compared to the DIGIC 6 processor, the DIGIC 7 chip is supposed to provide improved performance for the autofocus system.
The EOS 77D utilizes a touchscreen display with a resolution of 1,040,000 dots, just like the EOS Rebel T7i and 800D. The display is 3.0 inches and has a vari-angle capability. It has a good set of specifications, but if it had a screen that was just a tad bit bigger (say, 3.2 inches) or had a higher resolution, it could easily overtake competitors like the Nikon D5600.
It is also disappointing that the EOS 77D does not support 4K video recording, especially given Canon’s history in this area. As we have seen with mirrorless competitors such as the Panasonic Lumix G80/G85 and Fujifilm X-T20, 4K video recording is becoming an increasingly standard feature at this level.
Instead, you can record in Full HD at up to 60 frames per second, and the EOS 77D is equipped with Canon’s latest 5-axis image stabilization technology, which makes it possible to shoot hand-held video. The lens-based IS system that Canon now uses will continue to be supported but IS optics will be able to function in tandem with the in-camera system for video if the user so chooses. This in-camera technology is solely intended for use while recording videos.
Wi-Fi and near-field communication (NFC) connections are both supported by the EOS 77D, and moreover, you have the option to set up a low-energy Bluetooth connection with the camera so that you are constantly linked to it. This enables you to remotely wake the camera from its sleep mode (assuming that you haven’t switched the camera completely off), as well as browse photographs and operate the camera remotely from your smart device. Additionally, this enables you to remotely wake the camera from its sleep mode.
Design And Handling
The EOS 77D is the product that would be produced if the EOS Rebel T7i / 800D and the more enthusiast-oriented EOS 80D were to have a child.
It is proportionately larger than the T7i or the 800D, but it is not nearly as large as the EOS 80D, which places it nicely in between the two in the spectrum of Canon cameras.
The construction and finish of the EOS 77D are most closely akin to that of the T7i, with a similar combination of aluminum alloy and polycarbonate resin being used — in fact, it only weighs 8g more than its more compact sister. However, the EOS 77D has a larger sensor than the T7i.
The ultra-smooth surface on the bulk of the exterior, which feels somewhat plasticky to the touch and is at odds with the price of the camera, is a problem for us, just as it was for the EOS Rebel T7i / 800D. Having said that, the grip is easy to get a hold of, and the textured surface has a pleasant feeling to it.
The amount of controls that are affixed to the body of the camera is where the major differences between the EOS 77D and T7i / 800D become apparent, beginning with the top-plate LCD display, which is absent from the latter camera.
Although it is smaller than the top plate LCD of the EOS 80D, it nevertheless gives a convenient reference point for a plethora of essential shooting information, including the ISO setting, aperture and shutter speed, exposure compensation, battery level, Wi-Fi activation, and a number of shots left.
In this display’s immediate vicinity are specific buttons for the ISO and the AF, as well as a button to activate the LCD when there is insufficient ambient light. Because of the location of the LCD display, the mode dial is now located to the left of the viewfinder. In contrast to the T7i and 800D, this mode dial incorporates a locking mechanism, which means that you will need to press and maintain your finger on the central button in order to rotate the mode dial to the desired setting.
Moving around to the rear, there is a special button for back-button focusing called the AF-On button. This button may be particularly helpful if you frequently shoot utilizing continuous focusing, which is where it is located.
Moving around to the rear, there is a special button for back-button focusing known as the AF-On button. This button might come in very helpful if you frequently use continuous focusing in your photography. In place of the four-way control pad found on the T7i and 800D, the EOS 77D has a multi-directional control pad that is encircled by a scroll wheel. This design, which is found on some of the higher-end EOS DSLRs, allows you to quickly toggle between key settings and is convenient when the camera is brought up to your eye.
After that, there is the touchscreen interface of the EOS 77D. It’s possible that we would have liked to see something a little bit bigger and/or with higher quality, but there’s no disputing the fact that it serves its intended purpose. It’s one of the most polished examples we’ve seen, perfectly incorporated into the camera’s UI, and works pretty well. It’s also one of the best examples we’ve seen.
In addition, there is an optical viewfinder that has a coverage of 95%; while this is typical for a DSLR aimed at beginners, it is a little disappointing for the EOS 77D given its more ambitious goals, particularly given that competitors offering a price point comparable to its own offer 100% coverage.
When you study your photographs, you will be amazed to discover how undesirable components may encroach on the margins of the frame, even if it might not appear like it makes much of a difference at first.
The EOS 77D, like the Rebel T7i and the 800D, features a 45-point autofocus system with all cross-type sensors. These sensors are sensitive in both the horizontal and the vertical planes, which enables them to give more precise focus. The present configuration is a much-appreciated improvement over the meagre 19 autofocus points featured on the EOS Rebel T6s/760D.
It is superior to the Nikon D5600’s 39-point autofocus system, which only has 15 cross-type points. It is only slightly inferior to the Nikon D7200’s 51-point autofocus system in terms of total AF points; however, that camera, much like the D5600, only has 15 cross-type points.
The autofocus technology of the EOS 77D is sensitive down to -3EV, which means that even when the light levels are low, you should still be able to lock focus on poorly lit objects. Additionally, 27 focus points are sensitive down to f/8 – a significant improvement over previous models.
If you’re shooting with a lens that has a maximum aperture of f/4 and you’ve paired it with a 2x teleconverter, you’ll still be able to make use of those 27 points, which, while it might not be a major selling point for a lot of users, can come in handy if you’re trying to get the most out of your photography setup.
The speed at which the 77D locked on to our chosen target in One Shot AF mode was among the fastest we’ve seen in terms of focusing speed.
This array performs a very good job, as seen by our experiences with the T7i and 800D, both of which utilize the identical phase-detect AF mechanism. Even in low light with the brand new 18-55mm lens attached, the Canon EOS 77D’s focusing speed was incredibly quick, with the camera quickly latching on to the subject we wanted to focus on in One Shot AF mode.
There is a discernible improvement in performance as compared to the 19-point setup of the T6s / 760D when it comes to shooting in continuous (AI Servo) AF mode and tracking a moving subject. It is far more dependable than the earlier 19-point system, and the EOS 77D additionally makes use of the 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor to assist in following subjects as they move across the frame.
It is not possible to tell the EOS 77D’s AF system that you want the bias to be towards the front or rear of the frame, and there are none of the advanced presets that more advanced EOS DSLRs, or competitors like the X-T20, offer. However, it will still misfocus the odd shot in a sequence. In addition, there is no real customization that is offered.
The EOS 77D chooses the AF point using a combination of the multi-directional control pad and the scroll wheel, in contrast to more expensive EOS models that use a separate joystick for this purpose.
The EOS 77D makes use of Canon’s tried-and-true Dual Pixel AF technology, which covers 80% of the frame and is utilized for both Live View and the shooting of the video.
This technique has been implemented in a number of Canon’s most recent cameras, including the EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS M5, and every time we use one of these cameras, we are blown away by how effectively it functions. Even if you wish to track a moving subject that is moving at a reasonably quick speed, it is still possible to get snappy focusing with this system since it is easily the greatest system in a DSLR.
Performance
- rapid fire at 6 frames per second
- User’s guide to the battery life of the camera for 600 shots
We would have liked to have seen this number improved to match mirrorless competitors like the Lumix G80 / G85, which is capable of 9fps; however, doing so would run the risk of the new camera treading on the toes of the EOS 80D, which can shoot at 7fps. The EOS 77D can take photos at a rate of 6 frames per second, just like the T7i and the 800D.
The battery life is decent, with 600 shots, but you may want to keep a spare ready if you plan to photograph mostly with the back display active since this will cause the battery life to dip to 270 photos. The battery life is good, with 600 shots.
It is also important to keep in mind that the battery life of the Nikon D5600 can last for 820 shots, while the battery life of the Nikon D7200 can last for 1,100 photos.
The EOS 77D, just like the T7i and the 800D, makes use of Canon’s newly developed graphical interface, which features a more streamlined appearance and is intended to make it easier for novice users to gain a handle on some of the camera’s most important settings. The EOS 77D differs from the T7i and 800D in that the user must manually activate this option under the display settings of the former, whilst the latter has this functionality built in by default.
The EOS 77D features Canon’s tried-and-true 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, which we’ve seen in numerous Canon DSLRs (it’s also in the EOS Rebel T7i / 800D), along with 63-zone Evaluative, Partial, Centre-weighted, and Spot metering options. In addition, the EOS 77D features an improved version of Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which provides faster auto
The evaluative mode is the one that you will be utilizing most of the time, and it does an excellent job of covering its bases. Because the system is weighted to the active AF point, however, you can run into problems in high-contrast situations. Simply shifting the AF point can throw up two different exposures, and some of our shots were a little bit overexposed for our liking. This is something that we’ve found to be the case with other EOS cameras as well.
While the choice of an Ambient Auto White Balance mode has its merits, producing somewhat warmer results that might be desirable, the White Priority system can produce clean, neutral results even when working in artificial illumination. The white balance system operates quite well.
Image quality
The EOS 77D makes advantage of Canon’s brand-new 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which, as we saw with the T7i and the 800D, is capable of producing excellent results. The resolution is pretty much comparable to the results from the T6s / 760D, which is not surprising when you realize that they share the same pixel count. However, the new sensor architecture excels in other areas, notably in the manner that the camera deals with noise.
When set to lower sensitivities, photographs taken with the EOS 77D looked to have excellent levels of cleanliness and saturation; nevertheless, it is not until you begin to increase the ISO that the camera’s sensor truly shines. Even after being modified in Adobe Camera Raw, the raw files of our tests were quite appealing to the eye, despite having an ISO setting of 64000.
Even though there is some luminance noise (grain-like noise), it is very well regulated and has a very fine structure. Even though there is a little bit of saturation loss due to the high level of sensitivity, the overall effect is rather positive. There is almost no chroma noise (color noise).
When the camera’s sensitivity is increased by a further two notches, to ISO 25,600, the saturation and quality of the image begin to degrade, and the noise becomes much more apparent. We recommend that you avoid using this setting if it is feasible to do so; but, if you are forced to photograph in low light and have no other choice, the photos will still be useable to a certain extent.
The dynamic range is greater than what we’ve seen from the T6s or the 760D, but the latitude that’s available to recover information in the shadows and highlights isn’t quite up to par with that of competitors like the D5600 or the X-T20.
Although the JPEG colors produced by the EOS 77D are nice, they may appear a touch subdued when compared to those produced by competing cameras that have a more vibrant color output. Choose one of the Picture Styles to give your JPEGs a little more “bite,” or shoot in raw mode for maximum creative flexibility. Both options are available on the menu.
Conclusion
The EOS 77D is a highly powerful DSLR camera; nonetheless, it is difficult to get enthused about this camera. Don’t get us wrong, it does a lot of things well, like having extremely high image quality and having the greatest performance we’ve ever seen in a DSLR’s Live View mode. In addition, it features refined touchscreen controls, a user-friendly UI, and a respectable 45-point autofocus system.
The viewfinder has only 95% coverage (and it’s a cheaper pentamirror type as opposed to a pentaprism design), and the camera’s plasticky finish just doesn’t harmonize with the price that Canon seeks for the camera. It is unfortunate that the Canon EOS 77D does not have the same tactile feel as its mirrorless competitors since these competitors have been successful in using magnesium alloy either on the entire body or at least on the top plate.
The Canon EOS 77D’s biggest flaw is that it does not have anything that distinguishes it from other similar products on the market. If you are interested in purchasing a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR), the Canon EOS Rebel T7i / 800D is the model that you should go with; however, those who are searching for something more sophisticated should spend the additional money to purchase the EOS 80D.
There are also other options, such as the Nikon D5600 and D7200, the Panasonic Lumix G80/G85, and the Fujifilm X-T20, which should be taken into consideration. The EOS 77D is now in a precarious position until Canon is able to reduce the cost of the camera.
Canon EOS 77D Specifications
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
|---|---|
| Body material | Composite |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 26 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (14-bit Canon CR2) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes (flash) |
| Digital zoom | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 45 |
| Lens mount | Canon EF/EF-S |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.6× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 95% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.82× (0.51× 35mm equiv.) |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual |
| Scene modes | Group PhotoKidsFoodCandlelightNight PortraitHandheld Night SceneHDR Backlight ControlPortraitLandscapeClose-upSports |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleHigh-speed continuousLow-speed continuousSelf-timerSelf-timer + continuous |
| Continuous drive | 6.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Metering modes | MultiAverageSpotPartial |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 12 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 30 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 60p / 26 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1280 x 720 @ 30p / 4 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | Includes Bluetooth LE and NFC |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone or Bluetooth remote) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | LP-E17 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 600 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz) |
| Dimensions | 131 x 100 x 76 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 2.99″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | Optional |
