Canon EOS 77D

Canon EOS 77D: full review

Canon EOS 77D is the classical reflex model (APS-C) designed for a range of buyers who are just above “Sunday photographers”, still not professionals yet. Or it’s perfect for the professional who’s looking for a second back-up camera, with good value for money. So, we can define Canon EOS 77D as the typical “prosumer” model, merging “professional” and “consumer”. And you can tell from the amount of figures in its name, inversely proportional to the level of proficiency of the camera and, consequently… to its price.

For those who are not familiar with Canon naming, in fact, the reflex cameras of the Japanese firm are identified by three or more figures when they are entry level models (e.g. 1300D or 800D). A single figure is used for professional cameras (5D, 6D…) while two figures indicate prosumer models, like Canon EOS 77D, that are halfway. Number 1 alone is for Canon flagship models (1D X, for instance).

Many have wondered about the actual usefulness of Canon EOS 77D. The main question is: if it is so similar to the much cheaper 800D model, launched at the same time by Canon, what’s the point of its presence in the market? My review will try to answer this question and to understand if its obvious competitor – Nikon D7500 – has the same features. When we speak about prosumer, the cost of a camera starts being major and it is crucial finding which is the best model for a reasonable investment.

Design of Canon EOS 77D

If the most immediate comparison is the one with the 800D model, the first analogy is the size: 131x100x76mm, weight 540gr. Indeed, the same formal features of the (almost) twin entry level camera of House Canon.

The design of Canon EOS 77D is definitely not its flagship: it is quite easy to handle but the plasticky effect reminds me of certain models typical of middle-low range. Of course, it’s not tropicalized and it doesn’t have that pleasant “grip”, typical of the cameras built to resist to weather conditions.

Compared to 800D, it has a LCD display on the upper right. As a consequence, the control ring is on the left, like in more expensive Canon models.

The back of Canon EOS 77D shows another difference with its almost twin: it has a second ring for quick selection, highlighted by the light-blue arrow. The two-three hundreds euros more are due just to this: the more a camera is professional, the easier commands and technologies for the professional user it has.

Canon 77D: technical features

Here are the main technical features of 77D. And if you’ve had the feeling of reading a not-so-thrilling review, this is the time for redemption. And it happens right in one of the crucial aspects of a digital camera: technology of all respect.

Sensor: like all its Nikon rivals of the same range, Canon EOS 77D has 24 megapixels and high ISO sensitivity (100-25,600, expandable to 51,200)

Processor: Digic 7 is fast and precise and ensures high quality image processing.

Autofocus: the optical viewfinder has 45 center cross-type points, but it makes the difference when AF is in live view mode, thanks to a phase detection (called Dual Pixel) – that is not based on contrast – which makes the vision strong and surprisingly precise. A true rarity when we talk about live view.

Video: 1080/60p and autofocus, the one we’ve just cited, that performs well also with moving subjects. Higher quality than Nikon and other brands of the same range.

Burst mode: 6fps with viewfinder and 4 with live view. Buffering for 50 RAW format images

Shooting speed: max 1/4000 sec.

Zoom and coverage of the optical viewfinder: 0,82x, 95%

Connection: incorporated wi-fi and energy-efficient bluetooth.

As already said, Canon EOS 77D most striking qualities reside in its advanced technology and the 7.5 cm LCD touch screen, fully jointed, is among such plus. The same cannot be said about the 600 shots battery, which is not up to the comparison with the equivalent Nikon models.

Canon EOS 77D VS Nikon D7500

Theoretically, for Nikon D7500, the most obvious comparison should be with Canon 80D, but that model is not exactly recent and a neck-and-neck Canon EOS 77D vs. Nikon D7500 seemed more logic to me. I’ll be brief and I’ll just cut to the chase, not focusing on the differences, which are many, that might not be interesting for an almost professional photographer.

I’ll start with the plus of Canon EOS 77D: the quality of the video is higher than its competitor, as well as its live view autofocus, incomparable with Nikon D7500. It is also slightly better in commands and direct settings.

For its part, Nikon D7500 is faster and tropicalized. About the most important aspect, image quality, it’s a tie. Even if the Nikon model costs 2/300 euros more.

Then why spend more, since they’re practically even? If you love shots of moving subjects, then I suggest you the Nikon model since you could use it also in adverse weather conditions. If you don’t have this kind of ambitions, I suggest you to spare your money and take Canon EOS 77D.

Taking pictures with Canon EOS 77D

Even at high ISO, the image is top-level. The jointed LCD display and the excellent live view autofocus make the experience with Canon EOS 77D very pleasant. With the control ring, then, the advanced settings are easy and fast to reach: creative control is total, as it is asked by an “advanced” photographer.

For the most experienced, there are the typically reflex modes: shutter priority, aperture priority and completely manual. For beginners there are:

Full autoshooting mode

“Guide Mode”: Sport, Close-up, Portrait and Landscape.

“Scene Mode”: Manual night shot, Group photos, Food, Candlelight, Children, Night portrait, HDR backlight control.

I suggest you to start with these three default modes and to go with a more personal approach at a later stage. I believe this is a “forced path” to move from a more conventional level to a more creative and self-conscious phase of your reflex experience. Otherwise, you might as well move towards high quality but cheaper cameras, like Canon EOS 1300D or Nikon D3400.

My opionion on Canon EOS 77D

With this model Canon decided to produce a mix that puzzles some fans, but that satisfies the ambitions of intermediate photographers. It is not a revolutionary camera, but a compromise that mixes professional characteristics with entry level features in a hybrid that doesn’t convince us entirely.

If you’re an amateur, Canon EOS 77D is a decent qualitative jump and a good training before moving to a full frame model. If you’re a professional, it can be a good back-up camera, especially if you needs to shoot videos.

It remains a fact that Canon EOS 77D is one of the cameras with the best value for money on the market.