Canon EOS 77D, review with features and price

Canon is having a very busy year. The company has decided to update its range of SLR cameras with new models for all audiences. One of its new models is the one that concerns us today. The Canon EOS 77D was announced last February along with the Canon EOS 800D. An unexpected model that we did not know very well where to locate. However, Canon itself took it upon itself to place it in the DSLR range for enthusiasts . That is, fans who want to go a little further. Its price is 920 euros for the body only and 1,020 euros with an EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM lens.

The Canon EOS 77D falls between the 800D and the Canon EOS 80D, but shares technical characteristics with the former. That is, we have a 24.2 megapixel sensor, Dual Pixel technology, DIGIC 7 processor, 45 focus points and wireless connectivity . So what's the difference from the 800D? We have been testing it for a few days to try to find out and tell you what we think.

Canon EOS 77D datasheet

Design and handling

Canon has maintained a very similar design for its cameras for many years. The new models improve some aspects, but their general design is the same. There are many who criticize this strategy, but the truth is that it is a design that works. In addition, it is precisely in the design where we see some differences with the Canon EOS 800D . And it is that the references to this model are going to be constant.

Thus, the hard plastic finish is maintained . With this, a robust, light and manageable body is achieved, without having the feeling of being in front of a poor quality camera. Perhaps it would have given it a touch of class to have a sealed body, but this Canon reserves for its high-end cameras like the EOS 5D Mark IV.

The most obvious change from his little sister is seen in the controls. The mode dial has been relocated to the left and now includes a lock button . The power button is the same, with the video position at the top. Under this dial we have the Menu and Info buttons.

On the other side we have an LCD screen that shows the basic information of the configuration (typical of a semi-professional range camera). Just above the screen we find three buttons. The first turns on the screen, the second controls the ISO and the third allows us to modify the type of AF. Ahead of these buttons we have the control wheel and the trigger.

On the back we also have some changes. The button crosshead has been replaced by a wheel , more common in the high-end range. Just above we have the configuration, play and WiFi buttons. On the other hand, on the crosshead, we have the same controls: white balance, focus modes, and shooting mode.

To the right of where we place the thumb is a new AF button .

Still, the Canon EOS 77D is a well-built camera , light in hand, and with virtually all the controls that most enthusiastic users need.

Viewfinder and screen

The Canon EOS 77D incorporates a  penta-mirror type viewfinder with approximately 95% coverage , 0.82x magnification, and 19mm eye area. That is, we have the same viewer that we find in her little sisters. If Canon wants to place this camera above the 800D it could have included a higher quality viewfinder. But of course, some improvements are saved for higher models. Still, the viewer is correct.

In addition we also have the possibility of focusing through the screen (Live View mode). The EOS 77D features a  3-inch TFT Clear View II touch panel  with a 3: 2 aspect ratio and 1,040,000 sRGB pixels. According to specifications, the viewing angle of the screen is 170 degrees.

The screen does offer 100% coverage , in addition to including touch capability. Being articulated we can place it almost in any position we need. In terms of quality, the image looks clear even in bright conditions. In addition, when we do not use it, we can protect it by putting it facing the camera.

Despite being a somewhat more advanced user-oriented camera, the EOS 77D also features the guided mode we saw on the EOS 800D . It is not activated by default, but if we enter the menu we can activate it quickly. With this mode, the camera itself will teach us how the aperture or speed settings we configure affect. A great help if you are starting in SLR photography.

Focus and shoot

One of the main advances with respect to older models is the incorporation of Dual Pixel AF technology . Canon has decided to extend this system to almost its entire range and now we find it even in cheaper models like the Canon EOS 200D.

This system comes into operation when we use Live View mode. And the truth is that it works like a charm. It is able to perfectly focus even moving subjects . This improvement makes the experience of using the viewfinder or screen considerably the same.

If we prefer to do it using the viewfinder, the Canon EOS 77D includes a TTL-CT-SIR system with a CMOS sensor for the optical viewfinder. The camera has 45 cross-type focus points . Even in very low light conditions the camera has been able to focus quickly and with good results.

As for shooting, the Canon EOS 77D includes a 6fps continuous shooting system . This speed will be maintained until the card is filled if we capture in JPEG. If we opt for RAW mode, the burst will stop after 27 images.

Picture quality

As we have already mentioned, the EOS 77D shares a 24.2 megapixel sensor with the Canon EOS 80D. However, this includes the new DIGIC 7 processor . The combination of both achieves very good results, which are even better if we use a quality lens. In the test we used an EFS 18-135mm f / 3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, very common in kits.

In general, photographs with great detail, natural colors and high image quality are achieved. As usual in Canon, if we shoot in JPEG the camera tends to over-saturate the colors . Nothing we can't fix shooting RAW.

The Canon EOS 77D reaches a maximum ISO of ISO 25,600 , although it can be forced up to 51,200. As you can see in the images, the maximum acceptable ISO on a practical level is set at 6,400 ISO. If we are not too demanding or have an urgency, we can force up to 12,800 ISO. Although the grain is obvious, it can be acceptable. The same does not happen if we set the ISO to the maximum, where the image loses a lot of quality.

But they say that to show a button, so here are some pictures taken with the Canon EOS 77D .

Photo gallery taken with Canon EOS 77D

As for the video, we have no news. The EOS 77D is capable of recording in Full HD resolution at 60fps . The camera records in MP4 format and the maximum duration is 29 minutes and 59 seconds. The maximum file size is 4 GB. If the video we record exceeds this size, the camera creates a new one automatically. For video, the maximum ISO is 12,800.

It is worth noting that the camera includes a  system image stabilization 5 - axis digital IS for video . This will help us compensate for image shake if we record handheld. At the moment, no sign of the 4K recording. Not even the long-awaited Canon EOS 6D Mark II includes it.

Connectivity and autonomy

At the connectivity level, the Canon EOS 77D is identical to its little sister. That is, we have a miniUSB port, a miniHDMI port, connection for remote trigger and microphone input .

To store the photos we have a microSD card slot , compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC cards with UHS Speed ​​Class 1.

But perhaps the most interesting is its wireless connectivity. The EOS 77D is equipped with WiFi and NFC connection . This allows us to connect our smartphone or tablet to share images and control the camera remotely. To connect and operate the camera to the mobile we will have to download the Canon Camara Connect application.

From the application we can see the photos, transfer them to the device and even use the mobile as a remote trigger .

And if we talk about autonomy, the Canon EOS 77D has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery LP-E17. According to the technical data of the camera, its autonomy is 600 photographs using the optical viewfinder and 270 photographs if we use Live View (focus through the screen). We have used it for several test days without having to charge it.

Conclusions

Canon has cameras in its catalog for all types of users. Perhaps that great variety is your greatest enemy. And is that  the differences between models, sometimes, are almost negligible .

The Canon EOS 77D is clearly placed between the 800D and the 80D. However, the differences with the first are only aesthetic and functional . This does not mean that we are facing a very complete SLR camera, with a good finish, controls for the most demanding and a very high image quality.

In short, it is a perfect camera for both advanced amateur users and those who are just starting out but want to go a little further in a short period of time. The Canon EOS 77D is priced at € 1,020 with the EF-S 18-55mm f / 4-5.6 IS STM lens included . That is, it is 100 euros more expensive than the Canon EOS 800D. Is it worth the difference? We sincerely think so. Although the technical set is the same, it has a better finish and the relocation of some controls is very successful.