Canon EOS 77D review

Verdict

The EOS 77D is a very capable DSLR, but it's a hard camera to get excited about. Don't get us wrong, it does a lot of things well: image quality is very good, while the Live View performance is the best we've seen in a DSLR. There's also the polished touchscreen controls, helpful interface and decent 45-point AF system.

However, there's no 4K video capture, the viewfinder offers only 95% coverage (and it's a cheaper pentamirror design as opposed to pentaprism) and the plasticky finish just doesn't chime with the price Canon wants for the camera. Mirrorless rivals have managed to use magnesium alloy if not on the entire body then at least on the top plate, so it's a shame the EOS 77D doesn't have this same tactile feel. 

And that's the rub with the EOS 77D – there's nothing here that makes it stand out from the crowd. If you want an entry-level DSLR the Canon EOS Rebel T7i / 800D is the one to go for, while those looking for something more advanced should spend the extra to get the EOS 80D. There's also the likes of the Nikon D5600 and D7200 to consider, as well as Panasonic's Lumix G80 / G85 and the Fujifilm X-T20. Until the price drops, the EOS 77D sits in a small patch of no man's land.

Competition

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Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D

Pretty much identical to the EOS 77D except for the absence of an LCD display and some other exterior controls, the EOS Rebel T7i (EOS 800D outside the US) is a great entry-level DSLR that delivers some fantastic results thanks to the new sensor. If you want an entry-level Canon DSLR we'd save the extra cash and opt for this instead, although it's still a bit pricey compared to some rivals.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D review

Fujifilm X-T20

Fujifilm's X-T20 is more than a match for the EOS 77D. While the touchscreen interface isn't quite as polished, the handling and finish are excellent. The 24MP sensor delivers the goods, and the autofocus performance won't disappoint. It's available with a 16-50mm lens, but it's worth paying the extra for the 18-55mm optic if you can stretch to it.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-T20 review

Nikon D7200

This camera should on paper be a competitor to the more expensive EOS 80D, but its great price means it's a direct rival for the EOS 77D. This is a DSLR aimed and enthusiasts, and it shows. The build quality is excellent for a camera at this price, while the sophisticated AF system and advanced controls won't disappoint.

Read our in-depth Nikon D7200 review

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