MountainDave

I bought one about a month ago when it went on sale as a crop frame companion for my 5D IV. My intended use is for hiking and climbing where light weight is a huge plus. I have taken about 1500 shots with it so far and I'm very pleased. Besides landscapes, I have also taken many photos of birds with a 100-400 + 1.4X mounted and it produces excellent results. You will notice a big improvement in color and contrast vs the T3i which I used for many years as well. At 649., it's a no brainer.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

That would be a very nice upgrade.

While I don't use either camera, there's lots of useful, widely available and easily info comparing them, as well as differences that are obvious just by looking at them. Downloading and reviewing the manual will tell you a lot, too.

https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/canon/t3i/vs/canon/77d/
http://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-600D-vs-Canon-EOS-77D

Also note the similarities and differences between 77D and 80D:

https://www.digitalrev.com/article/canon77dvs80d

Some highlights...

6 years newer than T3i, 77D uses the same 24MP sensor as the 80D and other current Canon APS-C models. This 24MP sensor is essentially two generations newer than the 18MP sensor in the T3i. (There was the 20MP sensor in between, introduced in the 70D and still being used in the 7D Mark II.) The newer 24MP sensor has been recognized as having the widest dynamic range of any Canon APS-C sensor to date.

77D also uses the same 45-point AF system as was introduced in the 80D. T3i uses a 9-point AF system with a single higher performance "cross type" sensor at the center. All 45 points in the newer system are high performance cross type. Your T3i's AF is probably rated to focus down to about -0.5EV or -1EV at most. The new 45-point system (also being used in T7i and 6D Mark II) is claimed to be able to focus in much lower light, down to -3EV.

Further, the newer camera's AF is "f/8 capable".... up to 27 of it's AF points will still be able to autofocus when a lens/teleconverter combo with an effective f/8 aperture is used. For example, an f/5.6 lens with a 1.4X TC, or an f/4 lens with a 2X will be able to auto focus. Your camera is "f/5.6 limited"... meaning that it cannot autofocus a combo with an effective aperture less than that... it requires a minimum of f/4 lens to use with a 1.4X or an f/2.8 lens with a 2X TC.

Where your camera's AF system gives you two choices... Single Point/Manual Selection or All Points/Auto Selection.... the 77D's AF system give you those plus two "Zone" patterns (Zone and Large Zone) where you can restrict the AF system to work with a region of the image area (Note: FYI, the 7D Mark II has those four, plus two Expansion Points patterns and a Spot Focus/Precision form of Single Point)

The 77D does not have Micro Focus Adjustment feature, which is found on 80D, 6DII, 7DII and others.

In my opinion, one of the most significant improvements of the newer cameras, 77D included, is Dual Pixel Auto Focus (DPAF) in Live View and Video modes. It's much faster and more responsive than the contrast detection method of focusing used on earlier models. This makes Live View much more useful.

In spite of it's name, the 77D is actually a "Rebel series" camera in most respects. It uses the a slightly lower specification shutter, like as your T3i (top speed 1/4000 and flash sync 1/200... compared to 1/8000 and 1/250 on 80D and 7DII). I haven't seen durability ratings for the shutter... but Rebel series are typically 75,000 actuations, xxD models usually 100,000 and 7DII is rated for 200,0000.

Also like other Rebel series, the 77D uses a penta-mirror to keep cost and weight down. And the 77D's viewfinder gives approx. 95% coverage (same as your T3i), while 80D's VF gives 100% and uses a true pentaprism for a somewhat brighter view.

In fact 77D is basically the same camera as the Rebel T7i, except that the 77D has somewhat enhanced controls that are similar to 80D. The 77D replaced the Rebel T6s model.

A neat feature the 77D and many other current Canon models feature is called "Anti-Flicker". When this is enabled under fluorescent and similar types of lighting, it helps greatly reduce the number of badly underexposed shots that occur. Those types of lights actually cycle on and off at a very rapid rate (60 hertz in N. Amer.) On older cameras this often fooled the metering system. Now most Canon cameras have this feature that can detect the lamp's cycle and will time the release of the shutter so that it coincides with the peak output of light... This feature was introduced on the 7D Mark II and I use it frequently... and can tell you it works! Where I used to have to take lots of extra shots because half or more might be poorly exposed under fluorescent and similar lighting... Now with Anti-Flicker I rarely see an exposure problem. (Note: I turn it off when not needed because it can sometimes cause a slight lag in the shutter release and seems to slow down the camera's continuous shooting rate.)

80D and up use a larger battery, which give roughly double the shots per charge that the 77D and other Rebel series are able to do. (But a vertical/battery grip is avail. for 77D, doubling battery capacity, if wanted.)

The more "upscale" 80D is also better sealed against dust and moisture than 77D.

77D can shoot continuously at 6 frames per sec... a step up from your T3i (4.5 fps?) and pretty darned close to the 7 fps of the 80D.

Hope this helps!

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

As usual an excellent analysis of the cameras. For the time, the T3i was a good "entry level" DSLR, and I still use mine frequently, but the 80D is vastly superior. The 77D seems to have roughly equivalent functionality, the 80D somewhat higher build quality, but that depends on whether your usage would require that build quality.

Personally I don't have a problem with camera weight, and I like to use battery grips for balance and ergonomic reasons. The only issue I have encountered is lengthy video captures and there are AC adapters for that, or just a copious supply of batteries.

It sounds as though the decision depends on functionality, robustness, and cost. Either camera (77D or 80D) could be a good choice.

gonzo.3800

Just got an 80d, the 100% view through the pentaprizm and the feel of a heavier well sealed body make me HAPPY. Less than 1K tax and all refurbished from Canon. GG

Rogers

I’ve had my 77D since it first came out. The over-riding plus for me is the excellent autofocus. I was designated as the photographer for my 50th high school reunion. I used it with a nifty fifty prime lens to get the group photo and it did a stellar job.

janv70

Thanks again for all the tips, suggestions, and technical advice. I decided to order the 77d! The price was right for the upgrade of features I desired but I think I will keep my t3i as a backup since I'm so familiar with it when using it and has served me well. When I left my job, I decided to pursue photography. The event space at BH Photo in NYC was offering a portfolio development program for FREE! I gained so much from that experience but sadly never finished because my mom was sick and died. But it was a great springboard to the world of photography so if anyone lives near NYC, look it up. The program is in its 3rd or 4th year and begins in the late summer, early fall and lasts for a year with all kinds of required projects that makes one think and DO! Each month there are lots of other classes at the event space on the second floor of BH Photo where one can register to attend that are all FREE! Great opportunity for photogs. I once went on a photo walk with a group through Central Park with Moose Peterson. The key is to register ASAP when the listing goes up because it fills up fast. Oh well, enough said for this post. Have a grateful day!

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

[quote=Photocraig]
Pellicle (Rebel Style Mirror) vs. Heavier Penta Prism. I've not experienced andy difficulty or noticed a difference.

You (I think) mean PENTAMIRROR (as opposed to pentaprism), right?

Rebels have pentamirror viewfinders. Higher-price Canons have pentaprisms.

PELLICLE refers to a fixed mirror which beam-splits between the viewfinder and the sensor or film plane. Like the original film Canon Pellix, Canon New F-1 High Speed Moror Drive, and others.