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

I agree that the 77D is NOT the the successor to the 80D, they are different product families. I did not intend to imply that the 77D was a successor to the 80D, but that the 77D had similar controls to the 80D, and would likely have similar controls to the 80D's successor which for now we think of as the 90D for a working title. Rereading my earlier post it was very badly written. Thank you for catching that and pointing it out. Mea Culpa!

That much said, from what the OP has said, the SL2 may be a good fit for him, and the T7i and 77D have more than he may need.

For myself, the 80D is a better fit, but it all comes down to personal preferences in the end.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Isn't 'Mea Culpa' that cute little waitress at the Pizza Parlor/Sports Bar over on Main?

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

No that's Mia Culpa, but it's similar phonetically. She's cute though, with a nice attitude!

graybeard

I can use all of my lenses with any Canon EOS mount, and the 80D did not make my final cut. But thanks anyway.

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

There is a little technical detail in there, and it depends on which specific lenses you have. For a Canon APS-C DSLR such as you have or are considering, it is probably true, but if you have Canon EF-S lenses they will not mount on full frame EOS cameras.

This may not be a consideration for you, but it is sometimes good to be aware of some of the nuances.

Anyhow, good luck with your choices, you seem to be going down a good path.

graybeard

I am aware of it, and I feel a little locked in to crop sensors, but then, from a practical standpoint the only difference is the way they increase the focal length, making wide angle a little more problematic. I have 3 EF lenses, 3 EF-S lenses, and 6 manuals in my roster, plus several others I intend to sell. I was a film guy until about 2014, usually only used them much on vacations. But when my wife gifted me with a T3 several years ago, I was hooked on digital immediately. I still have several rolls of film, likely past their expiration date. I was able to merge a few of my old lenses via adapter, and I recently re-discovered a 28-80mm with a separate macro ring. It makes macro sooooo much easier for my arthritic old body not having to bend and get so close to ugly nasty bugs. It was made by SAKAR (hoodat?) but it works beautifully, becoming my go to macro. Besides the jump from film to digital, I also had to make the jump from manual to automatic at the same time. I find I rarely use the auto pre-set modes and usually use manual, av and tv. You always seem to reply to my queries, which I appreciate.

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

We seem to have some things in common. My first Canon was an AE-1 in 1976, one of the first to arrive in the UK. Then a T90, aka 'the Tank'. I still have those. Various P&S models, then T3i as first DSLR. Now 80D and the T3i.

I also will probably stick with APS-C unless I win the lottery, but I like the heft and balance of a battery grip. I use EF-S lenses for the wide end, EF for the long end and some modified FL / FD / FDn manual lenses for fun, along with a few other things just for grins.

So far I'm OK with body strength and hoisting camera equipment around, and it beats weight training!

Anyhow, it sounds like you are having fun, which is the main thing.

Good luck, take care.

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

Before I purchased my 77D about 6 months ago, I considered both the 7Ti and the 80D. The advantages of the 77D over the 7Ti include the top LCD screen and the selection wheel on the back. I've been very pleased with the 77D. The size is smaller and lighter than the 80D, which appealed to me. The 77D has excellent auto focus and can shoot up to 25,600 native ISO. I'm not as familiar with the SL2, but would assume the main reason someone would want the SL2 over the other models would be the even smaller size, and perhaps cost savings. The 77D would be more similar in size to your current Rebel model, but also has many upgraded features, including better low light capability. The 77D is an incredible value right now while on sale at $649.00 for a new body. This is less than the price Canon normally gets for a refurbished body, and less than a new 7Ti. Any of the models you mentioned are very good cameras, you will have to decide which features are most important to you.

Rogers

I’m very happy with my 77D, especially with the accurate auto focus. It’s noticeably superior to my 450 that is now a backup. I am only an occasional shooter of video and don’t care that it’s not the top quality video. As far as the lack of weather sealing, if rain is a possibility I have a lowpro bag that I put it in til the rain stops, or else I’m wearing a lightweight windbreaker I put over it. If I must shoot in the rain or dust I use my iPhone 7 that is “waterproof.”

LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY

I agree, I would monitor the Canon refurb site for the any of the three, hoping a 77D price would be acceptable to my wife.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Similar shooting conditions, no video, very seldom use a tripod and not much flash, I shoot with T1i and T4i, haven't yet found a need to upgrade, I'd vote T7i, if you lean towards the SL2 I'd make sure it fits your hands, a bit small for mine, enjoy, Bob.

Rogers

I admit I paid more for the 77D than the T7i out of vanity, repeating to myself and believing Canon’s claim it’s “prosumer”! LOL

Bison Bud

If size is a big factor for you, then I'd probably go with the 77D or a T6i. These are the same size as the rest of the Rebel series, but to my knowledge neither is weather sealed and both have have a penta-mirror, rather than a prizm viewfinder. The SL2 is even a bit smaller if that really is a big deal, but I'd still choose the 77D or the T6i, but that's a personal decision your going to have to make. If I was going to buy a crop sensor Canon, the 80D would be my first choice and the T6i would probably would be my second choice. The 80D is said to be weather resistant and it's not all that much bigger than the rebel series bodies. It is seriously smaller than a 7D or any of the professional full frame cameras with the possible exception of the 6D. In any case, I would really recommend handling any of these models before actually purchasing one. Good luck and good shooting to all.

anotherview Loc: California

You cannot go wrong with the Canon T7i. Buy it used or refurbished if cost presents a restraint.

I own and use this camera with very good results.

I have the Canon 17-85mm lens mounted on it as my walking-around kit which includes the Canon 480EX II flash unit.

You will find the T7i a major step up from the T3, both in image quality and performance.

Good luck.

EdU239 Loc: The Northeast

I went from a T1i to an 80D when the later came out in 2016. My wife asked me to help her select her first DSLR this past winter and I rented the cameras you are considering. One advantage of the T7i and the 77D is their larger number of focal points—I believe it’s 45 compared to 11 on the SL2, which I think is what you have with the T3. I wasn’t paying too much attention to the controls but IIRC, there are a few more manual controls on the 7i and 77D, and the latter has the top panel. The SL2 is the lightest and smallest, but they all weigh around a pound.

So... given your shooting style, I think they would all work fine for you. As people always say, if at all possible you should handle them and see which feels better to you. In my case, I was charmed by the SL2 and keep thinking it would be a good travel camera. I also liked the 77D since I have gotten used to the top information panel and there’s the allure of the “better camera”. I thought the 7i was fine but for me it did not have any charm (can’t think of another term for irrational appeal). My wife chose the 7i without much trouble because she preferred the way it handled and fit her hands.