stevetassi

I would suggest finding a camera store that has all of the models that you’re considering and playing with each of them before making your decision.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Any of those cameras will be an upgrade from your T3.

Canon has made the choices more difficult, because they significantly upgraded the SL2 from the SL1, so it's now much closer to the more upscale models in many respects. The SL2 got the 24MP sensor (up from 18MP), an articulated Touch Screen LCD (versus a fixed standard LCD), faster continuous shooting rate and various other improvements. The SLx are still the smallest/lightest APS-C DSLRs made by anyone, though the SL2 gained a few grams compared to the SL1.

Other than size & weight, the primary difference between the SL2 and the T7i/77D is their respective AF systems. The SL2 uses a simple 9-point AF system with a single higher performance cross type sensor at the center. The T7i/77D inherited the more sophisticated 45-point AF system of the 80D, with all 45 points cross type. It's also more low light capable (-3EV or "moonlight", versus around -1EV or -0.5EV). And it's "f/8 capable", meaning that up to 27 points are able to focus a lens/teleconverter combo that makes for an effective f/8 aperture, such as an f/5.6 lens with a 1.4X teleconverter. The SL2's AF is "f/5.6 limited", so the best it can do is an f/4 lens with a 1.4X TC.

All three of the newer cameras also have Dual Pixel Auto Focus (DPAF) in Live View and video modes. This is MUCH faster and more responsive than the contrast detection focus method used in these modes with earlier models like yours. It makes Live View far more useful, as do the articulated screen and Touch Screen that all three of the newer models feature.

The controls are different, too. The smaller SL2 has less direct access to a lot of functions. For example, to change AF point selection you need to press a button, then turn a dial. The T7i/77D instead have a multi-directional button pad that you can can immediately access to select AF points. Look at rear views of both cameras and you'll see the difference (download the manuals from the Canon website, for more info).

The 77D has even more direct control access, similar to what 80D offers. It has a second LCD on the upper, right "shoulder" so that you don't need to use the rear LCD screen for many of the major camera settings. Note: In spite of it's name, the 77D is still a "Rebel" model. In fact, it's an update of the Rebel T6s. Like other Rebel models, the 77D uses a penta-mirror instead of a pentaprism, has a top shutter speed of 1/4000 (vs 1/8000) and a flash sync of 1/200 (vs 1/250). It's also got a 95% coverage viewfinder, like the T7i... versus 100% in the 80D and 7D Mark II.

Here are some online comparisons of the SL2 to T7i...

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=21113
https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/canon/t7i/vs/canon/sl2/
http://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL2-vs-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T7i
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Canon_77D_vs_Canon_T7i_vs_Canon_SL2/BHitems/1318281-REG_1318277-REG_1346737-REG

It used to be that you could get a battery/vertical grip for the T6i/T6s, T5i, T4i, etc. Those are nice to double battery capacity, plus have secondary controls great for shooting while holding the camera in portrait orientation. For some reason, Canon no longer offers a battery grip for the T7i/77D. There's a third party grip available from Vello, but because the cameras have no connectivity, the only vertical control with that is a shutter release button and to use it requires a short external wire be connected to the camera. The SL1/SL2 also cannot be fitted with a battery grip. That sort of makes sense, since those cameras are intended to be as small and light as possible.

The SL2 is typically offered in kit with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM or two lens kit that adds the EF-S 55-250mm IS STM.

The T7i and 77D are offered in kit with those same lenses... or with EF-S 18-135mm IS STM.

If you want a particularly compact system, you might want to check out Canon "Pancake" lenses.... They now offer EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM and EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, either of which are quite small.

Once you make a decision and get the new camera, I bet you don't use the old T3 much anymore! I also like to use two cameras fitted with different lenses... but I use two identical models. I've found my older "backup" cameras just don't see much use, once I get newer ones!

All three cameras offer 24MP sensor, double the resolution of your T3 and the same resolution, but newer version of what was intro'd in the 80D. It's been praised as Canon's best APS-C sensor to date. They also use far faster Digic 7 processors (older 80D uses Digic 6, I think).

miked46 Loc: Winter Springs, Florida

For me the 80D is your only option, it is the best crop sensor they have, if you are not into sports. I have the 70D and will be getting the 80D shortly

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Definitely NOT significant.

In spite of the name change, 77D is still a Rebel series model in all it's specifications. It's actually an update of a Rebel model, the T6s.

Canon "divided" the top of the Rebel line into two models beginning with the T6i and T6s. The latter kept the same functionality and build as the Rebel series, but gained a few displays and controls from the 70D. Both those Rebels used the same 19-point AF system as 70D, too (inherited from original 7D).

Now the T7i has superseded the T6i. And the 77D has superseded the T6s. The 77D is still a "Rebel" at it's core, same way that the T6s was.

77D is basically a "Rebel in disguise" with the same penta-mirror viewfinder (95%), 1/4000 top shutter speed, 1/200 flash sync and some other features same as the other Rebels.

80D is the next step up, with a true pentaprism viewfinder (100%), 1/8000 top shutter speed, 1/250 flash sync and more.

T7i, 77D and 80D all use the 45-point AF system (so does the full frame 6D Mark II).... But, the T7i and 77D do not have Micro Focus Adjustment feature, which the other cameras using the AF system do. This feature allows the user to fine tune the focus accuracy of their specific lenses on the camera. SL2 and the new Rebel T7 (not T7i) use the simpler 9-point AF system, which dates all the way back to the 20D an 30D models. (FYI... T7 is the most entry-level Canon DLSR, below the SL2, without an articulated Touch Screen and with veerrrrrry minor update from T6... it got a bump to 24MP sensor, up from 18MP in T6... but it still uses the same Digic 4 processor which is now four or five generations old... Digic 8 is in the latest new release: M50 mirrorless.)

MountainDave

I have a T7i and was happy with it. However, when I added a 5D IV I soon found the top LCD screen and two control wheels to be indispensable. So when Canon put the 77D on sale last month, I bought one. It's now $100 cheaper than the T7i so it's a no brainer between the two. Although the two share the same sensor and processor, the 77D turns out better images IMO. Color and contrast seem better and the exposure tends to be more accurate when I check the histograms. Much of my shooting is in the mountains and presents difficult exposure conundrums like combos of snow, deep blue sky and dark rock. The 77D handles these conditions well, better than I expected. I considered an 80D and it's a good value too. It has useful features the 77D lacks but is $350 more, heavier and is rumored to be replaced soon.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

The problem with rumored replacements is that if you listen to and heed them, there's a good chance you'll never buy a camera!

There are always rumors of the next great thing, just around the corner!

Your wait for the next great thing can be a long one. 7D was in production for over five years... about 2 or 3 years longer than a lot of people thought it would be.

6D users waited an extra year or two for their upgrade. Same with 5D-series users.

Maybe the worst was Nikon D300/D300s users.... who waited eight years for an upgrade to finally appear (D500... D400 only exists along-side yetis and unicorns). Or maybe the Pentaxians... who waited with bated breath for a full frame model for close to ten years longer than anyone else (and through two or three changes of company ownership & management).

The good news is that an older model doesn't instantly stop working when a new model comes out. Canon doesn't even beam out instructions to the old model to cause it to slow down (the way certain smart phone manufacturers do).

johnbhome2 Loc: Wyoming, Michigan

I have and use the SL2 as my walk-about-camera. It is light, can be had without breaking the bank. This was a upgrade from my old Canon XS. It is miles ahead of the XS and has the old but true and tried 9 point af system but it also has DPAF. It works for me and I didn't need to take a second mortgage out for it as well.

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

Alan is spot on with his analysis as usual, and he rarely makes mistakes.

Mea culpa, again, I hadn't looked at the number and type of focus points, which is the same as my T3i. Much as I have been happy with my T3i - 2011 technology , so almost a fossil by today's standards, although a big upgrade from the T3 - the AF systems on the T7i, 77D, and 80D are vastly superior to that on the SL2. That would be a deal killer for me with the SL2.

johnbhome2 Loc: Wyoming, Michigan

I will give you that but don't dismiss the DPAF in the live view mode.

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

Not sure who you are replying to, but how much one uses live view makes a huge difference. For myself, the vast majority of images are captured through the viewfinder.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Well I’m breaking the “rules” here, because I’m not a Canon user, so here goes (from the rule breaker):
First of all the link to DPReview with their side-by-side comparison:
https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_eos200d&products=canon_eos800d&products=canon_eos77d

The differences I noticed, some of which are small:
SL2 has 9 AF points, the other two have 45.
SL2 shoots 5 FPS, the other two 6.
SL2 has a battery life of 650, the other two rated at 600
SL2 comes in at 453 grams, the T7i @ 532 and the 77D @ 540
SL2 @ $549; T7i @ $749; 77D @ $899. These prices are likely to vary... but should be somewhat comparative
None of these are noted as environmentally sealed.

Happy brown trucking....

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

Sounds like a decent overview to me!

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

The 77D is currently being offered for $649.00 by authorized Canon dealers, and on the Canon website, as part of a current Canon sale.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

There is no such thing as the "best" camera. "Best" is such a relative term that it's useless for YOU as an individual. Consider:
1. Picture quality is determined by the LENS, not the camera body, myriad features, etc. You can go nuts trying to compare features, and you'll likely never understand all the "great" features of a modern DSLR or any digital camera. I know I don't with my EOS 60D. And I don't have any use for most of them.


2. Stress ERGONOMICS! When I was looking for my first DSLR (leaning toward Canon), I thought an EOS Rebel would suit me just fine. But trying cameras out in the store, I found the Rebels as a family were too small for me to hold and manipulate. My wife says I have nice delicate hands for a big guy, but no. I spent several hundred extra for my 60D because it felt better to hold securely and work the controls. And after using it for a while I invested in a battery grip because it gives even more to get a good grip on. Yes, I take it off sometimes because of the extra weight, but it's nice to have it. The extra weight also makes it more stable in your hands. THINK COMFORT! A camera can be too-compact.

3. Figuring out differences between models will make you crazy, and you'll end up still wondering if you made the best choice. As an old pro in a camera shop said, real pro photographers can make a camera choice based on maybe just ONE feature/function that they need.

4. Don't get sucked in by the "How many Megapixels" thing. It's like the constant horsepower race with cars. How much does a human being need? 10 MP is "good" unless you are doing HUGE enlargement of all or cropped parts of your image. My 60D-18MP and 40D-10MP give me all the photo quality I can hope for. My photos are not being enlarged to billboard-size.

What any/everybody else says is the "better" choice cannot tell you what is good for you.

johnbhome2 Loc: Wyoming, Michigan

Amen Brother, Amen!!!!!!!