GA shooter Loc: Rising Fawn, GA

Hay JD-This one comes with ammo!

(Download)

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

One thing you should be aware of, Out4life ... is that the T3 - in the overall scheme of things, is quite a large camera - compared to most of today's crop cameras.

After Canon introduced that model, the next Rebel was ever so slightly smaller, progressively (other than the EOS XX Models) until you got down to the EOS 77D.

That model is quite a bit smaller than the T3. If you used the T3 for a while, you've become used to the size. The smaller 77D - will take some getting used to ...

However, you could add the highly revered EF-S 18-135 USM to it, and you might still come in under (or very close, anyway) to your $1000 budget ... a fine combo!

ronf78155 Loc: Seguin Texas

Still for sale on ebay and it's an amazing camera....

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC1.A0.H0.Xsamsung+galaxy+camera+2.TRS1&_nkw=samsung+galaxy+camera+2&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=samsung+galaxy+camera&LH_TitleDesc=0

Dave34 Loc: Maricopa, AZ

I went for the 80D. Glad I did.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Ron ... forgot to mention the Samsung Galaxy NX was introduced five years ago, and discontinued just two years later ...

The entire Samsung camera line has now ended ... they're more into making Cell-Phones, now ....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_NX

ronf78155 Loc: Seguin Texas

Thanks.......
I am So glad I got my Samsung Camera before they stopped making them....
Fortunately they are still available brand new on ebay !
Easy to carry in my pocket, great lens and zoom range, can access the internet and my email, and send pics with the push of a button.
What more could you ask for !
It's an AMAZING little camera

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Sure, Ron ... to tell you the God's Honest, I didn't know they'd discontinued the entire line, until I started looking at the new Galaxy S9, and soon-to-come S10 ...

Decided to follow the links, and then - there it was ... such a short history for the full camera line ... they had quite a few innovations, too ...

The best thing, though, was the wireless transfer - which really worked ... !!!!

Wmetcalf Loc: Rogersville, Mo

What size 5” ball 8” ball cannons come in all sizes. 😀😀😀

Photocraig

I agree with jdub82. I have a 77D and at $649, I think it is tough to beat (I paid 849). Having had pro cameras, and the enthusiast Level EOS cameras from film to Digital there are a few thing that were mandatory for me, the back wheel and top display chief among them and a flip out screen).

However, when evaluating an "upgrade" for an OP with a Rebel T3i, immediately focusing on features that a semi-pro camera like an 80D has, and the T3i never had, seems to answering the question backwards. The 77D is a clear upgrade from the T3,4 or 5 and even maybe the 6i. From that point of view the question(s) should center on whether the SL2, T7i or 77D are the best appropriate choice. NONE of these are weather sealed, nor are any of MY lenses and probably none of the OP's are either, so as desirable as Weather Sealing is, it is not a variable in this equation. Also the batteries and viewfinders are the same across this selection. For what, today on Canon USA's site is $200 more, the 80D might be the better buy (although the same price difference didn't make it for me since weight was my top priority).

Were I standing on the same side of the counter as MTSHOOTER, who I admire, I would be comfortable making the arguments for the 80D as well as helping compare the lower level offerings. But for the OP, I think, considering the fact that he's been with his T3 for (assumedly) so long, he probably would have opted or "pined for" the 80D (or 70D) virtues before this. He also would have wanted to upgrade the sensor, focus system and other features long before now. It may be in the OP's best interest to buy the 77D or the t7i if he can get it for less, and save the rest of his $1,000 for a better lens.

In a barebones analysis, a camera is a light tight enclosure with a facility to mount a lens and focusing system and manage the light sensitive material (or sensor) and recording of the images captured.
In the "D" world, that sensor changes every 1-2 years. But, for the enthusiast, non professional as in your reputation and living rides on each assignment, the same excellent images can be captured on 80-90% of the conditions with an entry level camera and the same sensor and lenses. If you MUST get the fawn at dawn, in the snow, and it's for the cover shot of a National Geographic, or it's a commission for a 5 -10 foot mural, yup, ya got it right, a Canon 7DII (staying in the APS-C world) with a 3 pound 400mm F2.8 + 10 pounds of tripod + Head and other stuff, is what you MUST have. But for the OP, and me, I doubt if the difference between the 77D, t7i or the 80D behind the "L" glass 400 mm monster) would make a big difference.

In the above scenario, the t7i, 77D and 80D share the same sensor, the 77D shares the same focus system, so aside from a soaking, the results should be very comparable. I've belabored the point here, but consider the fact that the $1000 budget appears to be a windfall to OP's photo budget, as it would be to mine, I think we all need to deal with the issues at hand. and I'm convinced that if I or OP showed up an the famous Cottage, Carter would work us up into the best solution for us after carefully considering our needs.

Short answer, I've got a 77D, no regrets. If I still had my old 50D or the OP's T3, I'd take the $1k and upgrade my body first to fit MY priorities for the best sensor, processor and focusing system, and then apply the rest to glass. If the $1K flew into MY window today, I'd be searching for the best used EX grade "L" lens that fits my needs.

NOTE: after a one minute delay, I still don't know what that lens would be. Maybe the 400mm "L" 5.5 or 100-400 best I could get. Maybe it's a low GAS day here in Nevada--it all left town with the Classic Cars from Hot August Nights.
C

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I would personally go with the 80D.
Better built.
Only if budget is a factor.
The 77D makes awesome photos as well. I have a friend with a 77D and am amazed at how great they look (They have skill as well).

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Craig ... your quote: "The 77D is a clear upgrade from the T3,4 or 5 and even maybe the 6i" ??? ... what on earth is a 6i?

Oh, I know ... you meant the Canon EOS Rebel T6i - the twin of the Canon EOS Rebel T6s (which was the 77D's immediate predecessor) ... got it!!!!

MidnightManiac

Upgrading is a big and expensive decision, I am a big Canon fan and own 3 Canon bodies, 2 crop and 1 full frame. Each have there place in my world. My favorite go to body is my 7dII. For sports and wildlife the 10 FPS is a must have especially for sports. The body is a tank and you can use both crop and FF lenses. You will read that FF lenses on a crop body will not give you the best results as if you used them on a FF body, I find that not to be true as I use them on both types of body types and find little difference. I would suggest the 7DII and as $$$'s permits buying Full frame lenses going forward, this way if you decide in the future to go full frame you're good to go. Check out Canon's website and look at the refirb section, you can save and get a nice warranty. The 77D would be an upgrade to your current camera but my opinion is the 7dII would be a better upgrade. Just my opinion!!!

tropics68 Loc: Georgia

Or a 6D for $999

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you are SERIOUS about your work, the little extra that the 80D costs is WORTH it . The 77D is a very good camera also !

..

hawleyrw Loc: Dayton, OH

Last year I purchased a Canon 6D, (full frame). Switching depends on what you have for lenses: if you only have crop sensor lenses, would be too $$ to buy a full frame. I only had a single APS-C lens with my 7D, so plan on selling it soon.