It might help to look at the entire current, Canon APS-C model line-up, in sequence from the most entry-level to the most advanced...
Note: "Rebel" series naming is used in N. America. Other parts of the world all the DSLRs are "EOS" xD, xxD, xxxD or xxxxD.
- Rebel T6/EOS and SL1 are pretty similar specification, but the SL1 is a more compact model. A T7 and SL2 are expected soon. (Earlier T5 also remains available.)
- Rebel T6i is a more advanced model which is soon to be superseded by T7i. (Earlier T5i is still available, too. At one time it was the top of the Rebel line.)
- Rebel T7i has been officially announced, but is not yet in stores. Specifications are very similar to 77D, control layout and LCD displays are the primary difference.
- Rebel T6s was a new niche above the T6i, but Canon is changing their naming conventions so it will be superseded by 77D.
- EOS 77D has been announced but is not yet in stores. The "Rebel" name is gone, but it's largely still a Rebel specification model at heart.
All the above have lower specification shutters (1/4000 top speed, 1/200 or slower flash sync, probably rated for 75,000 actuations, though in many cases Canon simply doesn't make any claims). They also all use more polycarbonate (a nice word for "plastic") construction and all use a penta-mirror to reduce cost, size and weight. Prior to T6i/T6s, the autofocus systems of Rebel series models was typically simple, earlier types. But T6i/T6s got the same 19-point AF system that was introduced in 70D (except the Rebels don't have Micro Focus Adjust feature, which 70D has).
The models immediately below all use higher specification shutters (1/8000 and 1/250 flash sync, rated for 100,000 to 200,000 actuation life expectancy). The models below also all have Micro Focus Adjust feature, which the above models all lack. They have more metal construction and extra sealing for dust and weather resistance, and they all use a true pentaprism that makes for a bigger, brighter optical viewfinder.
- EOS 80D (70D is still available some places, too.)
- EOS 7D Mark II
The more entry-level cameras have more automation, such as "scene modes" similar to what's found on point-n-shoot cameras. The higher end models have more user-customizability and less automation. 7DII has no scene modes, but offers three user-customizable settings instead. 80D "hides" the scene modes in a menu, instead of putting them right on the exposure mode dial the way Rebel series cameras do.
The most entry-level models (T6, SL1 currently) lack a self-cleaning sensor, which all the other models have.
The more entry-level models use smaller batteries such as the LP-E17, which give approx. half as many shots per charge as the larger LP-E6N used in 80D and 7DII.
You should look at 77D in side-by-side comparison with T6s, T7i and 80D, to be able to see the differences.
But any comparisons right now are based on published specs, not actual use of the cameras, since we're still waiting for T7i and 77D to arrive in stores.
And some comparisons get pretty silly. One website lists an "advantage" that T7i is "lighter weight" than 77D. According to the specs, the difference is 8 grams. To put that into perspective, a standard paper clip weighs 4 grams. I suspect most people wouldn't be concerned about carrying around the "extra weight" of two paper clips!
77D now inherits a 45-point AF system similar to what's in the 80D. T6i/T6s used a 19-point AF system similar to 70D's (which, in turn, was a slightly dumbed down version of what was introduced in the original 7D).
77D ISO is expandable to 52600... one stop higher than either T6i/T6s and 80D. Whether or not it's actually usable is hard to say... depends a lot upon the users and their purposes. But it suggests the new Digic 7 processor may be helpful with higher ISOs... and/or that there have been some new tweaks applied to the 24MP image sensor that they all appear to share.
77D is only $50 more expensive than T6s... but 77D is about $200 less than 80D. T7i will sell for about $150 less than 77D.
I don't see any info about what camera you're "upgrading" from... Depending upon that, the 77D might be a nice step up... But it also could be a step down for you.
Canon is really muddying the waters with their new naming convention for the 77D. Even the international model designation, EOS 9000D, is confusing. In the past the EOS models have not been named differently and the xxxxD designations have indicated the most entry-level models, which the 77D certainly is not.
It might help to look at the entire current, Canon... (
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