With Nikon’s new D7500 still sailing close to its RRP, it’s perhaps the older D7200 that makes for a fairer comparison with the Canon EOS 77D. Both models sport a range of similar features and are priced pretty much the same too, but the few differences they do have may make one slightly better for your needs.
Let’s find out what they are.
Design and ergonomics
The two are, more-or-less, evenly matched with their dimensions, with only a few millimeters difference in width and height. The EOS 77D is, however, surprisingly lighter than may be imagined, weighing just 540g with a battery and card in place, against the D7200’s weight of 765g.
Part of the reason for this is down to the D7200's use of a glass pentaprism viewfinder, one that offers approx. 100% coverage and a 0. 94x magnification. The EOS 77D, meanwhile, employs a pentamirror alternative, the kind that's common to models in the more affordable end of the spectrum, with around 95% coverage and 0. 82x magnification.
Furthermore, the D7200 makes use of magnesium alloy in its outer construction, while the EOS 77D has an aluminium frame and a largely polycarbonate exterior with glass fibre. The D7200 is also the only model that is weather sealed, and it also sports an extra SD-type card slot to make two.
Canon EOS 77D
Nikon D7200
With an articulating LCD screen, Canon has decided to place the vast majority of controls on the EOS 77D’s back plate to the right-hand-side of the camera, meaning that these can be operated with the thumb. With its LCD screen fixed in place, the D7200 divides its own controls more equally around the display, which means you’re more likely to need both hands for many tasks.
Aside from its ability to be pulled away from the body and adjusted to a range of positions, the EOS 77D’s display is also sensitive to touch. The D7200’s screen is not, although it does have a marginally higher resolution of 1. 229k dots versus the EOS 77D’s 1,040k dots, and measures 3. 2in versus that EOS 77D’s 3inches.
The EOS 77D doesn’t have a traditional rear control dial like the D7200, although its menu pad has been designed with both a control dial and directional buttons. Both cameras sport built-in flashes and both have top-plate LCD screens, although the D7200’s is more generous in size, with the information within it less cramped by comparison.
Canon EOS 77D
Nikon D7200
Image Quality
Both models pack 24. 2MP APS-C sensors that run between ISO 100-25,600. The D7200 also allows its ISO to be raised to settings equivalent to ISO 102,400, although only in black and white.
While Nikon has eschewed the anti-aliasing filter from the D7200’s sensor, Canon has decided to use one in the EOS 77D. This potentially means that the D7200 will record slightly finer detail, despite the similar pixel count of the two cameras' sensors.
Canon EOS 77D
Nikon D7200
Both cameras make use of image stabilisation through optics designed with the functionality, rather than at the sensor level, although the EOS 77D does have a five-axis digital IS option that comes into play when shooting videos.
Special Features
As with many previous Nikon models, the company has bestowed the D7200 with a 51-point AF system, one that includes 15 cross-type sensors for enhanced sensitivity.
The fact that the EOS 77D has only a slightly lower 45 points is perhaps not that significant. Far more important is that fact that each of these points are cross type.
Both systems have a working range down to -3EV and both work with AF assist lamps to ensure focus remains swift in low light.
When using live view, the EOS 77D benefits from Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, which uses phase-detect AF pixels at the sensor level to speed up focus (and also allows for smooth continuous focus while recording videos).
Canon EOS 77D
Nikon D7200
The D7200, meanwhile, uses a more standard contrast-detect AF system in live view and for video, although you can also use manual focus on either body here.
Both cameras have a continuous burst rate of 6fps as standard, although the D7200 can have this boosted to 7fps at a 1. 3x crop. The D7200 also allows for its shutter speed to be raised to 1/8000sec, against the EOS 77D’s 1/4000sec limit, while its battery life is rated at around 1100 frames, against the EOS 77D’s approx. 600.
Wi-Fi and NFC is available on both, although the EOS 77D complements this with Bluetooth. This allows for the camera to be constantly paired with a smartphone or tablet.
Video Quality
4K video is absent from both of these bodies although both do offer Full HD recording at up to 60p.
Both bodies record stereo sound via on board microphones and both have a 3. 5mm port for external mics, although only the D7200 has a further headphone socket for audio monitoring.
Conclusion
For many buying such a camera, the D7200 is potentially going to be viewed as the superior model of the two. It has the advantage of a sturdier construction, weather sealing, a pentaprism viewfinder and an extra card slot, together with better battery life and a larger and slightly higher-resolution LCD screen. Particularly for outdoor pursuits, it seems to fit the bill much better.
That’s not to say the EOS 77D doesn't have its own advantages, of course. With a lighter body, a more flexibile LCD screen that allows for touch functionality, a newer AF system with more cross-type points and the slightly less vital addition of Bluetooth, there’s enough going on to make it a better match for those that want to benefit from slightly newer tech.
Those that want to see some of the D7200’s advantages in a Canon body are advised to look towards the EOS 80D. It offers, for example, a sturdier, weather-resistant construction, together with an extra command dial, a pentaprism viewfinder and a faster top shutter speed of 1/8000sec. It’s a touch more expensive right now, but if you're a Canon user after something a little more capable, it's a no brainer.
. digitalrev.com2017-5-26 03:00