Canon 77D vs Fujifilm X-E2S

The Canon EOS 77D and the Fujifilm X-E2S are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2017 and January 2016. The 77D is a DSLR, while the X-E2S is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 16 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 77D		Fujifilm X-E2S
Digital single lens reflex		Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses		Fujifilm X mount lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		16 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (100 - 51,200)		ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 51,200)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
6 shutter flaps per second		7 shutter flaps per second
600 shots per battery charge		350 shots per battery charge
131 x 100 x 76 mm, 540 g		129 x 75 x 37 mm, 350 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 77D and the Fujifilm X-E2S? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 77D and the Fujifilm X-E2S is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-E2S can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 77D is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-E2S is notably smaller (26 percent) than the Canon 77D. Moreover, the X-E2S is substantially lighter (35 percent) than the 77D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 77D nor the X-E2S are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Both cameras have similarly sized sensors, but DSLRs have a larger flange-to-focal plane distance than mirrorless cameras, which imposes contraints on the optical engineering process and generally leads to bigger and heavier lenses. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (77D) and the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-E2S). Mirrorless cameras, such as the X-E2S, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the 77D gets 600 shots out of its LP-E17 battery, while the X-E2S can take 350 images on a single charge of its NP-W126 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)		Street Price
1.		Canon 77D	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	540 g	600	n	Feb 2017	899
2.		Fujifilm X-E2S	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Jan 2016	699
3.		Canon T8i	131 mm	103 mm	76 mm	515 g	800	n	Feb 2020	749
4.		Canon T7	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	475 g	500	n	Feb 2018	449
5.		Canon SL2	122 mm	93 mm	70 mm	453 g	650	n	Jun 2017	549
6.		Canon T7i	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	532 g	600	n	Feb 2017	749
7.		Canon M5	116 mm	89 mm	61 mm	427 g	295	n	Sep 2016	979
8.		Canon T6	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	485 g	500	n	Mar 2016	449
9.		Canon T6i	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	555 g	440	n	Feb 2015	749
10.		Canon T6s	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	565 g	440	n	Feb 2015	649
11.		Canon T4i	133 mm	100 mm	79 mm	575 g	440	n	Jun 2012	849
12.		Canon T3i	133 mm	100 mm	80 mm	570 g	440	n	Feb 2011	599
13.		Fujifilm X-E3	121 mm	74 mm	43 mm	337 g	350	n	Sep 2017	899
14.		Fujifilm X70	113 mm	64 mm	44 mm	340 g	330	n	Jan 2016	799
15.		Fujifilm X-T10	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	381 g	350	n	May 2015	799
16.		Fujifilm X-E2	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Oct 2013	999
17.		Fujifilm X-M1	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Jun 2013	699
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The X-E2S was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 22 percent) than the 77D, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the X-E2S is 11 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (77D) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon 77D offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 16 MP of the Fujifilm X-E2S. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.72μm versus 4.80μm for the X-E2S). However, it should be noted that the 77D is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 1 month) than the X-E2S, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that partly offset its pixel-size disadvantage. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-E2S has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 77D implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 77D for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm X-E2S are 24.5 x 16.3 inches or 62.2 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.7 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 10.9 inches or 41.5 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 77D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X-E2S are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports		DXO Overall
1.		Canon 77D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.3	971		78
2.		Fujifilm X-E2S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	..	..	..		..
3.		Canon T8i	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/24p	..	..	..		..
4.		Canon T7	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	..	..	..		..
5.		Canon SL2	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.4	1041		79
6.		Canon T7i	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..		..
7.		Canon M5	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.4	12.4	1262		77
8.		Canon T6	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	..	..	..		..
9.		Canon T6i	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.7	12.0	919		71
10.		Canon T6s	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.6	12.0	915		70
11.		Canon T4i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	722		62
12.		Canon T3i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.5	793		65
13.		Fujifilm X-E3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..		..
14.		Fujifilm X70	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	..	..	..		..
15.		Fujifilm X-T10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	..	..	..		..
16.		Fujifilm X-E2	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	..	..	..		..
17.		Fujifilm X-M1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	..	..	..		..

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-E2S has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the 77D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the X-E2S offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 77D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the 77D has a higher magnification (0.51x vs 0.41x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 77D and Fujifilm X-E2S in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon 77D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
2.		Fujifilm X-E2S	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0	Y	n
3.		Canon T8i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	7.5	Y	n
4.		Canon T7	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
5.		Canon SL2	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
6.		Canon T7i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
7.		Canon M5	2360	n	3.2	1620	tilting	Y	1/4000s	9.0	Y	n
8.		Canon T6	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
9.		Canon T6i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
10.		Canon T6s	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
11.		Canon T4i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
12.		Canon T3i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.7	Y	n
13.		Fujifilm X-E3	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	8.0	n	n
14.		Fujifilm X70	optional	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
15.		Fujifilm X-T10	2360	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
16.		Fujifilm X-E2	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0	Y	n
17.		Fujifilm X-M1	none	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6	Y	n

One feature that is present on the 77D, but is missing on the X-E2S is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X-E2S is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon 77D and the Fujifilm X-E2S both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 77D and the X-E2S write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 77D and Fujifilm X-E2S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon 77D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
2.		Fujifilm X-E2S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
3.		Canon T8i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon T7	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon SL2	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon T7i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
7.		Canon M5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
8.		Canon T6	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon T6i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon T6s	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Canon T4i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Canon T3i	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Fujifilm X-E3	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
14.		Fujifilm X70	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
15.		Fujifilm X-T10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
16.		Fujifilm X-E2	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
17.		Fujifilm X-M1	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-

The 77D is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the X-E2S has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X-E2S was succeeded by the Fujifilm X-E3. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Fujifilm websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 77D or the Fujifilm X-E2S – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 77D:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 16MP) with a 23% higher linear resolution.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.51x vs 0.41x).
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (600 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 1 month after the X-E2S).

Advantages of the Fujifilm X-E2S:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More compact: Is smaller (129x75mm vs 131x100mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 190g or 35 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
• More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (22 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2016).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 77D emerges as the winner of the contest (12 : 10 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 77D and the Fujifilm X-E2S place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 77D and the X-E2S in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)			Street Price
1.		Canon 77D	4.5/5	..	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899
2.		Fujifilm X-E2S	4.5/5	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699
3.		Canon T8i	4.5/5	+	80/100	4/5	3.5/5	Feb 2020	749
4.		Canon T7	..	o	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	449
5.		Canon SL2	4/5	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549
6.		Canon T7i	4.5/5	..	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	749
7.		Canon M5	4/5	+	82/100	4/5	4/5	Sep 2016	979
8.		Canon T6	4/5	o	73/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2016	449
9.		Canon T6i	5/5	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749
10.		Canon T6s	5/5	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	649
11.		Canon T4i	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849
12.		Canon T3i	3/5	o	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	599
13.		Fujifilm X-E3	4.5/5	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899
14.		Fujifilm X70	4.5/5	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	799
15.		Fujifilm X-T10	4.5/5	+ +	80/100	5/5	5/5	May 2015	799
16.		Fujifilm X-E2	4/5	..	80/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	999
17.		Fujifilm X-M1	3/5	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	699
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Canon 77D vs Fujifilm X-E2S

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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