Canon 77D versus Panasonic GH5

The Canon EOS 77D and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2017 and January 2017. The 77D is a DSLR, while the GH5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (77D) and a Four Thirds (GH5) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 24 megapixel, whereas the Panasonic provides 20.2 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon 77D vs Panasonic GH5

The physical size and weight of the Canon 77D and the Panasonic GH5 are illustrated 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. You can also toggle the display to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the 77D – represents the basis or 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH5 is somewhat larger (4 percent) than the Canon 77D. Moreover, the GH5 is markedly heavier (34 percent) than the 77D. It is noteworthy in this context that the GH5 is splash and dust-proof, while the 77D does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can find an overview of optics for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (77D) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GH5). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GH5, 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 GH5 can take 410 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLF19 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, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 77D»	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	19.0 oz	600	n	Feb 2017	899			Canon 77D
	Panasonic GH5«	5.5 in	3.9 in	3.4 in	25.6 oz	410	Y	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Canon M50« »	4.6 in	3.5 in	2.3 in	13.8 oz	235	n	Feb 2018	779			Canon M50
	Canon T7« »	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	16.8 oz	500	n	Feb 2018	449			Canon T7
	Canon SL2« »	4.8 in	3.7 in	2.8 in	16.0 oz	650	n	Jun 2017	549			Canon SL2
	Canon T7i« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	18.8 oz	600	n	Feb 2017	749			Canon T7i
	Canon M5« »	4.6 in	3.5 in	2.4 in	15.1 oz	295	n	Sep 2016	979			Canon M5
	Canon T6« »	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	17.1 oz	500	n	Mar 2016	449	-		Canon T6
	Canon T6i« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	19.6 oz	440	n	Feb 2015	749	-		Canon T6i
	Canon T6s« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	19.9 oz	440	n	Feb 2015	849	-		Canon T6s
	Canon T4i« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.3 oz	440	n	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon T4i
	Canon T3i« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.1 oz	440	n	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon T3i
	Nikon D500« »	5.8 in	4.5 in	3.2 in	30.3 oz	1240	Y	Jan 2016	1,999			Nikon D500
	Olympus E-M1 II« »	5.3 in	3.6 in	2.6 in	20.2 oz	440	Y	Sep 2016	1,999			Olympus E-M1 II
	Panasonic G9« »	5.4 in	3.8 in	3.6 in	23.2 oz	400	Y	Nov 2017	1,699			Panasonic G9
	Panasonic G85« »	5.0 in	3.5 in	2.9 in	17.8 oz	330	Y	Sep 2016	899			Panasonic G85
	Panasonic GH4« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	3.3 in	19.8 oz	500	Y	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
Convert to Metric

The camera’s price is obviously a critical decision-making factor. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The 77D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 55 percent) than the GH5, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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: Canon 77D vs Panasonic GH5

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 tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 77D features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic GH5 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH5 is 32 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 2.0. The sensor in the 77D has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH5 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 24MP, the 77D offers a higher resolution than the GH5 (20.2MP), but the 77D nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.72μm versus 3.34μm for the GH5) due to its larger sensor. It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the GH5 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The 77D has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in relatively fast and reliable autofocus acquisition during video recording.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar image quality. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the GH5 provides a better video resolution than the 77D. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison: Canon 77D vs Panasonic GH5

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the GH5 has an electronic viewfinder (3680k 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 adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 77D and Panasonic GH5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators. If needed, the dpreview camera hub, for example, contains further detail on the cameras' specs.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The 77D has one, while the GH5 does not. While the build-in flash of the 77D is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, the GH5 features an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (flickering).

Both the 77D and the GH5 write their imaging data to SDXC cards. The GH5 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the 77D only has one slot.

Both the 77D and the GH5 are recent models that feature in their makers' current product line-up. The GH5 replaced the earlier Panasonic GH4, while the 77D followed on from the Canon T6s.

Review summary: Canon 77D vs Panasonic GH5

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 77D or the Panasonic GH5 – has the upper hand? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Canon EOS 77D:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 20.2MP) with a 11% higher linear resolution.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better video autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident movie autofocus.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 185g or 26 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (600 versus 410) on a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (55 percent cheaper at launch).

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60p).
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 4000/sec) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology build-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
• More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the GH5 is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 10 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 77D or the GH5. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The full reviews are available by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 77D»	-	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899			Canon 77D
	Panasonic GH5«	HiRec	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Canon M50« »	Rec	79/100	-	-	3.5/5	Feb 2018	779			Canon M50
	Canon T7« »	rev	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Feb 2018	449			Canon T7
	Canon SL2« »	HiRec	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549			Canon SL2
	Canon T7i« »	-	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Feb 2017	749			Canon T7i
	Canon M5« »	Rec	82/100	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2016	979			Canon M5
	Canon T6« »	rev	73/100	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Mar 2016	449	-		Canon T6
	Canon T6i« »	-	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749	-		Canon T6i
	Canon T6s« »	Rec	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	849	-		Canon T6s
	Canon T4i« »	HiRec	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon T4i
	Canon T3i« »	rev	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon T3i
	Nikon D500« »	HiRec	91/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	1,999			Nikon D500
	Olympus E-M1 II« »	HiRec	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	1,999			Olympus E-M1 II
	Panasonic G9« »	HiRec	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Nov 2017	1,699			Panasonic G9
	Panasonic G85« »	HiRec	84/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	899			Panasonic G85
	Panasonic GH4« »	HiRec	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. 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 use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting. If the camera you are interested in is not available, please contact me, and I will try to locate and add the respective data to the application.

You are here:  Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon 77D vs Panasonic GH5