This is driving me nuts...

7DPatrick wrote in post #12994558
Looking at your gear list, the glass is impressive

???

Sync wrote in post #12180462
it [7d] also has much more comprehensive and geeky custom settings....they are super, super-geeky... stuff like "how quickly should the autofocus look for a new target after the active focusing point leaves the current focused subject...

I'm not sure it's appropriate to down-sell a camera based on your obvious neglect to actually learn what all those "super geeky settings" do and why they are there. The setting you listed above ^^^ is a very valuable setting when tracking subjects. Using AI Servo, it's vital to have the correct speed of focus switching so as to not accidentally miss focus because somebody runs in front of your lens.

I moved it to the EOS forum.

I upgrade every other year, so now I have the 7D and 5D2, but I never started with a Rebel, choosing the 10D first. I think you will love the 7D. It is much more camera than I would ever need, even as a pro these days.

If you're unsure if you need it or not, then you DON'T need it.

To beat a dead horse...

I would prefer using the x0D cameras and the 7D to ANY of the Rebel Series for multiple reasons.

Viewfinder
Burst speed
Flash sync speed
Build
ad infinitum....

Before buying my T2i 5 months ago, I spent a good 2-3 months researching DSLRs, and specifically comparing the 7D and T2i. Here are my reason for opting for the T2i.

1) I don't shoot sports photography or anything that would really utilize the 8fps shutter speed of the 7D, better construction & faster AF.
2) I don't shoot out in the wild, under rain and rough conditions.
3) I will eventually want to take the step up to full frame, so the crop sensor T2i is a stepping stone, helping me to learn the ropes before upgrading in a couple of years, and it does fine.
4) 7D, whilst a great camera, is just a little too bulky and heavy for my first DSLR.
5) Same sensor, metering system, image quality (so I hear, haven't pixel peeped myself).
6) cheaper = more money for lenses.

So while the 7D offers better functionality/durabili​ty for those who really need it (sports/wildlife photographers), for my needs, there was little difference between the two, even with the CLP discount on the 7D.

Good luck and hope you enjoy whichever you go with.

Bukka wrote in post #12999561
If you're unsure if you need it or not, then you DON'T need it.

Couldn't agree more.