I'm upgrading from the Rebel XSi and I need some opinions!

Okay, so. My XSi was a total disappointment, but I'm pretty sure it's just a faulty model because that is just my luck. I've had it almost four years and it's really not a surprise that it's starting to take a poop. It started not always turning on about a month ago, and I'm afraid that very soon I won't be able to get it to turn on at all.
Because I don't want to spend money to get a camera I absolutely hate repaired, I figured I'll just start saving up for a new camera. The question is, what should I get?
I'm currently looking at the 60d and I'm very impressed. I'm also looking at the 7D, of course. Is the 60D worth buying if I don't just want to use it as a hobby photographer? Is the 7D really worth that raise in price? Has anyone used both of them and can they tell me their thoughts?

Of course I'm reading up, I just thought some real people help would be nice.

If you say that your XSi has been faulty from new, then I am surprised that you didn't return it for a replacement. The XSi/450D is a very capable camera. Are you sure that it is the camera at fault and not the person behind it? If that is the case, an upgrade will do nothing to improve the situation.

I'm positive. I wasn't able to return it because I ordered it online and as soon as I got it I went on a trip to Washington D.C.. By the time I came back, returning it was not an option. I bought it from someone on eBay, and they had a strict one week return policy. It has always worked well enough that it wasn't really a big issue until recently.

Aside from the obvious fault with your XSi, what is it that you absolutely hate about it, and what made it a total disappointment?

Aside from the turning on issue that developed a month ago, what else about it do you hate? The XSi is a very capable camera, and I'm not clear why you are so resistant to sending it to Canon if a few bucks will return it to a like new status. It's kind of like trading in a car because it needs a new set of tires.

The most obvious issue is the electrical one. I often have to turn my camera on and off for up to half an hour to get it to respond at all. It's gotten a lot worse recently, which is why I'm looking for a new one.
There's also a focusing issue. I've checked to make sure it is not my lenses and I've used multiple guides to make sure it is in fact my camera. If I don't use manual focus, I get completely blurry pictures. It's an issue. I like taking pictures of birds and bugs and sometimes you really need to be able to auto focus.
On top of that, no matter what SD card I use, half of the time it tells me it can't read it/I need to format/there's no memory card. I'm constantly turning my camera off, taking out the battery, taking out the memory card, and then putting them back in. I've missed a lot of potential photos because of it.

back to your original question, it all depends if you want to pay more money for the features of the 7D, as a hobbyist, the 60D will suit you just fine. the IQ will be the same.

I'm not seeing a strong case here for either a 60D or a 7D.
Do you use a single AF point, or have all enabled?
And, just a stab in the dark here - fuzzy images from a 75-300 are standard.

xarqi wrote in post #12967705
And, just a stab in the dark here - fuzzy images from a 75-300 are standard.

LOL, great minds think alike. I was thinking the same thing. OP, examples of what you are describing would help. Also, have you tried a different battery in the camera? So far, at least to me, the compelling case is for a trip to Canon. Seriously, when i had an XSi, I sent it in. It was really good when I had it, but great when I got it back.

I have tried a new battery. It didn't change anything.
I am not using a 75-300.
I am not taking my camera into Canon because I do not want to spend any more money on a camera I have had for 4 years and have not liked for any amount of time. I promise you it is not a user error. I have read the manual, several books that are about the XSi, scanned forums, etc. I have taken a class. I am confident that it is not me. I appreciate you trying to figure out the situation, but this is not what I was asking about, and I would really appreciate some answers to my actual question.

A 60D will do fine for what you have indicated you shoot. If you want to save a few dollars, you can check into the Canon Loyalty Program to trade in your XSi for a refurb'd 60D.

If you've had it for 4 years, it's about time to move up and see what you can do with a new body.. If this one is getting dodgy, the cost of repairs may not be worth the investment.

Either of these cameras is slightly larger as the 60d is a continuation of the xxd series although they've dropped the magnesium frame, the 7d still has it. Both use the same sensor

Unless you feel that the extra cost is worth it for "status", the 60d would likely serve you just fine..

You said you have had the xsi for four years, what kind of shooting did you do, and what did the xsi not do for you. You could also look at a used t2i depending on your answers.

Just my 2 cents! If you got 4 years out of this camera you are doing great. Sell it "as is" and use the cash towards an upgrade. After 4 yrs your ready for an upgrade. Depending on your investmant in lens and use, check out at all the options like the new mirrorless and four thirds cameras, or a better DSLR with upgrades like articatulating screens, better HD video and in camera photo editing. Its time Mucormycosis

OK - let's tackle this a slightly different way.

You've mentioned bugs and birds, but maybe you could tell us more about the sort of photography you want to do, and then we would be better able to recommend the best body for you.

As I wrote above, so far, I'm not seeing anything that suggests that a working XSi or similar camera would not do the job for you.