differences between 550D & 7D?

Better AF, extra FPS, weather sealing and easier access to control functions plus brighter/100% viewfinder

Not so sure the metal body is classed as better, definitely heavier and larger

Never used the AF micro adjust or the horizon level thingy, probably count as improvements though


Cons are the aforementioned weight increase, no max limit to set on auto ISO, more complex to set up and nigh on double the price
 
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I'd say they are different leagues.

I think pretty much every feature on the 7D is upgraded. Which is nice, but of course if you're not using the 550D to it's limit the extra money would be better invested in good lenses.

The 7D seems to take whatever is chucked at it, but it does (especially to start with) take a bit of getting used to. Getting the settings bang on with it can sometimes take a bit of getting used too.

Just the feel of it is nicer as well, if you have any lenses ranging from medium telephoto and up, it feels better to have a bigger body like the 7D on it. Makes it feel more stable.
 
I went from a 550D to a 7D (kept the 550D as backup) and then a 5D2 (gave the 550D to the wife and used the 7D as backup) and to be perfectly honest, if I'd gone straight to the 5D2 I wouldn't of bothered getting the 7D and stayed with the 550D as backup. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good camera, but it does have a big learning curve. The AF system is very good, but it does tend to under expose slightly. I had to use EC most of the time to get a well exposed photo from it and ISO didn't seem to great over 800 IMO. With the 550D I had it to 1600 regularly and it was still good.
I decided to sell my 7D and 5D2 and buy a 5D3, which wipes the floor with the 7D and the 5D2 in varying ways. In the week between selling the 2 and getting the new one I went back to using the wifes 550D, and although it took a bit of getting used to again (no real dial or top screen) it's been a real pleasure using it again. I've had some excellent photos from it during the week and I'm really glad I didn't sell it when I got the other bodies.
 
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