I don't care about the video but I do like the 19-point Autofocus system and 18 megapixels along with the 8 fps for BIF photos. At $1,699 body only it seems to me to be the replacemant for the 50D. I may upgrade after it is released at the end of the month and see how the reviews go. http://www.dpreview.com/news/
0909/09090105canoneos7d.asp (Copy and paste the link until someone fixes it for me.)

I like it very much. I have consider buying it, but as always in Europe the prices are way over hyped. I might wait for the spring to see if I have enough funds.

But the camera is great, I think this is the best feature rich camera Canon has ever made for this price range. It would sell even better then 5D Mark II

it isn't a replacement for the 50D but is a model designed to bridge the gap between the APS-C models and the full frame range that starts with the 5D MkII so don't expect the retail price to drop to the same level of the 50D. The main concern will be because of the APS-C sensor getting pretty much stretched to it's limits now, what the noise handling will be like.

I knew Canon would do this....sooner or later. They sure made it "later"! If the extra focusing points actually do make for a quicker and more accurate focus, I'll have to bite. If the ungraded metering system really will provide for more accurate metering, I'll have to bite. But, I will watch the reviews and wait and see. I have the 50D and the 5D Mark II and I am pretty darn happy with both of them. I'll tell you what Canon will do next...they will put that improved focusing and metering system on the 5D Mark II and sell it as an upgrade. There will be no end.
Momma

I cant see why, if you already have the 5D II you would then spend extra cash on the 7D which is still an inferior model to it in terms of detail capture. all the extra 'zones' the 7D has acquired will not help it overcome the problems of overclocking the APS-C sensor like this. I'm not sure what you are expecting from the new metering or focus system on the 7D - the ones on the 5D MK II are more than a match for any situation and you should rely more on your own metering and focusing skills over those of the camera or you will just end up with a hugely expensive point and shoot camera which is just pointless. you may as well buy the cheapest DSLR in the range and spend the money on very good glassware instead.

The 7D seems to be getting very good reviews and the heavy pixel count although it seems to be on the edge of practicality for the APS-C sensor seems to produce detail very well with good noise control. It outguns the Nikon D300s but that camera still holds its own as far as capture quality goes. interestingly - most retailers have already slashed the 7D's retail price by at least 25% to make it competitive with the Nikon and put some breathing space between it and the 5D MkII.