I purchased this camera as an upgrade to my Canon XSi (450D).  This was the natural progression after I had grown out of my starter DSLR and had a stable of Canon EF lenses in the camera bag.  The XSi was a fine camera but I started to hit my limits with it when shooting indoor action sports - basketball, volleyball, etc.  I found the center auto-focus spot was too large and was creating back focus on many of the moving shots I was attempting.  My throw away rate with the XSi was hovering at about 50%.  Great shots were well composed but out of focus.  Frustrating.  Low light performance was acceptable, but marginal when working without a flash. 

Enter the Canon 7D.  This camera has immediately improved my ability to shoot action, low light and creative shots.  I have achieved amazing results in a short period of just getting used to the camera.   Pushing the ISO with the 7D is not a crap shoot any more.  Shooting on manual at 1000 ISO, 1/500 and f/1.8 to f/2.5, I am achieving great freeze action, tack sharp and perfectly saturated color in native light environments in most gyms.  The fact that the camera shoots at a blazing 8 frames per second has provided me with so many keeper photos, I had to buy a separate hard drive to store the photos.  The options and flexibility that this camera hasprovided are endless.  I haven't found a great piece of software that I like enough to start shooting in RAW mode yet.  The auto-focus is the greatest upgrade over the XSi.  There are 19 cross linked spots to maintain focus in multiple depths of field or you get the flexibility of grouping zones on pre-composed shots for effects.  Shooting action, I am using the central point focus option that expands to the surrounding four spots.  The boekh (blur) produced on the background is outstanding compared to the XSi with the same lenses.   

The HD video component was a nice bonus but I didn't appreciate it until I shot my first test footage.  The picture is spot on to my 1080 resolution on my big screen HDTV.  You cannot distinguish the quality of the image seen on HD channels from the video this camera can shoot.  Phenomenal performance. 

Only a couple of downsides:
The OEM battery is the only one that feeds back power level to camera.
The camera has only one CF card slot.
Creates an addiction to L series Canon lenses.

My strong recommendation is to purchase this camera if you are serious about exploring and improving your skill with a DSLR.  Coming from a Canon DSLR, the interface is fully customizable, user friendly and intuitive.  The $1699 price tag is well worth the features on this camera.  The only downside is that I am now craving the L series lenses that will further enhance the camera's ability.  I borrowed my friend's 24-70mm f/2.8L USM for the afternoon and the results were spectacular. 

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1699
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Solid Enough for a Professional