Canon 7D

The next model in the Canon line up is the 7D.

The footage out of this camera is almost identical to the 550d. The biggest advantage this camera offers is its weight and build quality. When you pick this camera up you can feel the difference between the two, if you use your camera often then this will last you noticeably longer. Weatherproofed and built like a tank. Frame rates are the same as the 550d. The other things that set this apart from the 550d are improved handling, more control over stills and more control over the white balance.

The biggest disadvantage is the lack of manual control for audio, forcing you to record separate system audio. Also I find mine is quite prone to overheating fairly quickly in warm conditions.

No doubt this is an excellent camera, but at the price point it might be worth stretching to the 5D Mark II if you can afford it.