Bought a Canon T2i

...over the 7d. Price difference between the two was about $800.

But the T2i doesn't have the rugged case and weatherproofing of the 7d...so I bought a Squaretrade 3 year warranty that covers in case of dust, drips, drops, spills, or if it gets run over by a tank as long as I don't admit to having run it over on purpose.

The warranty was $179.00 when I called to talk to them. But I wavered a little in buying it and the rep lowered the price to $139.00.

A 7d would still be nice someday, but this'll do in the meantime. :)

Now for an intervalometer. Does anyone know if Opteka offers a lower-priced battery grip for the T2i yet?

went the same route, very pleased with the T2i so far

I'm getting mine next week :-) can't wait!!!

Congratulations! The T2i has almost paid for itself (the body only) with stock footage sales I've shot with it and my previous camera.

I recommend you get the LCDVF, which is a viewfinder that attaches to the backside of the camera around the LCD screen (since focusing is essential now that you're shooting with a bigger sensor and therefore a more shallow DOF). Also, if you shoot a lot of handheld shots consider getting some sort of stabilization rig (it can be a hand-made $14 rig or one of those pricier rigs, check B&H photo). The reason being that the CMOS chip does not have image stabilization (but some lenses do, including the stock lens for the camera). Have fun!

..and i got one about a month ago!. I frickin' LOVE the shots I'm getting out of this thing - only challenge is getting my head around the new workflow. urgh. BTW - Here's a great link - http://nofilmschool.com/dslr/. Really helpful for pros and newbies alike.

This battery grip gets high marks for allowing use of either two T2i batteries, or optionally, AA batteries:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BP-550D-Grip-Canon-EOS-550D-Rebel-T2i-BG-E8-/360263843417?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Batteries_Chargers&hash=item53e165fe59

get the t2i. I am ordering on here soon as an extra camera and for my g/f to use.

I'm still real happy with my new backup camera ... 7D ;)

I just bought one. It's a whole new world. Have yet to figure out the workflow on my MacPro. Have the HD program monitor set-up on the blackmagic card for HDV. How can I see these files in real time in HD? Purchased the Canon 50mm 1.8 for under a 100 bucks. Great little working lens. Looking for a good telephoto - as the kit lens included is not satisfactory at all. Bought the Hoodman Cinema Kit for focusing. Much less expensive than the other option. If you buy make sure to get the Hoodloupe attachment ring bracket for attaching to the camera, as the straps are not a real working option.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU


http://www.hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1017

Smudlack, for a good nicely-priced telephoto, I would highly recommend the Canon 70-200 f4 (L-series). Unless you're looking for something longer. For under $600, (no IS), it has produced some great results on my 7D.