Sorry you're having problems with yours but this is the second one I've used -- plus I've talked with two of the rental companies about the 7D's reliability -- and I've experienced no issues and the companies maintain that it is as reliable as every other camera they carry. Which is not to say you can't get a bad one. However, I've found that with focus, you have to be absolutely sure what you're focusing on and use the "Spot AF" and the proper focus point whenever possible. But, since I usually focus with just the central focus point, that's not an issue.

As I said, there are bad samples of every single thing that is manufactured in this world. Sorry you got one of these. Glad mine seems to be working just fine.

Jim