Is the 7D the lowest model in the Canon lineup for wildlife/sports

You won't regret it. There are no bad cameras in the Canon stable right now. From an image quality standpoint, the 7D, 60D, and T(2/3/4)i are effectively identical. Sure, they're about to announce something new - but they are ALWAYS about to announce something new.

The T4i with good glass will allow you to make images you can be proud of under virtually any "normal" conditions.

Enjoy!

--
- Woody -
Equipment: Enough. For now.
Quote: 'The only thing some people will believe is their own eyes. But in the realm of the quality of a printed image, is there really anything else that can be believed? '