If what you primarily want is a way to record video, then you'd be better off shopping for a video camera.
A DSLR camera is primarily a photographic (still) camera that happens to have some capabilities to do video ... but not quite as well as a true video camera.
Higher end models support Dual-Pixel CMOS AF (auto-focus) which allows fairly good/accurate and smooth focus tracking of subjects while shooting video. But in the Rebel line, only the new T7i has that feature (though some other Rebels have earlier generations of that technology that aren't quite as good).
But the T7i is the most recent of the Rebel line and as such it will be the most expensive Rebel. This may not fit your budget needs. You can shop the Canon online store which has a refurbished section to see what deals they might have.
Canon introduces a new Rebel nearly every year. Each model is usually an interation on the previous model ... a few tweaks but usually nothing really significant. The T7i, however, is probably the biggest jump w.r.t. improvements. It's significantly better than it's previous generation and has a much better sensor, much better focus system (many more AF points and also it's the first Rebel body to finally get true Dual-Pixel CMOS AF), etc. as it's starting to get standard features that were previously only available in mid-range or higher-end models.
The ports are always on the left side of the camera for virtually every Canon DSLR I have ever used. The memory card door is on the right. So I'm not sure what you did not like about the T6i's ports ... because they look almost identical to the T5i's ports and the T7i's ports. The T6 (note this is _not_ the same as a T6i) is meant to be a much more economical model and lacks many features of it's bigger siblings. Whereas a T6i has a USB port & HDMI port under one dust cover, and a remote shutter-release port and mic-input port under another dust cover, the T6 lacks a mic-input port and puts the remaining three ports under just one dust cover. If you plan to do a lot of video, you'll probably want a mic-input port because this allows you to connect a much better audio mic ... such as a Rode VideoMic.
The articulated LCD is primarily an advantage for video. There are a few occasions where it's handy for still photography ... but most still photos are shot via putting the camera to your face and looking through the viewfinder (this method is strongly encouraged because the camera has a much faster focusing system it can use in this mode; it's a more stable way to hold the camera (less camera shake is likely); and more responsive.)
Naturally there's a reason these higher end models cost more... you'll need to balance your needs with your budget.
Tim Campbell
5D III, 5D IV, 60Da
