I would love to be able to browse a store for all the camera gear but I live (probably like alot of others) in a relatively rural area....ie no camera shop in town. I would have to drive about 90 miles one way to look through a store. No feasible way to do it without spending a ton of free time on the road,not to mention gas money. On-line shopping is much much easier and in most cases you can't beat the price. As far as service goes I bet most small shops would have to send lenses and cameras back to the manufacturer anyway for any type of significant repair. I've had my 40D and lenses for 2-3 years now with no problems at all....chances of needing service on these well built items is low in my opinion. I'm sure it happens but I'd rather box it up and send it than drive 90 miles to drop it off at a dealer.


Just my two centavos...