critofur

There are "Active" USB extension cables. I have a couple of this type:

http://www.amazon.com/USB-2-0-Active-Extension-Cable/dp/B0006V5LB6/

If you look around I think you can find them for about $16 online.

I bought mine because I wanted to mount some USB cameras outside my house as "security" cameras, but they'd be good for your application also.

I should be getting my Rebel XT within a week. I picked up a Micro Center 2GB CF card for $19, the clerk said it's 120X. I have no reason to believe it won't last long or be reliable. This has become a (really) mass produced product and I bet they have the production methods pretty much refined by now to produce them: fast, reliable, cheap, and in HUGE quantities. Anyway, if I do have any issues I shall promptly post a message about it here!

I assume that SD/CF etc. all use the same actual memory chips, and I would also guess that not that many different companies make the flash memory, so the chips in the MC modules could be the same manufacturer as "premium" brands.

To all you 5D snobs, will anyone deny that the XT can deliver beautiful perfect shots? And isn't that what matters MOST in a camera?

If I could afford it I would like the larger brighter viewfinder, the FF sensor, and lower noise high ISO (perhaps that more than any other single feature).

But I think any kind of car analogy is poor. Either car will get you where you're going but it's not the case that either camera will JUST get you a picture. The XT is fully capable of producing stunning, flawless, beautiful shots.

Yes, the 5D has improved features, but the XT is not junk.

From the Mack website:

What happens if the product cannot be repaired?

If the unit can not be repaired by Mack Camera or the Manufacturer for manufacturer defects, replacement will be made with the same or an equivalent model based on its' current market value at our discretion.

"misuse" because of scratches? Don't accept that for one minute! It's commonly known that even your fingernails will leave marks just from holding cameras with that "engineering" plastic on the outside. That's the most common complaint about Rebel XT owners, for instance, how easily it scratches. Take them to small claims court, if they don't show up you win automatically (I think, I am not a lawyer).

If there is a DENT on a camera body maybe that indicates possible "misuse/abuse" but scratches? No.

The long turnaround time is really irritating though, I wonder what we can do about that, wonder what laws there are in regard to "reasonable" repair times for warranty service. I know there area "lemon" laws where if it takes three times to fix it they have to just give you a NEW one.