My new 10-22 just survived a fall. It was attached to the tripod and I was moving the tripod to an other location, it was as if it just jumped off of the tripod! On reflection it can't have been latched in correctly. I had the ball head tilted 90deg as I was taking shots of the morning sun on gum trees. This meant there was extra stress on the QR plate to start with.
I think the side of the 300d took most of the impact. No apparent damage or focusing troubles. Before and after shots look much the same. Focus & Zoom rings are still smooth, no strange noises. I tested it at a few zoom ranges after the fall, but not exhaustively.
Lessons Learnt
1. ALWAYS use the lock on the quick release plate.
2. Don't move the camera and tripod as one if it can be avoided.
3. The camera has a neck strap - use it also.
