What do I really need?

[Daniel Browning]

Welcome to the forum!

you are stranded on an island but with a digital camera body and a lens... What would it be?

I'd probably go with 1Ds3 + 28-300 L IS.

Are we too consumed with peripheral details of variety in lenses and bodies?

I don't think so.

I would appreciate any advice and suggestions as to the relevance of early series bodies e.g. 10, 20D and 50mmf1-8 type configurations and their relevance today.

I don't understand your comment here. The 10D and 50mm f/1.8 are still "relevant" today, in my opinion.

I'd want theEF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM Lens
- it's got the largest-diameter front element of any Canon lens, which
would be useful to signal passing rescue aircraft, and it's 3' length
and 36 pound weight would make a useful club to fend off inimical
wildlife such as polar bears or Komodo dragons.

Awesome post! []