saparoo Loc: Atlanta, GA

I have the Sony a6000 with the Tamron 18-200, which is smaller than the Sony 18-200. Researched the two and decided on the Tamron. Just went to Canada, Banff and Jasper NP, and it was perfect! I love this combination.

DanielJDLM

Bridge type camera is the way to go
On my humble opinion. I use a first generation Nikon P510 as a back up to mynNikon DSLR. Optical zoom from 24-1000, with 5-way image stabilization. MUCH newer models out there..as many have said, get to a camera store and try them out...Canon or Nikon, you won't be sorry.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The Sony RX10III is a GOOD fit for you if you can afford it.

RustyM

I think the suggestion to consider a bridge camera, like the Sony DSC RX10 III, is a good one. I would also consider the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000, which is in the same class, and it's successor, the FZ2500. I have the FZ1000 and like it very much. The Panasonics might be a little cheaper.

MtnMan Loc: ID

You can get a refurbished Sony 6000 for a lot less. It will give same performance.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I would take my Sony A6000 with the kit zoom lens. takes great pictures, easy to carry and will not break the bank.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

My wife has a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ300 and it takes incredible photos and has a great soon. All in auto, the focus is incredible. On the other hand i am a Nikon guy and shoot with a Nikon D810 but it is probably too much camera for what you are doing. I would suggest the Nikon D500 with the 70-300 as a walk around and maybe a Sigma or Tamron 150-500mm

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

One combo worth considering is the Panasonic GX8 and the newly reworked 100-300 mm lens with the dual IS system. That lens has just been released or will be imminently. It would be a light combo that would get you out to 600 mm (35 mm equiv). The Gx8 has wonderful 4K video, and touch screen focusing. The menu system is fairly intuitive. The camera is compact without being too compact, has a decent grip. It has been out long enough you should be able to find used or refurb. Then there is always the Panasonic/Leica 100-400 mm lens...
Or you could spring for the new Panasonic GH5 if video trumps-

TMcD Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I'll have to speak up for the Olympus crowd. The EM1 Mk 2 is an incredible camera that seems to cover the requirements you have mentioned. The image stabilization alone is reason enough to consider this marvelous camera. Coupled with the 12-100mm f/4 lens (24 to 200mm equivalent field of view) provides a compact and extremely versatile system. Add a fast prime if you anticipate low light, moving subject situations and the Leica/Panasonic 100-400mm (200-800mm equiv) and you have a compact system capable of taking top notch images for just about every situation. Additionally, the stabilization makes for outstanding video quality. Certainly an option to consider.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Does the Leica/Panasonic 100-400 mm lens play well with the Olympus EM1 Mk 2? I own that lens but use it with the Panasonic Gx8. The lens is great but it is not a low light lens by any means. I guess that would not be a problem in Africa unless you find yourself shooting in the shade.

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

You are facing approximately what I faced about six months ago. While I have a lot of DSLR's that take great pictures, I was looking for a smaller camera that would do both pics up to about 8x10 and video. Also have a full inventory of manual controls when I wanted to control everything, as well as auto when I don't. And took a variety of lens. For years, I had ignored the micro four thirds crowd. Seemed to me to be going in the wrong direction. But some aspects of the MFT idea started to appeal to me. The more I looked, the better I liked. Olympus and Panasonic are the main players in this group but there are others too. You will find a seasoned group of cameras and lenses to choose from. Shooting animals at a distance is a MFT's advantage because of the 2x crop factor. A 200mm lens is a 400mm lens (35mm perspective), etc. The cost of these tele lens are quite reasonable and way cheaper than dslr lenses, and I might add way lighter. These cameras and lenses have good in camera and lens shake control. In the normal and wide angle range of lens, you will find many choices with f stops below f2. Then the video. I have found a DSLR is not the camera for video. The Panasonics and Olympus' use an electronic view finder and are mirrorless. Much better than trying to look at a 3" screen on the back of the camera in broad daylight. And for run and shoot, not nearly as cumbersome as attaching a large 4" or 5" video screen with a hood. They shoot 4K too. I have had great success buying used through KEH and the British source mpb. So you can assemble a pretty good selection of cameras and lenses for a quite nominal price that way. Just a suggestion that worked for me, but it is up to you how you manage it. Hope you make a good selection.

TMcD Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I have had some very nice results with the Leica/Panasonic 100-400mm on my Oly Em1 Mk2. However, I do find the zoom action on the lens considerably stiffer and "notchy" compared to my Olympus and Canon L zooms (I also use a Canon 5D MkIV). The action has loosened up a bit but it still doesn't compare to the buttery feel of the Olympus and Canon zooms. The 100-400 I find to be a bit soft at 400mm, but backing off just a tiny bit, say to 385mm sharpens things up nicely. My experience has been that the in-body stabilization and the in-lens stabilization provide about the same results. They do not combine to offer even greater advantage like the Oly 12-100 f/4 does. I shoot mostly hand-held with this lens and it continually amazes me that I can get such sharp results hand holding a lens with this extreme field of view. I'll admit that I suffered a little buyer's remorse immediately after this purchase, but now that I have adapted my technique to accommodate the lens characteristics, I am happy with the lens and the results I'm getting with it. I agree that it is not the fastest lens around, and if one were comfortable shooting at a fixed focal length, the Olympus 300mm with a teleconverter might be a better choice.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

For IS, get the a6500 and native Sony lenses with OSS, you won't be disappointed
Have fun! (I use the the 18-105 too. It's a 24-150 equivalent.)
Welcome to UHH

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I doubt changing cameras will help!

It seems to me no one is addressing your concern. You emphasized disappointment with a bridge camera, especially because of shake at full zoom. You didn't mention other disappointments with it. Welcome to reality. I use a Canon SX50 HS and if your camera is similar, at full zoom (I think 1200mm equiv on the SX50) any camera will be hard to hand hold, even with stabilization. PRACTICE before you go! Try using a fast shutter speed, 1/1000 Sec is a good start. If necessary, set ISO to Auto. Then PRACTICE some more.

crappiefever Loc: Central Pa

My first question is how much are you willing to spend ?