mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Check out Olympus OMD cameras. The e-m5 Mark II might suit you to a tee. Olympus 5-axis in camera stabilization is phenomenal, in my view. It has a viewfinder that activates when you hold the camera to your eye. It’s also weather sealed and Olympus offers a wide variety of lenses. This would also meet your price point, especially if you went the refurbished route. It is much smaller and lightweight than a DSLR. I paired mine with the 14-150mm II lens which is also weather sealed.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

For a zoom with good quality output, look at the Nikon P1000. Someone posted a set of beautiful pictures here a couple of day ago. It's definitely not a small camera, but it definitely has reach.

I use a Sony a6000 when I need something small, but I prefer a DSLR. Small cameras have small buttons crowded into a small space - something to consider.

Comparison sites -

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

jtwind

I've got lots of cameras, full frame and crop sensors sony's, a fuji x100f, sony rx10mk3, sony rx100mk5, and others if I had to have just one it would be the rx10mk3 or the new mk4 version, just a quality easy to use machine, the 25-600 zoom is great, just hard to beat as an all around camera.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Try Precision Camera in Austin, Tx they will have what you need and can advise also.... as distances go your not that far away.....as in Texas that's close by..!!!!!! hrs if that ......make a day trip out of it....they also sell used cameras also.....

Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida

Seriously - take a look at the new Fuji XT3.

bw79st Loc: New York City

I like m4/3 cameras. I use an Olympus E-M1 MkII but that's not really that small. Every day I carry an E-PL7 in my coat pocket. I was using the Oly 14-42mm EZ lens but recently tried out my Lumix 14-45mm which is larger but it still fits in a coat pocket. I know an Oly Pen camera doesn't have a view finder, which is one of your requirements. What I plan to do is wait for the Pen-F (with view finder) to come down in price and I will pounce! The Lumix 14-45mm is a very good lens and a great match to the Pen series cameras.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

You have computer access so go to You Tube and view the various videos about specific models that interest you and see what others have discovered about a given device. We never tire of videos and critiques on hot subjects and you never have to leave your comfortable chair.

This blog has thousands of testimonials to cameras & gear ....out the Gazoooo...HAVE AT IT !

Good luck sir.

Jimbo

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I would look to micro 4/3 . Both Panasonic and Olympus have nice cameras. The exact model depends on your specific use. I bought a PEN F because it allows me to use a wired cable release (both mechanical and electronic). There is also a cell phone app to do this. Olympus also has nice macro lenses. I also have a Nikon there are areas where each camera excels and a a huge overlap. Rob Trek has a lot of youtube videos on Olympus cameras.

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

Don't overlook the Fuji Finepix series of bridge cameras. Depending upon model they have a fine, bright EVF, long reach, and can be had very inexpensively. I still have the S1500 that I bought as my first step out of point-and-shoot 10 years ago. Still works great and a very good all around camera. I bought a like new one off Craigs List for my granddaughter a few years ago for $40 complete with case and SD card!

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Hello! I always appreciate the advice of many here, when they point out that “one has an investment in a brand” stick with it if you like the Glass. I am the proud owner of some of Pentaxs’ great glass, and you must know, they do have some great glass. I presently own four relatively new PENTAX bodies, not the least of which is my K-1. BUT!! My recommendation to you, for the reasons you stipulated, and the needs for your specific interests ......I think that the PENTAX K-S2 is a fabulous “little” camera, with articulated screen Etc. It really is a darn good LITTLE camera. Get rid of old bodies you aren’t that fond of, and get rid of SOME of your lenses that don’t fit your needs. Personally, I can’t imagine better, or smaller lenses than my 50mm F1.4, or my 35mm Macro, or my 100mm Macro, or my 77mm portrait lens, I won’t go on, but, who’s making anything better in glass? Maybe FUJI, and I have recently acquired an X-T20 and lenses. There (Fuji) is my only OTHER suggestion. If you plan to sell any Pentax stuff, P.M. me, or I will just look-out for Pentax in the Hogg’s Selling section. Good luck. RJM

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Most local camera stores are heavy into the canon &/OR Nikon brand . Costco & sams usually only carry the entry-level cameras, and almost none of the most desirable lenses. If you can find a “local” shop that carries(and not just can order them for you) Fuji, Pentax, Olympus, or Panasonic,Good deal. I have never thought that CANIKON was the only/or BEST way to go. RJM

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Absolutely very good (great) advice! I just recently viewed an hour-long you-tube video about my recent purchase The Fuji x-t20. I have a Nikon p-900, and it’s a sad image processor, indeed. And a clunky body to drag around. Not even good for “spy’s”. Way too big! RJM

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Micro 4/3 (Olympus and Panasonic) would satisfy you except for the 20x super long zoom. The Olympus E-M10 with the 14-150mm lens (28-300 mm equiv.) makes a nice travel package, especially with an across the shoulder strap, but that's only 11x. However, if you don't expect to make large prints and for viewing on a computer monitor or tv the camera has a 2x, in-camera digital crop that gives you a 22x max. A single lens with a 20x optical zoom has a lot of optical compromises. The Micro 4/3 may give you better quality for 99% of your photography and possibly even using the digital crop when needed. If the optical long zoom is important to you it would be a good idea to check out the difference of the two approaches in a camera store.

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Attached is a photo using the Olympus with the 14-150mm,II and a 2x digital crop.

(Download)

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Even better yet, come March they will be releasing the 12-200mm (24-400mm equiv.)
https://www.43rumors.com/ft5-this-is-the-first-image-of-the-new-olympus-12-200mm-lens/