analogman

After careful deliberation I have decided to give up all my Nikon DSLR equipment, totally. I would like to purchase a camera that is smaller, with dedicated lens that has an approximate range of 18 to 200mm with adequate aperture, is easy to use and takes good photos. I understand this is asking a lot. Any suggestions?
Thank you for your time.

shackcf

Checkout Nikon's Coolpix line.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You might have to buy that 18-200mm lens. On the other hand, some compacts come with a non-changeable lens with a good focal range. Let me take a look.

The links below are not from today, but sites usually update what they show. For example, the 2016 listing below actually shows cameras from 2017, so it's still out of date. I looked and added some new links at the top.

This should offer some ideas - compact cameras with a long zoom.
https://www.cameralabs.com/best-superzoom-camera/
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-best-enthusiast-long-zoom-cameras
https://www.apotelyt.com/camera-guide/best-superzoom
https://www.pocket-lint.com/cameras/buyers-guides/154934-best-compact-cameras
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-superzoom-camera/
https://www.t3.com/features/best-compact-cameras
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-travel-camera
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-superzoom-camera/

How about a bridge camera?
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-bridge-camera
https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/best-bridge-cameras/
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/348745/the-best-bridge-cameras
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-bridge-cameras,review-2212.html (You will have to copy and paste this URL. The comma near the end confuses it.)

ELNikkor

You don't mention the reason for your need to abandon Nikon's excellent DSLRs. Is it because you want mirrorless? (A Nikon D5300-D5600, or D7500 with an 18-200 would be lightweight DSLR's and give excellent results.) The Nikon Z50 is an excellent mirrorless camera which could use an 18-200 lens with an adapter.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

What are you giving up, why are you giving it up, and what capability and functionality are you hoping to retain?

My dad is 95. He shot Minolta SLRs for 40 years or more. When digital came along, he bought a point and shoot (about 15 years ago). He's had 6 different cameras over those 15 years. Hasn't ever found one he really likes, even though his requirements are pretty basic. Mostly posed and candid shots of relatives. He just likes shopping and finding "deals" on cameras.

So the answer could range from a very specific suggestion to a response of "it doesn't really matter."

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

The best choice is probably a bridge camera. Since you ask for a zoom range to an equiv of 200mm, one with a 1" sensor (or micro four thirds - MFT) is indicated. As for a 1" type, the Sony DSC-RX10 iv is very good and expensive. The Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II has similar specs for less. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 has slightly more zoom range than the 1000.

I am not aware of an MFT bridge camera with a 200mm zoom and with a viewfinder, a feature most helpful out in broad daylight.

Compare specs on those 3 here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Panasonic_DC-FZ1000_II_vs_Panasonic_DMC-FZ2500_vs_Sony_DSC-RX10_IV/BHitems/1460257-REG_1280827-REG_1361560-REG

There are a couple of models that are pocketable (some with large pockets only) with a 1" sensor and zoom of at least 200 (equiv) such as the Sony DSC-RX100 VII Digital Camera, the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 Digital Camera or with a slightly less zoom the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 Digital Camera. All these have weaker flashes than the larger models.

Compare these here :
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Sony_DSC-RX100_VII_vs_Panasonic_DC-ZS200_vs_Panasonic_DMC-ZS100/BHitems/1496248-REG_1389450-REG_1213207-REG

Bob Smith Loc: Banjarmasin

Fuji XS-10 with the 18-135 lens

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

I suggest Olympus O-MD E-M series with their 14-150mm lens - I assume your 18-200mm was APS-C or Nikon DX

DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA

Let me know when you decide to sell you Nikon gear.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

You make a very good point. I use my D3400 with an 18-200 lens. Camera weighs as much as a Z50 and I can use all AF-S lenses and third party
also.

david vt Loc: Vermont

It’s difficult to make specific recommendations as a) not sure what you want to use the camera for as your primary subject matter (Grandkids playing very different than birds in flight), b) why the DSLR equipment no longer works for this purpose - ie what are you looking to gain or avoid, and c) any other must-have requirements that you need. It would help the team here narrow their recommendations.

That said, you do have some specifics above. As an option that *might* fit your needs, I have, as an addition to my DSLR gear, acquired a Sony RX100M7, which has a really good wide range zoom, fits in a pocket (albeit a big pocket!), has IBIS and several other nice features. I wanted a more simple “point and shoot” that I could use when I could not carry the big guns, and as a supplement when wanting quick “candid” snapshots, but ones that were much better than my cell phone.

The only two downsides, for my needs, are it was not waterproof (trade-off to have a real viewfinder and mechanical zoom) and I find the menu system complicated compared to my D7200 and not as intuitive, though it is just a matter of straight memorization, no aided by the fact that it still not my primary camera. YMMV.

Again, hard to make specific recommendations with knowing more, but Sony (in the RX10 or RX100) line might have something that you may like.

Good luck with your journey

Jtittsworth Loc: Tampa

Sony RX10IV. I just ditched all my Nikon and purchased the Sony. So far, no regrets.

Lastcastmike

Sony RX10 M4. I’ve had mine for 3 years and I no longer use all my Nikon equipment.

paul77e

Canon G7X...

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I've always liked my Panasonic FZ18 with it's 28-504mm optical zoom. It takes good pictures and is fun to use. I was about to replace it with a more expensive Panasonic when the wife bought me a Nikon D5200 one Xmas. The zoom lens on the Panasonic was a real treat, and amazingly easy and fun to use. Do look at Panasonic offerings before committing to anything. There is a LOT to be said about a big zoom on a small, lightweight camera that takes good pictures, and Panasonic didn't leave anything out when packing this camera with features. It did all the things the Nikon does and some of them better, and no need to carry around multiple lenses and all that. Here is a SOOC example of what that old camera could do. I would suspect new, more expensive models could do even better.

Panasonic FZ18

(Download)