Two blondes putting petrol into their cars. One says "Isn't it terrible how petrol is so expensive nowadays?"
Other blonde replies, "It never affects me, I only ever put £10 worth in at a time."
Try the Panasonic TZ 70 (latest model) or its predecessor the TZ60. The 60 is highly praised as a compact travel camera - 24 to 720 (I think) zoom, RAW capable and pocketable
I had the same quandary last year. Fed up with the weight of the D600 and lenses I decided to switch to CCS and my choice narrowed down to the same as yours. However, I went for the Oympus E-M1, particularly for the in-body stabilisation which meant I could use the OM Zuiko lenses I had from my long spell with OM bodies. Enjoying using it, even though E-M1 owners seem to be quite scarce at the moment.
Stick to 4:3. That way you are using all the pixels available on your sensor and so have the maximum choice for cropping at the process stage.
I had the same trouble with my 18-200 Nikon, zoom creep.
Had to keep hold of the lens when moving around to prevent it zooming out. This was the only problem with the lens as it gave some nice images. Nikon really need to either tighten up the mechanism or fit a zoom lock on it.
I get really annoyed at "nuclear" pronounced as "new-kew-ler" as well as news and weather people talking about "hot" or "cold" temperatures. Still...
I too discovered steam punk (as an observer only I hasten to add) last year and as a genre they offer a great deal of shutter fodder! They are also great people to talk to and very willing to be photographed.
What about Gordale Scar with the limestone pavement above it, Brimham Rocks, Whitby, any or all of the ruined abbeys? Whichever you choose have a good time!
Very glad to read your comment about the E-M10, I've just bought the E-M1after a lot of consideration and comparing notes. It was a toss up between that and the Fuji XT1 but the body based IS system of the Olympus swayed it for me. Now to find time to get out and use it!
Try the Panasonic TZ60. 24-720 mm zoom (35 mm equivalent) GPS and Wi-Fi enabled. Shoots RAW files AND it has a viewfinder!
I have a Panasonic FZ200 and am well pleased with it. Having taken it into the camera club I belong to there are now two other members who have bought one and are using them almost exclusively. I admit that I prefer the Nikon D600 but the weight, zoom range and that f/2.8 over the whole zoom range are distinct advantages when it comes to travelling light. Go ahead, get one, I doubt you will be disappointed!
They provide an alternative way of zooming the lens, rather than using the switch on the top plate.
I have a D600 and the 28-300 is the main lens I use. It meets most of my purposes generally, being changed to an 18-35 for a wider view or a 105 macro for a closer one. OK, the lens is not perfect but that applies to any 10+ times zoom. Using the lens distortion correction facility in software helps. As a carry round all day lens it is great!
What about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200? 24-600mm (35mm equivalent) lens at f/2.8 throughout the range of its Leica DC vario-elmarit lens. Fully articulated screen and it shoots RAW if you want it.
Must still be available, I have the complete set and I downloaded an upgrade two nights ago. Keep hunting, it's superb!