Many great options to choose from. The Sony RX10 series is very nice but takes some time to get familiar with it. The Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 is equal to the Sony IMHO and much more intuitive and easier to use. Also, the Lumix is at least 1/2 the price. Usually $500-600 for the Lumix and $1,300-1600 for the Sony. You can compare these and others at dpreview.com or at B&H or Adorama. There are some cameras with extreme zoom capabilities but if photos are hand held, etc. your wife may be more comfortable with a zoom of 800 or less if most shots are to be taken with minor settings adjustments or in auto.

B&H are great to work with and you should have no problems with them. The low light and larger sensor can be game breakers considering a do-it-all in one package. Good Luck.

Depends on the mood you are satisfied with. I personally like the storm scene but the watermark is distracting. The photo with no rain is somewhat uninspiring in comparison for a sort of coastal-look.

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS70 is a performer and menus are intuitive. You can start shooting right out of the box. The zoom is great. If you expand your budget, the Canon G7X MK II has a much larger sensor (1”), a little more compact and the faster lens is great for low light shots. Both have great features but the IQ of the Canon is better IMHO. Have a great trip.

Would try to find a Leica C Type 112. Awesome little P&S. Prices are all over the board but can be found in the $600-800 range. Compact, classy looking, lightweight, sleek, and 200mm zoom. Excellent Leica glass.

Be sure to visit the Hunley Project a few miles from the Historic District at North Charleston. It is the Civil War submarine being restored by Clemson University. Amazing story, inexpensive and a good 1-2 hour tour.

Charleston has abundant photo ops as you are hearing. We were there last year and happened upon a great venue—The Hunley Project, 1250 Supply St, North Charleston (short drive from the Historical District). The Hunley is a Civil War submarine recently discovered in the bay and being restored by Clemson University. The sub is on display and photos are allowed. They have tours and open up an amazing story. A don’t miss in my opinion. The different plantations are also great to visit. Also, a destination for great food. Enjoy.

Tried both and settled on the Canon because of IQ and the sharper/faster lens. I often need the faster lens inside buildings, museums, street photography, etc. where sometimes flash is not allowed more than I need the extra zoom. Both are excellent cameras IMO.

Awesome photos of a great place. Was there 3 weeks ago for great display of tulips. Very impressed with their culinary delights at some of the Mom and Pop restaurants, too. Was surprised that there are only a couple bath houses operating but the Buckstaff was worth the visit. Great history.

Canon G7X MK II is great and the larger body Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 Bridge Camea is an awesome 1” with great zoom if you need more than the Canon provides.

Wonderful captures of mood, expressions, and time. Would appreciate knowing your gear and settings. Thank you for a great post.

Many photo ops, including Silver Dollar City, but one of the best is at Big Cedar Lodge (owned by Bass Pro Shop) which is next to Branson and worth the short 7-8 minute drive. At Big Cedar you can tour “Top of The Rock” which is a nice walking trail through beautiful country with small and open walkable caves and many waterfalls and some bridges. Also have ability to utilize a golf cart which seats up to 4-6 and cover the entire area, including inside and through the caves. The caves are clean beautiful and in no way claustrophobic. Also nice restaurants with great views overlooking the valleys, etc.
The artists at Branson Shows vary by date and venue. Check the websites for schedules. Most performers do provide personal photo ops at the end of their shows. Check a site “Up Close Concerts” which schedules many quality performers throughout the year and does not often show up on the regular Branson Tourism sites. The Sight & Sound Theatre has great shows and is a nice venue. The Landing is on the river and has a very nice water show throughout the day but looks very good at night and is next to dining and shopping.
Chateau on The Lake is a very nice Hotel at Branson in the hills on the lakeshore that provides good photo ops and is a good subject shot from a short distance. Very enjoyable area.

Many photo ops, including Silver Dollar City, but one of the best is at Big Cedar Lodge (owned by Bass Pro Shop) which is next to Branson and worth the short 7-8 minute drive. At Big Cedar you can tour “Top of The Rock” which is a nice walking trail through beautiful country with small and open walkable caves and many waterfalls and some bridges. Also have ability to utilize a golf cart which seats up to 4-6 and cover the entire area, including inside and through the caves. The caves are clean beautiful and in no way claustrophobic. Also nice restaurants with great views overlooking the valleys, etc.
The artists at Branson Shows vary by date and venue. Check the websites for schedules. Most performers do provide personal photo ops at the end of their shows. Check a site “Up Close Concerts” which schedules many quality performers throughout the year and does not often show up on the regular Branson Tourism sites. The Sight & Sound Theatre has great shows and is a nice venue. The Landing is on the river and has a very nice water show throughout the day but looks very good at night and is next to dining and shopping.
Chateau on The Lake is a very nice Hotel at Branson in the hills on the lakeshore that provides good photo ops and is a good subject shot from a short distance. Very enjoyable area.

Perhaps a Black Vulture with red feeding residue on his beak. Turkey Vultures have more of a full red head than what can be observed in the example.

Have owned the G7X MK II for over a year and am extremely satisfied with it. I have become very adept at not needing a viewfinder. The screen is very functional. The sensor and low light features/capabilities on it are great, thus excellent IQ. Never use the DSLR anymore. Great optics and intuitive menus. Great for travel.