I'm an amateur photographer who is retired in Texas. Before I retired, I began taking vacation trips by motorcycle. Since space is at a premium even on a touring bike (H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic), I just carried (and still have) a Canon SuperShot SD600 Digital Elph. It's smaller than a pack of cigarettes but its 3X optical zoom worked well at the time. This was my last bike, a 2008 model.
Several years after retiring, my back informed me in no uncertain terms that long distance motorcycle riding was no longer an option. Undeterred, I've acquired a series of surprisingly comfortable two seat roadsters (Miata MX-5) and have continued to take road trips. It has a small trunk but it definitely has the room to carry larger gear. The latest one is a 2016 model
Along the way, I found that I enjoyed photographing wildlife and seascapes, particularly lighthouses. First I acquired a Coolpix P530 (42X optical zoom). I eventually gifted it to a family member when I concluded that I wanted more zoom. I bought a Coolpix B700 (60X optical zoom) to scratch that itch and as a bonus got an articulating screen and RAW capability. It's a excellent camera that I've used to get some great shots of birds in flight, for example. Last year, while on a summer visit to the Pacific Northwest with the B700, I saw the announcement for the Coolpix P1000 (125X optical zoom. Are you kidding me?). Want overtook need so I bought one and I'm very happy that I did. While it's large and heavy relative to my other cameras, handling it really isn't an issue. I carry it on a BlackRapid strap and it's quick to the eye when a photo opportunity arises. Its IQ looks great to these old eyes.
I figured I was done buying cameras...right up until this January when Nikon announced the Coolpix A1000. It's smaller with less optical zoom (35X) but is loaded with almost every feature embodied in the B700 and P1000 as well as a touch sensitive LCD screen that neither of the others have. I pre-ordered one and took delivery a week ago. Because of its size, it's definitely a different experience. I've taken about 150 images with it so far. Right now, I think it will be what I'll carry when zoom isn't paramount but I still want an actual camera (vs a phone) available to capture targets of opportunity. Here are the family photos.