M43, Canon SX40 or 18-200mm lens???

[BackBayBiloxi]

Here's my dilemma; I have a Nikon D3100 and the 18-55mm lens and the 55-200mm lens but it always seems I have on the wrong lens at the wrong time and I'm tired of toting all that around. I've considered getting one of the 18-200mm lenses but my understanding is I'll sacrifice some image quality as opposed to the two lens system. Someone on these forums posted an option that makes a lot of sense...carry two cameras! For less than what the 18-200 would cost I could buy a small mirrorless camera with a 14-42mm and I could leave the 55-200 on the D3100 and be ready for anything. I know I'd still be carrying about the same amount of gear but I could avoid the lens changes plus it'd be fun to explore the M43 world. Another option is a Canon SX40. I could carry one camera that would do it all and then some. With a 24-840mm equivalent lens I'd be prepared for everything plus there's no worry about dirt and dust from lens changes. The SX40's small sensor size is a negative but I've seen some fantastic looking shots on these forums made with this camera. So in summation my questions are:


Should I get an 18-200mm lens for my D3100?


Should I get a small mirrorless (M43) camera AND a 14-42mm lens for less than just the 18-200mm lens?


Should I get an SX40 with it's HUGE zoom range and ignore the small sensor?


Right now I'm leaning towards the M43 with a 14-24mm lens unless I get some compelling reasons to do otherwise. Thanks for your input and opinions.

[TCav]

Adorama has the Nikon 18-200 VR II for $847.

Adorama has the Sigma 18-200 OS II for $399.

Adorama has a refurbished D3100 with a 18-55 VR lens for $419.

Buy the refurbished D3100 for almost the same price as the Sigma 18-200, and you'll have better image quality and a spare kit lens. Or sell the extra kit lens and come out ahead.