Interchangeable lens digital camera? Suggestions?

I'm planning to buy a camera. I was looking at some DSLR's but I don't usually use so many options. All I need is lots of optical zoom and some focussing modes. I also need an tiltable LCD viewfinder and pictures like DSLR quality. Recommendations on which one to buy?

I was looking at Nikon P500 and Sony NEX 5 with 18-55 and 55-200mm lens kit. Camera guru's, suggestions please.

With a dslr there are no cheesy modes that you always find on the pocket toys. These cameras are intended for serious photographers not for "snapping".So if it's modes you want don't buy a dslr.

First, understand, optical zoom depends on the size of lens you mount on the camera, there's no all around super zoom lens, not for dslr cameras.

Second, I always recommend what I own and know - Canon. So I recommend, for the articulated screen, the Rebel t3i = $950 at retail.

The NEX camera, and all EVIL cameras are nothing but over priced, fancy point and shoot cameras with no view finder - ugh! If you want real quality you're going to have to pay for it.

By the way the $950 for the t3i includes a kit lens at 18-55mm. For more lenses - more money.

The Nikon P500 is an upper level bridge camera. It's lens is built in and can't be changed. But it does have a killer zoom. The Sony you can change the lens.
If zoom is important to you, go with the Nikon. If not, the Sony. You can only do so much with 200mm.
Bear in mind the Nikon has a viewfinder you can look through. This is important when shooting outdoors when the LCD screen will become washed out.
What Jim told you pretty much sums it up.

U left the price tag and the level of expertise. All in all a point and shoot with a good zoom range should do. Try the nikon P7001 or even the nikon S8001.

The new Nikon 1 system cameras are interchangeable lens cameras that are more compact than DSLRs

http://aviewfinderdarkly.com.au/2011/10/06/nikon-j1-and-v1-mirrorless-interchangeable-lens-digital-cameras/