I want a digital camera, good for taking sharp, HD pictures of pets, wildlife and sports, but good for other photos, like portraits, as well. I'd prefer for it to be under $500, can be used. I'd like a specific camera, but just specs for what I need would be great too. I'd like it to have really good focus, and a very fast shutter speed. I'm new to photography so I don't know what I'd need. Thanks!

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Panasonic FZ1000. It has huge zoom and shoots 11 frames per second which is blazing fast. You can't use a DSLR because the lenses required to shoot wildlife would be far too expensive

The Canon Powershot range is pretty good .. The Canon Powershot SX30IS at US$430 (RRP) could be considered as it has all the specs you need. It has a tilt-able LCD screen which is great to use if you are shooting low angle shots or movies which is something you probably need to do when shooting small animals. Here's the specs: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx30_is A slightly more-than-you-required-specs camera will be the Canon G12. This is their top end camera, still with US$500. It has all the bells and whistles. Check out if you really need the extra features. If not the SX30IS will meet your need at a lower cost. http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_g12 Added: If you are looking at a budget of AUD$500 than the above may be above that depending on the market price. You may have to settle for those with non-tiltable screen in the IXUS range. They are still have great specs.

i know i've said this before, but if you're going to be investing $500 into a camera you'd be better off going a bit over budget and getting a good beginner DSLR for around $550. these include the Nikon D3000 or D3100 and the Canon Rebel series.