Need help with deciding, some questions

Hi, great looking forum you have here! :)

I know absolutely nothing about cameras, so I was wondering if you could give me some input on what would be the ebst camera for me?

Here's what I need:

1) I need a camera that can take action shots. I will be doing a lot of photos at sports activities, such as off-road motorcycle races. Am I correct in saying that I will need a faster shutter speed? If so, what do you think would be the minimum shutter speed for this type of photography? Would 1/1700 be ok, or would I need more?

2) need it to also take good quality pictures, as ALL of my photos will be on-line (website). I dont really ever need to print photos out, and I dont need it to take movies at all since I have a digital video camera already.

3) I want to spend between $200-$500. I've had my eye on the Kodak EasyShare models, but not sure if the shutter would be fast enough. I've also thought about the Nikon 5400, which seems to have a VERY fast shutter speed if I read it correctly. I also like some of the Canons, but they dont seem to have as fast a shutter speed as the Nikon.


Anyway, I would REALLY appreciate ANY input you guys could give me, since I have no clue what to get. Thanks for any help! :)

If you can wait a bit before you hurry, and if you don't mind buying an unknown "brand" name. I'd recommand you for me to recieve my Ezonics camera, as it has just about all features and more of a high brand camera (check my post below yours) and I found it for 125$ with free delivery in the US!

Let me know what you end-up getting. I too am planning on action shots, and after reading the user reviews, I have no idea what to get -- they all seem to be poor. I was planning on getting an Olympus C-5060 but read too many bad things about it.

I will be getting the Ezonics EZ-889 camera, i'm just waiting it to arrive in the mail now. I've come to the conclusion that the more you pay on a camera, the more likely you will be disappointed and see the price doesn't mean quality or features.

I Suggest you check out my threat and read the details of the camera i'm getting and see if it even fits what you need, atleast in the "technical" aspect of it ;-)