Not the world's best but a Best Buy

This is probably the smallest SLR-style P&S on the market, and it gives you top-notch P&S performance, not SLR performance, which could cost thousands rather than the $300 or so this costs. The Leica-designed 35-420mm zoom lens is a gem and gives you the performance you want for sports, especially when combined with the burst feature. Its shot-to-shot speed is most useful not only for sports but any action shot, like trying to get pictures of hyperactive kids. I find most useful for me for nature shots, where that long lens really helps, and for just snapshooting at the beach, at parties, around the neighborhood, etc, where its size and handling stand out. But remember, it's a P&S and doesn't have the manual controls pros and advanced photographers usually want.