What is a good camera?

I am looking into cameras that take good motion shots. So one that you can adjust the shutter speed with. I want a camera that i can use during the day and at night and still take nice pictures, even with the help of a tripod. I also want a camera where you it can take very close up pictures and far away ones too, so one with good optical zoom not digital. I was actually thinking about getting the dslr cameras but i looked into them, and yes they are good cameras but the prices run very high and i dont think its necessary to buy a bulky camera with all the things i want when i can find it in something smaller and cheaper. so if anyone can help me decide what camera to look up and possibly buy that would be great. :)