Daytime is not too big a problem for a budget camera; a superzoom like the (discontinued) S3 will do okay as far as focal length and exposure is concerned. It will lack the shot-to-shot and continuous speed of a DSLR. Image stabilization is not really important for sports. Stabilization is for eliminating blur from shaky hands and low shutter speed, but for good sports photography you need a high shutter speed.
Indoors or at night is where a cheap camera won't do. They do not have large enough sensors or bright enough lenses at telephoto lengths to get a good exposure. Even $600 isn't enough...a wide aperture telephoto zoom lens alone is $2000. You either need to get much closer, where you can use less expensive wide aperture prime lenses, or accept that you cannott get good photos.
Looking for advice on the best camera to shoot son during sporting events (soccer, basketball, etc.) -- want great resolution from the stands or sidelines without complicated operations. Feeling like I need to go to an SLR for the lens but know I don't want to have to spend a lot of time learning how to use the camera, have manage settings with every shot, etc. Fast shooting, image stabilization would be important... also with great video quality with ability to zoom too. Would love to be able to spend $600 or under if possible... Would love any recommendations.. have also read about the Canon PowerShot S3 IS... good choice? Something else better?

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