Best digital camera for quality images, low light performance and speed?

I'm a beginner so I don't know if I want a DSLR or not.

I need a camera that:
- takes good pictures in low light
- very fast shutter speed (like a DSLR)
- good quality images (like a DSLR)
- pretty good video frame rate for recording sports in low light

Every time someone recommends me an ILC camera, after I obtain it, I begin to see too many cons.
I pretty much want a point-and-shoot that's much like a DSLR except I don't need an optical viewfinder, interchangeable lens, and all the manual stuff.

I know Nikon advertises low light cameras but what's the trade off?
Should I just get a DSLR?

Nikon DSLRs are currently at the top of the pile for low light but not by far from Canon. Unfortunately small sensor cameras are a long way behind in the low light IQ stakes.

Visit this web site and use the compare camera features to see how the different sensors perform.

http://www.dxomark.com/...r-Database

I recently got a Sony A57 and am happy with it for low light and higher ISO shooting.
There's the more affordable Sony A37 or older A35. These are DSLRs but with fixed mirror and huge interactive EVF image. Good for movies too.

My mom as a great little Olympus, that works great. I had a old Canon digital camera that was the best little thing ever. Any Digital Camera from canon or sony is great.

Based on the stuff you want, maybe you want to go for a Super Zoom/Bridge camera. They are smaller than DSLR's but sorta have the same look, and can't change lens. I had a old Nikon P90, and I loved it, but you can't buy new ones anymore. I would look into the Nikon P510.

Canon 60D DSLR

Really fast speeds and Low Lights are major pros of Sony cameras. I would suggest getting one.

If you want something pocket-able and has all the following criteria, I would suggest a Sony Cybershot RX100.It's the best point and shoot camera out there.