Cameras with good zooming range for occasional user?

I'm looking for a good camera that can zoom in enough to take good pics AND video if possible in a stadium for example, sitting in an upper level. I don't need a telescope to see the people's pores, but just enough to see their face.

I know nothing about cams and I don't plan on taking photos as a job or hobby. I just want something that gets the job done wherever and whenever, at a reasonable price… Under $400.

I was reading the review on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V which sounds good to me but don't know if its the best I can get in that price range.

If I went above my price range to a Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm NIKKOR VR Lens which I like, for looks I guess and I know thats a pretty good cam, would I be able to take good pics and video as it is or would I need to buy mirror lenses to go with it costing me another $200+? All suggestions appreciated, thanks.

Toaster

Sounds like you'd more want to go with a bridge camera. Yes, you would need another lens and an expensive one if you are thinking of in a stadium under the lights.
My suggestion to you would be the Nikon P500 if you want all of the abilities of the DSLR without the cost of lenses and extras. It's the top bridge camera on the market right now.
It has the ability for MEGA zoom which on a DSLR is thousands of dollars in one lens. It has the ability to shoot like a DSLR with you controlling every aspect of the image if you want. It also has the ability to shoot just as a point and shoot if you don't want to control everything. Add in the HD video and you have everything you are wanting.