What camera is the best for taking pictures of dogs?

I am looking at a camera that is no more than 300. I don't need anything special. I have been looking at the nikon coolpix l820 that is coming out at the end of feb. Does this sound like a good camera for the price? Any other suggestions?
>>> What camera is the best for taking pictures of dogs?

Nikon Coolpix L810 HELP? - 2

Okay, so i know the nikon coolpix l810 shutterspeed can go as fast as 1/1500 of a second, But you cant manually change it… So how do i achieve the fastest speed this camera will give me?
Im trying to take action shots of skaters…
>>> Nikon Coolpix L810 HELP? - 2

Better Camera? Canon SX500 vs Nikon L810?

I'll be using them as a hobby camera to take pictures, mostly of flowers, people, landscapes. I'll never use the video, so that part is irrelevant.
Both cameras are around the same price, have the same megapixels, etc. Which one would you say is the "better" camera?
One thing I'm really not sure of, is the batteries. The L810 uses 4 AA batteries, while the SX500 uses a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. Obviously, the Canon is going to be less heavy to carry around, but I've also heard that rechargable batteries die faster, which means I'm going to be recharging the thing all the time and/or bring a spare battery. But then the L810 is going to cost a fortune in disposable batteries, so I'm kind of stuck here.
The main thing I want is a camera that takes good, clear pictures, especially of people and scenery.
>>> Better Camera? Canon SX500 vs Nikon L810?