thanks Moonstone, we have decided to keep it, after all for the money the reviews show nothing better in the P&S range - and actually on reflection the basic photos are really good - I think we just have to be realistic about what we are going to use it for.

I dont want to go bigger as thats the problem with the canon presently I dont take it to things as its too big to lug about - so its all about what you will use etc..

I like the panasonic style, the ease of use, and generally the photos are good.
I have tweaked today and adjusted iso, the scene modes etc - I like the fact that it has two manual settings on the dial so you can set one up for pet and one for kid which is great as can flick between without having to faff about adjusting other things - and realistically thats ideal for my needs.

Hopefully will be able to post up some good shots soon once have familiarised myself with it !!

thanks all

The pics can only get more to your taste as you learn to get to grips with it Dani

I think the photos look quite good for P&S - I can see an element of user error there, some are soft and the one of the dog in the car is a victim of having too slow a shutter speed. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it

xx