[Stephen]

Thanks for the advice guys. I wouldn't call it a compact though as the body is about the size of an SLR, and it has manual focus and zoom using rings on the barrel which is like an SLR.

I am looking at that Panasonic as it will allow me to get shots on a decent focal range and not have to change lenses or anything. Once I am more confident and if I ever tried to get more proffessional with my photography then I will of course get an SLR but I don't feel ready yet.