A Lumix FZ48 is a nice camera. There's no reason at all you can't take great pictures with it, including action pictures of your cats. I have an FZ35 which I love, in addition to 2 DSLRs (long story). Anyway, there are lots of good books, or online tutorials, or training courses, or fun group learning activity sorts of opportunities for people who want to get better at photography. Even if all you do is learn what all the different "auto" modes are on your camera, and then give your subject enough light, you'll be able to take excellent photos with that camera.

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The little monsters 3

I think AUTO is the greatest invention for novices - I'm still a novice after 4 years with a DSLR - I'm too impatient to read instructions for a start.

Here are some examples of photos I took all on Auto when I first got my camera - they aren't brilliant but I was just WOW at the quality of the slr's

Lacemoat, no argument DSLR doesn't take amazing pictures even on auto. But imagine what you could do if you understood the settings? To learn the setting my money is on a small point and shoot. Even once you master it you still have a great pocket camera or backup.

Oh yes I agree. What I meant was though for Tracey not to feel daunted by getting one as auto still is fab for the novice camera user and nice and easy to capture great shots whilst learning

She can get or not get what ever she like - I had however earlier suggested a DSLR so showing her some of my pics. I've never found a point and shoot to match up quality wise even knowing how to use it - that's my own experience.

i have been re reading the instructions still didnt learn much from them, and testing out all the settings been getting some decent pics what i dont get is apeture, shutter speeds etc what do they all mean? if i come off the auto setting everything becomes blurred when taking a pic, why is that happening i dont get it

So the shutter speed is how fast it takes the picture. The higher the number, the better action shots you get. To compensate for that though, you need good light, as they will get darker the higher your shutter is. Not sure why they are going blurry unless if its not on auto it doesn't have an auto focus.

Ex. My action shots I have been shooting at 1/2500 speed. My still shots I shoot at 1/50 or 1/25 so the natural light can make them look pretty.