I have the Panasonic LX5 and have enjoyed great results from it.
The Canon S95 is much the same but is smaller and easy to carry in a pocket. Both cameras offer very good results.
For any subject that moves quickly, birds, kids, sports etc. I like a DSLR but it is heavier and can get very expensive. I have used both Canon and Nikon, currently all my gear is Nikon. They both produce good results. I prefer Nikon lenses to Canon. Just a personal preference. Nikon is very good at keeping the layout of controls across their SLR models very similar. When using 2 bodies with different lenses, something I do when on great adventures, like Antarctica, it is easy to change from body one to the other.
I have found that most of todays cameras are all very good. Put yourself in the right place with good light, frame the picture carefully and you will get a good picture.
Happy photography!