Brian

Old oak tree.

Going down. Panny GX-7, Rokkor 100mm f2.5, Nikon 4T close-up dioptre.

The spring garden. Panasonic G5, Lumix 14-45, 720nm cutoff

Ed, I've made many HDR composite shots including moving seas, and the character of the moving water captured is always a surprise to me (in a good way).

The pergola at West Dean. Panasonic GX7, Zuiko 9-18mm

Some enchanted evening. Panny GX-7 and Samsung EX-1, composite (rainy day activity...).

Snap! Kodak Ektra smartphone...

The nave and choir, Church of the Holy Trinity, Bosham. Lumix G5,14-45mm, infrared, 720nm cutoff.

On the beach, Brighton Victoria Kodak Ektra - surprising capability in a relatively cheap phone.

Up a gum tree. Olympus E-PL3, Lumix 35-100mm

The door into summer... Olympus E=PL3, Samyang 7.5mm

Taking shape at Nando's E-PL3, 12-50mm

I get most of my photo gear in pre-loved condition so I don't generally find myself in your situation. I suggest you examine the camera under a strong light for scratches, scuffs etc indicative of use, then take Dieter's suggestion to check the actuations. If it looks like new and has less than 10 actuations, then treat it as new and enjoy it. If it turns out otherwise, then you have an issue with Amazon.

Season's greetings... (Kodak Ektra smartphone)

Skyline Panny GX-7, Sun Optical 110-180mm

Knob shadow. E-PL3, Lumix 14-45mm.

The breakwater. Panny GX-7, Zuiko 12-50, 10-stop ND.

I tend to follow the 'good enough' philosophy with cameras so I don't think I've ever been at the cutting edge, tech wise. Last year I traded my GF1 for a used GX-7 and nothing has happened since to make me think I need to change again. As Gerry says, the menus actually make sense, the viewfinder is good, there is enough control and customization available, and the images are good enough. Of course, the M4/3 lens line-up is important - I use both Lumix and Zuiko lenses without fear or favour. And - point of disclosure - I keep an Oly E-PL3 as my travel camera. So yes, I think Panasonic is a good choice. for the hobbyist photographer.

Up the creek. Olympus E-PL3, Jupiter-11 135mm.

Enjoying the last of the autumn sunshine. E-PL3, Zuiko 12-50

On the beach. Panny GX-7, Samyang 7.5mm.

The village duck pond (with duck) Panny GX-7, Zuiko 12-50mm.

The housekeeper's lounge, Uppark House. Panny GX-7, Zuiko 9-18

Sheep look the same in infrared: who'd've thought. Panny G5, Zuiko 12-50, 650nm cutoff.

Stormy sunset: Olympus E-PL3, 12-32mm