Is it possible to do panning effectively on a compact camera?
If the camera doesn't have a manual mode then you might find it difficult to get a slow enough shutter speed (assuming that you're looking for an in focus subject and a motion blurred background). If it's only got an automatic mode then the camera decides the settings so if you're shooting in bright conditions then the camera may set a faster shutter speed that allow you to get that panned look.
I think you've got it wrong mate.
you need a slower shutter speed in order to create effective panning. If you have a fast shutter speed you'll freeze the background as well as the rider.
Aaah, bit of a typo there! Cheers for the heads up!
Yeh, if you're using a camera in auto in bright conditions, then it'll compensate for all that light by either closing down the aperture or speeding up the shutter speed which'll
reduce the panned look

Try it in the woods and you may get lucky!