Welcome to the minefield Scott.

I usually would start this kind of conversation with a "depending how often you would use it" statement, but I know you use your camera a lot.

I would whole heartedly recommend someone like you going for a DSLR. As you know how to take and what makes a good picture.

With reference to the discussion with "Sandman" in this section, the 2 DSLR's he mentions are really good bodies and not overly expensive. The place to spend the money is on the lenses. You can get a bundle that will come with something along the lines of a 28mm - 70mm kit lens, then it's up to you which direction you take it.

For instance, you can pick up an F4.5 70mm - 300mm lens (Sigma) for under £200.00.

Or on the other hand, you can buy a nice fast Brand Lens (Nikon or Canon) F2.8 VR 70mm - 200mm for about £1500.00. If you put that with a teleconverter 1.4x or 2x @ about £100.00 you then have a lens that will cover up to about 400mm.

The 2 to look at I would say are the Canon 500D which with an 18mm - 55mm IS Lens is £589.00 (body only @ £519.00) or Nikon D90 with equivalent kit lens (body only @ £619.00).

Hope this helps?