Seriously, dSLRs are becoming the SUVs of the camera world ;)
If you're looking for a camera to take nice photos, to the specifications that you require, then you don't *need* a dSLR.
Canon will definately have something in its PowerShot range that will fit your need. For your requirements, anything over 4MP will do the trick.
As Mike says, when you enter the league of dSLRs you enter a whole new ball game.. lenses, taking care of the lenses and bodies and mirrors etc etc.
