For a guy who hasn't had much experience with a superzoom, buying a brand new DSLR is a risky affair.
DSLRs are not for the impatient, and definitely not for the laid back types. THere are many folks who were mesmerised by the "image" of holding a DSLR, and bought a new one only to be frustrated by the process of getting a pic, and expectedly sell off their DSLRs at a massive discount as no one wants used stuff at 10% off market rate.
My advice: avoid new stuff. Get a used DSLR body dirt cheap... something like an old CAnon 350D can be had for 8000 with the lens. Try it for a week or so just to see if it is up your alley. If you want to get into this seriously, disposing off the 350D will be easier since there are many buyers looking for dirt cheap stuff.
Even if you do intend to continue DSLRing, there is not much to distinguish the 350D it from the latest entry level DSLRs... a few additional bells and whistles like video recording aside. As far as learning the basics is concerned, the 350D is just fine. And it takes excellent snaps as well... compared to any point and shoot and Superzoom.
Finally, you need to realise one thing... and this is something you will only get from those who have been using different gears. This is the issue of finding suitable lenses. Unlike other cameras, DSLRS are two entirely different parts.. the body and the lens. And you will have more fun with getting better lenses than you will be getting better bodies. For example, a high end body with a 50mm lens will cost as much as a low end body and a 24-300 lens, but the latter offers more fun and creative possibilities.
It is generally acknowledged, that if you want cheap gear, Nikon bodies are recommended as it is easier to get old lenses dirt cheap and still use them with modern bodies. 20 or 30 year old lenses are available quite cheap and they still work on the latest DSLRs with little modification. Get a cheap D50 for maximum compatibility as it has an internal focus motor, something even the latest D5100 does not. Having an internal motor is crucial if you do not intend to do manual focussing... which can be quite a joy as well. A D50 body can be had for about 7000.
If you want to start from scratch and don't mind paying more for the lenses, get a Canon. Older Canon lenses do not work with present DSLRs which means lens options are more expensive compared to Nikon.
And last if you really do not care about lineage (in other words the number of lenses already available in the SLR ecosphere), you can get DSLRs like Sony etc .... mind you Minolta/Konika/Sony lenses are available.. just not as easily as Canon and Nikon. Others like Pentax and Olympus also have a huge following, but compared to N and C this is a niche segment.
If you have read so far, you have atleast one quality required to stick to DSLRs - patience.
