welcome to the four-thirds section, i'm new here too. you can check out the newbies corner where there is much discussion on considerations for newbies for their 1st digital camera.
http://forums.clubsnap.org/forumdisplay.php?f=8
this section discusses the four-thirds (4/3) DSLR system specifically, so you should widen your net while looking for a camera system that suits your needs.
investing in a DSLR system doesn't end at the camera purchase, it will be a long term investment in lenses, flashes and other upgrades for the particular brand or standard that you intially invested in. take time to read up the forums here and other media to understand this hobby or profession.
compact cameras or prosumers will have an easier learning curve as well as being cheaper to start with and/or to give up photography as a hobby.
since you're in the 4/3 forum, you should also check out the 4/3 website to understand the spirit behind the creation of this open standard for DSLR photography.
http://www.four-thirds.org/en/index.html
4/3 is a great system and it works for me. hope you find something that suits you