Looking to buy a DSLR camera?

I'm looking to upgrade from a compact camera to a DSLR. I currently own a Samsung SL202 and was thinking of buying a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 or a Lumix DMC-FZ100. I haven't really looked at Nikon or Canon cameras because I haven't enjoyed using their compacts in the past.

I want a camera that:
-has interchangeable lenses and a default lens as well (much like how compacts have one attached lens that is used for everything).
-is smaller, similar to the size of a compact
-has an internal stabilizing mechanic, so i won't always have to pull out a tripod
-has a manual viewfinder
-costs less than $750 new or used (just the camera itself)

If you know of a camera that meets most, if not all, of these standards please list it below; or if you know of another camera that doesn't quite qualify but is still a great camera for a transition form compact to DSLR list it as well.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and answer my question!

I think I'd be safe in saying that most of us regulars here would agree that Panasonic is not the answer. They make many fine products but they're not a camera company and that's very obvious with the technical quality of their gear.

We all would recommed either Canon or Nikon. These two brands are the only ones chosen by professionals all over the world for many good reasons.

I'd recommend you run from Panasonic.

Nikon and Canon dSLR's are based upon professional level dSLR's. There P&S cameras are a secondary market, to I can see how you may not be pleased with them

The two you listed are at the other end of the spectrum and primarily provide P&S cameras for casual users, not the pros.

Before you make a final choice, visit a proper camera shop and hold both type cameras in your hand and be sure you put one of the popular 18-200 mm lenses on them, so you can see how handling both suites your style,

There are some fundamental differences in the two type cameras. EVIL and dSLR

Here is how the sensors in each compare, head to head

http://www.dxomark.com/.../Panasonic

As you can see, a real dSLR sensor performs much better than the much smaller EVIL sensor

I'm a Nikon user and I can't stand their cheapo P&S, we own Canon P&S. Companies like Nikon & Canon and now Sony, focus on their mid-range & pro DSLR range. I think Nikon do more damage to themselves by having a sub-standard offering in the P&S range, as you've confirmed by not wanting to choose them when you upgrade.

You won't get a good DSLR that's as small as a compact - are you sure you really want one then? Sounds like you'd probably be happy with the kit lens if you don't want the bother of changing lenses. Again, are you sure SLR is the right choice?

So to summarise: Nikon or Canon.

once you choose and are committed to lenses you may never change brands, so choose carefully.

The point of DSLRs is to switch lenses and you can also have a default lens (called "kit") if you purchase it, they are usually 18-55mm (most often range)
- Smaller? Than what? You can get small ones but they won't fit into your pocket.
- Image Stabilization is built into lenses most of the time, and while it works great, nothing beats a tripod
- Manual viewfinder? How do automatic ones look like? A viewfinder on DSLRs works with light, nothing electronically, so you're watching the scene with the speed of light and not with a delay as with those little cameras.
- Less than $750? Nothing hard.

Canon EOS T3/1100D, Nikon D3100 and Pentax K-r are brilliant. All have same image quality and video, the rest are just some important features you may find interesting.

Here's a DSLR Buying guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/