Im in the same position as you right now, and have found that DSLR pushes the price up too far.
Yes you can get a second hand one, or an entry level, but you must factor in the cost of the lens and bags etc.
For me, ive narrowed it down to a Panny FZ50(£350) or a Fujifilm S9600 (£300).
They are quite similar, and am having trouble seperating out which one to buy, but right now the Panny is ahead, because of its amazing lens and Image Stabiliser.
Also, the Panny can take lots of "add-on" lens' (check out ebay) which can give you all the wide angle you need, and a whole load of telephoto potential (as well as filters and "spy" lens ... dont ask!!!)
For me DSLR is perhaps too big a jump, and it is probably better to get a really good Bridge camera instead, that will last a few years and help decide if the expense of DSLR will be worth it later.
I think there a place for both types of camera and one Person can even can own both , for different pursuits.
As such there does not nessesarily need to be be a slow progression from not owning a camera to P & S , then "Bridge" before getting a DSLR if the dosh and interest permit .
Apart from the obvious higher outlay for DSLR , I dont think there is any disadvantage in going straight for one and developing your skills with it ( unless you prefer a smaller form factor at the expense of better IQ).
The starter DSLRs now ( even the 400D) cost less than my Fuji 602Z did 3-4 years ago
The danger of buying a Panny with "add ons" is that they may not sell for much later unless you want to hold on to them.
I think , ( now owning an " ageing" Fuji 602 ( an older "bridge") and 2 DSLRs ( 350 and 30D) that the huge leap in image quality far outweighs the pain of initial cost
The qualities of " clean, sharp, colourful" Images are not just gushy enthusiasm, they are very real especially on direct comparison. The handling feel and responsiveness when shooting are also less immediate but these are the qualities you pay that little extra for.
Most people start with one all purpose lens ( the kit lenses are very usable IMHO) and later get a Zoom. :
Bags are for protection , don't cost a lot to keep a nice piece of kit from getting scruffy
and need not be bought right away
For anyone with a budget of up to £400 I would suggest that the DSLR is not to big a jump as it may prevent one from buying a bridge this year and then resort to early "upgraditis" within a few months
This is not a dig at "bridge" Cameras as features like Image stabilisation ( Panasonic) and Zoom will cost extra to achieve in a DLSR and the loss of LCD screen for framing may put you off but you will have to decide how important these features are as YMMV
As an aside, even many budget DSLR owners upgrade in less than 18 months as the hunger for even better build, responsiveness ( and to a lesser extent, better IQ) sets in