Ages ago I had a Canon Powershot G2, which was considered a "prosumer" camera. Lots of manual features, but without the DSLR features (or price). I always wanted to use it as a photography springboard to bigger and better things, but I never got around to it.

It looks like the G9 is reviewed somewhat favorably. But I'm not sure how the price compares to a DSLR. You might only have to spend a little more for the upgrade.