don't think you can go wrong with a DSLR.
Only other camera I can recommend from use is the Canon Powershot series (latest G7 i think?) used a G5 for years. it's a sort of half-way-house compact with some manual override. good bit of kit for general use... and it looks awful so nobody tries to nick it - which is a great feature when using the camera in the city!
Added: Actually. In Liverpool it will be nicked anyway