Readers: What Camera Should I Get?

PetiteLittleGirl's post about her new camera has inspired me to write one of my own. I am definitely looking for a new one, but the question is this: which one? Do I want something more compact, or should I go for a full-out DSLR? For the past two years or so, I have been using a bridge camera (e.g. below), but the pictures just aren't "good enough."  My quest now is to get something which I can use both for Shorty Stories shoots and to carry to events I'm covering for DelectablyChic!.



Sony Cyber-shot DSCH50 9.1 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot

There are two types of cameras I'm looking at. The newest cameras on the market right now are compact interchangeable lens cameras (below) - a small camera (similar in size to most people's point-and-shoots) with the kind of lens you would find on a DSLR. 



Samsung NX100 - Digital camera - mirrorless system - 14.6 Mpix - Samsung NX 20-50mm lens - optical zoom: 2.5 x - supported memory: SD, SDHC - black

The advantage of a small camera like this is that I won't have to haul heavier equipment with me every time I go to an event (especially for Fashion Week, when I also take my netbook).  The disadvantages are that because the camera is much smaller, the pictures aren't going to be as good due to stability (at least according to this post).  The lenses used in these cameras are just as big as those for true DSLRs, and can tilt the camera downwards if you're using longer, heavier lenses.  And of course, these compact cameras don't look as "professional" and cost a bit more than many introductory level DSLRs. 

Sony Alpha SLTA33 DSLR with Translucent Mirror Technology (Camera Body only) (Black)

As for the DSLR?  If I go for one, it would be one of the less expensive cameras, ones many consider "introductory" or "hobbyist" level.  One that is on the smaller side, similar in size to my current bridge camera like the Sony Alpha SLTA33 above  However, unless I actually get a camera like the one above, I would still need a separate camera for video capture as most DSLRs do not have a video mode (the above camera is also pretty expensive - $750 Canadian.  This means that if I get a DSLR, I will also need to get a separate video camera, which cost around $150 (unless I use the video mode on my phone, which probably isn't as good), bringing the total to be just a little less than $750.

So readers, what camera should I get?