new digital camera, help in picking the right one Options

[SMiLEEFORMEE]

recently my konica minolta x50 broke and so i'm looking for a new camera. i really didn't favor the konica minolta x50 because of how noisey all of my pictures taken in low light were.
now that i'm picking a new digital camera to buy, i keep jumping from camera to camera so i need help, especially from those who either own the following cameras or are very experienced with cameras. also, i'm not sure yet if i want to buy a dslr or a regular point and shoot camera because i haven't taken any classes, and don't have much experience with SLRs, i'm afraid i'll waste my money on one and won't know how to use the DSLR to its fullest.

the single DSLR that i'm considering because of its low price and many pros:
-Digital Canon Rebel Xt (350D):
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?...ec=&topnav=
$599.99 at Costco -- where my family buys everything you can imagine hahah (;

OR should i get this point and shoot:
-Canon Powershot G7:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?...ec=&topnav=
$499.99 at Costco

i was wondering if im willing to spend 500 on the G7, if i should spend that extra 100 on the canon rebel and get a much better camera. on the other hand, i was worried that the canon rebel would be a hassel to carry around to outings, parties, etc [places where i usually take my digital camera] and maybe should stick with the simpler and smaller powershot G7 (i've heard many good things about canon powershots and the G7 seems to be my fav. out of all of them after researching reviews]

i want all the tips i can get please (: and if anyone has any suggestions for any other decent sized camera with image stabilaztion and takes good quality [clear with little noise] pictures in low-light please note those as well

thanks in advance!

[btw, if you want examples of the types of photos i take -- check my flickr in my sig]

[SMiLEEFORMEE]

thanks for the help ;]

andyeep, i think i have a strong enough interest in photography and am willing to learn more and more. my concern is that once i get the DSLR, if i'll be able to learn how to use it on my own . i'm afraid that i won't be able to take the best photos possible by simply reading manuals and experimenting. but then again, maybe experimenting on my own is what it takes.. i'm not quite sure haha

[Simba]

thanks for the help ;]

andyeep, i think i have a strong enough interest in photography and am willing to learn more and more. my concern is that once i get the DSLR, if i'll be able to learn how to use it on my own . i'm afraid that i won't be able to take the best photos possible by simply reading manuals and experimenting. but then again, maybe experimenting on my own is what it takes.. i'm not quite sure haha

You're welcome.

I don't know if this would help you feel more secure about diving into the DSLR world with lessons, but I'm completely self taught.