I'm getting a Fuji S5100, older model but very good choice for an entry-level, ultrazoom, SLR-style camera.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/fu..._s5100-review/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms5100/
I think this is an exellent choice for a pre-SLR DigiCam and at a very good price, too! It doesn't have IS but that's fine because you won't learn to rely on it too much when you move on to SLRs in the future.