I've always had excellent Canon SLR's - slim back in the day, and digital now. I've always been happy. But, as wisely said, it's the camera you have with you when you need to take the photo, which you will appreciate most. The DSLR doesn't see much action these days, it's the little Canon Powershot 12MP which I usually have in my pocket. It does a great job of 80% of the photos I would ever need to take. For the other 20%, it'd be good enough, or I have time to get the DSLR out for the perfect photo. And, you know what, I'm not knocking the camera in a decent phone these days, they're better than most film cameras from 30 years ago!
Try a Powershot or equivalent first, If you see what's lacking, and you want better photos often, then it's time to look for a good DSLR and lenes....