dianA,
my hubby uses dSLR while he bought the Nikon P5100 for me, hoping it will spark off my interest to be more technical in taking pictures.
but i always use my Nikon to shoot (in auto mode) cuz i don't have the time/hands to handle a dSLR on normal occasion.
Only on certain moments, i'll ask my hubby to grab his dSLR and flash (separate unit) to take special pictures cuz the flash can bounce off wall instead of directly at her eyes. (and of course he will dunno set what settings etc - maybe isobellies can tell u more!)
In my opinion, dSLR is good to have, definitely more versatile IF you are able to handle the functions. If you gonna take in auto mode, may as well save the money and just use point-n-shoot cuz DSLR auto mode can be tricky at times too.