After G6, what next?

This may not be the appropriate forum, but I am hoping for some input or perspective ...

I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that my G6 is on its last legs. (See https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=927470) for more on why.)

So, I'm in the market for a new camera ... and I'm conflicted. I've absolutely loved the G6, and it's served me well. And, just in the few days that my LCD has been acting up, I quickly realized how much I've grown dependent on the G6's swivel screen to get better photos.

Lately, though, a part of me has been wanting to step up a little to something with better low-light capabilities for situations when a flash can't be used, a better zoom, better video (not a requirement, but would be nice to have), etlc. I've drifted towards an entry to mid-level DSLR (i.e.: Rebel XSi or Tx series).

But there's also the G11 ... and the soon-to-come G12 (I guess). It looks like they've addressed most of the shortcomings (for the lack of a better word) of my G6 while keeping the swivel screen. Most Canon DSLRs that I've looked at lack the swivel screen, which is pretty close to a deal breaker for me.

I'd describe myself as a hobbyist that's been known to take some pretty decent photos. I'm pretty certain I don't need something like the D60, but the Rebel XSi or Tx series may be doable on the DSLR end. But the G-series wouldn't put nearly the dent in the ol' pocketbook -- one of the main reasons I went with the G6 nearly 5 years ago.

Has the G-series evolved enough over the past several years to be considered a viable alternative to something like the Rebel XSi? Or would I perhaps be better served moving up to DSLR? Does the G-series offer some advantages that I've not thought about?

Any input would be appreciated.

I would say a G11 has everything covered when compared to the Rebel except of course for the obvious flexibility of changing lenses and probably a 2 or 3 stop better ISO range for the Rebel.

The G11 has many advantages though ... it is much more compact and thus more likely to be "taken along", it is quite sturdy and robust, has a tilt screen ... and in my case I find the cheap underwater case upgrade very appealing.

I had a G9 that I loved, but replaced to get the swivel screen. I enjoy that like you do.

I find the ergonomics of the G11 a problem. I frequently hit buttons on the back of the camera with my thumb, sending it to never-never land. By the time I've figured it out I've lost the opportunity.

Point in saying that--suggest you give the camera a real trial in a store before you buy. Handle the camera the way you would shooting. Make sure it works for you.

Old habits die hard; I've tried handling the camera as others have suggested in posts here. However, those suggstions haven't worked for me.

Closest I've come? Use a neck strap like I would a larger camera. When I do that I wonder why I'm not using an S90 instead...except it has ergonomic issues too. (Perhaps solved by the S95).

Blassphemy--I haven't looked at a Sony NEX-5 yet. I have read reviews. Difficulty (reading, not shooting with one) is that when I put the lens on it that I will want, it's not a small camera anymore.

I regret selling my G9, in spite of the screen advantage with the 11.

Hope this helps.