I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-fz30 and am planning on selling it in the near future because I want to purchase a new camera.
I am just looking for some input on what a good upgrade would be from the camera that I have now. I am definitely willing to move away from panasonic BUT, I would like to spend at the most $1500, preferably less than that if possible.
If anyone can give me any ideas on cameras that would be great, I'm just trying to do a little research before I purchase another camera.

I don't know the Panasonic Lumix DMC-fz30, but it sounds like you are ready to move to a dslr.

Doesn't appear you have money tied up in lenses. Do any appeal to you?

I agree with Frog. If you've got $1500 to spend, and you want to make a serious upgrade, you should look into digital SLRs. You can buy kits with a body and lens from Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Nikon, Samsung, and Sony for under $1000. Any of those cameras will be a big performance and image quality upgrade from your Panasonic FZ30. What you'll have to give up is the lens reach. Your Panasonic's zoom lens is very powerful. A comparable SLR lens will cost you hundreds of dollars. But a digital SLR will be faster, have much better image quality, and be more flexible in the long run.

Why don't you tell us more about why you want a new camera? It would also be useful to know what you like to shoot and what kinds of conditions you usually find yourself in. Are there any things you really don't like about your Panasonic? What do you like about it?

I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-fz30 and am planning on selling it in the near future because I want to purchase a new camera.
I am just looking for some input on what a good upgrade would be from the camera that I have now. I am definitely willing to move away from panasonic BUT, I would like to spend at the most $1500, preferably less than that if possible.
If anyone can give me any ideas on cameras that would be great, I'm just trying to do a little research before I purchase another camera.

Take a look at the Nikon D80 $782 with a Nikon 18-200VR zoom for $700
I have this combination and like it very much. Check around for prices, these came from B&H Camera. Make sure you check out the site you buy from FIRST! look here, Jeff

http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=37380