Hi, I'm no expert but after many years of happily taking photos on a usual pocket camera I finally took the plunge, I had the same concerns as you ie will I know how to use the thing
I kept looking at bridge cameras and DSLR's there is so much information out there.
I finally decided on the Nikon D3200, it's fantastic with a great Guide mode on it, you set the mode to what you are shooting and away you go, it also has a point and shoot mode and if you wish to start playing around with the settings you can.
I chose the D3200 for the price and the fact it is aimed at the novice as it is a entry level DSLR.