I love my Panasonic FZ7 from years ago but now am ready to upgrade to a DSLR

Both are good but I'd prefer the NEX-5N even though the lenses are a bit pricey to say the least. The NEX-5N images are simply fantastic, with high ISO / low light performance that beats the results from the smaller MFT sensor of the G3. You might also consider a Sony SLT-A37 (or similar), a small and fairly light DSLR-type camera with large sensor and great image quality, improving on the SLT-A33 which I use. It can use a huge array of lenses for Sony Alpha and Minolta AF (although older Sigmas are out).

the panasonic, it might have a smaller(4/3 vs aps-c) sensor but the images are considered crystal clear, the lenses are fantastic and you can  use either panasonic lenses (with premium "leica" ones) and olympus( and the premium m zuiko). the video capabilities are really outstanding, outperforming cameras like canon 60d( a 1200€ dslr).

The sony is great, don't get me wrong but most lenses are "meh" and images is good but a bit soft.

also take a look at the Samsung nx line considered very good and uses a aps-c size sensor.

I'd recommend the Sony NEX-5N, it has a huge sensor (APS-C), and tons of great built in features like panorama stitch, twilight mode (which takes incredible low light shots by combining multiple photos).  However, to get something like 12x zoom you'll need a telephoto lens for the Nex-5n.