Please look at the sample images from http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD300/Samples/thumbs2.jpg from Nikon D300. Arguably a camera that was/is "the best" and "inventor of an era" sort of a thing. Taken by good folks at DPR (Gordon Solomon). This camera is available at BHPV for $529.95 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=635660&is=REG).

Right when I was about to get my card out and place my order, I came across these. http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD40/Samples/thumbs2.jpg

Above pictures are the results from Nikon D40 an old affordable, compact, P&S DSLR, taken by Phil Askey. This camera is available at BHPV for $469.95 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=471716&is=REG).

Both cameras have been given "Highly recommended" rating, with D300 slightly better rating on each parameter as well as overall. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond300/page32.asp http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/page25.asp


Detail (D-SLR) Rating (D40) Rating (D300)
Build quality 8 9.5
Ergonomics & handling 8.5 8.5
Features 8 9.5
Image quality 8.5 9
Performance (speed) 9 9.5
Value 9 9

But if forget everything else and only look at the sample review images, I get a shock. I am astonished, shocked, bevildered and speechless when I look at the results from D40. It feels as if I am looking at results from a Panasonic GF1.

Sorry for the basic question, really an ameture here (trying to move up from 2 Canon P&S powershots). But don't the pictures from D40 look a lot more natural, saturated, detailed and high contrast and better dynamic range. Is D40 really a better camera? Or is simply Phil Askey a better photographer than Gordon Solomon. Please help me with your honest opinion. Will it be wise to save $60 or spend it.

Also, I need to know how important is the fact that in D40 "Autofocus is supported only with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses". Does it mean with the camera kit at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=471716&is=REG I have to focus manually? I am okay if I don't get VR (its not a long zoom and I won't be shooting sports or wildlife, remember I am upgrading from a P&S), at the moment all I need is great photos that look lifelike.

Sorry for the long question and thanks in advance.