Debating - Please help!

Hello all,

I'm looking in purchasing a Nikon D40 w/ the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm lenses. However, I currently own a Canon Powershot S2 IS... ...it has numerous fun options... ...but I would like to go at the next level.

Does anyone recommend me to stick with my "old" 5 pixels S2 IS?

Does anyone recommend me to go ahead with the Nikon D40 purchase?

Help!!

Thanks.

If you're ready to go up to dslr then go for it. Keep the canon too.

Thanks Frog.

Quality of the shot speaking... ...is the Nikon D40 is worth the upgrade from my S2 IS? I made really nice shots with the S2 IS... ....I should be able to make better ones with the D40, right?

If you don't think you're ready to step up to the Nikon I have a solution. Buy it and I'll hold on to it until you're ready. I'll even break it in for you, no charge :)

Whether you'll get better shots is hard to say. Depends on how much you want to learn.
The advantage of dslr is that you control the outcome instead of what the camera thinks it should be. That is if you use manual controls. Its a learning curve but this is the place to learn. I know I have learned so much here.
The first thing you'll get is no shutter lag so you won't miss those quick shots.
The d40 has auto programs, too, which won't be much different than your canon but as you learn you'll be able to decide what you want and make the adjustments yourself.
Good luck and if you go for it, stick around and show us your stuff.
Stick around with your p&s even.....Many here are not using dslr and the point and shoots can take fine shots.

I would step it up to at least a D60. But in all honesty I think Nikon's 3 competitors have better priced and better quality entry-level SLR's, the XSi, the A200/A300, and the E-510 offer better performance per dollar spent, in addition to that the D40 doesn't work with most Nikon film lens (at least not the autofocus) - so you'd be stuck with a much smaller selection of higher priced lens. Considering you are not stuck to any system - definitely look at all competing models to find which one is best for you. You're not just buying a camera, you're buying into a system. If you choose Nikon now, its Nikon equipment and camera bodies from here on out (or the hassle of reselling equipment). Look at Canon, Sony, and Olympus as well and see which one works best for you, they all offer unique benefits and they all make incredible cameras that will give you great shots!