Quote Originally Posted by marinlicina
Hi everyone,

Here's my dilemma. I am looking for a new digital camera and practically have to choose between a high-end compact or a cheap DSLR. Currently, I use a Ricoh Caplio G3, which can make nice shots, but lacks picture quality, manual control and is very noisy on higher ISO-values. Basically, after checking out features and comparing, I have come down to three contenders: the Panasonic Lumix FZ20, The Canon EOS300D and the Nikon D70. The biggest problem in this decision is the cash, as the D70 is of course the best camera, but costs most. So I would like to ask you for your advice, as I want to know if I would really be getting more value for my money here.
The Lumix will be just as noisy as your other P&S. One reason is the tiny sensor that is used in these compact cameras.

Either of these DSLRs will give you vastly better images than a compact at the price of, well, price, and size. Both will have much lower noise (almost invisible at 400 and even better the P&S 200 at 800) and an almost inperceptible shutter lag. I prefer Canon but the D70 is a nice camera as well. Neither is a bad choice.