Nikon focus question

[Dr_Zyzix]

I am using two cameras (Nikon D300 with Nikon 17-55)
and a Canon P&S SD870
I also have a Nikon D200 and observe the same there- so this is not specific to the D300
What I see is that while the subtleties of color etc are greater on the expensive Nikon,
the focus seems better on the P&S
I have attached two crops of much larger pics, both at 100%
the face is the Canon pic, the blankets the focus point of the Nikon pic
both handheld
Canon- 1/125 F2.8 ISO80 focal4.6 no flash
Nikon- 1/320 F2.83 ISO200 17mm(x1.5) no flash
This is absolutely typical- I could choose any two photos from the cameras

Note that at 100% the P&S is quite clear
And the Nikon is blurry
I can change Nikon bodies and even to another Nikon prime lens - and still the same thing
Anybody have any ideas why?