Nikon D3000 (18mm-55mm VR lens)

Pros: Lightweight but not cheap feeling, substantially better image quality than a point and shoot, white balance assist lamp, advanced auto focus system, anti dust facilities, great kit lens with VR, long battery life, accelerometer for LCD, large screen

Cons: Slightly low resolution screen, dim viewfinder, no battery grip option, heavy feeling from stepping up from point and shoot, difficult to transition to only having use of the viewfinder to compose picture

Summary: I personally used a Nikon S210 point and shoot camera prior to purchasing a d3000. I spent literally months researching which dslr to buy and after seeing Ken Rockwell's disappointment in the camera, was very cautious when buying it. I have no regrets. If you currently own any point and shoot you will not be disappointed with the image quality or speed; I was thoroughly surprised with the quality of both.