Is there really a big difference in picture quality between the little "point and shoot" cameras and DSLRs?

The most important part on the DSLR besides the lens is the CCD or CMOS sensor. And the most important thing about the sensor is not the pixel count (ie: mega-pixels), but the size of the sensor itself - larger the sensor, the more light it will capture and create better pictures under all conditions. Take a look at the link below to see the various different sized sensor used by various manufacturers. As a reference, most point and shoot pocket cameras have a 1/2.5" sensor, whereas a Canon G9, G10, G11, and S90 IS have a 1/1.7" sensor, the Olympus E series and Panasonic G series are four thirds sensor, then APS-C format (DX for Nikon), then Full Frame (FX for Nikon), and then Medium Format.

Mega-pixel count is important but not as much as the size of the sensor itself. A prime example of this is the Canon G10 and G11. The G10 has a 1/1.7" 14.7MP sensor but the newer G11 has a 1/1.7" 10MP sensor, which is even lower that the G9's 1/1.7" 12.1MP sensor. Why is this so? It is because Canon learned that when you try to cram all those pixel on such a small sensor you actually lose low light performance because the pixel are jammed in so close to each other. So, what this tells us is that there is a limit on pixel count in relation to sensor size before performance actually deteriorates.

Yes, the photographer IS extremely important.

You can put a fantastic professional camera in the wrong hands, and it will take lousy photos. A good photographer can coax great photos out of even the simplest cameras.

However, all things being equal, a DSLR is far better.

In perfect lighting conditions many P&S cameras do a very decent job, but as soon as the going gets tough, they can't keep up.

I have tested it myself and photographed the very same scene, within moments from each other. I tried to keep everything the same as much as possible, and yes, my DSLR (plus excellent quality Canon "L" lens) produced much nicer results.

Actually it's not all about photographer..Come on, stop using that phrase for everything.

You will notice a difference between a P&S and a DSLR. Not all the time, especially if you have 18-55 which is a kit lens, good, but not good IQ. When you buy the 50mm f/1.8 for 100$ then we can see the differences immediately.

Here's a post called 'Buying a DSLR, what's important, megapixels, features, brand, price - http://the-digital-photographer.blogspot.com/2009/...

Good luck.

Actually no. There's much better electronics - not to mention the sensor size and quality along with the superior data handling in an SLR.

You're obviously not a real photographer or you wouldn't mind the size and weight. My rig comes in at nearly two pounds and I love it.

Pick a "pocket toy" if you want. If you're just a snapper that's probably good for you. I've been in this business for 30-years and I wouldn't have a pocket toy but then, that's just me.

My point and shoot takes some pretty nice pics. I have the canon G10.

It's not the camera that makes the image, it's the ten inches behind the viewfinder.