First, I won't tell you which "way" to go, but I am willing to help you try to figure out how to better narrow down your choices.

To begin with, they are two completely different "styles" of camera. The D40x is a DSLR while the G9 is essentially a "point and shoot" style (even if it is a higher end one). You will need to decide which direction you want to go.

First, however, I would say you likely want to establish what level of photography you want to be at and how much you want to spend (kind of the same thing to some degree). Are you looking for a camera to carry around and take pictures of important events and vacation stuff, but not a "serious' photographer? Then you might be more looking for a point and shoot style that is in the more low to medium range. Are you into photography and want to be able to have a lot of control over the picture settings, etc? Then you might be looking more towards an DSLR style camera or higher end point and shot. It is not quite the simple, but it will get you heading in the right direction.

The primary difference between the two cameras you mentioned is lense. In the case of the G9, you get the lense that comes with the camera. There is no changing lenses. It is only that lense. With the Nikon (and all DSLRs), you can buy other lenses and change lenses...but then you have to carry around those lenses if you want them available to use for picture taking...and this can be a pain in the rear if you are just out for fun on a vacation and just want some pictures for memories not photographic art. That is why most people who AREN'T into photography don't get DSLRs.

Once you decide the global direction (i.e. price range and DSLR vs. point and shoot), then you need to decide upon features. The more megapixels, the larger you can "blow up" pictures without loosing detail. If all you are going print are 4x6 or 3x5 pictures, then a 4 or 5 megapixel camera will be more than enough. You also need to decide if you want a viewfinder or if you are OK just shooting from the LCD screen. If it matters to you (i.e. you have old memory cards sitting around), then you will need to decide which type of memory card you like (most use SD cards, I believe...until you get to the higher end DSLRs that still use CompactFlash, I believe). You will want to decide what level of optical zoom you want (I would suggest NOT worrying about digital zoom capabilities...most people end up not using the digital zoom as it is just does not work that well typically). You will need to decide if you want just programmed modes that make it quick and easy to shoot or if you also want some manual modes (full manual, aperature priority, or shutter speed priority) for if you do want to have more control and get more into photography. And so on.

Once you narrow down type, price and feature set, then you are ready to start comparing models from different companies. It is usually a good idea to try them out at a store to see if one feels better or is easier to use, but it is not necessary. You might want to look up reviews...either reviews from magazines like PCWorld or others...or just consumer reviews on websites like Amazon, NewEgg, or others. That should then help you decide which direction you want to go.

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