It is not quite as bad as you presume. I am no pro but understand some of the basics. I was only using auto to even the comparison. I also did a few shots with Program, Av etc. I normally shoot with Aperture priority to control depth of field for landscapes etc. I would use shutter speed priority if trying to freeze something. it is just that in p&s type situations eg Christmas lunch, the P&S seems to perform better. I have recently returned from a holiday in Italy Poland and Prague with about 4000 photos which I am gradually culling, cropping etc 9 vis picasa ) and I have had few real duds . Where the DSLR is great is in the speed and accuracy of composition, zooming etc as I cannot see screens in strong light and the motorized zooms are jerky ( I have had a couple of Fuji bridge cameras which have viewfinders but not manual zooms. they gave okay pictures but sensors die after 3-4 years ). the lens may be a factor too- the sigma 18-200 is not brilliant. I recently purchased a Sigma EX 10-20 mm for use inside some buildings etc when travelling and (as per the reviews ) it is crisper/sharper.

I have just done a comparison of Christmas tree photos -all taken now from much the same spot, lighting etc. I used two cameras, my wife's Nikon S 6200 point and shoot with 16 MP and my pentax Kx with sigma 18-200, 12 MP. I hand held on Auto with shots taken with and without flash. When I look on my PC the Nikon is far sharper in all cases. apertures, ISO are similar. Why do I have an SLR?

I know when we travel, which we do, the SLR with the larger sensor is far better at low light in churches etc but I am wondering now!

Pentax is looking better and better!

Pentax is looking better and better!

good old Aussie eucalyptus oil may work and not risk chemical attack by solvents on plastic etc

From left field - sdd Pentax to the list