Originally Posted by Uncle Erik
I have a D70s and my father has a D40. As far as picture quality, I think they're about the same. I can't tell the difference between photos taken with either.
The LCD readout up top is nice - it gives you information you need to get on the screen on the D40. Another small benefit is that the D70 battery seems to last longer, though the D40 batter isn't bad.
However, the internal focus drive is a big deal if you're going to use a lot of lenses. If you already have some extra lenses or are planning to buy more, then it's worth it.
That seems to be the deciding factor - although most lenses of significant interest to me
are AF-S, a great majority of Nikkor and third party lenses are AF only.
I've also read that integrated focus drives are faster and more reliable than their lens mounted counterparts - although I'm not sure if this is completely true.
Still, I suppose that there isn't a necessity to upgrade (my D40 is serving me well as is) and will probably end up remaining with my current setup regardless.