Do I really need a new body?

[Jim Poor]

1. The noise you have in this online photo won't show up in an inkjet print, especially after a little noise reduction.

2. Try the Hi settings above ISO1600 and over expose your images a bit to reduce the noise at capture.

90% of what I do is low light and even with a D3s, there is visible noise at high ISO settings in digital form, but it simply doesn't show up in inkjet prints thanks to ink spread.

Here's an ISO 6400 image from a D700. I was using a slow lens rather than my working glass, so with a faster aperture, I could have gotten a bit more over-exposure and even less noise. That said, I'd gladly print this at 11x14.

[drummingpariah]

You all really do rock. Sorry I stopped responding, I was busy shooting my heart out. I'm going to burn out this little d40x before too long here, and I think that I may have started learning this camera's more intimate curves. I'm shooting at ISO800 again, and set it up to be underexposed by 1.3, and I'm getting GREAT results. I'll upload a few examples shortly. Maybe I can just stick with the d40x happily for awhile

[BCampbell]

That certainly makes the most financial sense. Good luck!

[sk66]

Originally Posted by drummingpariah

You all really do rock. Sorry I stopped responding, I was busy shooting my heart out. I'm going to burn out this little d40x before too long here, and I think that I may have started learning this camera's more intimate curves. I'm shooting at ISO800 again, and set it up to be underexposed by 1.3, and I'm getting GREAT results. I'll upload a few examples shortly. Maybe I can just stick with the d40x happily for awhile

I'm glad it's working for you. Many think I'm nuts when I suggest this approach.
BTW, I wouldn't "set it" to underexpose, but rather, I would "let it" underexpose if I needed the smaller aperture/faster SS.
For what you are doing you are probably best off in S mode with the ISO locked at 800. Set the SS needed and aperture will follow as far as it can and then underexpose.