Starter dSLR - Nikon or Olympus?

[Tech007]

Okay I learned photo stuff on an Olympus OM-10 a zillion years ago. Am very familar with digital tricks and formats. But I've been stuck with a Canon A series forever - time to move up. Resolution isn't as important as low noise. I'll be shooting outdoors, car racing AND dark theatre/concert pix with a long lens.

Want to get a starter dSLR for $500-800 US/Cdn. Will be my first RAW camera.

I know there are some awesome photo pros hanging around here so cough up the info...

My two choices so far -

Nikon D40 -$500 cheap, light, great image quality, speedy operation. good lens selection. cons - 6 meg sensor.

Olympus E410 - $600 - cheap, 2 lens, live preview. 4/3 format. 10Mb sensor. great lens.
cons - short batt life.