Michael of PopPhoto quoted the following:

"The proof: the incredibly low noise we found while testing the Nikon D300 at ISO 1600 and 3200, along with great performance by other new DSLRs in the Pop Photo Lab at ISO 1600. A color-film shooter could never hope to capture images with comparably low grain at these ISOs -- let alone at ISO 6400.

To give just one example of the difference between the latest DSLRs and negative film, take a look at the photos below. I shot the same view of this bridge in New York's Central Park twice within seconds, using both the new 14.6MP Pentax K20D, set to ISO 1600, and my old Canon EOS Rebel IIe loaded with Fujicolor Superia 1600.

Compare enlargements of details from each image, and you'll see how much finer and smoother are those from the DSLR. The colors are also more accurate: Even the best film we've tested in the Pop Photo Lab earns only a High color accuracy rating (Delta E of 11), while the latest DSLRs (and many compacts) land in the Excellent color accuracy class (Delta E below 8)."

Head on to PopPhoto for the full article here