At the moment, the Nikon 1 CX cameras would probably be at the top of the list. Interchangeable lenses, so even if he never changes a lens, there is a selection to begin with. A 10-30mm kit zoom—general purpose, a 30-110mm for soccer-mums, a 10-100mm for movie-making and a 10mm prime as a compact wide-ange lens. Crop factor is 2.7×. Small, but not so small that it is awkward to handle.
Very fast and powerful camera, with all the power aimed at making it easy to use and highly forgiving. For example, the sensor has both phase detection and contrast detection for speed and accuracy along with excellent subject tracking for soccer-mums. A 1" sensor compared to most 1/1.7" sensors on other P&S for extra quality in low light. Will shoot 10 fps with focus tracking and 60 fps with pre-focus. Will shoot stills and movies at the same time. Also slow motion movies up to 1200 fps at QVGA resolution.
Totally aimed at being a family camera, with the most minimal of learning curves. Enthusiasts filled the forums with rage against it for being dumbed down for ordinary mortals, who want pictures but have no interest in photography. The idea is that anyone in the family should be able to pick it up, use it and not need years of study to get decent results. Two models so far. Probably the easiest to use, most versatile and forgiving digital camera so far.
