Help with camera recommendation.

I have a friend who wants to surprise his wife with a camera for Christmas. He wants to spend around $1000. I am assuming she wants a really great non-DSLR that she can do a lot with (night shooting, wildlife, macro etc) based on a conversation I had with her a few months ago. At the time I suggested the "P and S" Jack Brauer used to use...can't remember right now what it was. Anyone know any latest/greatest thing to come down the pike? If it turns out that he wants to give her a DSLR (I told him lenses were pricey) any suggestions in the $1000 price range?
Thanks in advance!

The canon G series point and shoots are really nice. Don't know the latest one, G14? But they have a lot of features DSLR cameras have. I almost bought the G11 when that was released. I don't know about nikon or other brands since I primarily use canon cameras. I would check B&H, they have a huge selection with all the specs and reviews.

I bought my wife a Sony Nex-5 last Christmas and it takes awesome pictures. The only drawback is that it's a touch bulky to handle...it's somewhere between a point/shoot and a d/slr. I agree the Canon G series is awesome too. I had one of those a couple years ago and sold it because I wasn't using it but loved it for ease of use.

I'm a fan of the mirrorless cameras (Lumix, PEN, Samsung NX200-not out yet) and would say the Sony NEX 5n is pretty sweet and available for Christmas! You can add an EVF (electronic view finder) and it has a touch screen which you can customize to setup "soft" buttons for aperture, shutter, iso etc. That's very flexible. I have one and love it.

I have owned the Canon GS9, GS-11 and the current GS-12 in addition to my DSLR. I highly recommend them. For about
$400 it is a lot of camera. There is lots of room to grow from beginner to expert.

Art and Jack...do you and your wife find the Sony to be awkward or unbalanced in hand? Thanks for all the suggestions and keep them coming

Pam, for a DSLR, I'd suggest the Canon T3i with the 18-135 IS lens. That can be had for around $900. What makes recommending any camera difficult is the expressed desire to shoot wildlife. We all know that's best accomplished with a longer lens. I own a G11 and while I love it, it certainly does have a limited lens range of 28-140mm, so I don't think it will fill that bill. Thus, if shooting wildlife is a serious requirement in a P&S, I'd suggest a superzoom P&S, such as the Canon SX30 IS, which can be bought for around $500.

Hope this helps.

Pam, the Nex is a little awkward but my wife has gotten used to it..it is front heavy because of the lens. The nice thing is you can use A-series lenses with it. I saw one person using a 70-200 lens on his!

For wildllife and non-DSLR, posssibly the Panasonic FZ150 ? More DSLR-like in size, but that may be a plus for handling. I had an FZ20 once and it was lighter than the DSLR and easy to handle, but not pocketable.

After researching all your great suggestions, I have recommended the Canon T3i + the 18-135mm IS kit lens to him. I think from what contact I've had with her this will more than tic all her boxes! Plus B and H is running a terrific price until Wednesday of $939 for both with free shipping. Thanks everyone for your help and have a yummy Thanksgiving!

Canon T3i????? That's not a point and shoot!! You asked for a non D-SLR...hmmmmm! Just kidding you Pam..nice choice and recommendation! Oooops, I just re-read the post and you did mention D-SLR at the end.

I love my G9. Had it a long time.