I think the main takeaway, which she seems to have taken on board, is to involve her son in the buying process. Our site generally focuses on the technology, but for issues like this we need to step outside and consider that the critical element is not so much a camera issue per se, as an interpersonal or purchase process one - which I know you understand. It would be really tough on both of them if she spent her budget on something that it turned out her son didn't really want for one reason or another.
I think we would all be in a difficult position if someone we loved bought something that was totally unsuitable.
Many years ago, not long after arriving in Canada, I met my mother-in-law and she gave me a very expensive sweater after I said I needed to get something warm for the Canadian winter. The trouble was it was NOT my colour (it was like she would wear) and looked awful on me. Rather than tell her that and potentially hurt her feelings, I dutifully wore it a few times before retiring it.
I would suspect we all have similar tales to tell.
cheers, TREVOR
The mark of good photographer is less what they hold in their hand, it's more what they hold in their head;
"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow", Leo Tolstoy;
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase" Percy W. Harris
