Canon G10 vs Canon EOS 1000D

Hi

I'm after a 60th birthday present for my Dad.

He's got a basic (old) canon digital compact at the moment and has only ever 'snapped' but has recently taken to the idea of playing around with a bit of semi-serious photography.

The problem I've got is whether to go for the Canon G10 or the Canon EOS 1000D.

He's decided he wants an SLR. However, our budget is £400 max and I'm tempted with the high spec of the G10 and it's superiority over other digital compacts.

I'm concerned Dad might be a bit disappointed by not having an SLR to play around with, but for the money we've got I don't really want to get him a mediocre SLR and the similarly priced EOS 1000D seems a bit lame and lack-lustre.

Does anyone use either of these, or have any thoughts?

Fab digital compact, or entry level SLR?

An entry level DSLR will take better shots than ANY compact. It isn't features, it's sensor size, the depth of field reduction that only comes with the longer focal length, the lenses.

If he's got his heart set on a DSLR then he'll might be disappointed by a compact, even though the G10 has great reviews.

If your budget won't stretch, then try to pick up a good second hand DSLR, there are always bargains to be had. If he gets into it, he can build up the number of lenses he has. Nikon D40, D60, D80, Canon 20D, 30D are all great cameras and more affordable these days second hand.

Most of the brands DSLR's today offer great technology and cameras so lots to choose from and lots of photography websites to get info on models....in addition to here.