Recommend a point-and-shoot cam ?
 

Hello,

a client of mine who is producing videos has asked me what photo camera to buy. Up till now he was shooting with HD video camera - so you can guess the images were bad! Here is an example

So now he is looking for a cam with good automatic mode, he doesn't have the time to learn how to shoot. Yeah I know, he can't expect miracles, but still images will be better than HD cam - means also better images for the design work (less retouching). Here are requirements:

• price range: up to $500-600
• cam MUST be able to shoot well in AUTO mode
• shooting conditions - he shoots in interior with good lighting of scenes, so no need to worry about flash much
• good grip
• image stabilization

Can anyone recommend a good cam? Should he buy a low end SLR or better point-and-shoot camera?

My idea was Canon PowerShot SX20 IS, but then I realized the 20 ultra zoom is really useless - too big/heavy. I'm also worried about barrel distortion on wide format lenses.

Any ideas are appreciated, though. from past experiences Canon/ Nikon are preferred.