Further comments based on my experience why I recommend the Z50 in no particular order: 1) unlike some others, this camera has manual controls for controlling ISO, shutter speed and aperture; 2) Nikon menus are logical and pretty consistent from model to model; 3) physical size is convenient and lightweight but yet has a good grip; 4) image quality is good to very good meaning color output is good and low light performance is also good; 5) auto focus performance is also very good-the animal eye detect AF at short distances is very good; 6) both kit lens are very good and affordable; 7) option to add better lenses is there if wanted.
Random action pic of two of our dogs tugging over a rag made with the Z50 and a prior model kit zoom lens. The current model 50-250mm kit lens is supposed to be even sharper.
I'd look for a holiday deal on the Z50 with both kit lenses (the 16-50mm and the 50-250).
The free version of Black Magic's DaVinci Resolve video editing software works well provided your computer has enough processing power for video editing. There are several tutorials on YouTube that will help.
The point and shoot cameras are less expensive, but limiting because they typically lack manual controls over ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. You are also confined to whatever lens is built into the camera. If you need a lens with more light gathering ability or more zoom, you don't have the option of switching to another lens.
If she just wants a video camera, Canon USA usually has some deals on refurbished camcorders around the holidays as well.
