No one has mentioned an iPhone, but your grandson would more appreciate that than a traditional camera at this moment, so perhaps you would discuss it with him and get him the model that he wants as that is what his friends will be using. By getting him what he prefers he is not going to put it in a drawer and only brings it up when you next visit his family. The grandchildren think that we don't know what they do.

Even on this forum, I have seen some good photos produced by the Iphone. Just another thought.

I recall at that age my Kodak Hawkeye... the fun was taking pictures ... modern are cell phones or small automatic .... not complications of DSLR. He is not you... he is todays people. Today's young, are "focused" on cell phone photos; I taught HS 9th grade 3 years after retiring also then subbed and at 5 grade, do not tie an anchor around his neck with DSLR. DSLR are not the "in thing." Save that DSLR til he is in teens and can appreciate it for special things. Very few HS students had DSLRs, perhaps 2 per year, they were then automatically involved in the year book... that is when you can be good to him and give a DSLR and simple software. Teach simple crop to the story, brightness etc... nothing complicated or it is a turn off.

Teach him bit by bit about composition... composition is the true tech of photography... teach him how to "see."