I went with Canon because weight and size were an issue. So far I am really happy with my SL1. (Although I am starting to see its limitations) Fits in my hand easily. My camera, 2 lenses and an assortment of filters and other gear weighs just a couple of pounds so I can carry it around all day without getting a headache, backache, shoulder ache and I'm not grumpy at the end of the day!

So there may be some things other than 'features' to consider. And if he doesn't know what the features mean or do, does he really need them? Sometimes simple is best.

I've always used HP and filled up the ink with Costco ink....just replaced a Officejet 6700 after little tiny gears fell out of the printer...with an HP Officejet 4655; $75 at Costco. The gears were so cute - I just couldn't figure out where they belonged!

Love the last shot.

Regarding the sky...what about photo shopping a cloud or two in there?

I'm sorry, it's company policy.

I've run into this sort of problem in my own business (different kind of business) and even though they may know you work for yourself, it takes them aback just enough so you can walk away before they can think of a comeback.